star2city

That's reality, man. Stadiums and arenas matter big time. U MASS would be in the Big East right now just like UCONN if they had a football stadium. If UTEP hadn't left the WAC for CUSA, there is not way Idaho would be in the WAC now. They would have been forced back into the Big Sky because of inadequate facilities. Dollars and facilities matter. That's sad you don't understand that. If NDSU had had a decent basketball venue by now, they would likely have had more conference interest by now.

Now, that is ridiculous! Unless NDSU and SDSU have votes in any upcoming Big Sky expansion, NDSU and SDSU have NO say about any BSC consideration of UND.

Oh, really. If USD had a Ralph, the Big Sky would be interested in USD, not UND.

If this was a business world, UND officials would be hailed as brilliant leaders if they get into the Big Sky. As an example, Microsoft was never much of an innovator (Apple and Xerox were), but Microsoft's leadership had exquisite timing. Great leadership is not about taking great risks, but taking risks at the right time for great rewards. I have no doubt that neither SDSU nor NDSU nor their fans will look kindly upon UND if all three get into the Big Sky. But if all three get invitations and any one declines out of spite, no one will get anything. Bison and Jackrabbit fans really underestimate the attraction that a facility like the Ralph has to Big Sky Presidents. If it wasn't for the Ralph, I have my doubts whether UND would get an invite.

You mean 'limbo'? If you have 9 games, you need 2 more. Cal-Davis, Poly, SDSU, and SUU will need games, regardless. Not only travel costs ($1 million a year), but additional scholarships (50/yr x tuition/room/board/books ), less coaches and staff with salaries, and less lost revenue due to poor basketball attendance = $2 million /year. During the exploratory year, UND can back out any time. If the Big Sky does not come through within one year, UND is not obligated to continue on to DI. A desirable conference appears to be on the verge of offering UND membership. That is a HUGE change. A DI move by UND has always been based on what's best for its community as a whole - it is not based on what NDSU does or does not do. It seems you Bison fans always apply the wrong motives to UND's intentions. The very motive you ascribe to UND reveals your the condition of your own heart and mind.

The timing of the DI announcement has previously been set for the week after finals (if my memory is correct), so that means UND will have publicly (and conveniently) declared their DI interest before the Big Sky meeting: So 2006-7 would be the last year in the NCC (explorartory year) 2007-8 would be a transition year (horrible scheduling issues - NDSU would have a major public relations issue if they don't play us - but Big Sky schools may be open to playing us in just to start establishing rivalries) 2008-9 - UND, NDSU, and SDSU all accepted into the Big Sky, with UND not eligible for NCAAs for three more years and NDSU/SDSU fully eligible. If this comes true, Harmeson and Kupchella deserve major credit for being patient and steering UND through some treacherous waters in the face of a lot of criticism from the media and some alumni. Having a conference immediately upon a DI move will enhance (not detract from) UND's reputation and save the athletic department and community nearly $10 million relative to what a conference-less situation would cost during a DI transition.

Everyone loves a (cheating) winner - especially the NCAA The above article is not about the nickname - but it does expose the NCAA for what it is: an organization that protects the big names (UCLA, Alabama football, etc), but chooses to be self-righteous about the little guys who have no political power:

Siouxrunner, I can agree to a point that the

What really must hurt an SDSU fan like aff is that the two conferences that SDSU is most interested, the MidCon and the Big Sky, both accepted new members in the last couple of years when SDSU was available. To be passed over in favor of Centenary (the smallest DI school) and Northern Colorado has to be a humbling experience.

That's only a true statement in Bisonville.

A few additions:

In a typical April (never mind March) by how much would a Saturday evening lacrosse game at the Alerus outdraw three afternoon baseball games at Kraft field? by 1000? 1500? LAX would have to be better to the bottom line for a northern school with access to an indoor LAX venue.

Not that I'm counting , but this makes seven recent DII move-ups with conference invite in hand: Central Arkansas Kennesaw St North Florida Florida Gulf Coast S Carolina- Upstate UC-Davis Presbyterian

Their nickname is actually much more offensive: The Blue Hose [url=http://www.presby.edu/bluehose/history.htm]Link: How did Presbyterian College receive it

Perhaps it should be restated: the athletics arms race is entering a new phase.

[url="http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=121848

Illinois State transfer to UND? http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/03...orts/110359.txt

Anyone notice this story this morning:http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/n...ws/14177580.htm This story isn't about the NDUS and the nickname, the true audience is the NCAA officials who will be in Grand Forks this weekend. Have to hand it to Carson and Antes, they truly know how to manipulate the media to their best advantage. For the Herald to publish their letter today and have a major story on it says a lot about their willingness to be a tool of local activists. translation: "We are part of a narrow-minded community of intellectuals elites that are trying to manipulate the public into embracing our world view, so we'll do our best to harass and whine to the media at the most opportune time." Edit: Thread was meant to be in Nickname section.

That quote seems to entirely contradict this statement:

Quote from the Dakota Student: Based on NDSU's experience (going on four years after a DI announcement and no conference), no UND official should ever hope to "successfully move into a conference within a year" unless he knew something was up. Those kinds of statements, based on wishful thinking, can cause serious credibility issues. (Just ask Gene Taylor. )

Kolpack is blowing smoke, IMO. Why would Lennon have signed a long-term contract for the first time if he didn't have confidence in the future of the program? The DI move is happening, a football practice facility will be built, and Lennon will honor his contract.

A few schools from the Horizon, like UW-Milwaukee and Butler, would be logical candidates for the MoValley and they meet all the criteria. The NCAA dollars and TV contracts that the MoValley will be getting will make the MoValley a much more lucrative conference to be in, without IA football.

NOt that it was ever possible before, but the requirements to gain entry to the Mo Valley has gone way up: multiple NCAA bids, a seven figure entry fee, a 12,000 seat arena, and a large TV audience.

Getting back on topic, this article gives an explanation of why mid-majors have been doing well in men's basketball, and why this trend is likely to continue. All the more reason why UND, as a (low) mid-major DI, needs to get a coach who is a fundamentally sound basketball tactician: Little Big Bang Theory

Also have to say I am surprised at this selection - especially someone so young to be head coach. Either she has an inordinate amount of maturity, intellect, recruiting capability, and leadership skill for her age, or Buning/Ralston made a major mistake. Katy's resume would seem to indicate the former. With Betty Ralston being a former DI volleyball coach, I would expect Ralston to do a lot of mentoring.