star2city

Point 1: Aug. 29th Forum editorial (not McFeely): Point 2: When Fargo legislators were threatening the UND medical school with an audit (for "retaliation" for no UND residency program in Fargo), this did not go reported as a Fargo-legislative initiative in the Forum. The threatened audit of NDSU athletics was reported as a "tit for tat", but the original transgression went unreported. This whole issue was just childish, but the Forum's failure to report the whole story was incredibly slanted. Point 3: Kupchella to Football Alum letter. There was no newsworthy info in that letter. It was printed to embarass and create antagonism toward Kupchella and UND . Even though McFeely has blasted UND on occasion, I don't mind that as it is his opinion and is not reported as "news" or the official view of the newspaper. Other than Ryan Bakken (who is a humor columnist, BTW, i.e. its his job to lambast thin-skinned rivals ), the GFH refrains from attacking NDSU and has scolded UND many times (name issue particularly), as Jacobs, Dennis, and Yellowbird are all PC'ers. Finally, (The Forum + WDAY) >> WDAZ, not equivalent future state: (Clear Channel Radio + FSSN cable + Fox or NBC local channel )>>( Bison Radio network + Forum + WDAY) UND needs more media presence in the southern valley. They need to switch broadcast TV stations.

Iowabison: You apparently don't believe the Forum has an agenda with regards to UND athletics and Kupchella's / Thomas' stance on DI? That Forum has a vested financial interest in the Bison athletic program cannot be denied. Most reasonable people would conclude that the Forum also serves as a public relations firm for noting Bison positives and and occasional jabs at the Sioux.

If there is a perceived expectation that one or two schools could leave by the end of the decade, three additional schools would be required. Doubt a single school would commit to the NCC unless one or two others committed simultaneously.

The above comments lead to me to make a few speculations on why Kupchella is looking at moving on: The week last December in which the Forum published Kupchella's rather unprofessional letter to the UND football alums and when Chancellor Potts shut down UND-Fargo, both public relation embarassments to UND and both happening while Kupchella was vacationing in Europe probably did not help K's chances of getting another three year contract. Those events also probably did not exactly endear Kup to the state of ND, its politics, and media. Kind of ironic that the Forum, by publishing the Kup to Alum football letter to embarass UND and Kup, might actually have been a catalyst for change at UND (the Forum wrongly suspected that there was an imminent under-the-table deal between the Big Sky and UND). The Forum's action could have a net effect (UND going DI under a new president) quite opposite of the Forum's goals (having NDSU as the state's "premier" fb and bb school and the Forum/WDAY profitting from their exclusive media relationship). Law of Unintended Consequences?

Agree that some NSIC schools would not be in favor of an NCC demise, but others such as Winona, Mary, Northern, Concordia probably would. If the NCC folded, then those four and UMD, SCSU, Mankato, Augie and USD could reformulate a "new" NCC, without the deeper pocket budgets of UNO and UND. What would be left of the NSIC would have to take Dakota State, Minot State, and maybe Jamestown and Sioux Falls.

If the NCC does not add a few more teams, and say Augustana or UNO left, the other schools would probably rush for the exits. Without a viable NCC, UND's choices then would be a super-sized NSIC (and scholarship reductions) or DI. DI would practically be forced on UND, with or without the Big Sky. If Winona St is going to step up their program to the NCC level, they need to do it soon. But it is probably to Winona State's advantage to remain in the NSIC, for playoff reasons and for wielding considerable influence over the future state of DII athletics in the Upper Midwest. Edit (i.e. by playing their card right, Winona State can get back their rivalries with St. Cloud, Mankato, and Duluth, and effectively evict UND / UNO as competitors.)

After the events of the last few weeks, the writing should be on the wall rather plainly: UND’s time in DII is ticking down. A new AD with DI experience has been hired, Bollinger has been strategically placed in a position that maximizes his fundraising capabilities, and Kupchella, probably not wholeheartedly behind a DI vision and its startup expenses, now seeks greener pastures. The Big Sky interest of last December was likely genuine, with the UNC addition a possible precursor to a three-team addition (NDSU/SDSU/UND) later this decade (to make a 12 -team two-division Big Sky). It would seem Roger Thomas really has his work cut out for him. With UND, UNO, and perhaps Augustana (NSIC interest?) all being weak links in the NCC membership, Roger probably has only until Dec 1 of this year (Dec 1 of 2006 at the latest), in order to get two new teams needed to assure a level of stability for the NCC. The next couple of years could be rather critical/perilous/opportunistic times for all local schools athletic programs: if the Big Sky doesn’t come through on membership, UND, NDSU, and SDSU could all be DI independents for a long long time. Most UND supporters won’t stomach DII if the DAC-8 implodes, which now seems inevitable, and forces most of those schools into DII. Minot State is already likely to move to DII, forcing Jamestown and Dakota St onto the NSIC’s doorsteps, and Dickinson St to the Frontier conference?, and Black Hills State to the RMAC(?). Mayville and Valley City would likely end up in the Minn-Morris league. Throw in what USD, SCSU, Mankato, UMD, Sioux Falls College and St. Thomas could do, and it really could end up a mess.

Upon further reflextion, wonder if this article wasn't really a sign / signal (what have you) of UNO seriously considering DI/IAA options for their institution. Consider: (a) UNO's geography and urban base may allow some opportunities soon, that may not be available to other current or former NCC schools, (b) a new AD hired (surprised most everyone),

Herald: Canad construction within 30 days With the BRAC realignment and the $10 million increase (steel prices), this announcement is all the more impressive. Hopefully, this complex will spur further development along 42nd (a business office park for branch offices of Winnipeg companies?). Somewhat skeptical of a museum complex, unless it includes reasons for repeat visits: an interactice science-type exhibit (i.e. the Dakota Science Center), regional/seasonal interests (ag history, Indian culture), a restaurant complex, or an IMAX.

Rob really shows a lot of character by taking this position. Perhaps he will still be rewarded down the road with the top position. Now, if only Rich Glas can be moved into Rob's old position.

When Kupchella applied for IUP position, his hometown, that move had to have been viewed with much more understanding. No matter what the outcome of the Marshall situation, Kupchella will now be viewed as a lameduck, IMO. For what its worth, and having lived within an hour of Huntington, Marshall is definitely not an academic upgrade over his UND position. Perhaps when Kupchella was in Columbus for the Frozen Four, he had an opportunity to make the two hour drive to Huntington and press his case. If he gets the position, he had better show a lot of enthusiasm towards the Thundering Herd football.

When discussing UND athletic budget, it should be considered that there are really two "budgets": UND's and the REA's. The REA''s is likely $4 to $5 million and is financed largely by hockey ticket sales. (The budgets can not be added together, as some $'s transferred from the REA's to UND's would be counted twice.) But in effect, UND's total budget is much larger than UNO's or most IAAs (and even some smaller IA schools, like La Tech.)

The author has also been a recent writer for the Herald: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1361630,0041.htm

Agree with this - emphasize your strengths, not your weaknesses. GeauxSioux: Looks like Pensacola also is taking a hit from the Navy realignment. With the shortage of housing there in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, perhaps the surge in housing costs would get dampened down now. Just a general note. It does seem rather strange that four cities that have all experienced a natural disaster in their recent history will also be bearing an economic assault from BRAC: Rapid City, Grand Forks, Pensacola, and Pascagoula, MS (Hurricane Georges). If a city has it own unique culture, these four certainly must be developing character through resilience.

From http://www.in-forum.com/pdfs/bracnd.pdf

Interesting that the Global Hawk fleet is planned to go up to 51 by the year 2010 (?). Currently, it seems Beale AFB in Sacramento has at least four, with 21 more by 2008. If the Global Hawk is coming to GFAFB, it would seem that military and civilian employment would increase as the Global Hawk fleet is increased. These articles imply that a number of very specialized/high tech avionics type civilian positions are needed locally to support the Global Hawk program: http://www.spacedaily.com/news/uav-01i.html http://www.savebeale.org/articles/Global_Hawk_delayed03.html Again speculating, a Global Hawk program could do much more than refueling operations to propel the area forward in the aerospace industry (i.e. Would Northrup need to open a local office?) Very few cities benefit technologically from nearby military bases. Potentially, UND School of Aerospace would benefit, as well as the

Would also agree, unless they are planning to base the new Global Hawks there: http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/11634458.htm

Transcript from Senator Conrad's website: http://conrad.senate.gov/~conrad/releases/...2005413C11.html The ~1100 civilian jobs have much more of an impact on the economy than the military positions (who are mostly housed on base and purchase consumer goods there), but the multiplier effect probably makes the total civilian job loss around 3000 positions. Somewhere, I read that the majority of construction contract work is done by Fargo-based firms, so the impact would hit the entire Red River Valley, well beyond Grand Forks County. Two more major job additions - on the order of the Cirrus' recent 350 job expansion - would be needed to offset the GFAFB civilian job loss.

Star-Tribune on GFAFB/BRAC: http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/5398966.html

If Gene's budget starts seeing red as is likely this coming year, have to believe his coaches' "feelings" will take a back seat to the pocketbook.

Apparently, McFeely is limiting his knowledge input to Bisonville.com. Hard to believe he could be so far off in his read of popular sentiment (Bison/Sioux games) or fact (sure, Kupchella may be anti-DI as it stands now - but add a conference and finances to that equation and Kup will likely be a little more flexible.)

Rather in-depth article today on the Grand Forks agbiotech startup company, Agragen. With their target of DHA (an Omega-3 fatty acid) and Albumin, Agragen is going after some sizeable nutriceutical and pharmaceutical markets. But with concerns around transgenomic commingling, they may have a bigger hurdle than just the FDA: other farmers. http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/b...ss/11599407.htm

One of the earlier press releases stated: It is possible Buning asked that his name not be released as a finalist until the last moment so as to limit any personal repercussions at West Point. The following was probably key to Buning getting the position, and likely tips UND hands into what direction the athletic department is heading (DI). I would hope that Bollinger would get the associate AD position, and then slide Glas into Rob's old spot. If Buning ever moves on (likely- he seems rather ambitious), then Bollinger would be heir apparent. One final note: kind of ironic that another adminstrative type rivalry, Army (Buning) vs Navy (Taylor), is in the cards for UND / NDSU.