jdub27

Or make a call. Or approach decision makers at events. Doesn't take a whole lot to get facetime and have a meaningful conversation or set up one for a different time. If that is the response you're getting, maybe take a look in the mirror and think through if your approach and way you handle yourself is maybe the problem. But I have a hard time actually believing you've put in any effort to talk to anyone about what is going on, what the vision is and what you can do to help with it. Making uninformed, semi-passive aggressive commentary anonymously is much easier I'm sure.

Turns out when your most visible program goes on a pretty unprecedented run, its really, really easy to sell your product. The same people who oversaw most of that growth were around in the D2 and transition days when UND was raising a very comparable amount of money. UND hockey had a season ticket waiting list long before NDSU football ever did (though I'm pretty sure you can currently buy season tickets to either sport.) Their team did the hard work and created the demand for them. Most of their work was capitalize on it and continue to raise prices. And frankly, based on current demand and availability, it is looking like they are fairly close to the peak if not slightly past. Overall point being, the only magical formula NDSU found for fundraising was a string of really good years (and whatever elixir it was that Ben Newman was giving out....).

Last I heard, a few months ago, they were assuming he wouldn't be as a worst case scenario. But thing change, and as mentioned, the NCAA will continue to make decisions without anyone really knowing how things will go.

That's not a blanket statement. It is what is. Beat them on the field, where it actually matters.

Interesting. Also of note, they were very clear it's not final...

First off, almost positive these are 2021-2022 numbers. The fiscal year end for most schools isn't until 6/30 and the EADA reports this info comes from aren't complete until a few months after that. I'd take some of it (good and bad) with a grain of salt as pandemic issues had not fully washed out yet. I know UND's numbers pre-covid and during/post have shown slightly different stories. Guessing that is the case for a lot of institutions.

You're "buddies" lied to you. By a lot.

External hires take a little bit of time. I don't see the job postings anymore so I would expect an announcement coming fairly soon. If you read the job descriptions, the requirements are usually tailored fairly specifically, they have people in mind. Let's see who the new hires are before throwing in the towel.

All it validates is that everyone has a price and the PIF has an unlimited amount of money. Oh, also lawyers and lawsuits are expensive and retaining a non-profit status is incredibly valuable.

The main criteria is that it gets completed on time. Guessing the donor doesn't want their name out there in the event that it doesn't get done and it makes it look like they are rescinding the donation (which they have the right to do based on the criteria they laid out).

Exactly. The softball field wasn't a top priority until someone stepped up with a big check and a deadline. Turns out when you're willing to put your money where your mouth is, you get a much bigger voice.

They tried something a while back and the vote was a resounding no. They actually listened to the people and used other funds to do renovations. Haven't seen the newly finished kids area yet, but they have done a pretty good job with their remodel/repurpose.

I'd be curious what the "same stuff" in town is that is comparable? Very shortly there will be zero completive size pools in town. While the Alerus and HPC are technically giant turf facility, neither of them are it is not set up in a way to host the events they are looking at and both have smaller turf areas than what is being proposed. There also isn't gym in town the size of what is being looked at either.

Not certain the softball portion was top priority until a donor stepped up and had a timeline that has pushed it forward quicker.

It will be a softball-only facility. Appears they are looking to rent it out to Central, Red River and other area schools. Should be able to be ready in the spring before most of the other fields, which will be an overall positive for the community. Parking will be a little bit tougher, but shouldn't have a material impact on traffic. That parking lot currently looks like a bombed out warzone, so anything they do will be an improvement. Looks like they are adding additional parking to the east of the proposed facility and the HPC.

Sounds like the total amount exceeds that. I've heard of at least a few more situations playing out exactly like this, with people who put a deposit down and are now left with nothing and can't get an answer.

Issues with a bridge on County 6 are more than just the GFCC, its the creek that goes under it and floods during the spring, the housing developments to the south and the closest MN road is about 1/6 of a mile from connecting (and that's basically someone's long gravel driveway). That road from County 8 (Belmont) to the golf course, including the bridge is also pretty narrow and a bit beat up and would need to be redone. Outside of one hole that's currently along that road, extending it straight across would go right through the 18 tee box and 17 green. Maybe they'd take an Oxbow type buyout to move some stuff around. It will be interesting to see the designs. There is room to move things back or around on 3 of the 4 corners with the Ray Richards being the only one that is an issue. Not sure how it will work with Demers Ave though. Given how long its been talked about, surprised there aren't some renderings out there somewhere that show how it would be routed.

Anyone who caught the Mayor's State of the City address would have as well.

47th Ave interchange is coming very soon. Underpass at Demers and 42nd is as well. Both are in the final planning stages.

Guessing if the Columbia Mall wasn't so hard to work with, this project would still be moving forward with the proposed location. Wouldn't be surprised to see their alternative location be on the west side of the river still.

If he can contribute, he'll get his shot. He'll only be a RsSoph this year. There will be plenty of carries/catches to go around and RB is a spot where depth is huge. Especially with guys like Red and Skokna that may be on the field but not in the backfield. I think GZ has looked good in the game and practice action I've seen. He's getting close to the size of Hoosman, him and Smith will get their shots.

A position that is going to work to prevent more bad press and future issues.

I'd probably try to keep expectations fairly tempered this time around as well. Better to be surprised than disappointed. Sounds like that's the current outlook.

7 years after the program was cut.....UND has its first MLB player: If the program would have been around one more year, he Muckenhirn would have likely been second behind Matt Wallner who made his major league debut last season. He was originally committed to UND before the program was cut.

Based on what? They have geography and money in their favor with facilities on the way. Didn't take them long to be competitive in other sports and with the backing they have, it would pretty naive to say they are all that far off from anything.