GOD Bless the Fighting Sioux

[Fetch]

No matter how it goes - I have been thrilled to wear the Logo & loved the name

It has been an important part of 1/2 my life

Thanks Ralph for the beautiful facility

[108498]

I agree. The Sioux has served us well, and I am will be proud to say I live for UND sports no mater what. May the people of North Dakota live with honor for the Sioux forever no mater what!

[yababy8]

I don't think a UND team by any other nickname deserves to play in the Ralph. That is not what Mr. Engelstad had in mind when he generously paid for the construction of that building out of his own pocket. The building was intended to be the home of the FIGHTING SIOUX, and he made it perfectly clear that he did not want a team by any other name to call that arena their home. If they want to change the name they can play at Purpur Arena, turn the Ralph into a museum/hall of fame.

Change the name to Myles Brand Arena. I heard they were pals and all.

[Goon]

I don't think a UND team by any other nickname deserves to play in the Ralph. That is not what Mr. Engelstad had in mind when he generously paid for the construction of that building out of his own pocket. The building was intended to be the home of the FIGHTING SIOUX, and he made it perfectly clear that he did not want a team by any other name to call that arena their home. If they want to change the name they can play at Purpur Arena, turn the Ralph into a museum/hall of fame.

You have serious problems, I can suggest a few medications that will fix what ails you...

[bincitysioux]

I don't think a UND team by any other nickname deserves to play in the Ralph. That is not what Mr. Engelstad had in mind when he generously paid for the construction of that building out of his own pocket. The building was intended to be the home of the FIGHTING SIOUX.........................

Ralph intended for the building to be the home of the premier collegiate hockey program in the country. Because of the outcome at the polls yesterday, his dream is still alive.................

[82SiouxGuy]

I don't think a UND team by any other nickname deserves to play in the Ralph. That is not what Mr. Engelstad had in mind when he generously paid for the construction of that building out of his own pocket. The building was intended to be the home of the FIGHTING SIOUX, and he made it perfectly clear that he did not want a team by any other name to call that arena their home. If they want to change the name they can play at Purpur Arena, turn the Ralph into a museum/hall of fame.

Ralph wanted to build a facility to help the University of North Dakota and the entire Grand Forks area. He wanted to give back to the University for helping him become successful. The hockey program was a large part of that because it got him to UND. But he wanted to help the entire school, not just the Fighting Sioux. I know that's a concept you can't grasp.

[shortbusguy]

Ralph intended for the building to be the home of the premier collegiate hockey program in the country. Because of the outcome at the polls yesterday, his dream is still alive.................

Wait, when did Boston College start playing at the Ralph?

[108498]

I agree keep Ralph as is and find a new /old home to play at. It was clear from Engalsted that he wanted the sioux or no building. We no longer will have the sioux so the building goes to. It belongs to the sioux history. It would keep the memories and dreams alive in Grand Forks.

[WYOBISONMAN]

I don't think a UND team by any other nickname deserves to play in the Ralph. That is not what Mr. Engelstad had in mind when he generously paid for the construction of that building out of his own pocket. The building was intended to be the home of the FIGHTING SIOUX, and he made it perfectly clear that he did not want a team by any other name to call that arena their home. If they want to change the name they can play at Purpur Arena, turn the Ralph into a museum/hall of fame.

Because of a damn name?!?!? Seriously!?!?! What do you expect from a NON-North Dakotan, a NON-alumnus of UND, and some one with no University degree. What extreme foolishness to want a facility like that to be wasted........just because you are a pouting over the election. Unbelievable. I would like to think that NDSU has no fans as goofy as you.........but then I remember we have JBB......who is actually worse.

[82SiouxGuy]

I agree keep Ralph as is and find a new /old home to play at. It was clear from Engalsted that he wanted the sioux or no building. We no longer will have the sioux so the building goes to. It belongs to the sioux history. It would keep the memories and dreams alive in Grand Forks.

Ralph Engelstad stated that he was a successful businessman because of his experience at UND, because of the education he got at UND, because of the BUSINESS DEGREE he got at UND. He appreciated the hockey team because playing hockey is what gave him the chance to go to college. He wanted to support the hockey team AND THE REST OF THE UNIVERSITY. And he appreciated the entire Grand Forks area because that is where he had his first success in business. When he announced the building he said that he wanted to build the building to support the hockey program, the University and the entire Grand Forks region. The hockey team isn't going any where. They will continue to play at REA. Because that is what Ralph wanted. Only the very simple minded would really believe that UND shouldn't be playing at REA in the future.

[fightingsioux4life]

Ralph Engelstad stated that he was a successful businessman because of his experience at UND, because of the education he got at UND, because of the BUSINESS DEGREE he got at UND. He appreciated the hockey team because playing hockey is what gave him the chance to go to college. He wanted to support the hockey team AND THE REST OF THE UNIVERSITY. And he appreciated the entire Grand Forks area because that is where he had his first success in business. When he announced the building he said that he wanted to build the building to support the hockey program, the University and the entire Grand Forks region. The hockey team isn't going any where. They will continue to play at REA. Because that is what Ralph wanted. Only the very simple minded would really believe that UND shouldn't be playing at REA in the future.

This says it all.

[scpa0305]

No matter how it goes - I have been thrilled to wear the Logo & loved the name

It has been an important part of 1/2 my life

Thanks Ralph for the beautiful facility

Agreed. To bad things work out like this.

[scpa0305]

Ralph Engelstad stated that he was a successful businessman because of his experience at UND, because of the education he got at UND, because of the BUSINESS DEGREE he got at UND. He appreciated the hockey team because playing hockey is what gave him the chance to go to college. He wanted to support the hockey team AND THE REST OF THE UNIVERSITY. And he appreciated the entire Grand Forks area because that is where he had his first success in business. When he announced the building he said that he wanted to build the building to support the hockey program, the University and the entire Grand Forks region. The hockey team isn't going any where. They will continue to play at REA. Because that is what Ralph wanted. Only the very simple minded would really believe that UND shouldn't be playing at REA in the future.

Agreed. On another note, do you think Ralph would have folded like everyone else did? Or do you think he would have been fighting hard with the "no" voters. Just a thought....we'll never know. I highly believe that man would have been fighting hard to keep the name and with his power and influence people may have listened more. We simply had no strong leaders. Not like Ralph at least.

[GeauxSioux]

^{Glenn Beck is on right now railing against the elitist white man (NCAA) making UND change the name. He loves the logo.}

[82SiouxGuy]

Agreed. On another note, do you think Ralph would have folded like everyone else did? Or do you think he would have been fighting hard with the "no" voters. Just a thought....we'll never know. I highly believe that man would have been fighting hard to keep the name and with his power and influence people may have listened more. We simply had no strong leaders. Not like Ralph at least.

I have been told that Ralph was working on the issue while he was still around. He realized that the NCAA was going to make a move at some point, probably after the first NCAA study was released in 1998. He went to Florida to explore the relationship between Florida State and the Seminoles because it was obvious that it was much better than UND and the Sioux. He brought those findings back to UND and gave them some recommendations. UND didn't follow through on all of those recommendations. No one knows if things would have changed if they had or not. Standing Rock has been very strong in their desire to get rid of the name for 20 years, but it might have made a difference at Spirit Lake, especially during the initial appeal process.

The person I talked to said that Ralph would have remained a strong Fighting Sioux supporter as long as possible. But this person was pretty sure that he would have supported a change at the point that it was going to hurt the athletic program. Ralph really believed that his education at UND was very important in his business success. The hockey program was the vehicle that got him to UND. And Grand Forks gave him his start on the way to a successful business career. He really wanted to support the hockey program, the University and the Grand Forks region with the building. So my contact was pretty sure that Ralph would have supported retiring the nickname before the sanctions went into effect. This person also said that it was impossible to know for sure what Ralph would have done.

[Goon]

Because of a damn name?!?!? Seriously!?!?! What do you expect from a NON-North Dakotan, a NON-alumnus of UND, and some one with no University degree. What extreme foolishness to want a facility like that to be wasted........just because you are a pouting over the election. Unbelievable. I would like to think that NDSU has no fans as goofy as you.........but then I remember we have JBB......who is actually worse.

Well said and that is a top ten post right there... I find it funny that someone with "absolutely no skin" in the game would have such a moronic and buffoonish temper tantrum.

[iramurphy]

I don't think a UND team by any other nickname deserves to play in the Ralph. That is not what Mr. Engelstad had in mind when he generously paid for the construction of that building out of his own pocket. The building was intended to be the home of the FIGHTING SIOUX, and he made it perfectly clear that he did not want a team by any other name to call that arena their home. If they want to change the name they can play at Purpur Arena, turn the Ralph into a museum/hall of fame.

Dave I thought you said you were leaving. I appreciate your entertainment value so welcome back.

You obviously are not familiar with the contract. Ralph Englestad had in mind a facility for UND hockey that would be the best in the world. Many of us think that was accomplished. This arena was also intended to provide a source of funding for UND athletics for years to come and that includes hockey. The contract isn't a secret, you can find ways to obtain a copy..

He did not make it perfectly clear no other team should play in that arena and especially that UND hockey by another name wasn't welcome. Where do you come up with crap like that? That is also the same crap the folks who lobbied to keep the name claimed. The contract with UND has nothing requiring UND to keep the name. Before you come up with your rather radical opinions and ideas at least get the facts straight. I was at UND the day he announced the gift and sat back in the UND reception area after the announcement and listened to his comments. He said nothing of the sort. Having said that I didn't know him personally and maybe he told you in private that was his wish. What his support was clearly for was UND hockey, UND athletics and UND. His frustration during construction was that he was told the logos were OK and then Kuppy started to waffle while the arean was being constructed even after a lot of money had been spent to include the logo. He got frustrated with the adminsitration for the inconsistent message. He did support keeping the name. There is no evidence he wanted to keep it at all costs. Had coach Hakstol explained the growing list of schools that wouldn't play us and the recruiting problems it is starting to create there is no way he would have wanted UND hockey playing elsewhere. He would have thought anyone with such a goofy idea an idiot. He loved UND hockey and the tradition of UND hockey. The name was a very small part of that and almost everyone who has played or coached can tell you that. Ralph was smart enough to understand there is a time to cut your losses and move on. 67% of the people of N. Dak. understood that as well.

To claim there was no leadership is simply whining and lack of understanding of the process over the past 40 years. If Earl Strinden, Tim O'Keefe and Dave Hakstol presented the facts to Ralph he would not have turned his back on UND hockey and UND athletics on behalf of this name. UND hockey and UND athletics are far more important than the name. You folks who keep making claims that more whining or legal threats would have made a difference, simply refuse to see the facts. The NCAA members voted 98% to 2% to do away with these names. Neither tribe supported keeping the name as required by the NCAA. Multiple people lobbied the tribes and they wouldn't budge in 2005 and then neither would agree before the deadline. How many other colleges had leaders who were able to get the NCAA to compromise and give us an additional 3 years grace period?

The claim that the Natives at Standing Rock weren't allowed to vote is now gone because they voted to drop the name. So did the Spirit Lake folks. The don't need a mediocore attorney, 4th line former hockey palyer and overweight former military paper pusher to speak for them. They have spoken for themselves. Time to move on.

[JohnboyND7]

I'm sure if Ralph was alive he would be fine with UND playing in there. DaveK is nuts.

[ScottM]

Agreed. On another note, do you think Ralph would have folded like everyone else did? Or do you think he would have been fighting hard with the "no" voters. Just a thought....we'll never know. I highly believe that man would have been fighting hard to keep the name and with his power and influence people may have listened more. We simply had no strong leaders. Not like Ralph at least.

"Folded"? Really. Who else sued the NC$$? Sure the settlement sucks, and the retirement of the name and logo hurts those of us who grew up with it. But this is a time for reality, and Ralph was a realist.

Ralph made much of his mioney in Vegas during the 60s-70s, before it became so "sanitized". Ralph was probably the biggest pragmatist around to navigate through the local thugs, officials and union stewards in the gambling and construction businesses. I'm sure Ralph would have been more interested in the school and its student athletes when the impacts of the sanctions were beginning to be seen.

[watchmaker49]

"Folded"? Really. Who else sued the NC$$? Sure the settlement sucks, and the retirement of the name and logo hurts those of us who grew up with it. But this is a time for reality, and Ralph was a realist.

Ralph made much of his mioney in Vegas during the 60s-70s, before it became so "sanitized". Ralph was probably the biggest pragmatist around to navigate through the local thugs, officials and union stewards in the gambling and construction businesses. I'm sure Ralph would have been more interested in the school and its student athletes when the impacts of the sanctions were beginning to be seen.

He had wonderful friends in Chicago.

[yababy8]

The claim that the Natives at Standing Rock weren't allowed to vote is now gone because they voted to drop the name. So did the Spirit Lake folks. The don't need a mediocore attorney, 4th line former hockey palyer and overweight former military paper pusher to speak for them. They have spoken for themselves. Time to move on.

Here we go again! We are barely a day past the vote and I have now observed 4 instances where some self professed "gets the facts straight" blogger has asserted a meaning to the vote outcome.

FYI to all you "get the facts straight" bloggers, a 12 year old can spew facts. What is pertinent in critical thinking is acquiring the correct interpretation using these facts.

Therein lies the error in the above post. A smart man would not miss the skew in such conclusions. And an even smarter man might have predicted such acts of false positive conclusions arising from the results of this vote.

[watchmaker49]

"Folded"? Really. Who else sued the NC$$? Sure the settlement sucks, and the retirement of the name and logo hurts those of us who grew up with it. But this is a time for reality, and Ralph was a realist.

Ralph made much of his mioney in Vegas during the 60s-70s, before it became so "sanitized". Ralph was probably the biggest pragmatist around to navigate through the local thugs, officials and union stewards in the gambling and construction businesses. I'm sure Ralph would have been more interested in the school and its student athletes when the impacts of the sanctions were beginning to be seen.

Do you know who the union business agents worked for? Stevie Bluestein was a business agent for the Culinary Union and part of Tony Spilotro's crew out of Chicago (Joe Pesci's character in the movie Casino). The union was lead by Ed Hanley who was put in charge by Joey Auippa who was the boss of the Chicago Outfit. Ed also was Frank Calabrese's brother-in-law. Google Family Secrets Chicago for a run down on Frank. All the hotels at the time were under culinary contracts except for Ralph and the never bothered him. Though the union picketed the old Frontier for about 6 years 24/7 and left the IP alone? Hmmmmmm...... Ralph made his real money starting in the late 70's when he opened the pit.

[darell1976]

I am sure Ralph would be saddened like all UND fans were that we would have to change the name and logo, but Ralph didn't see what was coming up against UND and in hockey too... teams not playing us. (2013-14 no Badgers, no Gophers) no home playoff games (REA got blackballed because of the nickname issue thats why the West Regional has never been back to the REA). Ralph wouldn't want the team to start losing recruits to say Minnesota, Wisconsin or even St. Cloud State like Dale Lennon said happened in football. Ralph built a building to show off his team spirit. He died before that NCAA list came out so who knows what Ralph would have done. But saying we are not deserving is wrong. Our team deserved a first class building and Ralph gave that to the UND team, not the Fighting Sioux team,but to the University of North Dakota hockey team. Ralph died in 2002, 3 years before the NCAA NA list came out. I think Ralph was more worried about the SBoHE changing the name than the NCAA.

[ScottM]

Do you know who the union business agents worked for? Stevie Bluestein was a business agent for the Culinary Union and part of Tony Spilotro's crew out of Chicago (Joe Pesci's character in the movie Casino). The union was lead by Ed Hanley who was put in charge by Joey Auippa who was the boss of the Chicago Outfit. Ed also was Frank Calabrese's brother-in-law. Google Family Secrets Chicago for a run down on Frank. All the hotels at the time were under culinary contracts except for Ralph and the never bothered him. Though the union picketed the old Frontier for about 6 years 24/7 and left the IP alone? Hmmmmmm...... Ralph made his real money starting in the late 70's when he opened the pit.

So what are you trying to say?

[iramurphy]

I agree keep Ralph as is and find a new /old home to play at. It was clear from Engalsted that he wanted the sioux or no building. We no longer will have the sioux so the building goes to. It belongs to the sioux history. It would keep the memories and dreams alive in Grand Forks.

Do you realize how stupid that statement is? Ralph would roll over in his grave if he thought UND could be that stupid. Spend $100 million for UND hockey and the athletic program, then close it down because the nickname and logo changed. He didn't get to be a billionaire by being stupid. He would have explained this to you and anyone else suggesting something this crazy but would have used more colorful language.