iramurphy
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Posts posted by iramurphy
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2 minutes ago, gundy1124 said:
By the time that happens I fear everyone will be doing it, no advantage.
Right now all that is needed is an anonymous tip on which player and how badly we want him. (probably the current NDSU way)
Yup. There is a way to connect those willing to contract with athletes with the athletes.
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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. -
2 hours ago, The Sicatoka said:
Ain't buyin' it.
No way, no way a modern pitcher can go nine innings.
His arm would fall off coming off the mound in the 6th and the pitching count stat-alytics numbers can't go above 90 pitches.Google Louis Tiant. Maybe the way to save your arm is to smoke big Cuban cigars. That guy was fun to watch.
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4 minutes ago, The Sicatoka said:Yeah. And?
Differentiation.
What if some anonymous donor gave $350M for brain research or engineering, and not football? Still a problem? It also happened 20 years ago. Should RPI have dumped it into football and basketball?
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.
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2 hours ago, UND-FB-FAN said:More personal critique, while skipping over the concerns that have been spelled out several times over.
The philosophy - whether implicit or explicit - is to devote majority of time to hockey, conversely limiting the time spent on football. This is obvious in more signifiant scenarios like fundraising, football specific events like watch parties for away games, communication with alumni and Champions Club members to update on goals and inquire on more specific support, package deals for away game tickets or home game tickets, etc. to more smaller yet relevant items like subpar gameday experiences, misprinted/errors within gameday programs or delayed roster update, or lack of media coverage of UND football. Again, these issues are largely confronted as a byproduct of “UND is a hockey school”, but if that is the case, then don’t expect UND football to take the next step. We will be supporting (and donating) to a capped program that will forever live in mediocrity. There are ways - starting with philosophy, vision and effort, and ending with more funding, however - to elevate the program. Sitting on our collective asses and “giving it more time” is the last god damn thing that needs to be done.
As for specifics on athletic department dynamics, those are questions to be asked to the athletic department leadership. I’m not the AD, I don’t know the specific structure and assignments because I do not work in the department, I just have observed some details and the subpar results for several years.
Ultimately, don’t forget, the devil is in the details.
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 supportI 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.
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10 hours ago, UND-FB-FAN said:
Start by asking what are the discrepancies in staff size when you consider staff dedicated to hockey vs FB? What are the hours per week dedicated to each? How many hours are spent organizing football alumni / CC member functions and events around the states of ND and MN? Are CC members even attempted to be contacted to inquire on interest in donating to specific football projects? These are basic questions I’ve already posted. Compare and contrast budgets of hockey and football; any potential change to either upcoming? Any potential changes to leadership for CC, AA, or other staff positions?
You’ll quickly find out the administration either doesn’t want to answer those questions (perceived interrogation), or, they simply will reveal to you how little they care about football. Both likely replies are beyond disappointing and are futile within the overall landscape of collegiate athletics.
There’s plenty of time to be proactive this time of the year, hence the assumption of laziness. But again, philosophy also plays a role.
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.
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18 minutes ago, Irish said:
Some good points made here and some ideas for thought - Ira suggested more involvement and I think that is important. I also think that the people at UND are working hard although there are some areas for improvement. Would more funding help? Absolutely. But here's the bottom line - as long as we have a Football program where a 5-6 season gets the coach a contract extension in a non-contract year those at the very top are setting the bar pretty low. Six years of Muss at 31-34 and 9 years of Bubba at 54-45 doesn't exactly scream success. That's a long time wandering in the wilderness. The turnaround needs to start at the top. Muss had 4 more years after the Sioux Falls debacle. Change here is glacial.
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.
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6 hours ago, nodak651 said:
If UND doesn't have a software program that helps with the analytics and automatically processes this information for them, this would be one place to start. There are programs out there that can help to identify different groups of potential donors, or former donors, or sport specific donors, etc. Are donors who have committed to fundraising drives like the Lets Help Bubba drives on this website being encouraged to join the champions club if they aren't cc members, for example? Much of this could be processed by software, and select groups of people could be sent information that is more tailored specifically to them (former donors, donors that have decreased their donations but still donate, donors that increased donations over prior years, etc.)
Good points, good ideas.
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27 minutes ago, UND-FB-FAN said:
What a bunch of misdirection malarkey. None of what you said acknowledged the real issues I discerned with UND athletics and UND FB. I can provide my credentials, but on this forum, there is absolutely no requirement for me to do so. UND football and the UND athletic administration are failing. Something needs to be done. I’ve outlined several potential solutions over the past couple days on here. I obviously could waste more of my time trying to changes the administration’s mind, but they’re set in their ineffective ways. And may not all be due to laziness, because the overall philosophy (as outlined previously) is something I don’t agree with. You could do something about it, as well, since you’re apparently so well connected with- presumably- pristine credentials. I, however, will have the decency to abstain from probing on such meaningless information within this medium.
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.-
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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
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5 hours ago, UND-FB-FAN said:
Ira,
NDSU and Team Makers are doing a better job on both sides of the river. We all can (again) email Tim, Steve and others, but when will the functions actually improve? When will efforts to recognize numerous “small fish” actually happen so we can collectively move football forward. I guarantee there’s a lot hidden dollars out there, but it’s not just the $; there’s also the effort piece. Despite getting the majority of funding, UND hockey also gets the majority of the work hours. It’s just too much emphasis on one sport and it shows.
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.
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20 minutes ago, UND08 said:
At the risk of mucking things up more...I'm going to make a couple points. I will say...this is a message board...and I have yet to see SS on the "Message Board Geniuses" twitter page...so we have a ways to go before we win the "race to the bottom"...haha!
1 - Hockey is #1 at UND and will always be. Because of that...non-hockey people will always feel like their sports are slighted. Also...a hockey-centric athletic department model is somewhat of a rarity in the NCAA. If I was crafting a department from scratch...it's not how I'd do it (too niche of a sport) ...but I can appreciate why it's the case at UND. However that philosophy will always lead to issues with other sports. There are obvious pros and cons to both sides of this coin.
2 - The Champions Club doesn't get it done. I'm sorry but I see what Teammakers accomplishes at NDSU and our efforts are just lacking. I know Ira is passionate about UND, and I really do appreciate it...but if they are attempting to cultivate new donor relationships then it's being done completely in the blind to me. There's zero presence here in Minot where I live...but NDSU Teammakers have fundraisers here all the time. The local university here does a much better job trying to build relationships...and even though I did not go to school at Minot State...they get most of my dollars now. Maybe I'm too small of a fish for UND...but I like to think I'll be a bigger fish someday, and it's just a simple reality that supporting Minot State is more likely to help my employer and industry at this point in developing future employees (I get it we can see the end of the world from here...haha!). I think a re-working of the Champions Club with some new ideas would pay some big dividends in my book!
3 - Back to football...I've been critical in the past, but I will 100% give credit where credit is due. Coach Schweigert engaged me, met with me...and spelled out his immediate goals for the program while in the area on a recruiting trip. He didn't have to do that...and it impressed the heck out of me! Nobody wants to win more than he does. I really hope we can take another step forward this year...there's no reason we can't in my book! My only donations to UND are directly toward football initiatives at this point...because that's the program I care most about. If there are others out there like me...I'd challenge you to do the same! Simply put...money talks and BS walks...College sports are a giant money pit...but they are fun and it takes money to make money (and win).
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. -
1 hour ago, Blackheart said:
Yeah…who the heck would name their kid Will?
Second choice was Won’t. Go figure.
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14 minutes ago, Wright4UND said:
My disappointment from being a recent fan is that the students don't come to the football games. It looks like maybe 1,000 students come to a big game. In the last 4 years the home record for the football team 18-2 (only losses to NDSU and SDSU) so the record is outstanding. The games have been exciting as well!
If they could coax 2,000 students to a game then the atmosphere would be electric! I think the Athletic Dept., coaching staff and players should do more to get the students out to the games. Go to the frat and sorority meetings to let them know they are wanted and needed. Go to freshman orientations to get them hooked early. Need more buy in!
I think the program is set up for a really good season! I'm looking forward to it!
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. -
8 hours ago, The Sicatoka said:
Chipman -> WIH
Fennell -> his kid played for Sparty if that mattersMy guess is @iramurphy has been in a room with each in the last twelve months.
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. -
22 minutes ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:
has anyone called dr death or chippy?
Yes
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46 minutes ago, UND-FB-FAN said:
Ironically, you’re formulating a comprehensive evaluation, and ultimately a final assessment, based on information you received on a forum. That honestly doesn’t make me feel any better; it is quite ridiculous, actually. Aren’t we supposed to be relying on experiences, you say? And again, your reply takes my comments again out of context for your own personal gain according to your (incorrect) biases.
As for “complainers, whiners, and those who seem to find fault with most people who are ‘in the arena’ succeeding or failing“, can they not ever be correct? Are their viewpoints and conclusions instantly null and void? Because the logical answer to that is of course no, yet you seem to be trying to push a false absolutism. I can’t agree with that.
To transition this back over to UND, some of the complaints we hear are valid. Communication with and appreciation for certain supporters and boosters could be better. Allocation of resources/funds could be better.
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.
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18 hours ago, Mama Sue said:
Just thinking through all of this and the big picture….is enrollment up, down, or steady at UND? Many colleges are seeing decreased enrollment and cutting programs (St. Cloud State made BIG cuts). Just asking because I don’t know….
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35 minutes ago, UND-FB-FAN said:
You clearly are not comprehensibly reading, nor truthfully considering, the issue. I’ve already addressed your concerns with previous comments. I said “we all need to look ourselves in the mirror“, but it still ultimately is not our job. It is OK to recognize and acknowledge that the University of North Dakota staff needs to do better (a lot better) with outreach and recognition.
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.-
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3 hours ago, Bison Dan said:
Love how you guys think that it's money that's keeping your sports teams from succeeding. Your hockey team is at the top in support (money) and FB is up there too. Success starts at the top with the president and then the AD. Getting coaches that are good and pay them. You have one sport that's so top heavy in salaries that it stifles all other sports. Point being is you have the money it's just not distributed like it should be. You have some coaches that would coach for free but are they the best coaches. Hell you have a radio guy coaching FB because no one would apply. Hockey is a great sport but it doesn't have to be the end all be all. Look at Duluth and St. Cloud, they pay a fraction of what you pay for hockey and have success. There's a reason your AD was run out of EWU.
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.
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1 hour ago, zonadub said:
I think this validates what UND-FB-FAN is saying.
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.
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31 minutes ago, Kab said:
Only golfed in 1 Sioux per swing was 99.9 % Sioux fans and 1 ndsu grad, he had a business that supports many things so he golfed too.
was at Red Mike out by Williston. Try golf there if you are in the area. I haven’t seen much about these events lately, are they held more in eastern Nd and Minnesota?
just seen the griz coach was at their version of this in Sidney, Mt, he said it’s a must to attend those things no matter where they are because there are griz fans everywhere
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.
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6 hours ago, Irish said:
Gee - What do you think I should do about it - I am giving my max with Club membership and season tickets. I have been a fan for many years and am in regular attendance. I'm sure if I doubled my contribution I still would not get a seat at the table - let alone get a chance to express my views and then get "excused". I certainly would have no input in decisions like extending a 6-5 Bubba before his contract is up and likely to get no insight or explanation. As to gaining better insight into the challenges I am anxious to listen but the information from the Athletic Department is zip. Other than our need for Phase Two I have no idea what our expectations and plans are for our programs - We are now at a point where since 2016 our combined playoff win total from Football and Hockey is 2 - and one of the schools we beat is American International. The fact is that almost all of us except those with connections or a big checkbook are outside looking in. The demand for excellence needs to come from the Administration and Athletic Department. And I stand by my comments about indifferent Presidents and weak AD's - the jury is still out on Chaves but things need to improve.
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.
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23 minutes ago, UND-FB-FAN said:
I disagree, and you’re just not seeing it. Your blind followers on here don’t see it either, but they believe you, so try not lead them off a cliff.
What I am referencing? UND athletic department, Alumni Association, and Champions Club are all absolutely ignoring people. They are not doing their job, or at least they are subpar at it. And sure, I do agree that we all need to look in the mirror to fix it, but that shouldn’t be the case; the folks paid to get the job done should be doing it. Instead, we get the constant rhetoric on here that we should step up and fix it ourselves.
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.
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2023 Recruiting
in Football
Posted
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.