fightonsioux

Shoot...I was in the bathroom and missed the whole press conference. Oh well.

There is a story on the sctimes.com website that SCSU ranks 56 out of 57 men's hockey teams for academics. Maybe those PC protestors and the SCSU administration should help their hockey team pass some classes instead of wasting time with a nickname.

I agree with the lack of sportsmanship shown by McMurchy. Not only did he skate around the whole time the Sioux were being announced, but then when he did go to the blue line he turned his back on the players and faced the other way while they were announcing the last Sioux player. And then on Saturday he started to skate off while the flag was still present. What part of "please stay standing until the colors are retired" didn't he understand. It's one thing to disrespect the opponent (even though I'm sure the Sioux don't do that in Wisonsin) but it's another to disrespect your country and flag. What an embarrassment he is to his teammates, coaches, fans and all of Madison. And just because I chanted this all weekend and can't get it out of my head "Hit Robbie Earl" "Hit Robbie Earl" GO SIOUX

Greene has been suspended for this weekend series. There was no mention on the captaincy, so I'm assuming he still has it. Does anyone know if Riley Riddell is still on the Bemidji team. He is the player that was charged with third-degree sexual assault, but the charges were dropped because the state could not prove it was criminal, even though an off duty police officer recorded the events on his cell phone, including male voices yelling "pillage her." Just wondering if he is still on the team or if he graduated.

I guess I didn't have the same experience with Canadian fans that most did. From day one I listened to them chant USA sucks and even to the point where one Canadian fan stood by the exit door saying US sucks to every USA fan that walked out. This was day 1! Every Canadian fan that sat next to me cheered for whatever team played against the USA. Even yesterday one fan said Go Russia when they were announcing the teams. After the USA-Russia game my mind wasn't completely made up about who I was going to cheer for, especially after the way the Russian players and coaches acted, until I saw a Canadian walking around the arena still chanting Montoya long after the game was over. Then my mind was made up to cheer for the Russians. I just hope they pull the same antics on Canada that they did on us.

Ryan Bakken is a columnist and reporter. When he writes his column it is meant to be a joke.

Explain why this should be embarrassing for UND and not for NDSU?!?!?

Let's all remember that the Forum has nothing better to do than to write about Sioux sports. The only thing going on last week was a playoff game in the Fargodome...Concordia College. I guess their editorial stating they were going to write less about the Sioux was just to fill space for that day.

When Mertens was being interviewed on TV after winning the championship he used the word "I" quite a bit. Dale Lennon runs a tight ship and you better be a team player (even if you play every position on the team). And there is no I in team. I hope Mertens doesn't go to NDSU because I think he could play for a real D1 team. He's definitely got the talent.

Jason Blake didn't flip the gophers off...he just made sure to shake hands with them after scoring a hat trick against them!!

GRAND FORKS HERALD Copyright © 2000, Grand Forks Herald TAG: 0012190054 LENGTH: 76 lines DATE: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 EDITION: FINAL SECTION: A PAGE: 01 ILLUSTRATION: John Stennes, staff photographer COLUMN: SIOUX NICKNAME SOURCE: Michael Benedict, Herald Staff Writer CULTURAL COHESION MORE THAN 500 CELEBRATE SIOUX SYMBOL IN RALLY ON UND CAMPUS People from shared but distinct cultures gathered Monday evening and told UND to keep its Fighting Sioux nickname. That message was presented at a pro-nickname/cultural awareness rally at UND's Hyslop Sports Center. More than 500 people attended the event, hyped in local media advertisements since early last week. Our culture identifies well with athletes, said Erik Enno, an event organizer, who is an enrolled member in North Dakota's Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Enno also refers to himself as part Sioux. He said Native American people honor warriors - and, he said, athletes are warriors, too. The things we are doing are positive, and it's never too late to do it, Enno said of recent comments that his efforts are too little, too late. He said the recent cultural awareness activities that he's helped organize have reached more than 10,000 people in two weeks. The actions have presented people with a positive message about the nickname and Native American culture, he said. THE RALLY Besides Enno, Greg Holy Bull and David Demontigny were instrumental in recent culture awareness/pro-nickname activities. They've formed a group called the Millennium Committee for Understanding and Respect and plan to continue to spread their message at UND and elsewhere. Meanwhile, the majority of Native American program leaders on campus have signed a statement opposing the Fighting Sioux nickname. I think things like this will help regardless of the name, said Chris Lennon, who attended the event. I thought it was beautiful. It was inspiring, kind of emotional. Five people are now members of this committee. To spread their message, about a dozen Native American people from different tribes took part in Monday's rally, which was led with an introduction by UND Athletic Director Roger Thomas. As you know, much has been said about this issue, Thomas said of the controversy surrounding the continued use of the nickname. We're here tonight to have a program of respect and understanding. The event was choreographed by Holy Bull, who spoke about Native American culture, sang and played a traditional drum as other Native Americans, dressed in regalia, danced and performed during the show. A prayer As with a similar event held for UND athletics, a Spirit Lake spiritual leader said a prayer in both the Dakota and English languages. This evening when I pray, I pray for everyone, said Ambrose Little Ghost, the Spirit Lake spiritual leader. We do not make distinctions about people. Little Ghost said he's neutral about the nickname issue. As a spiritual leader, he has said, he can't take a stand on the issue. He said, however, the Fighting Sioux name no longer is considered derogatory; Sioux was originally part of an Ojibwe name that meant snake. One hundred years ago, if you would have called me a Sioux, I would have had your scalp, he said. That was then. This is now. I pray for the good of everyone. The event also was attended by another Spirit Lake dignitary, Ivy Longie, a Dakota girl, who is Spirit Lake's Traveling Princess. She danced with six other Native American people during Monday's event. When the program was completed, Holy Bull and other participants thanked the crowd. So did UND men's basketball coach Rich Glas. Some people say it's too little, too late, but I totally disagree, Glas said of understanding the events. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, it's never too late to do the right thing. We are the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux and damn proud to give you (Sioux people) tribute every time we step onto the court, he added.

GRAND FORKS HERALD Copyright © 2001, Grand Forks Herald TAG: 0110060104 LENGTH: 99 lines DATE: Saturday, October 6, 2001 EDITION: FINAL SECTION: A PAGE: 01 ILLUSTRATION: John Stennes, staff photographer SOURCE: Ryan Bakken, Herald Staff Writer WITH DRUMMING, DANCING, SINGING ... HOCKEY `PALACE' DEDICATED, STATUE OF SIOUX WARRIOR UNVEILED American Indians played lead roles in Friday morning's dedication of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. With drumming, dancing and singing, they provided the entertainment. And, with an impressive cast of politicians and other influential people reduced to spectator status, two of the four speakers were American Indians. Erik Enno and Greg Holy Bull, both Fighting Sioux nickname supporters who live in Grand Forks, joined former UND Foundation and Alumni Association executive director Earl Strinden and former UND president Tom Clifford in providing remarks. Much of what was said concerned their support for UND's nickname and new logo. They used the event as a forum for a counterpoint to the recent criticism of Engelstad and UND by newspapers and magazines, most notably Sports Illustrated. It also served as a counterpoint to the conference being held simultaneously at UND that opposes Indian team names and mascots. The perception out there is that all Native Americans feel like they're victims and do not support the continued use of the name, Enno said. I'm here to tell you that's not true. We are not victims. We are proud people. Thank you, Mr. Engelstad, for building this lasting tribute to our people. Holy Bull drummed and sang several songs, including what he called the Lakota flag song and national anthem. He wore a sweatshirt bearing the new Sioux logo. We honor you with the eagle staff, Holy Bull said. It carries feathers of great importance. They have been prayed over. Strinden, who worked with Engelstad in securing the gift of $100 million for the arena, said the Sioux nickname is used for the right reasons. Where we now stand was once part of the Sioux Nation, Strinden said. The Sioux were known for their courage, for overcoming adversity, for winning battles, for their honor and their pride. In 1930, UND chose their nickname because it would show courage, overcoming adversity, winning battles, honor and pride. Jeremiah Holy Bull, Greg's son, and Bryan Akipa, a Lakota from Sisseton, S.D., performed several warrior dances. Engelstad attended the dedication, but did not speak. Dressed in canvas shoes and a Budweiser logo jacket against the biting cold wind, he stood throughout the 45-minute festivities. STATUE UNVEILED The bronze statue unveiled outside the arena Friday morning is of a Sioux warrior on a black pony. The statue is dedicated to Sitting Bull but does not depict the Sioux leader. Enno, Holy Bull and new Sioux logo artist Ben Brien have been working on the statue to make it more authentically Sioux. We added the staff, a flag of the great Sioux nation, Enno said. There are other things we need to do creatively with the statue. We'll do more in the spring. Mr. Engelstad purchased it with the understanding it is not a finished piece. Engelstad purchased the life-size statue about eight months ago at an auction. The horse and rider together stand 8 feet, 2 inches high. With the base and pedestal, the statue is 211/2 feet high and 20 feet wide. The statue's plaque inscription about Sitting Bull reads: Undisputed leader of the Sioux Nation. Patriot, Statesman, Diplomat, Warrior, Prophet. A man born to greatness, and to whom was born the destiny to lead and protect his people. Clyde Bellecourt and several other participants from the nickname conference attended the dedication. But there was no interruption of the event. Bellecourt left shortly after the statue was uncovered. Shortly after the statue was uncovered, the crowd of about 500 people went to the front lobby. Clifford spoke about Engelstad as a personal friend and a friend to UND. Then a ribbon bearing the Sioux logo was cut and a life-size bronze statue of Engelstad was uncovered. The statue was donated by local businesses and individuals. Politicians and state and civic leaders attending the event included Gov. John Hoeven and former Gov. Ed Schafer. Engelstad's 200-person delegation, which arrived in Grand Forks Thursday afternoon, includes his wife, Betty; his daughter, Kris McGarry, and his grandson, Sean McGarry. Engelstad speaks Engelstad did speak briefly at the noon luncheon held in the Olympic-size arena adjacent to the main arena. The luncheon was attended by close to 1,000 invitees. I'm glad I was lucky enough to be able to do what I did, Engelstad said. I hope it's an inspiration so that students here now or in the future, if they get as lucky as me, will be able to do the same thing. A procession of individuals gave one-minute statements of thanks to Ralph and Betty Engelstad. They were representatives of UND athletics, the student body, the Sioux Boosters, East Grand Forks city, Grand Forks city, the Higher Education Board, the Legislature, the UND Foundation and Alumni Association, and Schafer. Sometimes, North Dakota suffers from an image problem, Schafer said. But this building will lead the way for people to be proud of and others to be jealous of. This facility will forever change the face of this area. Bakken reports on local news and writes a column. Reach him at 780-1125, (800) 477-6572, ext. 125, or rbakken@gfherald.com.

GRAND FORKS HERALD Copyright © 2001, Grand Forks Herald TAG: 0103250143 LENGTH: 75 lines DATE: Sunday, March 25, 2001 EDITION: FINAL SECTION: D-OPINION PAGE: 03 COLUMN: VIEWPOINT SOURCE: Brenda Red Tomahawk UND NICKNAME, PATROL EMBLEM SYMBOLIZE PRIDE GRAND FORKS In his Viewpoint about the Fighting Sioux nickname, Gordon Caldis mentioned the North Dakota Highway Patrol emblem and road signs (Legal arguments against UND nickname lack merit, Page 4A, Feb. 22). These signs are of my great-grandfather, Tacanipiluta, Marcellus Red Tomahawk. He was a Blackfeet band member from Montana and an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Long ago on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Sitting Bull was arrested and Marcellus was one of the individuals sent to assist. History tell us of the events that took place, but we are not certain exactly what occurred. In any event, Marcellus acted with great leadership and gained control of the situation until other help arrived. For this, he gained media attention and was invited to many government functions. At the state Legislature, he spoke in his native language through an interpreter, and expressed his concern for Standing Rock. Many times, he accompanied President Herbert Hoover in travels abroad, met famous people and participated in symbolic government gestures. He lived a very colorful life, and it was national news when he passed on in August 1927. North Dakota legislators asked to bury him on the Capitol grounds in honor for his contributions to the state. But his family's cry was greater, and he was buried among his people. The Highway Patrol chose to use his profile on their emblem to symbolize his heroism. The road department uses his profile to show all travelers that the notable Sioux warrior, who was recognized as a peace negotiator in North Dakota, is guiding them. As a Sioux, I am proud of my Indian heritage and not offended by the UND controversy. As Sioux, we will face obstacles such as prejudice in our everyday life, but we need to keep a positive attitude. We do not need to get radical or resort to hostility to promote change. Let's create positive cultural awareness and educate those discriminating about the sensitivity of this issue. Because of the UND nickname, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has threatened to boycott the university and prohibit tribal members from attending. This is absolutely absurd. By boycotting, we are denying our youth the right to broaden their educational horizons at a prestigious college such as UND. We should encourage our youth to make their own college decision and not make it for them. If they chose UND, let it be, as it is certainly a college where they will be given every opportunity to succeed. By choosing UND, students certainly will get more than their money's worth, and it will be a wise investment. As an alumna, I recommend that prospective students come see for themselves. Do not let anyone or anything influence you until you have visited the campus. The annual Time Out powwow is coming up soon, and it's a great time to visit. The term Sioux or Fighting Sioux is used to distinguish UND's great athletic teams. In return, more educational programs should be implemented for our youth. We have many talented youth who have the potential of becoming great Indian athletes such as Jim Thorp or Billy Mills. With inspiration and educational nourishment, our students can achieve their goals to become Sioux champions. Such an achievement would make a huge impact on our youth and would deter negative problems such as underage drinking and self-destruction. It seems to me that if this is a university honoring the Sioux, all means should be taken to invite and encourage the Sioux to become champions among their own people. I admit there have been problems in the past, but remedies have been taken to correct those. Many informative meetings were held in efforts to find solutions to amend previous relations. But these past problems keep resurfacing to be used as racist tools to change UND's name and logo. We will not create awareness by changing the name and logo. We only will diminish the Sioux's popularity. All over the United States, there are many Indian tribes who would pay to have all the national recognition the Sioux or Fighting Sioux receive. Let's stop tarnishing UND's reputation. We are wasting valuable time and resources.

You forgot about Tech. I guess Wayne Nelson was right.

Check with Home of Economy. They can pretty much do anything.

To Minot Magic -I heard 2 of the teams that contacted Vigen were Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, I know there where 2 others mentioned but I can't remember who they were and the CCHA school is in Michigan. To #1siouxfan22-I have to agree with you about Vigen but I definitely think he has generated some interest out there. I also hear he is on the Great Plains HS Elite team To alum05-regarding Vigen-why the need for the sarcasm? Do you have something against the kid?

Someone I know just spoke with him last night and he never mentioned anything about possibly going this year.

WHAT I HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHO KNOW HIM IS THAT HE PLANS TO STAY AT RR FOR HIS SENIOR YEAR. AS YOU KNOW HE WAS TAKEN BY INDIANA IN THE FUTURES DRAFT AND HOPES TO BE PLAYING IN THE USHL NEXT SEASON. SEVERAL TEAMS HAD EXPRESSED INTEREST IN HIM AFTER THE SELECT 17 FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER INCLUDING A TEAM IN THE CCHA.

First of all, are you questioning whether Vigen is going to Indiana this year or next year, after his senior year at Red River?

North Dakota has been watching their D1 school for well over 50 years now. Now they can also watch their D1-AA school.

I think New Jersey had a big say in Zach's decision also. They had reps at all of Zach's games and were appalled at the stuff the opposing team got away with when it came to Zach. The stick to the throat by the very unclassy Vanek didn't help matters much. And then the fact he only got 2 minutes was laughable. The difference between this stuff happened in college and NHL, is at least in the NHL David Hale can stick up for Zach without having to worry about sitting out a game or two. Good luck Zach. Thanks for giving us 2 unbelievable years. You were fun to watch and I can't wait to continue to watch you play for New Jersey.

What I find interesting is that Dean Blais said the only WCHA coach to call and congragulate Dean and the Sioux on winning the WCHA was Scott Sandelin. Dean said all the other years the Sioux have won every coach from the WCHA and some from outside of the WCHA have called to congragulate them, but this year only Sandy called. What's up with that?

There was a teleconference this morning and Bruce McLeod said there is a possibility that the Sioux game will be on TV Friday. Bruce said he would know for sure this afternoon. Stay tuned!!

A badger politically correct??? I think PETA would have something to say about that. And yes, we know you don't change your uniforms often.

I love it when the students chant "Gopher rejects" to the Duluth Bulldog team. After recent event involving the Bulldogs sweeping the Gophers AT HOME!!! I will be listening for "Bulldog rejects" being chanted at every opportunity. GO SIOUX!!!! I'll take 1 Zach Parise over 2 Potulny's any day!!!