SDSUfan:
Thanks for the education re: the South Dakota delegation. Doesn't surprise me about Janklow. Having worked disasters down in South Dakota, I know the guy is a jackass, and probably a racist to boot. I don't understand how the guy keeps getting elected, and many of my friends in SD wonder too.
Also didn't mean to imply that the North Dakota delegation neglects NDSU, only that their ties are already close to UND as it is, and that DI sports would have a negligible impact.
Regarding travel, I was talking more from a fan perspective. A benefit of the NCC is that you see a fair amount of opposing fans at games at most venues, Greeley excepted. I think that is a good thing. Although your charter airline suggestion is interesting. I heard there is a study being done on a possible regional airline for the Dakotas, with service between many of the major cities (Bismarck, Minot, Fargo, Grand Forks, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Rapid City, maybe Pierre).
You are also right about "stick in the mud" thinking that can be prevalent in this region. But sometimes the way you are doing things is the right way and there is no need to change. Just as real is the unfounded inferiority complex that this region has, and it's desire to get the approval of big cities or change perceptions. The whole dropping North from North Dakota is a prime example of this. We shouldn't be afraid of being who we are. I get the opportunity to travel around the country for work, and I would put the quality of life in North and South Dakota up against anywhere I have been.
It's interesting that you say that partnerships with other schools would be more likely. Do you think Cornell or Texas A&M or North Carolina State would be more likely to partner up with SDSU because of a move up in athletics?
That's the thing I find most disingenuous about this whole debate. The proponents of a move to IAA bring up all this prestige that will come, but invariable mention schools like Michigan, Notre Dame, Minnesota, and Nebraska or for actual IAA schools the Ivy league. That is just totally unrealistic. The real comparison is with your Valparaisos, Louisiana-Lafayettes, Southern Utahs and the like. I don't honestly believe these schools have any enhanced national, or even regional reputation.
I'm not some bitter fan who doesn't want teams to move because it could hurt UND. I think NDSU, SDSU and UND would all likely field successful teams at the IAA level. I just question whether the additional costs involved in doing so will provide any meaningful benefits. It seems like an extraordinary gamble for a small piece of the March Madness pie.