UND Fan

UND 27 UM 24

You are probably correct!

Over the last 2-3 weeks, I have talked with UND brass as well as some high school coaches. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that recruits and/or their parents often view a school's fan website like ss.com. They often put a lot of (too much) weight on what they read on these sites and it actually may have a bearing on their decisions as to where they continue their athletic and academic careers. Additionally, some opposing coaches may use these issues to use against us in their recruiting discussions with prospects. A few related thoughts: Fundraising In an effort to convince members to contribute, I have probably made it sound like the FB budget is really hurting. While there remains many things that the coaching staff would like to assist them and their players, they definitely do not have a bare-bones budget. There are able to do or provide their athletes with most of what they would like. In the future, I will watch my wording better so a recruit or parent isn't alarmed by what they read. Coaching Discussions While the primary purpose of forums like ours is to discuss various teams and their success (or lack of). This will undoubtedly continue to include discussions related to our coaches, coaching decisions, etc. It appears that some recruits (maybe especially their parents) read these discussions closely and it may have a bearing on their college decision. For anyone who has followed my posts in recent years, you know that I have been quite critical of one of our programs and its head coach. While I am sure I will continue to comment, I am going to attempt to be less outspoken about our coaches. The bottom line is: My comment about a coach on ss.com will have absolutely no impact on UND's decision to retain or dismiss the coach. However, my comment may influence a prospect to go somewhere other than UND. Comments About Players Similar to the coaching issue above, there are often quite negative comments made about individual players. This really turns parents off as they don't want their athlete to be subjected to similar comments. My bottom line: I am going to be more careful with what and how I comment on ss.com. Others may want to do the same. I fully realize that it may be a small % of recruits/parents who come on these websites but if we would lose one talented prospect because of something I say, that is too many!! I am not interested in debating any of the above.

Bubba is very thankful for our assistance with the ankle braces. His note to us: "Thank you all for your generous contributions to UND Football Priority Needs "Ankle Brace Initiative". Your continued support is greatly appreciated." We are now ready to launch Bubba 3. As discussed earlier, upgrading our video equipment so players can view practice and game film outside of Memorial Stadium will certainly help them prepare for future opponents. The goal for this initiative is $5,000. Your participation will be appreciated. Here is the link: www.undalumni.org/bubba3 UND BIZ - if you could pin this at the top if the FB thread like you did with Bubba 2, it would be appreciated. I am going to post another comment or two regarding our helping the program, etc. separately. Over the last 2-3 weeks, I have learned a few things of interest.

55 yds and 3 1st downs at half!

UM had -5 net yards in the 1st quarter, no 1st downs.

I incorrectly listed Nye as a PG, she is a SG.

I would guess she only played because Williams didn't. Williams was on the bench and didn't appear hurt but she may have been.... Too bad we had to pull Chwialkowski's shirt!!

New BB Assistant, John Motherwell, has been busy trying to make inroads in his native Michigan. 2019-20 offers: PG Aaliyah Nye, 5'9", East Lansing (East Lansing), MI Has numerous offers including Marquette C Kayla Gray, 6'2", Wayne (Memorial), MI F Keziah Buggs, 5'11", Auburn Hills (Avondale), MI

Updates: SF Jameson Battle, 6'7”, Mpls (DeLaSalle), MN Verbal to George Washington SG Ryan Wade, 6'1“, 165, Ann Arbor (Skyline), MI Verbal to Holy Cross PF Doug Wilson, 6'7“, 210, Des Moines (Kirkwood CC), IA Verbal to SDSU

I am out of the country. What did he do?

Just talked to UND folks, they are waiting for one last approval. The site is ready to go otherwise. It was UND's choice that the two efforts run separately.

Full house?

Newman will play at Purdue. Another commitment: SF Courtney Brown, Jr., 6'6“, 190, Cottage Grove (East Ridge), MN Verbal to UW-Mil

Yes, the 2018-19 recruiting year pertains to the timeframe when a recruit can sign with a school. In BB, there is a signing period in November and another the next April.

This offer was made a few months ago: SF De'Sean Allen-Eikens, 6'6”, Williston (Aspire BB Academy), ND (3 Star - 247) Has 10+ offers Eikens has supposedly narrowed his list down to UND and a school from the East Coast. A decision is expected to be made soon.

UND 31 ISU 13

Thank you to everyone!!! Bubba has been informed and is very grateful! Bubba 3 should be up and running early next week.

Great idea! Dave gave his blessing for us to do this as ss.com last year. I hope he agrees. Thanks! We are currently at $1,600. Thanks to those who have contributed.

I thought about doing that for the reason you mentioned (we combined knee braces and concussion caps last year). I split it out this year as some had PM’d that they wanted their contribution to specifically support the ankle braces. That said, I am meeting with them today and we may make the change. People could PM me after making their donation and let me if they only want their $ going to one or the other.

You might want to check your cc and see if it has been charged. It should update immediately. PM if you have been charged - I am meeting with the Alumni folks.

I understand your question. I am meeting with the people who run the site tomorrow - will let you know.

I am pleased to inform you that the ”Let’s Help Bubba II” Crowdfunding site is up and running. Last year, we raised over $6,700 to purchase knee braces for offensive linemen and assist with the purchase of concussion caps. I have talked to Bubba and the program would appreciate assistance in a couple of areas – ankle braces and a video upgrade so players can access film away from Memorial Stadium. ANKLE BRACES Some players with ankle issues (current or in the past) are getting taped prior to all practices and games. To help Bubba better protect his players, he would like to provide ankle braces for the entire roster. In addition to protecting Fighting Hawk athletes, the staff feels our having these braces could play a small role in our recruiting success. Prospects (and their parents) would be pleased that UND provides ankle braces. The cost of these braces is $3,000. Link: undalumni.org/Bubba2 VIDEO UPGRADE To study practice and game film, players must use the video equipment at Memorial Stadium. A video upgrade would allow players to review film between classes, in the evening, etc. This easier access would result in more video being reviewed as well as being much more convenient for players. The cost of the video upgrade is $5,000. This link is not set up yet. We will post it as soon as it is ready! CROWDFUNDING Contributions are made through UND’s Crowdfunding website. There will be separate links for the ankle braces and video equipment. You can pledge to one or both of these efforts. Please understand that, if we exceed one goal, any extra will be moved to the other effort. Hopefully, we will exceed the $8,000 total goal. If so, any extra would be provided to the football program for other needs and please be assured – there are other needs! I will update results on this thread often. The official totals will be automatically posted on the Crowdfunding website. Some thoughts: I realize many of us are Champions Club members and actively support UND athletics. This would simply be an extra contribution to assist Bubba in his efforts to compete and excel in the FCS. There are many other college fan sites that provide financial assistance to their university's athletic programs. We at siouxsports.com should be proud to do the same. As noted above, all donations will go directly to the Alumni Foundation. Therefore, all contributions will be tax deductible. On the Crowdfunding site, you will decide whether you want to have your name posted or do so anonymously. While this is aimed at ss.com members, we would gladly accept money from non-members so please pass this info on to other UND alums/fans, etc. I am sure that Bubba will reach out with thanks to all donors. If you have any questions, please feel free to post them here or PM me directly. Again, many of us are already supporting UND athletics but LET’S HELP BUBBA II with a couple of his important needs. Some may be able to make a significant donation while others can help with $25-50 - it will all add up and all be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

I wish it was - we could use some of Phil's $!!

That really sucks - I was aware that the paper was no longer being printed in GF but I had no idea the deadline was 7:00 PM. That is really bad! I hope the folks up there are letting the Herald know about your dissatisfaction - even though it won't do any good!