iramurphy

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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.

I would suggest their results don’t support that statement. They have lost some, but not many of their difference makers. I’m not sure the rest of the college world would describe their coaches or AD as clueless. They are beatable but it will be no easy task and we would have to be at our best.

We are. That is different than the in-state football team of choice (we aren’t).

These folks don’t avoid others, they have learned that the ones you defend usually have little, if any, insight into the issues they complain and usually don’t know what they are talking about. Negative people who criticize constantly are counterproductive to success. When they constantly complain and criticize, normal people don’t want to be around them and quit listening to them. On the rare occasion when they may have relevant input to offer, no one is listening. Successful people avoid them because they tend to be “energy vampires “. Why don’t you connect the potential donors you know to the UND staff? If you don’t wish to, I will do my best to help. That is a great way to contribute to our programs without writing the check yourself. Why do you think you know how hard the UND staff works? Over the years, from what I’ve seen, virtually every one of them works very hard. They don’t always agree with nor act on my suggestions, but they take the time to listen. They are well aware of the competition and how they operate but for many reasons one size doesn’t fit all. You’ve identified the problem: unsatisfactory results (multiple times I might add). Let’s move on. Formulate a plan where you find your niche to be part of the solution. Sell it to others, fine tune it with their input and let’s get to work.

I would strongly disagree that the key leaders at UND are lazy. I doubt many often get a work week of 50h or less if ever (usually more). Most are regularly meeting with potential donors, attending UND functions, making fall calls, sending emails, text messages etc. They have offered multiple opportunities at different giving levels to participate. If donations to athletics isn’t in your plans, there are opportunities to donate to UND in many other ways. I have met with a number of the AD’s, Presidents, and alumni and athletic staff over the years. None of them have been lazy. Years ago, I didn’t have the resources that one would think they would normally pursue. I could volunteer my time. Earl Strinden had me chauffeur alumni between UND and Whitey’s during alumni days. There were 4 circa 1965 Lincoln convertibles we used. It was a blast. Most of them were at their 50yr reunion. Lots of great stories. After that, my wife and I were invited to many Alumni gatherings. Many of those we figured we were the only couple with a net worth less than millions. At those gatherings I kept quiet and listened as those with millions discussed donations and UND projects. Over the many years, these folks and their predecessors have tried to match their needs with what they thought we would be interested in. Options for a few hundred dollars to 6 figures. Options for locker room upgrades, to building projects, to scholarships, and more recently surprised me with an option for matching funds for a Civil Engineering Endowment in my Dads name. Through these UND contacts and the hard work of these folks you have the impression are “lazy” or another poster referred to as “indifferent” I have met and chatted with many of our Alumni worth hundreds of millions to over a billion. It is my experience that they are always interested in new ideas, what our young grads are doing and thinking and are less impressed with money but more with those who do and give what they can to help UND thrive and grow. They walk away and avoid those who (often with little or no experience) criticize and seem to think they should have some say in how those donors direct their resources. For those who feel they have something to offer but no one has found them, reach out to UND and tell them you want to be involved. Ask what they need and see how you can help. If the only way you want to help is to tell a coach how to run a program or who should be hired or fired. Don’t bother, none of those trying to move programs forward have time for that nonsense.

You are correct in that many of our current athletes won’t see past $50,000 or even $5000 per year for a very short time. But then I would argue they also don’t understand $5000-$50,000 for 2-4 years is nothing in the long run. If that’s the goal I will get them a job near where I live where they can make 6 figures within a few years that includes benefits and they can make a few million over 30-35 years, with or without a college education (but easier with a 2 Year technical degree in selected areas). I contend we are allowing the wrong people to control too much in the lives of our young athletes. Very few of these guys will make a living in the NHL. Very few will make enough money in the minors or in Europe to last a lifetime. If the so called advisors or whatever title they call themselves, coaches, parents aren’t making clear to players the value of their education and college experience, they are failing the athlete. The NIL money is an added bonus, albeit temporary, and in todays world an important factor with regards to recruiting. The NCAA lost control of this issue from the onset and it makes it much more difficult for small market schools to compete for recruits. Your point is well taken cuz their mindset is focused on their hockey hopes and dreams and the money (for some in power 5 schools can be over a million/yr for FB and BB) can be life changing.

So what are you going to do about it? Your comments about “demanding “ excellence and weak AD’s and indifferent presidents would get you excused from the table quickly. A better approach would be to sit down with the decision makers and ask what they need and how we can help. We can gain better insight into the challenges by listening and offering to be part of the solution. Demanding what others do with their time, efforts and resources will leave us on the outside looking in and perpetually frustrated.

It’s more expensive than it once was. There are probably more viable options to make a comfortable living than there used to be but I was responding to the comment that a number of kids “won’t receive anything “. The debate of the value and necessity of a college education was not my point. Free room and board, paid college tuition, the opportunity to play a game one loves at a high level, paid travel and lodging and high level competition is an awful lot more than nothing. The intangibles to developing leadership skills, social skills, discipline, teamwork etc is part of what these young men have the opportunity to receive.

Except the cost of their college education which too many people are losing site of.

Former player gave 6 figures last summer for FB. Hadn’t planned on it decided that am. You might be surprised.

I believe many knew, but I didn’t know what the plan was. I believe the plan was Phae 2 then Softball field. I was told that a parent of one of the SB players put up a very large donation and would like it completed so the kids on the team now will be able to play there. It isn’t going to be big enough for baseball. I’m not sure I would agree fundraising is lacking. I’m sure there are areas that UND could do better. I think the guys on this forum have done a nice job each year with funding selected projects. Many people who can’t give thousands of dollars could give the cost of a helmet or a uniform etc and I think UND should take advantage of that each year and for all sports.

Considering the mistakes I wouldn’t use this list as a reference. The list should probably start with Glen “Red” Jarrett the All- American running back who played in the late 1920’s-1930. He made one NY sportswriters All-American team and was honorable mention on Knute Rockne’s team. He later coached Minot HS to 3 State Championships in FB and 1 in BB. Coached FB and BB at UND before becoming AD. While AD he was instrumental in starting intercollegiate hockey at UND. Supposedly told Cal Marvin to put a team together and he would get them a schedule.

Yeah right. Multiple Frozen Four appearances, multiple players to NHL. Respected by his peers, the players and entire NHL community. Has proven himself at college and NHL levels. Were I a UND alumnus I could only hope for that kind of success.

Yeah, time will tell. I’m not sure about OLB except my thought that we should have guys ready to step in.

Ideally, we will see improvement from last year to this from guys who played, and development and significant improvement from our redshirts and backups. I would think safety is biggest concern cuz of the importance of needs in secondary. Should have guys who can step up at OLB. I like our RBs, can use another bruiser to improve our depth. We should be able to customize our offense to utilize the guys we have and still be very effective. When we need a blocker, we have a stable of TE’s and Q we can move around. Sometimes, we need to adjust our scheme to adapt to our strengths rather than stay with parts of our scheme with personnel that aren’t ideal.

UND Men’s and Women’s track teams have had a nice season. Showing steady improvement.

I haven’t been able to log in for 6-8 weeks.

Thanks for the clarification. Fargo fan misled me. I think he is top NDak kid in his age group.

Didn’t Klabo commit to the Bison already? He may get some interest from bigger programs.