UND Fan

Various former athletes have provided design and architectural assistance with a proposed new track/practice facility (saving UND a great deal of $). It likely would have been announced a few months ago had Roger not left. They have not wanted to proceed without the blessing of the new AD. I believe they have some substantial commitments but a fund-raising drive would be necessary. It may have been wrapped up by now had the AD situation not arose. Had that happened, the issue about the best use for that property (EERC or athletics) would not have been an issue. But... it is and I would guess it will get quite interesting before it is all decided. Although I would love to see the much-needed track/practice facility go there, it probably would be better use of that property for the EERC to utilize it. They are land-locked for the most part. The EERC has done a great job of expanding, creating higher paying jobs for local economy and I would bet that this is just the beginning of what they can do. We will see how it all washes out in the next few months.

UND Hockey - You are stooping to the level of many NDSU fans with your rather immature comments. They just prompt Bison fans to respond with more crap. Please stop - we all prefer that the Bison fans go back to their board or contribute rational posts. Thanks!

You make some very good points!!! Do you suppose we could talk Tom out of retirement??

Lost 8-0!! Ouch!

Anyone in GF hear any rumors about when Kupchella is likely to make a decision? Who do people think (not who do they want) will be named?

RD-17 - I couldn't have said it better!

Welcome, RedFrog, from another Cooperstown native (much older than you though!). Glad you have turned into a UND hockey fan. Undoubtedly, you will soon "see the light" and become Fighting Sioux fan in all sports!!

Anyone know Kleinsasser's injury status? Will he be 100% by the start of camp?

I can assure you that Rob fully understands that the relationship and cooperation between the Athletic Department and the Ralph must improve. I am sure that, for political reasons, he isn't going to mention it in his comments but I am also sure that is what he would say if he was asked that question.

I would agree - that should be at the top of the list!

If someone has a lot of time on their hands, it would be great it if they posted the depth charts here. I could not find it on the Herald website.

Are you telling us that Lee G. has moved back to receiver or that you think he will? Any other observations? How are all the new faces on the offensive line looking?

Good point - I will do some research and give you my thoughts on them soon. Obviously, they are the two front runners for the job!e

I have not met either McCarthy or Molde but here is my assessment of their strengths and potential weaknesses (some of this information came from inside the Athletic Department): McCarthy Strengths: High energy, presents himself well, has been quite successful at Lynn - many teams in the Top 10 nationally. Challenges (real or perceived): Has had no AD experience with hockey or football, not familiar with this area, probably has higher aspirations so he might not be here too long. Molde Strengths (real or perceived): A great deal of experience - currently overseeing 23 sports at Gustavus, has experience with a Division III hockey program, a "decision-maker", very familiar with our area, very well respected, would be at UND until he retires as he likely does not have higher aspirations. Challenges: May be considered older than some would like, no DI hockey experience. Bollinger Strengths: "Bleeds green", very familiar with program, well-respected, already "knows" what should be done to improve athletics at UND (including the development of a better working relationship with the Ralph), could be "up and running" quickly. Challenges (real or perceived): No AD experience, little true administrative experience (a very important function of the job), hockey faction may associate him too much with football, Kupchalla may associate him with being pro-DI as the FB coaches would like to move to IAA tomorrow if they could (I think Rob is taking the right approach - do our due diligence NOW to see if a move up makes sense in the future), the administration may want a "fresh face" with new ideas, Rob is too valuable to lose as the primary fund raiser for athletics. These are just observations by either myself or shared by others. This is not meant to be argumentative so don't "tear this apart". While there are factions that feel as noted, I do not agree with everything above.

Somewhat concerning comments regarding Blackwell from the WS Rivals website: user profile Post #15 Re: Jesse Blackwell of LaCrosse Reply -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Very Overrated... prolly the biggest headcase in the state!!! He thinks hes much better than he really is. ******************************************************************* Post #68 Re: Jesse Blackwell of LaCrosse Reply -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yourwrong is being a little harsh. Jesse has immense talent. He can be a little of a head case, but part of that is his coaches have made no outward attempt to force him to tone it down. (I of course don't know about practice etc.) If he finds a coach who can get him to committ to play basketball without all of the antics and hysteronics he could be a great player. He is strong, can jump out of the gym, is a decent ball handler and has great range. If he can overcome the mental parts of his game UND is getting a GREAT player.

Yes, Gutter is likely to be back. Supposedly, he has his head together and is ready to get serious about both school and BB. If that is fact, he could be a contributor very quickly. He is a big physical player. If he has not matured, it could be another real distraction for the team. My understanding is that Miller approached UND rather than the other way around. He will likley get a little $ but not much - more or less a walk on! We were after 2-3 other very talented players, hoping to sign one of them - one HS, two JC players. Not sure if any of them committed. I am sure Roebauck doesn't have any scholarship $ available - unless a current player or two aren't coming back. Anyone know if we have had any propects in visiting campus?

Outstanding!!!!!!!!