iramurphy

You have posted some reasonable responses. Don’t start the immature crap that destroys discussions. UND isn’t buying players. Most of us aren’t going to deal with NIL. We do need to improve coaches salaries so funding is an on going issue. NIL is out there so schools, including yours and ours, need to be proactive. Recruiting has improved year to year. I assume you meant competing. While NDSU has the advantage of the National Championships other schools including UND have made some inroads. If this is how you have fun it should be more concerning than UND losing a recruit to NDSU. Spend time with family or friends instead of other school’s forums. Do like I do and waste time on your own forum when you have nothing else to do.

Yup. There is a way to connect those willing to contract with athletes with the athletes.

If the NCAA is going to do this right, at least on paper they should keep schools and coaches out of it. The athletes should need to approach businesses on their own to arrange their own deals. If they wish NIL deals to include association with the University, including wearing the uniform, using school names or logos etc. the University should get a percent of the deal. I’m not naive enough to think the NCAA would consider this, much less enforce it. However before we set up an NIL fund there should be businesses that would be willing to contract with athletes for an NIL deal. The school should know who they are and have appropriate contact info.

Google Louis Tiant. Maybe the way to save your arm is to smoke big Cuban cigars. That guy was fun to watch.

You are correct. Donors will often direct their funds. Our families endowment is for engineering students and for Alzheimer’s research. It is modest and we can add from time to time Alumni staff presented an opportunity to include UND in our will/trust which resulted in an immediate $10,000 to the engineering endowment from an anonymous donor. I believe that is an example of how the Alumni staff are working very hard to entice donors and to reach out. Our post grad relationship started years ago when my wife and I attended an alumni function. I believe we can achieve our goals of being one of the top FCS teams on a regular basis in FB and top teams in conference in MBB, WBB, and VB. I don’t have all of the answers. We need to be willing to think outside the box which is why I think it is a good idea for people to try to reconnect with UND. They obviously have made mistakes with some supporters and can always do better. I believe when building or rebuilding relationships if we wait for the other party to be the first one to reach out, we may get frustrated. Don’t wait to meet them half way, meet them wherever we have an opportunity to reconnect. Our new softball facility along with the ability to play/practice in the Pollard will be a big plus. We are seeing improvements in track and tennis. If anyone wishes to be part of things moving forward there are opportunities that UND can customize to our wishes and ability to participate or donate. UND has a very positive social media presence. 25 of our graduating seniors (12%) are going to UND this fall. (Everyone of them received a scholarship from DL dollars for scholars of at least $1000. We give $250,000 or more each year to our graduating seniors. As president of that group I believe I have learned some things about fund raising, working with the million dollar donors as well as those who can donate $25). UND reaches out to Alumni regularly. They host Alumni get togethers in many locations across the country. I will attend 3 in July. I would suggest contacting the UND alumni office to find one in our respective areas. It is an opportunity to meet and chat with the president, AD, CC staff, Alumni staff and coaches. More importantly it is an opportunity to reconnect with the University and fellow Alumni. That may not work for everyone, but I would be surprised if most wouldn’t at least feel more connected.

I’m not sure that pressing for answers about how you reached your conclusions regarding your claims and accusations is a personal critique but I can understand why you feel that way. I appreciate your thoughts regarding philosophy but I think what you described is your assumption based on what we can see from the outside looking in. Hockey is certainly on a different level than our other sports. I believe it is a direct result of Ralph’s donation. The agreement which certainly sets Hockey up financially, does provide for other sports albeit not equally. The ongoing support from his foundation continues to keep hockey at the top of the priority list. It is where we want hockey to be in order to continue as a perennial hockey power. Some of that ongoing support is based on the wishes of the donor. That leaves major challenges for our other sports. Thus far we don’t have a mega wealthy donor to quickly solve the financial challenges for other sports. Your opinion as to the lack of funding to get us where we need to be included a thinly veiled “personal critique” of UND staff. From your answers it seems you have made assumptions based on observations from the outside looking in. I happen to disagree. Im not sure there is any reason to get angry. I haven’t played or coached for many years so there are many other things more important than my favorite athletic teams. However passionate fans are important for support I have beaten that dead horse too long. I will discuss these issues of philosophy, unequal support, not reaching potential donors, not showing appreciation for present donors etc next time I have the opportunity. My concern for FB right now is recruiting. We can’t afford an off year if we are to move forward.

Maybe I was wrong to think you already knew how many staff members are working with the different sports and the hours spent on different sports because you tell us there are big discrepancies. When have such strong criticisms of the philosophy it stands to reason you know what the philosophy is. I hate to state the obvious but posting your “basic questions” on this forum isn’t going to get you your answers. It’s becoming clear you have made assumptions rather than base your criticisms of time spent, efforts made etc on facts. I can only tell you what I know from experience. The staff involved with CC and athletics work hard. I have seen no evidence of laziness and frankly that’s a cheap shot. I have never had any of those folks fail to respond to my questions. None of them have indicated little or no interest in football. They often have fan get togethers or tailgating at away FB games. If you imply you know all of the answers to the shortcomings of staff and departments but you can’t come up with the details it raises the question of your credibility. So what exactly is this philosophy you refer to that is so wrong? What are the staff assignments and time commitments that you seem to know about? Who would you like to sit down with to express your concerns? I bet a number of folks on this forum would be willing arrange that and even sit in on that meeting to make sure they answer questions. If it’s questions about coaches performance and job security that is information that is protected by the data privacy act.

Valid points and I agree with concerns. I’m not under the impression change is imminent so I may not raise all of concerns on this forum. I’m hoping we have done enough to see improvements in FB, MBB, WBB and VB this year. Time will tell.

Good points, good ideas.

No one on forums like this have to provide any information but I wonder about where you are coming from because it seems you feel able to judge someone’s work ethic, their strategies, their abilities etc on regular basis. I’m no better connected and probably not as well connected to UND than many on this forum. I have suggested ways for those who feel left out to get the information they desire or improved connections with UND. Maybe you could suggest to me how I can learn about this “philosophy” and the inner workings, including where the emphasis is regarding the different sports and especially your personal observations of this poor work ethic/laziness you keep referring to. Like many others on this forum I “do something about it” already. I find that is a better way to help than the whining, and criticism founded and unfounded.

I never said I ignore NDSU I said I don’t pay much attention to what NDSU does. If you continue the nonsense about lazy, disinterested, clueless etc then you will need to explain what your background is, your training, and your experiences that have made you such an excellent judge of their work ethic and incompetence. Have you played or coached? Have you been an AD. Have you hired, supervised, and promoted or fired employees? Have you owned your on business? Have you sat on the board of directors of a corporation, civic group, not for profit organization etc.? If you know so many people who feel disrespected or ignored why aren’t you willing to be part of the solution? What are you basing your claim that you know how much time staff spends on FB, Hockey and other sports.? I don’t consider myself a large donor and I’m not personally contacted often. Although I believe there are supporters out there who could and maybe would do more, why aren’t you willing to help give UND staff the opportunity to fix the problem? Why aren’t these Champion club members getting the same emails with opportunities for events etc that I get? They are invited to the Chsmpions Club pre-gaming tailgating tent that the rest of us are aren’t they. There is free food and UND coaches from other sports, athletes from other sports and other UND often address the fans What is it these fans would like UND to do? I’m not going to waste my time looking at Champions Club lists to discern who donates to which sports and whether or not they are happy or disappointed If you aren’t willing or able to answer these questions then you have zero credibility and it is easy to understand why your opinions are ignored and you feel left out. It isn’t just because you are usually bitching about coaches, staff, administrators etc . Many will give you the benefit of the doubt, unless you show yourself to be lacking in the knowledge, experience, intelligence and social skills to participate in a manner to affect positive change

I don’t pay much attention to what NDSU does and I’m not disagreeing with your points regarding areas where we need to improve/fall short. My initial disagreement was with reference of lazy, clueless, disinterested etc. I think they work hard and spend a lot of time and effort to improve things and increase resources. I don’t disagree with those whose contention is we need to do better I don’t believe hockey is the problem. I still think hockey is where it should be. The point you and others make regarding the number of people UND hasn’t reached yet means that before we look to hockey we need to get to those people you and others have identified. There are staff dedicated primarily to hockey, to FB etc and others who go where and when needed. I can’t answer your question regarding when will things improve. I can’t see how it will hurt if we reach out to UND staff for our own wishes as well as identifying other potential donors. I will raise concerns regarding people who haven’t been contacted or especially those who fell ignored or even slighted. PM me with names or details and I will do what I can to help. I believe we agree we have a long way to go to where we need to be. I believe we have good people working hard. Maybe the little things we can do to help will add up to a significant contribution.

Well said. You and others would be a better source of information regarding UND’s efforts in NDak, especially the western part of the state. Others have also raised the issue of not being contacted regarding opportunities to be involved and also the communication piece. It’s obvious to me that needs to be a priority for UND and especially athletics. I would agree NDSU is doing a better job especially west of the Red River Valley. I will speak with The UND folks at the upcoming UND events that I attend. You and the others are correct in that regardless of the challenges, UND needs to do better. Do you have a preference as to what method of communication works best? I would also recommend emailing or calling Tim Belmore, Steve Brekke or others in the Alumni office to forward your concerns and suggestions.

Second choice was Won’t. Go figure.

Good points. I know coaches and players from different sports have done that in the past. I’m not sure how recently. Some sort of promotion or contest between dorms and or Greek organizations might help.

Dave is willing to make a significant contribution. UND staff has been working hard to make something work. Dave has been in the jungles of Guyana on one of his mining projects so it will take time. I’m not involved so nothing more to tell. I haven’t talked to him since before Thanksgiving. I haven’t spoken to Mark in over a year. He had previously said indicated interest in supporting UND but it was just a brief chat. UND has been in contact, but there are others close to Mark who would have current info. regarding level of interest and timing.

Yes

I haven’t formulated a comprehensive evaluation or formulated anything final. If you read my post I have agreed that the complainers can have valid concerns and good ideas. My opinion remains that their negative attitudes tend to drive others away. Most people don’t want to hang around the constant complainers or those who constantly criticize. I don’t believe it’s just a coincidence that those same people seem to be the ones who feel UND staff don’t communicate with them and don’t listen to them etc. The valid points you might make or good ideas you might have then fall on deaf ears for that reason. Those who advocate new staff/coaches at whatever level have valid opinions but just like my opinions not everyone will agree. You are correct in that UND can do better in many areas and they also know that. I’m not sure what points you are trying to make but I get no personal gain from comments made here. Heck, I doubt many people even know me although a few have figured out who I am. I tried to make points regarding an approach that I believe is more effective in trying to communicate with UND leaders. I tried to share my opinion of how I have seen big donors discuss pertinent issues and some of the things that can stimulate their interest in donating or involving themselves in worthy causes including donations to UND. I know they want nothing to do with someone “demanding” anything or suggesting what they do with their resources. I’m not sure how you reach some of the conclusions you do but that’s your business. When you raised the issue of being truthful you made things my business. It should be no surprise that my comments didn’t make you “feel better”. Like Irish, I attend games, buy season tickets and am a Champions Club donor. I don’t know who he is or I would ask Tim Belmore or Steve Brekke to reach out. If he doesn’t feel his generosity is appreciated by UND that would be an opportunity for improvement which I believe UND would like to fix. Take your approach and I will take mine. I don’t know about you, but hire and fire any of these folks. I don’t believe it serves any purpose for me comment further unless there is a question I might answer.

Up

Really? Would you recognize the truth/facts if it bit you in the ass? Most people try to learn what’s going on with UND by reading and communicating on this forum. What drives some away are the petty comments about truth etc. I have experiences that I rely on to form my opinions. I suspect your experiences (or lack there of) are what you rely on to form your opinions. I believe that is a major reason we disagree on a number of issues. In this case, very few people want much, if anything, to do with complainers, whiners, and those who seem to find fault with most people who are “in the arena” succeeding or failing then learning from the experience and moving on to the next challenge. No one worth a damn to any organization will bitch about things then hide behind the “it isn’t my job” excuse. If it makes you feel any better, I’m thankful you were never on my team, I never had to coach you, supervise you, work with you or for you, or ever had to count on you to armor up and cover my 6.

Money is a factor and will continue to be a factor for all schools. It isn’t keeping our teams from being successful. Your comment about a “radio guy” coaching cuz no one else would apply is nonsense. If you want to make a point that our assistant salaries are too low and that affects applications and options for hiring you are correct. Our hockey coaches salaries are such that it is a big plus when it comes to hiring. I don’t believe we should disrupt the hockey program to solve the needs in our other sports. Hockey funding is unique due to the REA gift and how that was set up by the donor. From the outside looking in, your points are well taken. A number of folks will agree. However, I don’t believe your FB program would want to decrease coaches salaries the present support in order to support other programs. Financially, your FB program and UND hockey are about where you want those programs right now. Both of those programs need to be flexible enough to adapt to unforeseen challenges. The difficult goal for UND is to get the other programs up to that same support level as we have for hockey and you have for FB. I’m not sure you (nor I) have thorough insight as to why Chaves left EWU. Heck I have more accurate insight as to why your last 2,Presidents were dismissed, but that subject belongs on your forums not this one and has nothing to do with the subject at hand. UND has Alumni with the ability to support the necessary upgrades for FB. It’s not easy to get everyone on the same page. Many with mega bucks will often have stipulations. For many others a lot depends on timing, age, etc. We don’t have the same community resources you have in Fargo for those who constantly compare which is our challenge. Fargo recently had a great Alumni drive and some big donations. I’m not a mega donor nor should I be involved in decisions. A lot of recent 2-5 million dollar donations are earmarked for academic programs which is our top priority. I know UND athletic staff and Alumni staff are working hard on multiple projects. The recent large donation for softball moved that project way up on the priority list. Sometimes schools deal with moving targets cuz of the NCAA and other things outside of their control.

Nonsense. It doesn’t validate anything. It’s an example of little things we can do to help if we want to improve things. It should validate what I’ve been trying to point out. If we want things to get better do something about it. You don’t need big money to help. Lots of folks on this forum have raised money for specific projects (helmet covers etc). Those of you who feel the best approach is to complain, and constantly criticize, then do so if that’s your style. Apparently most folks prefer a different approach. I don’t believe I’m going to change anyone’s opinion.

Detroit Lakes, Fargo, Grand Forks, Park Rapids, Bismarck. I’m not sure about anywhere else. Hockey team and FB teams have them. Usually see FB, Hockey, MBB and WBB coaches in DL. Also see AD, Alumni Staff, and Champions Club staff. AD usually gives update on what’s going on at UND. Coaches would give brief update.

You are supporting UND athletics generously. However, you seem very frustrated with how things are run. I would suggest you make an appointment with Tim Belmore or Steve Brekke. Tell them you are a Champions Club member and would like an update on the facilities projects/future plans and what UND feels are the most important issues moving forward and whether there are areas where you might help or get involved. If you don’t start the initial meeting with complaints/demands about who should be fired etc I would think you will find an opportunity to develop a positive relationship with some key UND staff guys. It will at least create an opportunity for you to get the information you seem to want.

Nobody here is following me anywhere. There is a difference between agreeing with someone and following them. None of this stuff has cliffs to fall off of. We are talking about college sports not life and death. I can only refer to my own experiences with the UND folks over the years and I haven’t found many at all who ignore people willing to work to better UND or help UND improve and move forward. They don’t always agree. They didn’t agree right away when I wanted to start a fund raising golf scramble. In the beginning I coordinated with the golf course, arranged food, my wife and accepted the applications, collected the money, paid the bills and gave UND a check. Another UND couple helped with on course registration. For over 20 yrs what was initially called the Siouxsper Swing has been sold out virtually every year. In the over 25 yrs we have held it, we have raised over $200,000. Last summer I asked the UND staff if they knew how it got started and no one knew. UND staff could have listened right away but eventually bought in. They probably should know those who helped along the way (they used to, but now don’t). However, my wife and I know we made a difference cuz we want UND to be successful as the premier institution of higher education in the Dakotas and region, as well as competing for conference and National Championships athletically. Is it someone else’s job? Yes. Can they use help? Yes. Do they always connect with everyone? No. I will tell I doubt anyone who owns a business, supervises others, is on any type of team etc. want anything to do with the sad souls whose response is “It’s not my job”. You seem to struggle to understand my comments. I don’t believe we should fix anything ourselves. You are wrong if you believe that it shouldn’t be the case for all of us to be part of the solution. If you don’t believe that to be true, then maybe that is why others ignore you.