the green team

I'm sure with a promotion such as this, they are more than prepared to have that scenario happen. But I don't think it's a good business practice to just give something that has value, away for free...just because. In this case tickets. They should do everything in their power to try to deliver on time and collect- after all college sports is more than ever about the bottom line. I also think the promotion is far more about getting coach's and student athletes out to meet new fans who may be getting exposed to UND Football for the first time. Also, I think that if they don't deliver on time and that person wants the tickets free, they're not going to have any problem with it and it's a contingency that Athletics is prepared for and made their peace with. That's the promotion and it's a good, attention getting promotion. I already have my tickets but if I were to take part in the promotion and a player hands me tickets at 34 minutes- I'm not going to make a big deal out of it. I'm still going to pay. I'm not "that guy". Never have been, just not in my makeup.

I'm very encouraged by the way the folks at UND Tickets and Marketing are spearheading an inventive campaign to highlight what is a great schedule for UND Football. I feel that UND is in a good place with people that realize that you have to go out there and get people excited, while not being afraid to go outside the box with unique ideas. Certainly, Men's Hockey doesn't need the resources necessarily as we fans of UND Sports know...it basically sells itself. We are fortunate to have a sport like that. Most sports require a bit of push and support, however, and this promotion demonstrates that, and I believe we will continue to see that support and push for sports like Football, Basketball and Volleyball. All of which have tremendous potential. One word of advice about the upcoming promotion next week. Don't be..."that guy". What I mean by that is, if for some reason your tickets arrive at 31 minutes and 30 seconds and are being hand delivered by Coach Mussman or a player, are you really going to be "the guy" who is going to make a fuss and demand them being free? When it's perfectly evident that they would be making their best effort. It's $75 tickets, and it's a great value, and the money supports a great team. My advice would be...don't be "that guy", as long as they are making the effort. You can be if you want to, but I hope most people aren't.

yeah, let me get my pitchforks out! Wait, hasn't all this information been out already? The only thing that has come out is an actual schedule? Just so I understand, are we suppose to get all bent out of shape yet again, for something we've already been bent out of shape for? okay, but I just wanted to be clear because pitchforks and torches are not on sale at this time of year

I've only been there twice (v. Ferris State and v. Lake Superior St), to visit a friend and his wife. They live and work in Ann Arbor. I just smiled the whole time, I had a great time, because it's just hard to imagine just how much fun everyone is having. As most on here know, I skew towards being a stronger basketball fan. But I enjoy hockey very much as well and go to most games when my schedule permits too. Frankly, I follow all sports at UND passionately. First and foremost I enjoy college sports far more than the professional sports, partly because of the atmospheres, and I always enjoy getting to see how other schools do it- and Michigan Hockey at Yost, stands out to me more than most. To me they really exhibit a great college atmosphere.

It would appear that no one remembers a time where we didn't have REA, and that when we scored- Stand Up and Cheer was played. Are you saying that we as fans then are valued less because we liked singing the words to Stand Up and Cheer after a goal? I'm a fan of a college atmosphere. I love The Ralph, it is great, it is beautiful and there is nothing like it in the world. But gone is the creativity of random chants- now we are waiting to be prompted by a video board or from canned music is the norm. I've realized the ship has sailed. To me, when I want a little nostalgia, I try to get to Yost Arena. Not that I'm a Michigan fan, in fact I loath the Wolverines but that is a "College" atmosphere. Change happens, Sioux Hockey is in a different place now and that's good too.

I'm of the philosophy when the other team has the ball, it should be 3 downs of hell. Each down louder than the next. We have an enclosed building where sound has no where to go. I hope our students and all of our fans would make a game of it-- being so loud that it's nearly impossible for the opposing team to audible or check down. UC Davis in the national semis, was a perfect example of a team that could not overcome the product on the field along with great support from the fans. I'm encouraged by the initiative of getting yell leaders. Now if we can just get everyone's noses out of their cell phones at the same time... If you ask me what I notice the most when I go to sporting events compared to 10-15 years ago, is how much time is spent gazing at our phones at the game. That along with winning has had an effect on how fans behave.

Well said.

School songs are common after scores in a number of college sports. Hockey, Football etc... To me there has always been that tie. I've always liked it. I I like that college feeling experience. Of course I like college pep bands, always have, always will. I was never talented enough to play an instrument, but I've always enjoyed a good pep band. I feel the REA is less about tying UND Hockey to the University of North Dakota, than they are to making it something else-- like a pro team. The idea is to separate the entity in this case- hockey, from it's school, and have it stand out. That's their prerogative, and they do a good job of it. I'm not saying it's good or bad either, it's just the way it is. There is no doubt that the goal song we now have elicits a response from the fan base. Personally, I like our school song. I'm not ashamed of it. Are others ashamed of our school song? My other question is, UND Hockey is still college hockey... what's the rush to make the entire game experience like the pros? Of course I'm an old fuddy duddy, where my favorite times were in the old building, where many times we made our own fun...but I digress.

Happy Gilmore. Very good pull from movie lines that are applicable.

I'm not sure people realize just how challenging it is to get some of these guys to come play here. If you get them to visit campus, you have a decent shot. But D1 recruiting, really is a dog fight. I'm learning this is the case from following this thread. Hopefully, we can hit on a couple more. I think Hooker and Tyler give us a solid foundation in the coming years, but I hope we can land a few of the front line players that we really want, eventually. Maybe I'm in the minority, and maybe not, but I do believe our staff is diligent in leaving no stone unturned. Hopefully, they will be rewarded for their hard work in landing some players on their list in the near future.

I'm not sure you can assume any of those things. That it will be the same committee members that were on board for the retirement, I think is a reach. Also, you don't know they've already been chosen until you ask...and when you ask, tell them you want to be considered. In fact, I know if I was on that committee, I wouldn't want to be on the next one. Serving on committees are a tax on one's time. The fact is we don't know how the process will play out, but I will take a leap of faith and believe in a utopian view that the Alumni and the students will be involved.

I might add, that if and when a nickname does get selected... they will be lucky to have 35% approval. That would be a small victory. The reality is the whatever nickname gets selected someday...most will dislike it immediately, but over time there will be gradual acceptance of it. Of course there will be a percentage that will never accept it, and that's life.

If you feel that strongly about it...get yourself on the committee when the time comes. Have you ever been on a committee for anything? It's not an easy process and I can guarantee that if and when this process begins it will be incredibly difficult. But of course it's so much easier just sit on your couch and complain about things...heck they haven't even gotten to that point yet and your preemptively complaining. Give me a break.

Do we all still want to be D2? Doubleheaders, for the most part, are a thing of the past thankfully. Personally, I don't like doubleheaders. That's way to long for my kids attention spans, and If a doubleheader starts at 6, you don't get home until after 10. Can't each event just stand on it's own?

Is it a 2 down there and 1 in Fargo? Southern Miss to me is a lot like Bowling Green and Louisiana Techs, that have visited up here. Because they were 27 and 10 a year ago, that is nothing to sneeze at I grant you. The last couple of years they have slotted themselves nicely behind Memphis in the conference standings, but prior to that they either finished mid table or near the bottom. So it's not like they are seeing a perennial power down in Fargo. Personally, I would schedule a Northern Iowa, 10 out of 10 times compared to a 2 for 1 deal with Southern Miss. While it appears that NDSU got a reasonable quality opponent, Southern Miss's own track record would indicate that the last 2 years have been more aberration as opposed to a program with a long track record of success. It's nice to see other schools from other parts of the country so kudos, but I'm not going to make it anymore than it is.

I think had Sam Matthew stayed as opposed to transfer--I think the Men's team would have been very solid this year for the first time in several years. With him moving on they were always about one countable score from good finishes. He would have been the number 1 golfer with Schaefer and Robb behind him. That would have been a good foundation going to every tournament. I play mostly elsewhere in GF, and the UND Golf Teams have in recent years moved operations to Kings Walk and the Country Club-- and understandably so as Kings Walks practice range is stellar, and those 2 courses emulate more of what the teams will play in tournaments...but I will say this about Ray Richards, they work hard to maintain that course and for the value, is very fair and fun golf course. Holes 8 and 9 have usually ruined the few rounds I've played out there in recent years.

If they ever want to play a game in that arena...the schedule has got to fall right, and basketball teams never get to practice in a lead up to a game on that floor. (There goes home court advantage) Say it doesn't matter, but getting accustomed to the shooting backdrop is a big part of home court advantage. My personal opinion is they shouldn't ever play a meaningful game in the hockey arena. The Betty is Basketball's home, it's a good home, could it be better...most certianly yes (VideoBoard etc). But that's our teams court, that they practice on every day, and fight to protect it game in and game out. Hey, I certainly wouldn't blame the hockey guys for not liking the situation of a changeover of the ice to a basketball court. Not saying they do...but I wouldn't blame them if they did. Sure they can go practice on The Olympic, but again the main arena is their home. That was a little of the topic of the forum but I digress It will be sad to see the old arena torn down, as I had a lot of fond memories of going there as a kid and as a college student. But at the same time this is once again an incredible credit to a lot of people from the donors, to those soliciting the donations in the foundation, to the athletic department and the university. It's going to be great to have a facility that student athletes can utilize to excel in their sports. From Football to Track to Soccer. This is a big step. An exciting step- and it looks like finally it will be nearing a reality. UND Alumni and friends are special people. They have great vision and the fortitude to make those visions reality. I for one am thankful and excited to see this project get underway.

Absolutely Awesome! Just another reason I'm a huge fan of UND! Not just the sports, but the school itself.

Big game tonight. I wonder who will take the mound?

Is he on campus with the players that stayed this summer or does he come in the fall?

That is the first loss by Utah Valley in the Great West Conference Baseball Tournament---EVER! Great Job Guys!

Certainly interested to see what kind of starting line ups will be used this year. But I'm more interested to see different combinations on the foor as the game develops. For instance I don't know Nash's game but can he shoot it at all? If so, if a game situation called for it could you get long? For example could you have standard point and shooting guards- Anderson, Schuler, Huff, Hooker, Webb, Antwi- some combination - then go Nash, who I noticed has long arms at the 3, Brekke at the 4, and Calcaterra at the 5? Not saying that would be a normal look, just a look that could be possible if the situation called for it. With all the players available, its going to get really interesting. I think the coaching staff could get really creative with their personnel depending on the game situation.

If they do- I'm sure they will be a Summit League candidate. As that seems to be along the lines that the XDSU's fan bases are at right now. What about Duluth? Or how bout Mankato or St. Cloud or Augie? I thought the company line for many years of those fanbase's has been that "we are too big of deals to deal with those "type" of schools". Now it's ok to pursue those schools, they weren't good enough but now they are? I can't keep up, as it seems the argument from a certain side keeps changing.

I would have to agree that the loss of an auto bid is a little more serious (even for just baseball) than say the overlooking of attendance requirements. Here's why I think so... take away an auto-bid, that turns it into an at-large bid, and you can't tell me those schools in the southern conferences for baseball wouldn't want to see one more at large bid available for the tournament. They would be licking there chops. In fact if I was those southern schools, I would be watching this situation like a hawk, and stomping up and down when that grace period is suppose to end, because it's an opportunity that could get their teams into the tournament in the future.

I agree with Montana, Weber and UND Top 3. How the order plays out in the end is anyone's guess. The one for sure thing that I believe could be the difference maker for either Montana or UND to overtake Weber is... getting a player that can counter Bolumboy. That kid as a freshman for Weber was an animal. He is tall, long and can leap. He scares me of what level he could take that Wildcat team to next year. Both UND and Montana are going to require a certain kind of player that will cause that kid problems...and to be honest I'm not sure either team has that player on their roster right now. Other than Jois from Eastern Washington last year- Bolumboy to me was the most talented freshman. But the cast around Bolumboy is so much better that he becomes that much more of a nightmare. Solve that question and UND will have a good chance to be in the mix at the end. After that- I think Eastern Washington will be right in the mix, Montana State, Northern Colorado, will be in the top 6. I think NAU will be ok, but they have a lot of players stepping out and a lot of new players coming in. Russel will be a great soph. but where is the help going to come from. Sac St. I think will be interesting, they've got some nice back court pieces but I don't know what else they have. I can imagine Idaho State getting better, and Southern Utah being worse. And Portland State, no idea.