Image via WikipediaIn case you haven’t seen it former Fighting Sioux hockey beat writer Virg Foss absolutely nailed it with this article on the Fighting Sioux nickname. Virg Foss, Grand Forks Herald --- By marching on without a nickname might be the ultimate show of respect to the Sioux name as we say goodbye to it.While there are some pointy headed P.C. hand wringers that want UND to select a new nickname right away because they claim that the no-nickname approach is a way for UND to remain a sort of de Facto Fighting Sioux. Realistically, you’re going to have a hard time totally getting rid of the Fighting Sioux nickname, it’s been part of UND storied history for a very long time, The Fighting Sioux nickname is engrained in our culture and is part of our schools rich history.
I suspect that for as long as I live, fans will wear their Fighting Sioux jerseys to UND games. Sioux cheers will erupt from the crowds.
Taking away the name won’t change that. Neither will forcing a new nickname upon us.
A few years ago, I watched the movie “We Are Marshall” and felt chills go through me listening to the fans chant the school name in a slow cadence.
I watched Penn State students turn out to protest the firing of football legend Joe Paterno earlier this week and heard the chants of “We Are . . . Penn State” rise from their throats.
When the next school year begins at UND, we’ll no longer see the logos or Sioux name on UND uniforms.
UND will press on and in time bitter feelings and wounded hearts will begin to heal.
There’s no need to rush to a new nickname, if one is ever needed.
I am going to continue to wear my Fighting Sioux sweaters, hoodies and hats with pride until they fall off and disintegrate. Lastly, I also agree with Foss, I like the no-nickname approach and why not simply remain just “North Dakota” wouldn't that be an awesome name? No need for a ridiculous replacement nickname that few will get behind and that no one will like, UND sports teams could just be plain "North Dakota".
