UND Fan

I am curious - for those of you living in GF or anywhere in ND, what are people saying about the potential move. Pro, con, non-issue???

That is terrible - how long has he had it? I realize it can hit quickly and do a great deal of damage! It certainly isn't important at a time like this, but he was a heck of a baseball player! He will be in my prayers! Thanks for letting us know!

Is anyone checking out fan websites for USD or St. Cloud? I would think that USD would give DI very serious consideration if UND decides to move. With SDSU already moving and the NCC further eroding, I think they would probably follow. Others say that SCSU would also move. That would surprise me but it may happen. I don't think MSU has any intentions of moving and I am sure UNO would simply join the MIAA. Anyone know what these schools may be thinking?

Despite all the rhetoric, I am quite sure the decision regarding a move to DI has not been made. Kupchella will be meeting with various groups (coaches, FB letterwinners, faculty, boosters, etc.) in the next few days to get their input. For those of us who favor the move, it would be good to let the President know your thoughts. Importantly, if you can and would intend to start donating or increase your annual donations to the Athletic Department, you need to tell him. Obviously, our ability to fund the move is a major concern of his (and mine!). He can be contacted at: 264 Centenial Drive University of North Dakota Twamley Hall, Room 300 P.O. Box 8193 Grand Forks, ND 58202 or ckupchella@mail.UND.nodak.edu or (701) 777-2121 Obviously, those against the move should let him know your thoughts as well. LET'S KEEP ALL THE UND VS. NDSU BULLCRAP OFF OF THIS LINK. THOSE DISCUSSIONS ARE STUPID! BOTH UNIVERSITIES ARE EXCELLENT INSTITUTIONS. LET'S TALK ABOUT UND SPORTS HERE! IF YOU HAVE TO TALK SMACK WITH EACH OTHER, FIND ANOTHER SITE TO DO SO!

Injury update: It appears Koenig is making good progress and should be ready to go next fall. Bledsoe is also progressing well - he won't be able to really start working out until later in the summer but things look good at this point. Unfortunately, Harkins is still suffering with some very painful shin splint-like problems. They are having a difficult time figuring out what to do about it. The coaching staff is looking for a power forward. Unfortunately, most kids still available have some sort of "baggage" that comes with them.

There is an article in today's Forum with the headline of "Buning: UND Going DI". I certainly hope that he hasn't spoken too soon when he says the time to do so is now! He has put Kupchella in a tough position with those comments. He may have done it on purpose to help "force" the President's decision to move now but that is a pretty dangerous thing to do if you value your job!

Did anyone attend the press conference this afternoon?

No use debating this but there will always be coaches who dislike other coaches or schools. I doubt that their not being considered for this job will alienate them to UND. But it may........

I understand but they are both class individuals - they will advise their kids appropriately. Sometimes it may be an endorsement for UND, sometimes they may think a kid would get more playing time, etc. elsewhere. In other words, I do not think it will have an effect.

Please explain your last comment.

Very interesting - where/how did you hear about this? I have no clue who it may be.

I am not sure what you mean by "UND calling on those programs to get recruits". I am not arguing your point, I just don't know what you mean.

My opinion: 1) I don't believe Kupchella has officially made up his mind. He has meetings scheduled with a variety of people who have strong feelings about the move (both pro and con). I would guess the "pros" will need to provide some very compelling reasons for making the move to convince him but I think it may happen. 2) Apparently Jones wanted the job either way. As you know, he has a lot of background with the NCC and was excited about the opportunity - DI or DII.

I started this topic with some critical remarks. After doing a little research, I have changed my mind on the topic. UND utilized the on-line by-laws on the NCAA website for any info regarding policies, procedures, dates, etc. This is just the way the process works! The NCAA simply had not updated the website - no big surpirise! I can't fault UND for their handling of this. Due to their oversight, today the NCAA did extend the date to July 1.

As reported this morning, the deadline for committing to DI is June 1 rather than September 1. This change was made in October of 2005 - how in the hell didn't we know that? Supposedly the bylaws still indicate June 1 but someone in the Department (Ralston) should have verified this! I would guess this means there is no chance that we will make the move this year!

Did you actually send this to the three decision-makers? If not, you need to do so. Posting it here does no good! If you have sent it to them - great! If not, you should do so along with anyone else who shares concerns about how this is being handled.

For those of us who agree with this comment, make sure you are communicating with Kupchella. It doesn't do any good for us to just vent about it here! If you are one who are able and willing to start donating or to donate more than you have in the past, Kupchella really needs to hear that.

Each of the candidates will meet the public at the Betty at 6:30 of the day of their interview. I am a couple of thousand miles away so I can't be there. I would certainly welcome comments from those who are able to attend.

I hope everyone reads, then rereads your post - that is absolutely what needs to happen!

Ralston's primary job is to oversee compliance issues. I am sure she is the one handling the process administratively, doing the background checks, trying to assure that none of the top candidates have any skeletons in their closet, etc. I would very seriously doubt that she would have a "real" vote in determining the next coach.

I agree that Smith should certainly be considered. He has a great track record, has recruited the Upper Midwest, is a UND grad, etc. However, unless I am interviewing all of the top candidates, I certainly do not believe that I can make any statement regarding who should get the job. There may be a candidate, hell, there may be 10 candidates better than Smith OR he may be the best. Unless I was part of the interview process, I have no idea who the best man for the job is. AND that is what we need, the best man for the job, whoever it is!

A rumor is usually just that!! A leak usually has merit!

Where is this info coming from? Has the list been published? If not, how do we know who is or is not on it?

I hope you and others who support the move have communicated your thoughts to Kupchella! I don't recommend you complain about the validity of the survey - just endorse the move and state that you feel alumni would step up to assist with the financing of the move (and any other factors that you feel are pertinent)! His e-mail address is: ckupchella@mail.UND.nodak.edu

I guess I need some help! Tell me how what SU fans think about their teams of the 90's has to do with UND. Their responses may or may not be interesting but why should it be discussed here?