The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead: Old UND nickname fans get clear message from Schafer

I was surprised when some thought that Interim UND President Ed Schafer would revisit the nickname issue. That's not what Schafer was brought here to do. Schafer is here to help transition to a new university president. Maybe clean up a mess or two. In my opinion, there are a few messes at UND that need to be cleaned up.

The message is clear, the voting over and we move forward. Of course, the Forum never lets an opportunity to chastise the UND fan base go to waste. This time, is no different?

The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Editorial Board -- A loyal UND alumnus, Schafer might have seen the matter differently during the lengthy debate about retiring the nickname. But to his credit, he hasn’t talked about the history. Rather, he was clear as a cloudless January sky about the nickname situation now. “That issue has been settled,” he said.

“... and in my opinion, whether you like the name or not, whether you supported the Fighting Sioux or not, the reality is we’re beyond that.”

It is unlikely the die-hard supporters of the old nickname (who have taken to booing when the new Fighting Hawks nickname is announced at ice hockey games) will be satisfied with Schafer’s definitive statement. It is likely they will continue their losing crusade and boorish behavior, which embarrasses the school they say they love. It is certain they will react badly (it’s what they do) because some of them really believed Schafer would reopen the debate.

Again, I think the key is selecting an acceptable logo that fans can get behind. Most of us are very cynical that the University can do this effectively. I am not so sure.

Finally,  If UND was to win a title in hockey or some other sport with the new nickname in the near future, that could help the transition to a new nickname.