iramurphy

I spoke with Kelly before he started at UND and shortly after he arrived. Unless you are his wife and know he was not telling me the truth then you haven't a clue. When you don't know what you are talking about, you remind me of those who oppose the name then say whatever they wish to try and convince people on the rez the name is hostile. If you wish to take your $25 and spend it elsewhere, I hope you go a long way from here because you are the kind of people we can't count on when times are tough. I am glad I never had to go to war with the likes of you. The name doesn't change until next year at the earliest. Why abandon the teams, players, coaches, and the University now ?? You are just cheap! The NCAA forces UND to either change the name or they can't hold tounaments and they can't wear their uniforms with the logo in any playoffs or tournament games. It also limits some of the games and tounaments UND can play in because of some of the policies of other Universities. It is up to the tribes and UND staff and Alumni have been trying to get support from the tribes for years. If you know anything about tribal politics then you should know how difficult and unpredictable dealing with tribal government can be. Take your pennies buy some extra jerseys with the logos and then sit at the end of the bar with Norm and Cliff and lament about who didn't do what and how it is the end of the world. Do you know how pathetic it sounds when people say they won't support UND anymore because of the logo issue? It could still be saved but if you think Kelly is to blame you haven't been around very long nor paid attention to the facts. Three entities, the NCAA, and the two tribal governments are the powerbrokers in this game. If you wish to get even with someone, don't support any businesses on the reservations that won't support UND and don't support anything to do with the NCAA. If you abandon UND over this issue you aren't much of a fan. What do you think that will accomplish? It certainly won't help save the name.

That is a sad reflection on a serious problem. I would hope the NDSU supporters would be outraged. This guy ran the budget into the ground ($11,000,000 below ground) and the reserves are used up. He got caught lying by the Attorney General of the State of N. Dak. who had him shaking and stammering and stating he couldn't remember things when the proof was shown that it was he who lied not Potts or the staff at SBoHE. It was Chapman and his stooge Paulsen who didn't think they needed to answer to the Chancellor or the SBoHE. Don't forget Chapman blamed many others at NDSU (who got crap on their noses whenever Chapman stopped suddenly) for all of the problems and sent his attorney to the SBoHE to try and take legal action agains the NDSU Foundation when they cut his $260,000 expense account. If you don't see the serious charcter flaw by now you never will. Bison folks don't believe what is on this board, ask Dick Hanson about the $11,000,000 shortfall and depleted reserves. Ask officials on the SBoHE to review minutes of Chapman's comments and conversations. If you just want to blame someone else like Chappy did, then it doesn't do any good to point out the obvious. The board would have excercised proper oversight on this guy a long time ago but Paulsen covered for him and Hoeven sent word to the board they needed to do whatever it took to keep this guy, thus the loss of Potts. Potts and Larry Izaak both saw this guy for the crook and liar he was, but Paulsen and Hoeven protected him. Things happen at UND too, but at least most of us get mad at the perpetrator of the problem rather than blame the piss ants.

I will be attending meetings at Sanford Health this week. I was told Sanford-Merit Care is not making a $30,000,000 donation to NDSU by one of the administrators who should know. I will raise this very issue and voice a strong protest to the organization. We have been told that Sanford-Merit Care will be cutting benefits to physicians and maybe salaries to some physicians in the organization. I will tell you most of us will have a problem if the organization would waste that much money for NDSU athletics at the expense of physicians.

Hey, I am just a hick from N. Dak. I didn't think anyone meant anything derogatory, I just thought we could find a better analogy. I am not judging anyone's inteligence and I understand the point. You are as well spoken as the rest of us and your point of this taking on greater meaning to some than face value is a good point. I also don't wish for the Fighting Sioux name supporters to waste time fighting with each other rather than supporting those who may still be able to do something to stop what seems to be the inevitable. I also don't think turning on our own whether it be the athletes, coaches, university etc. helps the issue and can only hurt our teams.

Say, lets get all of these attorneys you reference to force the NCAA to let us keep the name! Lighten up Chewey. Didn't say anything bad about our esteemed legal professionals. (Only four attorneys in the family and lived with a couple of others going to school). By the way, some doctors are still using leeches and maggots. Send me your card and I will forward to their patients. Lets stick to the UND Fighting Sioux issue. Leave the Flag for a different blog and we can discuss the medical system on a different blog if you wish. I sincerely apologize to anyone (including Graham Cracker and Windy Boy) whom I may have offended.

I didn't infer anyone is uneducated, I simply stated my opinion that it is sad if people who have experienced college, both the academic experience as well as the social experience to feel this is a good analogy. (not because they agree or disagree with me). Maybe the academic experience at UND has changed that much but I would hope people might understand where some folks might be offended by this analogy, especially if they have no horse in this race. I might argue about what passion I might have for UND but it is for the University, the teams, the athletes, the students, the fans and the traditions. That includes the name and logo but it is not defined by it. Maybe I am too old, but most combat veterans who are also former Sioux athletes would not compare the logo to the flag. As I stated, I doubt they meant it and probably hadn't thought it through. Has nothing to do with who is or isn't educated. Being educated doesn't mean you are intelligent. I am a supporter of the Fighting Sioux name and logo. I do get their point. I am not sure how you inferred I thought you were an idiot because you might disagree with me. However, counselor, now that you have stated you are an attorney.....

I am sure you didn't mean this and I don't agree it is an excellent analogy. I don't think you thought this one through. The US flag stands for so much more than a bleeping logo of any sort. The flag and what it represents and the sacrifices made by so many so we can have this debate should never be forgotten. What that flag stands for should never in any way be compared to a college logo of any sort. Anyone who thinks so needs to step back and get a life. Many have been willing to give their lives for what that flag stands for. Fighting Sioux athletes play and compete for their fellow teamates, their coaches the University and our fans, not the logo. It is a great logo and UND has used the name and logo with class and respect but it is not and will never have the symbolism and importance of the Flag of the United states of America. That flag not only stands for freedom but the sight of that flag has given hope to so many over the years both in wartime and in peacetime. It is a sad reflection on where we are today as a nation for anyone especially a college student or college grad not to have been able to realize this is not a good analogy.

Maybe to you $10 million is nothing but to Ralph $10-20 million is a lot of money. How did you think he became wealthy? Certainly not by being stupid and not by throwing his money away. UND didn't do anything wrong after they were given permissnion to use the name years ago. The activists and the Tribal governments changed their minds. We seem to have a lot of people looking for someone to blame and something someone else should have done. To many of the Native Americans, this issue isn't that important and that includes most who vote to support the name. They have more important things to worry about. I don't believe it is consistent with their own cultures claim of respecting their elders to go back on their previous approval of the name but the ball is in their court. Anyone who thinks UND sports is the name or logo is mistaken. It is a part of it, but the players, coaches and those relationships and the shared experience is what makes UND athletics including hockey tradition so strong. I would offer UND's resources of academic workshops, athletic coaches clinics etc. but I would not give one penny to anyone for the purpose of keeping the name.

The problem with the finances at NDSU are not limited the Mansion fiasco. NDSU has an approximate $11,000,000 shortfall and have used up most of their reserve funds. Chapman seems to have moved funds from other accounts and used them to help athletics and other pet projects. They lowered their admission standards to let kids in that they would not have normally let in. That was not published in their official documents for admission standards however. One of the NDSU Cival Engineering grads who just moved back to his hime town, stated to me last week that when he went there as a freshman, they were taking "almost anyone". He said he could not believe his HS classmates who were accepted there. This was done to increase there student numbers. A problem with that is that state support and tuition only covers part of those costs and they did not have the money nor the infrastructure to support the additional students. Their numbers would likely have overtaken UND anyway because of the population of Fargo, West Fargo and surrounding area and the economy of Fargo as well as the drop at UND after the 1997 flood and fire. He needed to be patient and the numbers would have happended at a slower pace but it would not have caused the financial drain they are now facing. Hanson has done a good job except he should not have told the press he didn't fire the VP when he did. Too many of the Bison backers refuse to admit "Cheatin' Joe" ( I am not supposed to call him "Whiskey Joe" despite the amount of money he spent on entertainment) was anything but the great white buffaloe who moved the school forward and got them to be the premier D1 atheltic program in the country and is a victim of jealousy and the Fargo Forum's propensity to criticize Joe. They really believe he is soley responsible for the increase in numbers and soley responsible for the increase in research dollars but somehow he can't be held responsible for their $11,000,000 budget shortfall, the $250,000 expense account scandal, or the fact they are having trouble making their payments on some of the new properties. One of their former QB's who has a construction company and did some work on the mansion hasn't gotten paid. Chapman could possibly face criminal charges for illegally moving funds within the Uniersity. That VP wasn't fired because they didn't follow some optional guidelines. The end does not always justify the means and in this case Chapman has disgraced himself, his family and brought discredit to NDSU, the Fargo community, and the state of N. Dak. The Fargo community leaders who continue to cover for him are partly responsible. The Bison backers who follow this blog can fuss all they wish about where information comes from but everything I have said over the years about this clown is coming to fruition. There is nothing that is being learned in this audit that sheds any thing other than disgrace on this jerk. As Dick Hanson said, it is going to get worse and it is bad. It the Bison folks don't believe anyone else they might want to take to heart what one of their own loyal almni and forme star FB palyers, who has the facts and the inside information is saying.

I agree the SBoHE should have waited. Those responsible? The NCAA, the late Myles Brand, actviists both Native and Non-Native, the PC crowd etc. The Summit is not responsible for this and I understand the wish to get into a conference. The Summit is irrelevant in this issue other than they want the issue resolved. Approval by the tribes is not dependent on what the Summit decison might be. The logo issue is a pain in the butt for anyone having to deal with it on a regular basis and if resolved, the Summit will be able to tell the PC crowd it was OK's by the Tribes/NCAA or it is going away. I would think they will not want to get involved in the issue in the future if those criteria are met. Not unreasonable and it is their league. I don't think much of the Summit but it is better than nothing and if UND, NDSU, USD and SDSU are in it that is a core of very solid former D2 powers who can only improve the league. What difference does it make what they do as long as we eventually get consideration if there are no better options? Somehow the opposition has been able to fractionate supporters to where we have UND hockey vs. all other non-hockey sports in some circles, others blaming FB supporters, Summit entry vs. non-entry and UND people shooting ourselves in the foot by turning on our own administration and our own teams and athletes. I am an old soldier. Don't give your adversaries any unearned advantage. Stay united and stay the course as best we can. What we read in the papers and what politicians tell us may not have all of the info and that info may not always be completely accurate.

Kelly was hired because he was the best applicant for the job. Almost every person involved in the interview process felt he was the best choice. Where did you get the idea he was hired for the D1 move? He was not. That is ultimelately his responsibility but only a small part. What does his support for the Summit have to do with the move? The Summit League didn't stick UND with this and UND has to bring the logo/Sioux issue to a conclusion regardless of the Summit. Have you spoken with him? Why don't you do that? He is very accessible. He was at the Frozen Five in his Sioux Logo Jersey speaking with whomever talked to him. What exactly do you think "UND leadership" should be doing? Is there someone who thinks the successful resolution of this rests anywhere other than the tribal governments? If you don't think UND has tried to reach out to the tribal governments then you haven't been paying attention. The SBoHE has also tried to reach out. That is what the NCAA set up. Are you against the D1 move? We would be with the U of Mary's, U of Mn. Crookston's,, Moorhead State's (MSUM) etc. It cost us over $1,000,000 the last 4 Frozen Four years. Are you under the impression the hockey coaches are against the D1 move? I thought staying D2 for other sports other than hockey was a better fit until the NCAA diluted D2 and it is now a glorified D3. The flagship university of the state should be a D1 school. We once were in the same division as Northern Iowa, Montana, UNLV, Boise State etc. We should have moved up when UNI and Montana did years ago. Even if we stayed D2, we would still need to resolve this. The debate on the issue is full of so much misinformation about what our UND officials have the authority to do. It is hard to debate the issue when too many people don't have the facts. It is like the people who keep criticizing the natives for getting a "free" education. Kelly's most important task is not keeping the name. He job is to communicate to the tribes that UND still would like to keep the name and will continue to support NA progams and if the name is kept continue to use it with respect and class. He just like Presidents Starcher, Clifford, Baker and Kupchella have no authority over the tribal governments and neither does the SBoHE any more than you or I.

Reminds me of the Natives who can't see how forcing the name change will hurt their cause in the long run. What will holding your support for our athletes, coaches, teachers and students do to advance the cause of the logo/name? Even if you don't see the leadership qualities of President Kelly, if you think holding donations is going to convince anyone to make a change in UND's leadership you are mistaken. The governing board with the authority to hire and fire just directed him and the University to make the change. I don't know that many people know what has gone on behind the scenes. I believe Kelly was told he would not have to deal with this issue before he was hired. He does have more important things to do. He was at the Final Five wearing his Sioux Hockey jersey as proudly as anyone. He gets threatened by you that you will hold donations and he gets threatened by others that they will hold donations if the name isn't changed. Unless the tribes make it happen I don't think the name will remain. Kelly needs to be smart enough to play it close to the vest right now. I am not sure we know what he has done to try and keep the name. I dont assume you hate UND I do know that you are willing to hurt UND and UND can't afford to lose any support right now. UND is trying to navigate the move to D1 and trying to get the hockey team back to the Frozen Four and another national championship. Holding donations will hurt recruiting and hurting recruiting can set programs back for years. The best fans in the world do not abandon their teams and the University when times are tough. If you can't get your message across without hurting the teams and your "beloved UND", then UND failed in educating you to effectively communicate and maybe you have a right to hold donations but don't do it for the wrong reason or with the idea it will help. Communicate your frustrations other ways. Set up an appointment and talk to President Kelly about how you feel. Call him and speak with him, I did when UND didn't hire Rob Bollinger as AD. Although it didn't change the ultimate decision, he listened and I was impressed with the depth at which he had researched and evaluated the situation. Other than Phil Jackson there aren't many former or present Sioux athletes (if any others0 who want the name changed, but the support of the fans is more important than the name or logo. Go Sioux!

As long as the protest doesn't hurt UND or UND athletics or insult Native American opponents. I would hope the Spirit Lake group and other Native American supporters would sue the NCAA for discrimination. They have been singled out and refused the same right as the Irish, Norwegians and others to be associated with Universities and Colleges. A local retired businessman, who had been very successful in the radio business, mentioned after Rotary last week that the free publicity the Sioux tribes get from the name is worth about $1,000,000 per year and he couldn't understand why they would want to lose that. It requires the Tribal leaders and name opponents to start thinking outside the box. They need to think of themselves not as Natives first but as men or women identified by who they are (i.e. doctors, lawyers, welders carpenters) and what they do and proud of their Native Heritage but not defined by it. They need to look at how they can make this work for them and what the positives are that might improve opportunites for their people, especially their kids.

Not sure which of the many blogs we have on this same issue to wiegh in on. Keeping in mind UND did ask permission and was granted permission by elders at the Standing Rock Reservation, and reaffirmed in 1969 when elders bestowed a Native American headress and honor to President Starcher. There have been protests since the 1960's. There have been plenty of opportunites to enhance the relationships with Native tribes and reservations over the years and there have been attempts thwarted by some of the tribal officials. UND could have done more over the years and the tribal member supporters could have done more. Our elected officials probably could have done more. There have been opponents over the years and much of their rhetoric is inaccurate or exagerated. They have collected anything negative related to the logo and then presented that to many groups as if it is ongoing. Examples are the T-shirts or some of the insults and songs especially from our friends to the south. Many of the opposition leaders have not done any research before speaking out. A recent example is the rhetoric scribed by Winona LeDuke in last Sundays Forum. She refers to UND's mascot. She also pokes fun at the name supporters and lectures for the supporters to "get over it". She refers to the broken treaties and even the landing of Christopher Cloumbus in 1492. (She somehow misses the irony of lecturing to people about getting over an issue only weeks old vs. issues from 500 yrs ago that can't be changed). I would love to debate the issue with her because she thinks she is very smart because she went to Harvard. ( I would love to see her SAT or ACT scores). I and a few others in my HS graduating class were recruited to attend Harvard by Judge Pat Conmy. I chose UND and I have never regretted that decision. The issue hasn't been "rushed". I realize the SBoHE has moved up the decision based on the lack of movement by the Tribal Officials at Standing Rock and I understand the criticism as well as the decision although i wish they would have waited. It doesn't mean they are "d-bags", they are not stupid and in fact a number of them are UND supporters. Richie Smith, the Board Chair, attended Creighton and played BB there. His wife is a UND alumnus. President Kelly is a sharp guy and is a friend to UND and will do a good job. Neither his job nor Faison's are in jeopardy over this issue. To state otherwise shows ignorance and name supporters lose credibility when they make insulting statements to or about our leadership. Doing so decreases the chance we will accomplish the goal of keeping the name. Threatening to withold donations to UND for athletics or academics is immature and also shows a lack of vision. It will hurt all athletic programs, including hockey, the academic programs and the University as a whole. Why would you punish your teams based on something they did not initiate? No matter what one thinks they know from the safety of their home or bar stool, blaming UND officials or the state board does no one any good. If that is what one must do to feel better, God help you get through life. When our University and our atheltic teams need us to do what we can do to help our teams be successful you are saying you will let those kids and the teams down. We can't count on you. I am glad I never had to go t war with some of you folks. UND officials, over the years, have tried a number of things to try and make this work The SBoHE has also done a number of things. If you need to blame someone blame the NCAA. That is where the blame lies. Ranting on a blog does not help. If you are going to call someone, or write to someone do so with class and intelligence. If you can't do that get a UND grad to help you or don't say anything. Trying to turn this into a hockey vs. other UND athletics is also stupid. Are you aware that as long as UND remained D2 in other sports we lost our share of the Frozen Four hockey revenue? We received only expenses which never covered UND's travel and lodging expenses. According to UND Alumni and athletic officials that was costing us around $400,000 per year when we were in the Frozen Four. I have to confess I am not sure how it affects what we might get if we make the playoffs but no the Frozen Four. I would say there is still a slim chance the name could be saved but it is up to our Native American friends. Insulting others only makes it tougher to achieve success so please grow up. If you think withholding financial support because of this issue then you were never a loyal fan in the first place or you need a CAT scan to see if there is anything within your skull other than cheese. I was an athlete at UND in 2 sports, coached one and was a team physician covering all sports at times including hockey. Never in the 40 years that I have been around UND atheltics did teams prepare by discussing the logo. We prepared by practicing, getting in the weight room, studing film etc. We did need the support of our fans and that made a difference back then and according to our athletes and coaches still makes a difference today. The greatest assets of our University's athletic and academic traditions is the quality of education, the college experience, and the great winning traditions of our UND teams. The Fighting Sioux name and logo are also a part of that tradition but not the most important part. Our coaches and our atheltes need us now as much as ever. We need to continue to do our part as fans. If we are to continue the legacy of being "the greatest collge hockey fans ", we need to be committed to or team and the University. The Wisconsin, Minnesota, Boston College, would not be threatening to abandon their teams or hurt their Universities if PETA got the NCAA to ban animal or bird names for their teams. What is the matter with our fans? The worlds "best college hockey fans" or for that matter "best college athletic team" fans will not let their teams down over this issue. If we withhold one penny of support for UND for athletics, academics or any other worthy cause related to UND over this issue it is a mistake. It is not going to change who our University President is nor should it. Let those who can affect change do their jobs. Write letters to the Tribes, the politicians, the SBoHE, or UND officials, if you wish, but don't be a jerk and don't undermine what those who are trying to do to save this and do not fail our teams and athletes when they need us most.

Pretty entertaining stuff on this post. Do you really think the coaching staff could learn anything from any of these blogs??? These are coaches who have played in the WCHA, for national titiles, played pro hockey and have been on coaching staffs of state and national championship teams. They watch film and they scout. Hakstol was recommended by Dean Blais. Why would he do that? He did that because he knew the guy can coach. The coaches job is to recruit kids who can play and then put them in a position to win and he has done that every year he has been here. Somehow he got them ready to sweep through the WCHA playoffs. Do you think he quit coaching or was going to do something different when they played Yale? UND controlled the game most of the first period and dominated the third. Gregoire's stupid penalty was one of the biggest factors in the game. A goal then would have been huge. Do you think there is a coach at any college who doesn't remind the players not to take dumb penalties? We think the WCHA is such a tough league. If Hakstol can guide the team to a league title and playoff title the past two years and a FF appearance in each of the previous 4 years he must know something about coaching. You can't win a Championship unless you get to the playoffs and the Sioux have been there year after year. The Sioux should have beaten Wisconsin in 1983 when we had more talent and Zombo coughed up the puck in our own end and they tied it up with seconds left. Some of Blais's teams didn't accomplish what they were capable of. The last Sioux team that should have won it all was the year the FF was in Boston. Hak wasn't the coach that year either. The guy can coach. He will get us there. The players need to play and stuff happens. Anyone who thinks UND should dump Hakstol needs to get off the bar stool once in awhile. Those fans who continue to badmouth him don't do the program any good and don't help recruiting when recruits will be told they are hearing he may be in trouble. His job is secure and nothing on this board will change that. If you don't believe that talk to Presidient Kelly and the AD. I would love to sit down and listen to anyone have an intelligent discussion on why he should go. It would require them to be sober and I would like to know what (other than playing third line for their Pee Wee or HS team) would qualify them to know anything about coaching. One of my friends who is a Gopher fan emailed me after the WCHA playoffs and said he would be watching the Sioux and the Beavers. He said he thought Hakstol is a hell of a coach to get the Sioux to the playoffs year after year with a chance to win and he thought he was a class act. He seems to know more about our coach than some of our so called fans.

Booked room at Embassy Suites. Within walking distance and includes breakfast for $161 per night.. Still had rooms last night.

I was at the game and Frattin left his feet to make the hit. The photos included in Siouxcia's post confirm that. Clearly charging and clearly he was going after the other guy.(he confirmed that himself). If the league is going to prevent the crap that everyone complains about (like the Marvin hits) then you can't complain about this. It is pretty entertaining to read how some theorize what the other kid could have done differently or how the physicis workds out. . Look at the photos. I took college physics from Dr. Olen Kraus and he would have said the only other thing the Gopher kid could have done was quickly crap his pants. Frattin was not going after the puck. What is wrong is that Marvin, who clearly was trying to hurt an opponent, wasn't suspended for at least a month or longer if not the year. That would send a message and would be the quickest way to protect the players. Anyone who thinks those hits are part of the college game needs to get off the bar stool and get out more. Explain to Genoway (who Lucia said was the leagues best player) who lost his senior year. Do you want to be able to see those quality players or do you want to pump your fist when one of the opponents gets knocked out of a game? In comparison, the Frattin hit isn't as bad and I don't think he meant to hurt the Gopher, but there is no excuse for a cheap hit against an opponent. If you are going to do that don't hit the little guys. Go after one of their goons. UND cannot afford any of these stupid penalties if they are going tomake a run at a title. The problem with the league and McLeod is the lack of consistency. Mcleod doesn't need to explain his reasononing to the fans. He needs to explain to the team and the coaches. I am pretty sure the players and coaches know this is not a legal hit. Frattin has been a difference maker and it will hurt not to have him.

Fireside was bought by Tom Hanson the guy who owns Zorbaz. Might be working contract for deed with one of his employees, to buy it from him, but it is doing fine and the food is great., It is open year round and the prices are lower than when Norman was running it. Ate at Dolittles in Fargo last night on the way to the hockey game and had great food at very reasonable price. They were packed. With TV's available in half the restaurant that might be good format for Suite 49.

Can't remember who coined the phrase but it has nothing to do with booze. I have never heard he had an alcohol problem. I don't think Joe had any alcohol problems especially when it came time to pay as his $260,000 expense account was ample enough to cover most booze expenses. If I wanted to be disparaging I might comment on the size of his ears compared to the size of his ego or the brown polyester suit he often wore that reminded me of a turd. I won't do that because I don't wish to be childish. Especially, I don't want to lose credibility from someone who defended this clown. He was a disgrace to NDSU, the state and the Fargo community. (Actually, I do want to be childish but at my age it isn't becoming and my wife will make fun of me).

Most on the Board were well aware of the lack of integrity of Chapman before the Potts issues became public. John Q Paulsen was his huckleberry and we should not forget Gov. Hoeven sent word to the board that they needed to retain Chapman. As he seeks higher office he needs to be held accountable for his involvement in this issue. Paulsen misused his power as Board Chair time and again to enable Chapman and to undermine Potts then Dunn. It is no coincidence that Paulsen was also on the NDSU foundation board which gave Chapman $260,000 for expenses. Hanson is in a very difficult position. He has to deal with the financial mess Chapman left the school in and he also has to deal with the alumni and NDSU supporters who refuse to believe this is anything other than the media trying to discredit their hero on trumped up charges because NDSU had a good MBB team last year and the rest of the world is jealous and wants to punish NDSU and whiskey Joe. Hard to believe there are intelligent people who refused to believe the evidence presented by Potts, then Dunn about Chapman's arrogance and abuse of power. I would hope the state calls for a full audit of NDSU's finances under Chapman. He should be made to return a good portion of his inflated salary. The Bison backers give him too much credit and their school and community too little credit for the transition and success of NDSU. The guy was a self serving arrogant con man who abused his power and had a number of accomplices along the way including Paulsen, Hoeven, and some of the Fargo politicians and community leaders. If I were running against Hoeven, this would be front and center as an example of Hoeven's lack of judgement. Too bad because the state has done well economically under Hoeven, but this should not be overlooked. Hoeven should be calling for an audit.

Wasn't that the cheerleaders dorm? This is the Whiskey Joe curse, just like the curse of the Bambino. Before he quit, Chappy flew down to New Orleans (they took away his first class travel so he flapped his ears like crazy and flew himself down there) and hired one of those black magic Cajuns to put a curse on NDSU. This is only the beginning. Everything good that happened there in the last 10-15 years, or however long he was there, was because he made it happen. Just ask him. They won't be able to survive without him, especially with this curse! They will need to bury a David Ortiz jersey in the backyard (if they ever get someone to finish the landscaping) to lift the curse. Mark my words.

Flying down next week for my 4th visit to the stadium. (relative plays). Can park at Rangers stadium across the street for $60. I have had parking pass so I am not sure what the stadium lots are, but you can park at the shopping mall just north of the stadium by spending $45 at the mall and putting your receipt in the car window. Homes near the stadium and private lots charge $25-$80. Even with good seats you find yourself watching the game on the big screen. Seats are nice but not as nice as the Ralph. Cupholders are a bit flimsy. I have sat in different sections and had good views. Stadium tour is $17 but if you join the "True Blue" fan club before the tour you get a 2 for 1 price on tours and a 10% discount on anything you by at any of their pro shops. You tour multiple levels, club seating and suites. You go on the field and in the Cowboys locker room and the cheerleaders locker room. (it smelled a lot better for some reason). If you don't mind the price, go to Bobs Steak and Chophouse or Del Friscos for a great meal. Take the Texas Book Depository Tour if you stay in Dallas.

Stadium

Was at the ASU game. Sioux women played hard and played tough defense. Missed our scorer when she was in foul trouble. ASU had a couple of 6'5" kids and a 6'3" kid off the bench. Bergan played virtually the entire game and three times the ASU defender fell over trying to keep up with her when she put a move on while bringing the ball up the court. In the second half Ledger had three plays that showed she can play. Not sure where that has been so far. The Lof kid played all but a minute in the first half and played great defense with 5 steals and rebounded well. She didn't hit her shots but has improved a lot since last year and shows she belonged on the court. Too slow to get our shots off when open against these teams. Depth isn't there and we need to get stronger. I am not sure who will bring the ball up once Bergan is gone. Bucky still needs to clean up his mouth a bit. That will get him canned before anything else. He has proven he can coach. Kids will be less and less likely to take that crap from him and it gets in the way of his ability to coach. Hope someone close to him wises him up before some player's Dad husband or uncle has a closed door session with him. Rothsfuz looks like an athlete. Will be interesting to see how she develops once she gets stronger.

Happy Veterans Day. Thanks for your continued service. Are you still in Iraq? Are things getting any better?