North Dakota Fighting Sioux (name the new team name)

[chromer]

Its gonna be Bulldog Treats after this weekend! Go Bulldogs! All kidding aside i think the Fighting Sioux should live on.

[buzzsaw]

More news from our friends on the prairie....

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — In a deviation from its original policy, the NCAA will allow University of North Dakota athletes to wear uniforms adorned with the Fighting Sioux name and logo during NCAA-sponsored playoff events — at least until Feb. 1 next year .

Last Friday, UND filed a second appeal for review by the NCAA Executive Committee, the same body that on Aug. 5 implemented a policy against "hostile and abusive" American Indian nicknames, mascots and imagery. The policy penalized UND and 17 other schools and included an immediate ban on uniforms with Indian-related names or imagery during NCAA-sponsored post-season events.

"The NCAA told us we didn't have to stop," said Phil Harmeson, senior associate to UND president Charles Kupchella. "We have a letter from the NCAA Championships Committee saying that we do not have to modify our uniforms."

This means that during the coming weekend, UND's Division II men's football and women's soccer teams can compete in NCAA playoff games without being in violation of the policy while wearing their standard uniforms.

Since the NCAA issued the policy, three schools have been exempted from it, two have agreed to change their names and three — including UND — have had their initial appeals denied. UND filed its first appeal on Aug. 30 and was turned down on Sept. 28 by an NCAA staff review committee.

In UND's second appeal, Kupchella said even though the policy enacted by the committee was "undoubtedly well-intentioned," it was wrong, deeply flawed and should be withdrawn because it's "inconsistent with the NCAA's Constitution, rules, and regulations and based on vague and arbitrary standards."

The appeal claims that UND has the approval of the Spirit Lake Nation to use the Sioux name, which was granted in a resolution passed by the tribal council in December 2000. That support has not been withdrawn, Harmeson said.

In granting appeals to Florida State University (Seminoles), the University of Utah (Utes) and Central Michigan University (Chippewa), the NCAA cited the permission of a "namesake sovereign tribe" to use such nicknames as a key factor in granting those schools exemptions from the policy.

However, in denying UND's appeal, the NCAA said the university didn't have approval from any of the three Sioux tribes in North Dakota. Kupchella argues that not only does UND have tribal approval, but also that the NCAA applied a different standard to UND than it did to FSU, Utah and CMU.

"The NCAA made multiple attempts to contact the Spirit Lake Nation," Harmeson said. "All of them went unheeded. Those contacts went toward getting the answer the NCAA wanted rather than what the answer really was.

"The Spirit Lake Nation's resolution meant nothing in relation to what the NCAA ultimately did," he said. "One can only wonder what signal was sent to the tribe, that their resolution was irrelevant."

Other points made in UND's second appeal are that:

• UND has the " legal and moral right to use the nickname " — so long as it's done respectfully.

• The NCAA has "dramatically overstepped" its constitutional authority by moving beyond the "basic athletic issues" it was created to address and into social and political issues best dealt with at the local level.

• By misusing its "monopoly power," the NCAA has created "a serious breach of the public trust."

• The university's relationship with tribes in North Dakota is far more substantive than the "special relationships" the NCAA cited in granting exemptions to FSU, Utah and CMU.

• The NCAA has failed to define a legal standard for "hostile and abusive," making it difficult to form the basis for an appeal.

• The NCAA has inappropriately granted its authority to a third party to change UND's nickname, authority that lies with North Dakota's State Board of Higher Education.

Kupchella invited members of the NCAA Executive Committee to UND for a site visit so that they could see for themselves what's happening at the university. Harmeson said there's been no response to the invitation. Regular dialogue on the nickname and other issues is continuing with tribal leaders in North Dakota, he said.

If the Executive Committee denies UND's second appeal, the third and final step of the process would be an appeal to the NCAA Division II Presidents Council.

UND's latest appeal mentions the possibility of legal action if the NCAA refuses to exempt the university from its policy. Recent news accounts quoted noted sports law experts at Duke and Marquette universities as saying that UND stood little chance of winning a court case against the NCAA.

Harmeson, who holds a law degree and serves as UND's faculty athletic representative to the NCAA, said the university will not rule out that option.

"We would not consider heading down that trail if we did not feel that we had a reasonable chance of prevailing," he said. "We've had many offers of assistance, not only from very good attorneys, but also offers to begin a legal fund to take care of whatever it might cost to litigate the matter."

One legal avenue UND might pursue is suing the NCAA for breach of contract, Harmeson said.

"When we entered into the agreement to become a member of the NCAA, we knew what the requirements were at the time we contracted," he said. "Clearly, there's an attempt to change that without mutual consent."

Tom Buning, UND athletic director, said the uniform ban could become a problem again in the spring if the university's hockey or basketball teams make it into the NCAA post-season playoffs. Given that UND is still in the appeals process and that it takes at least six months to receive new uniforms, he said it would be nearly impossible to get them in time for spring playoff games.

[Skitterpop]

How about the North Dakota Fighting Casinos? That way we could keep the great native heritage as part of the name. The same thing happened with Barnesville High. They were the Trojans until the blown up condemns went flying through the air. Wahpeton ND was the Wops which I have heard was a derogatory term for a Polish person. Devil's Lake High was the Devil's but that must have offended all the Satanist's so now they are the Firebirds. i just figured it out! The new UND name will be The North Dakota Fighting I'm Offended.

[NAPAFISH]

This is little off No. Dak subject but I frankly remember stories of a WHL or AHL some defunct league, one of the teams was from Macon Macon Georgia maybe??? Well anyway the team was Whoppee Macon Whoppee

[buzzsaw]

The latest!!

The battle between the University of North Dakota and the NCAA over UND's "Fighting Sioux" nickname and imagery continued Friday with the NCAA's decision to deny North Dakota's final appeal, keeping the school on the list of institutions subject to restrictions from NCAA championship events.

The NCAA's Friday release said, in part:

In denying the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania appeals, the Executive Committee concluded that Native American references used by each university create hostile or abusive environments inconsistent with the NCAA constitution and inconsistent with the NCAA commitment to diversity, respect and sportsmanship.

ADVERTISEMENT

Today's decision means the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without Native American references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

North Dakota president Charles Kupchella immediately objected to the NCAA's ruling.

"We are not only disappointed by the NCAA's action, we are baffled by it," Kupchella said in a statement. "We will continue to take issue with the fact that the policy is illegitimate and that it has been applied to UND inappropriately and in an arbitrary and capricious [manner]."

Kupchella indicated that the school was weighing its options, including legal action.

Several schools, including Florida State and Utah, have been removed from the NCAA's initial list of restricted institutions, based in part on approval from "namesake" tribes.

North Dakota has similarly cited the support of local Sioux tribes in its appeals, but a recent letter to the NCAA from Ron His Horse Is Thunder, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, stated the tribe's opposition to UND's use of the nickname and cited a 2005 tribal resolution which "respectfully requests UND to discontinue use of its nickname and logo and supports the NCAA decision to bar the use of Native American tribal names in post season games by colleges and universities."

That statement was in contrast to a review provided to the NCAA by Archie Fool Bear, a Standing Rock council member, in support of North Dakota. In his letter to the NCAA, His Horse Is Thunder said that Fool Bear's review "does not reflect the official position of the [standing Rock Sioux Tribe]."

North Dakota's other Sioux tribe, the Spirit Lake Sioux, passed a tribal council resolution in 2000 that supported the nickname under certain conditions, including efforts by UND to promote diversity and oppose racism. Officials of the Spirit Lake tribe have not yet officially confirmed nor altered that position.

North Dakota's home venue, Ralph Engelstad Arena, hosted the 2006 West Regional, which UND won to advance to the Frozen Four.

The venue, built with funds donated by the late Ralph Engelstad, is adorned with thousands of Fighting Sioux logos. The NCAA declined to attempt to remove the regional from Grand Forks since the contract under which UND was awarded the regional was signed before the NCAA's current policy on "hostile and abusive" Native American imagery was adopted.

[Bryce]

Dressing as many freshman as they did this year, how 'bouts we just name them The NCAA Champions?

[buzzsaw]

What should we name them?? The scorching Flickertails?

[Jarrod32]

Came across this news story earlier:

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - A district judge has granted a preliminary injunction to stop the NCAA from banning the University of North Dakota from hosting a postseason game because of its "Fighting Sioux" nickname, state Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said.

Stenehjem said judge Lawrence Jahnke alerted him to the decision Saturday night. Stenehjem did not know the details.

UND is among a handful of schools with American Indian nicknames and logos that the NCAA considers hostile and abusive. Those schools are barred from holding postseason tournaments, or from using their nicknames during road playoff games.

Stenehjem, in asking for the injunction, said the ban might cost UND (9-1, 7-1 North Central Conference) home field advantage in this year's NCAA Division II football playoffs.

With its 33-26 win Saturday over South Dakota, UND is likely to receive a bye in the first round, starting on Nov. 18.

"We should be in good shape to be able to host in two weeks at the Alerus (Center)," said UND Athletic Director Tom Buning.

Jahnke did not immediately return a telephone call Sunday seeking comment.

Fargo attorney Wick Corwin, representing the NCAA, also did not immediately return a telephone call Sunday.

Stenehjem asked Jahnke during a court hearing Thursday to stop the NCAA from banning the nickname until a full hearing on the case is held.

North Dakota officials sued the NCAA last month, saying the ban is a breach of contract and violates antitrust laws. The NCAA argued that an exemption for UND would deprive the association of authority over its own championships.

Jahnke on Thursday set a tentative trial date in the nickname dispute for April 24. The attorney general's office is handling the case for UND, which is paying for it with private contributions.

[brittman]

Fight the fight. I like the idea they will not give in.

Still can you imagine flickertails vs gophers?

Minnesota fans can finally start throwing things onto the ice like UND fans. Tough to throw a Souix over the glass - OK I am kidding - lighten up.

I always liked the dead badger on the ice when UND played Wisconsin.

[buzzsaw]

I like the fact that this is the year they went up to AA and got swept!! Blah ha ha!!

[buzzsaw]

Where are all the Sioux backers when there not doing so well??? I guess no banter forthcoming until they start winning. More good reading.

Something Rotten in Grand Forks?

by Dane DeKrey/Staff Writer

A month ago, if you were to say that North Dakota was going to be 7-6-1 in its first 14 games, you probably would have been laughed out of the room.

The laughter, however, has stopped, as a triumvirate of trouble has led to a deafening quiet by one of college hockey's most talented teams.

But the baby need not be thrown out with the bathwater according to head coach, Dave Hakstol, who felt his team has taken some large strides thus far into the season despite going winless in four of its last five games.

"We knew coming in that our success is going to be based on our development," said Hakstol, who has generaled the program to consecutive Frozen Four appearances since taking over for Dean Blais in 2004. "Obviously we want to have more wins and fewer losses, but I'm happy with the way our team is developing. We have a long ways to go, but in the first two months of the year, we've made some real, key steps forward."

It seems the steps which Hakstol refers to, go both ways, as inconsistent play by the green and white has been well-documented in the polls. October 16: 3rd. October 23: 10th. November 13: 3rd. November 27: 11th.

So, why the fluctuation?

After being mauled by Maine, UND lost junior goaltender Philippe Lamoureux to a foot injury. His replacements — highly-touted freshman Anthony Grieco, and sophomore Aaron Walksi.

Grieco came out guns-a-blazin', going 3-0-1 in his first three starts.

Captain Chris Porter expressed his content with Grieco's ability to come through in the clutch for the team.

"He really did a great job," said the Thunder Bay, Ontario, native of fellow Canadian, Grieco. "Anthony stepped into a tough situation, being young and asked to win games for us, he's been great for us."

But then, Alaska happened. UND was downed 6-2, 4-2 by the Seawolves of Anchorage, who swept the Fighting Sioux for the first time in 11 years. Greico struggled, UND couldn't score, and, as has been the case all season, poor second-period play sewed the seeds of disaster.

Hakstol was the first to admit the team's poor mid-game play as the main contributor to UND's losses.

"Statistically, there's no question that it hasn't been a good period for us," Hakstol said. "It has to be a point of emphasis for us as far as carrying any momentum from the first period, and, also, bring a certain level of concentration into the third."

Making matters worse for UND has been good, but not great, play by the team's two franchise players — T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews.

Oshie simply can't catch a break. Having hit the inside of numerous posts, the feisty forward has yet to be rewarded for his borderline-chaotic play. As for Toews, while averaging a little over a point a game, he has yet to assert himself as the on-ice general many believe he has the capability to be.

The two have 23 points combined. To put that into perspective, Minnesota's Kyle Okposo and Jay Barriball have 34, and they are still wearing their freshmen diapers.

Even with Lamoureux back between the pipes, the Sioux are lacking the consistent play they are capable of, a fact that may prove damming later in the season. Being that UND plays in college hockey's best conference, the WCHA, now more than ever, every point matters.

"Every team in the WCHA plays well on any given night," said Porter. "Obviously our goal is to finish on top, but Minnesota is playing great, so is Denver; we're not looking past anyone right now."

Such seems like sound advice, given the current slump the team is attempting to bust out of.

[sum34]

Just as good as your last reading material you put on. The Siouxs record this year is no worse than the previous 2 yrs. You have to be a secret Sioux fan for all the yappin you do about them.

[buzzsaw]

I am, how did you know? I had faith in you Sum, your far smarter than I ever gave you credit for! Now you can move onto counting to ten and the ABC's while your learning so quickly and all. Don't be such a sourpuss, it's not becoming of a four year old.

One word for ya junior, RIVALRY!

[sum34]

I just stated facts about the record. So I don't no where the sourpuss is coming from. Dig up all the info on the Sioux you want. I think thats great that your a gopher fan but you spend alot of time checking up the Sioux. 1+2+4=7. 1+1+2+1=5.

[buzzsaw]

Sum, I get it... if your a fan of one team, your not allowed to look at where your competition is in the standings and most definitely not allowed to post it anywhere because that might hurt your feelings. What are you like 10 years old?

[Hockey Guy]

All I can say is be careful Buzzy. As a Gopher fan you know that you can never count UND out of anything. I have learned over the years that even if they finish 9th or 10th in the WCHA they are still not a team you want to play in the playoffs! I know your just getting in your shots while you can and it’s all in good fun, but until the Gophers win the NCAA again (like they will this year), every Gopher hater can always get in the last words. Those words are “Holy Cross”. I even hate to type it.

I just want to ride this Gopher wave as long as possible. Minnesota could very well be in the same position next year as UND is this year. I could see our team losing 5 or 6 quality players at the end of the year! Go Gophers!

[buzzsaw]

Quote:

---

Minnesota could very well be in the same position next year as UND is this year. I could see our team losing 5 or 6 quality players at the end of the year! Go Gophers

---

You mean like what we just went through?! We lost a ton of talent to the NHL, I'd laugh at any other teams fan that thought they lost more talent than we did... we just reloaded and our young guys are gelling better so far. It's all in fun anyways, SUM people just get wierded out and can't handle a little grief.

P.S. I know the Gophers lost to Holy Cross last year, but did the Sioux win the nat'l title? I didn't think so...

[wallmounter]

Quote:

---

P.S. I know the Gophers lost to Holy Cross last year, but did the Sioux win the nat'l title? I didn't think so...

---

Did the goophers win the nat'l title last year...I didn't think so as well.

[fishyguy]

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

P.S. I know the Gophers lost to Holy Cross last year, but did the Sioux win the nat'l title? I didn't think so...

---

Did the goophers win the nat'l title last year...I didn't think so as well.

---

So if no one can talk about last year, I guess all we have left is this year. Which brings us right back to the beginning which is talking about this year. Or can we only discuss the Sioux when things are going well?

[buzzsaw]

Fishyguy, I'm so glad you get it!! I swear the Sioux fans go right to the whiskey bottle and get defensive as soon as their Flickertails start losing! It's a rivalry and they only like to participate in the banter when there team is on top.... which it hasn't been for a while! I justhope my close personal friend SUM, can come to grips with his hostile mentality and loosen up a bit. (I'm sure that comment will help)

[Jill]

I only have one think to say about all of this...

GO HUSKIES!!

[sum34]

I guess I didn't no I was getting so hostile. I was stating a fact about the record and you go off the deepend about being a sourpuss and can't handle the smack talk. Its nice to see I grew up from a 4 yr old to a 10 yr old overnite. Do all the trash talk you want I can take it just fine.

[buzzsaw]

It's all in fun SUM, I changed your age as I noticed you could spell.

[sum34]

I can add and subtract also.

[DEADhead]

ok boys....

Maybe we can all agree that Bucky sucks and be nice to each other again