siouxfan512

I'm not a big Bohl fan, but chalking up that much success to luck seems a little ridiculous. By the same logic, their current coach was completely lucky to win a Nat'l title, since he had Bohl's players. Sure, he was dealt good cards, but he still had to play em right.

I like how everyone on this thread is apparently a contract lawyer. I think everyone is looking into the specific language too much, and thinks the NCAA really cares more than they do. IMO, they already won their fight; we got rid of the name and logo and despite the contractual language I don't think they care if the University of North Dakota is UND or the UND Norse/Roughriders/Jets/etc. The NCAA doesn't have an actual opinion on the issue of it would have been a single rule to apply to all schools across the board. The NCAAs entire stance on this issue is nothing more that a PR move to show that they are trying to be sensitive to liberal PC crowd, whild still appeasing their large money making schools. As mentioned earlier, I think their approach to the issue would be that if fans continue to wear Sioux apparel and use the name they will be dissappointed, but it is out of their control and they have done all they can by working with "forcing" the university to retire the name. They will say they cannot control the narrow mindedness of all fans. The NCAA doesn't have morals one way or another, and like I said for them this has been a PR victory to the liberal PC crowd.

This may be true for you, but not everyone. I'll tell you this, people will do what they want regardless of what happens. Even if they do adopt a new name, I'll still call them the Sioux. More out of habit than anything else. Personally, I just don't see anything they can replace it with that will be as cool as what they had. I agree that saying "no nickname is unique" is dumb, but "staying just UND is fine", whats wrong with that. Seriously, I would be perfectly ok with that and would completely rally around the team. I don't think everyone who wan't no nickname, is purely to keep the "Unofficial Fighting Sioux". Sure that is the goal of many, but even so, who cares what their intent is. Adopting a new nickname will change what some people refer to the team as, but not all. Keeping no nickname would do the same. Doesn't really matter at this point anyway. Unfortunately we will just have to see how the process plays out. If no nickname is on the ballot, that will be my vote. Otherwise, I'll pick the best I see. My greater concern is whom all is allowed to vote on this, which I believe has been brought up before.

For me, there isn't something that will be good enough to replace the Fighting Sioux. I'm perfectly content with University of North Dakota, UND, or even NoDaks if we must. Just a personal preference. I'll always cheer for our teams, but it would always leave a bad tast in my mouth to watch our team on the ice with a big roughrider, Jets, Aviators, etc logo on the jersey. Seems stupid to be so attached to a name and a logo, but I'm obviously not alone. I still maintain that if UND chooses to not transition to a new nickname, they could state their nickname would be "UND". The agreement may require a new nickname, but there are no parameters to that nickname other than it cannot be deemed hostil and abusive. If they truly forced us to adopt something, they could be the NoDaks, which would really be no different. As I have also stated for those who believe we must pick a new name, if Kelley and the nickname task force have already stated that no nickname is still on the table, it likely mean that it has already been cleared with the NCAA, or they wouldn't state it. Pure speculation, but I think as long as UND has officially dropped the nickname, the NCAA is happy. They can state publicly that they did everything in their power to eliminate "hostility" from the school and the NCAA; they would also likely state that if fans continue to wear apparel and use the Sioux name there is nothing they can do to change the narrow mindedness of those fans. Again, pure speculation but I think that would be their approach. These people are corrupt and money hungry, but they are not all that stupid.

and John could be considered a nickname, short for Jonathan. Others would argue it is an abbreviated name. Point is, this argument is really starting to split hairs. If UND decided not to adopt a new nickname, they will. and if the NCAA argues that, then they can say UND or NoDak is our nickname. If the administration has said that no nickname is still being considered, they have likely already discussed the matter with the NCAA, or they would have said it is off the table to be in compliance with the agreement.

You are trying to put parameters on what constitutes a nickname. I also knew a Jason who went by Jake; it doesn't all have to make perfect sense. If the University of North Dakota, says they would like to be UND, that could be considered a nickname, or the Nodaks. The bottome line is they do not HAVE TO adopt an animal, group of people, color, or obscure noun (spirit, force, etc). If your argument is that they MUST adopt a new nickname, selection of said nickname is completely up to the University, so long as it is not hostile and abusive. If UND chooses to go by UND, that would satisfy the requirement.

Pretty quiet on the hockey front. Nothing new about potential departures?

Who knows, maybe this guy will really add to the team. Gaarder was a late pickup when JT Miller jumped. Would be nice to get a grinder like that, who could stay for 4 years. Not that I have read or know anything about this kid.

Just walk over to University Park and find a tree, a la Springfest, I'm sure the city won't mind.

Any real updates on any of the Sioux players? Depite the stupid thread on Zane leaving, which was a dumb hoax, I haven't heard anything. Similar thing with Jordan ... few days ago it looks like he was all but signed; haven't seen anything since. I know Schloss said he is hearing more and more that Zane is really considering staying. Is it possible we don't lose anyone early?

Wild just called up Bickel. Hope he handles Ott tomorrow night!

How likely is it to see NCAA go to 3/4 shields?

Based on what has been seen so far this spring, where do we see roster and depth holes that will need to be filled with freshman. Who will likely be making an immediate impact when they come in this fall? AND are we still looking at any potential FBS transfers?

Not a fan of picking a new mascot at all, I'll stick with UND. BUT if I had to throw one out there it would be the state horse The Nokota or "The Nokes".

Spielman is also smart enough to know what keeping a guy, who doesn't want to be there, can do to a locker room. Getting rid of Percy made complete sense, and it had nothing to do with his on field talent.

Unless you can somehow trade him for a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. I would rather see them get another young draft pick and free up some cap space over keeping AP for another year or so. Don't get me wrong, I still think there is something left in the tank, but for how long? If you can get any equity out of him, do it and continue building like they did last season.

Did not know that.

Melrose had alot of good things to say about the Wild on ESPN, but could someone please get the man a tailor. He looked like he was wearing Andre the Giant's suit. That guy is so ridiculous.

I don't think anyone was insinuating that was why they flew out. But any time you can showcase your team and facilities as a strong developmental opportunity, it isn't a bad thing.

Jason Blake ... not so much

I'll probably be there. Definitely want to tailgate that game, and hoping to snag a ticket if my in-laws have an extra. I have been tailgating to several Bison games in the past few years, and it is always a good time.

Always a good opportunity for anyone to see that place. I would have to think that anyone in the NHL would be impressed with UND's facilities and coaches. They have certainly pumped out to high talent players.

Agreed, I don't think any Sioux fan can logically say "we got this one", but crazier things have happened. I have to think pulling an upset like that over an in-state rival and defending 4 time national champs would do wonders in recruiting too, especially regionally. Regardless, I'm just excited to see this game. Last Sioux/Bison game was my freshman year of college, and it was an awesome experience.

This is the kind of banter that makes the rivalry fun. A few pokes and jabs, with some actually football talk thrown in.