iramurphy

I agree with most of what you say except your team’s culture (which includes accountability Sic) needs to be in place before players arrive on campus. The blue chippers as well as the grinders need to understand and buy into that. The staff needs to figure out each players role and put them in a position for personal and team success. I am more concerned about whether or not the guys who entered the portal are guys we should have kept and a concern about whether we are losing kids or is it a problem in our evaluation of talent and lack of development. I’m also concerned about the direction of college hockey and what that means for UND. The emergence of Penn State and Ohio State in a league with Michigan State, Notre Dame and Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota with NIL and the Portal in play is a big threat to UND, Denver and UMD. Our league with Miami, Western Michigan St. Cloud and Omaha, faces a major challenge right now. I believe we need to add ASU and consider Mankato and Bemidji to strengthen the league. I may be wrong and we may get frustrated with a year like we just went through but that’s why the repeated criticism of Berry’s comment about culture isn’t the problem Lots of other comments regarding financial support are spot on. I believe a challenge for Chaves and our athletic programs is reaching and connecting with Alumni that have resources not typically committed to Athletics. Strinden and Clifford did a great job of managing those relationships and funding. I sense that athletics is a lower priority with Deanna. Kupchella seemed to treat it as an unnecessary evil. Kennedy understood, but was ambushed by the name fiasco which took a lot of money fighting a lost cause. Lots of challenges but we are in good position right now. We need to be proactive and we need to be thinking outside the box. That includes changing leagues, adding teams to NCHC, creative funding sources etc.

If anyone thinks our staff evaluates prospects and discuss “culture “ during those evaluations I would strongly disagree. It’s amusing to see how fans have found a way to make it a negative connotation related to an athletic team. I believe “Culture” is a philosophy, attitude, approach to the game, priorities etc that every team develops instills in programs once the players/staff join the program. It has been interesting to hear how many times coaches and players of successful teams, when interviewed, refer to their team’s culture. I would argue that all organizations try to develop a culture that provides an environment where players, coaches and ultimately the team/organization are positioned to develop their full potential as individuals and as a team. That obviously increases the likelihood of success. Regardless of the end result your culture needs to remain dynamic and adjusted each year. Culture isn’t about the individual, it’s about the organization.

How long before new portal transfers or any decommits from Mankato?

I have never done a UND trip but I would guess travelers are either retired or close to retirement ages. I went to the pregame function before last summers Twins game. Deanna Zink didn’t seem to get around to chat with many. My wife and I were sitting by ourselves waiting for friends to join us. Jeff Dodson and his wife introduced themselves. They were very engaging. ( I can see why he was able to recruit some outstanding baseball players to UND when he coached). He also introduced me to the new track coaches. I started the DL Siouxper Swing over 20 yrs ago with help from Pat Kenney and Rob Bollinger. Last summer when I signed in I asked Val Sannes and the C Club staff if they knew how it got started. They had no idea. Earl Strinden was still head of the Alumni Assn when we started and he always knew and mentioned those who started it. Earl also worked the room and seemed to know almost everyone by name. Times have changed. Unfortunately, your experience isn’t different than some others and needs to be addressed. I know the C Club and Alumni staff folks work hard and it’s sometimes a thankless job. I would think when you renew your Champions Club membership this year it would help to share your experience and frustrations. Our contributions however big or small are important to UND athletics.

It seems there are recurrent frustrations regarding UND fund raising, marketing, communication etc. it doesn’t matter if we can attend events/buy tix, donate an extra $25/yr or $25,000,000 supporters and donors at all levels are important and should feel appreciated The Champions Club has used game day gatherings at FB, gatherings at away athletic events and the summer golf outings to raise funds and connect with Alumni and supporters. They also help with hockey, football, and other sports specific gatherings-reunions. They along with the Alumni office are involved with the annual Athletic Hall of Fame gathering. They work closely with the AD and the Alumni Office. Frankly I’m not sure whose umbrella oversees or manages the funds. I believe the Alumni Assn has used our destination athletic events including playoffs, the Alumni publications both online and mailings. They use UND sponsored travel, and multiple Alumni gatherings around the country often hosted by UND alumni. The also have an annual UND Mn Twins game and an annual UND Mn Wild game. Students who have received scholarships have made phone calls or sent thank you notes. I have always wondered if our Athletic Dept and Champions Club efforts have been curtailed in deference to our Alumni Foundation but I don’t know. I’ve sensed that at times. I would suggest those who have supported/donated who feel they are not made aware of either opportunities to get more involved or are missing gatherings, contact Val Sannes, Tim Belmore or Bill Chaves and share your concerns or thoughts.

Toronto. Went with Murphy to Cal State Fullerton. Left there to join former S Dak coach Joe Salem with the Gophers. Then to Toronto as an assistant before taking the UND job.

There were a couple of connections back then. Former UND player Paul Robson played for the Blue Bombers for 8 years and later served as their General Manager. His son later played at UND and he maintained a great relationship with UND FB during those years. For a number of years, UND’s FB coaches would participate in off season/preseason evaluations and practices with Edmonton. I don’t recall the details of that exact involvement. I believe the regional rights clause you mentioned, allowed teams to bring in players in their region for workouts. When our coaches saw guys with talent/potential that weren’t quite ready for the CFL, they recruited them to UND. The best player to come from that connection was Dave Fennell who is in the UND and CFL Hall of Fame, but there were others.

It didn’t come across that way. Some folks just can’t seem to help themselves. This was the best summary and critique of UND FB, our athletic department, funding, facilities, recruiting, location and the nonsense posted on our forum. It out lines our challenges pretty clearly. I think you were spot on with our recruiting struggles and also your summary of Bubba. Sadly, as you could see from the first reply, some folks are empowered by the anonymity of social media and will continue to derail conversations. Thanks for your work on Wiki recruiting updates. I believe there are a number of folks who are willing to give time and resources to move our athletic programs. (The $60,000 you spearheaded that was raised by folks on this forum, is one example. My sense is there is an overwhelming fear of losing control of funds and how they might be distributed. I appreciate your summary and your efforts on behalf of UND.

Careful about using the word culture. The word dominates large portions of our hockey discussions.

Sorry, tried to edit grammar and inadvertently erased my comment. Nothing important.

Comments posted on a fan forum isn’t going motivate any team. If college players pay attention to stuff like this they should be back in Pee Wees.

My guess is the Alumni Association wants little, if anything, to do with it. It is my limited experience with the present leadership they don’t want to lose control of any donated dollars if they can help it. I understand their position. The Athletic Dept is likely discussing the ramifications and potential needs with coaches and other AD around the country. It presents a huge challenge during a campaign to raise funds for Phase 2 and proposed plans for the softball field. The REA will likely do what they can to furnish resources and coordinate with the Engelstad Foundation. Hockey is likely our top priority. Just my gut feeling in answer to your question. I have no idea where we are nor what has been done. Your guess is as good as mine.

Crater and Benny have both outlined major challenges. The school enrollments increase the chance of alumni with the resources and the interest in intercollegiate athletics. The power 5 schools especially the Big10 have an advantage of larger enrollments, but league revenues that make it easier for donors funds to be diverted to NIL use rather than day to day operating expenses. Those schools are more likely to have corporate/big business/wealthy alumni. UND has loyal and generous alumni. We have alums and supporters on this forum donating hundreds, thousands and in some cases tens of thousands each year to UND athletics. We have alumni donating millions but mostly those go to the Alumni foundation for endowments,,building projects or scholarships. UND hockey has one key donor that has been extremely generous over the years having given well over $100,000,000. The Engelstad Foundation continues their very generous support. Many of the other schools have multiple million dollar donors who support athletics. I wouldn’t know what their thoughts are regarding NIL. Regardless of their interest,I believe if is in UND’s best interest to coordinate the creation of a fund including a management team, to insure everything is done legally and in compliance with NCAA guidelines in order to maintain the athletes eligibility and keep UND in compliance. A creation of a coalition of businesses and organizations willing and able participate in reimbursement to athletes for their endorsements etc. needs a central coordination team that can assist UND staff and donors in directing these resources where they are needed. In addition to the big schools, metro areas and league resources we shouldn’t overlook the number of east coast school alumni in large law firms, the financial world including Wall Street. I was at a Memorial Day picnic with my daughter and son-in-laws friends. The host was a former BC player making millions per year. His Dad, also a former BC player is a hedge fund guy. Among their friends is a former Quinnipiac player also making millions each year who spent around $50,000,000 last year on a boat. The smaller private schools seem to have a large number of the mega wealthy. These are 2 schools who can generate millions from just 2 families who support hockey. Its a bit of a mess because the NCAA is reacting instead of leading. My thought would be to get a group of hockey alumni together to form a subcommittee for hockey. Many have made a few million to ten or more million. They can challenge each other for a $10,000 or more commitment from those who can and then coordinate their support with the Engelstad Foundation. The next step would be coordinating present support from folks like us with UND athletics, and businesses or organizations interested in NIL relationships. Football is our other sport with strong alumni support. Form a FB subcommittee to initiate a fund and attempt to establish an on going relationship with key Alumni like Marc Chipman, Tip Enebak, Dave Fennell and gauge their interest. Once these sub committees are formed and initial funds raised, UND can continue to coordinate and direct resources from the rest of us who can contribute $50 or $50,000 etc. I believe Hockey and FB could take the lead, coordinate organizational structure etc. and how to coordinate support for UND athletics. I believe these subcommittees can be the blueprint for what we do with other sports. You attorneys can tell me if it won’t work. I’m not sure it is viable but I believe we need to be doing something. UND may already be working on this and may be way ahead of my goofy ideas.

Not even close, but it’s more accurate than the rumors and assumptions posted. You would probably get a chubby trying to find ways to create controversy and blame this on someone. Most readers are smart enough to figure out what I said and move on. Obviously not everyone.

The name Warriors isn’t specific to Native Americans. They may try to eliminate the imagery. I don’t recall seeing a mascot. As long as Henry Boucha is able relate the history of the school and the name it’s not likely to change. I would be curious to know if any impetus for change originates from the respective communities.

Agree. He had a great game last night against Lakeville N. against their big Wisconsin commit. He scored 28. Scores from anywhere, moves well. I would offer him. The Leach kid from DGF who is committed to Duluth plays in AA finals tonight. He was an excellent HS FB player. Played safety. Fun to watch if you are a BB junkie.

UND and a coach parted ways. It was best for all. The former coach looks for and finds a new job. That’s great and a positive conclusion for all. Good luck to him.

Yes, it’s certainly not an exact science. Lots of first round busts in the NFL and many promising hs players never get on the field in college.

6’3” Alyssa Sand Jr from Albany should be on our watch list. Scored 29? With 20 rebounds against Providence Academy in the Mn 2a Championship this afternoon. Chad Genoway’s daughter is a 9th grader for PA. She averages over 30ppg. She is extremely quick and may be the best player in Mn. Adrian Peterson’s daughter is a 7th grader on that team and comes in off of the bench. PA has 2 sisters named Counts. The senior is committed to Duluth. I think she is athletic enough to play for us. I think her sister is a junior and another 23-24 prospect but would need to improve.

Ok, depending on how far back one wants to go it wasn’t uncommon. The athletes that may be under the radar and have great workouts now have film. Occasionally, a team will sign a guy who didn’t play college FB but it’s usually a FA contract.

I’d be curious as to why you believe that about NFL teams. Each NFL club spends millions to evaluate potential players. They watch lots of film over years to evaluate not only ability but potential. They will know before spending millions on a player how well these numbers transfer to game speed and quickness etc. If you would have commented that there are media people who focus on off season numbers I might agree. The better college programs watch film and often will also watch them in their other sports. We used to watch how well potential recruits moved their feet playing BB. One of the reasons colleges want to get potential recruits to their camps is to see if their reported strength, speed and stats are accurate and how they stack up against other recruits.

I’m not debating that. The only thing that matters right now is tonight’s game. I think we can win. This team has struggled this year but they can still make the playoffs. The negative comments about culture have little merit in my opinion and show no insight as to why we have struggled this year. It’s the opinion of a number of others and my opinion in the mind of those folks probably has no merit either. I’m ok with that cuz regardless of the success or failure of our athletic teams my life doesn’t change. We can win tonight if the guys play well every minute of every shift and DeRidder stays sharp. Doesn’t take a genius to figure that out but there we have it.

The culture comments are getting old. Coaches comment on their team culture all of the time. It has nothing to do with these games nor how they recruit. It’s part of coach speak. Gaber’s comments pretty much made it clear. Once the puck drops the players need to play. If these guys play up to their full capabilities they can take the next 2. It’s a big challenge. It will be interesting to see how these guys respond to adversity.

Yup. He was a pretty loyal UND guy by that time.

All studies show he will be better off remaining a multi sport athlete. Less chance of peaking early, less chance of injury.