[Great West banner?]

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere, but I'm sitting here at the Alerus and I just noticed there is no banner to commemorate the 2011 Great West co-championship. I know it wasn't a 'real' conference, and it was a split crown, but does anyone know if there is one that is either hanging somewhere or on the way? Maybe it was sent to the AD in Fargo by mistake?

[GOD I HATE THEM]

But who cares who wins the NIT and what does that win make them?

I'll take this one. Only THREE D-1 schools can finish the year with a win: the NCAA champs, the NIT champs, and the CIT champs. The teams who advance in the lesser tourneys are still playing (some in front of the home fans while many others get to travel to interesting locales) long after the early round exits from the big dance are at home. Heck, the NIT semifinalists get a trip to NYC to play at MSG. So I'll turn the question around and ask: would you rather your team win the NIT or get dumped in the first round of the NCAAs?

[A feel-good story from the world of hockey.]

Something to think about the next time you hit the ice with your friends or family. Or if you've been looking for the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful donation to your local rink or park board.

http://www.omaha.com...ther-s-survival