Inforum Weighs in on Fighting Hawks

Check it out.

Inforum.com -- It’s all over but the squawking, which will go on for years among mulish fans of the retired University of North Dakota nickname. “Squawking” is somehow appropriate because the new nickname, as selected last week by 57 percent of 27,378 votes cast out of a potential voting pool of more than 82,000 alums and others, is “Fighting Hawks,” and one of the noises a hawk makes is a kind of squawk!

So, Fighting Hawks it will be. It’s a peculiar choice in some ways, not the least of which is that hawks, as fierce as they look, don’t fight much in the wild. They might scrap among themselves over territory, ornithologists say, but they don’t go about “fighting” other creatures. Their most noteworthy aggression is to kill small animals for food.

UND Votes: Fighting Hawks it Is.

First, I can say, not everyone is going to be happy. For a nickname that received a lot of votes, there are still a lot of unhappy people. 

Also, I am not sure why we had to wait for two more days after the vote was over  

But I digress.

Finally, After not having a nickname for three years, and after three nickname votes...In my humble opinion, the last one was unnecessary. After having a bunch of nickname meetings and committees, UND has a new nickname.  I think this was the best choice of five bad nickname choices. I think eventually we will just be the Hawks.

Here's the link to theshort video announcement:

Total votes: 27,378

• Fighting Hawks: 15,670 votes (57.24 percent)
• Roughriders: 11,708 votes (42.76 percent)

Welcome to the flock @UNDmhockey. #HawksFlyTogether

— The Brotherhood (@MiamiOH_Hockey) November 18, 2015

New slogan idea? #SiouxForever pic.twitter.com/MEU88kLmtA

— Coltyn Sanderson (@coltynsanderson) November 18, 2015

No because I was honored and I'm still honored to be a part of the tradition. Give your head a shake dumby https://t.co/VqaCZ8CAlm

— Drake Caggiula (@drakecaggiula) November 18, 2015

Look, I'm just happy to have something other than 'UND' to write on a second reference.

— Matthew Semisch (@matthewsemisch) November 18, 2015

Hakstol said the nickname change at ND ... "Should have left it as North Dakota"

— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) November 18, 2015

Yet ANOTHER Nickname Post (RW77)

by Redwing77

Ok, here's another Nickname post, but I must chime in.  As Goon already stated, we're down to two nicknames:  Roughriders and Fighting Hawks.  NoDaks are now out of the equation so...

Eulogy for the NoDak nickname:

It surprises me how NoDak got as far as it did in this process seeing how little support it got in the voting process.  However, I don't think many of the detractors realize what NoDak would have gotten UND.

First, it would have been a unique nickname.  In fact, it was the only unique nickname in the final three and the only acceptable unique nickname in the final five.

Second, it would have given the no nickname crowd something to sink their teeth into.  No, the "Let's just be UND or North Dakota" crowd will forever be on the losing end, but this is the best nickname to keep that attitude alive.  So, the detractors for the UND crowd will inevitable justify its loss by saying "it's just childish and petty."  However, it gives everyone what they want.  The North Dakota no nickname faithful have a nickname they can forget about, hence giving them the ability to just say "North Dakota," and still give the institution a marketable nickname (as hypocritical as that seems) and give the "we want a new nickname" crowd what they want.

Third, it's PC neutral.  I know, we shouldn't pander to the PC crowd, but that's how society is these days.

What's Left:

Roughriders - Ok, not a bad nickname.  In fact, it's not bad at all.  There are, among the ranks of amateur and professional sports...from high school to pros 11 teams known as the Rough riders.  Including three high schools (Grand Forks Red River, Cedar Rapids High School in Cedar Rapids, IA and Roosevelt High School in Seattle, WA) found in a simple Google search (meaning, it would not surprise me at all if there were many more).

But this is the BEST option for those activists who are dying for a cause now that the Fighting Sioux nickname is dead.  Activists need something to complain about and having a benign nickname would simply not do.  Of the three options, NoDaks is the only one that is truly PC friendly.  Roughriders, though a good nickname and worthy, is an allusion to Teddy Roosevelt.  I could get on my soap box and wax cynical about this whole thing, but let's just stay on topic.  The activists want this nickname so they can raise a stink and cause more controversy.  Don't feed the trolls.

Fighting Hawks --

Nevermind the Redhawks or anything.  The Fighting Hawks gives many of the people desperate for a return to the Fighting Sioux at least half of what they want... They get the "Fighting" part of the name back.  It also is a cheap and easy way to keep the current colors... though you could just as easily do it with NoDaks as well.

What is a "Fighting Hawk?"  I thought hawks were birds of prey who feasted on opportunistic prey..such as fish that swim too close to the surface or an unlucky field mouse.

If we wanted to be a "Fighting" Hawk why not have us be the "Warhawks?" instead?

In the end...

Oh well.  In the end, we'll probably be the Fighting Hawks, yet another bird mascot fluttering around the arena.  But then again... it could be worse.  We could be the Sundogs.

It's Down to Fighting Hawks and Rough Riders

And then there were two nickname choices left. Yay! Right? I suppose we will just keep voting eh?

There are a few things that we know, Sundogs and Nodaks nickname options are out. There's a good chance that someone will file a lawsuit and try to prolong the agony.

Here we go again, the UND nickname vote is going to a redundant third and final vote. Meh!... And let's drag it out even longer. Again, we have to wait till the 12th of November to vote again. I think we should start voting tomorrow or Tuesday. This nickname fiasco has become a major league gong show.

Brandi Jewett, Grand Forks Herald --- A third round of voting will take place between Fighting Hawks and Roughriders to select UND’s athletic nickname after none of the three proposed nicknames failed to garner a majority of voter support.

The final runoff between these two names will be held for eligible voters beginning Nov. 12 at noon Central Time and concluding at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Nov. 16.

The university announced Sunday that Fighting Hawks received 45.69 percent of voter support and Roughriders received 27.95 percent. With no option securing the majority, another vote will take place between the two frontrunners.

Nodaks received the least support with 26.36 percent of votes and is now out of the running.

In my opinion, the assinine thing is the fact that we're even having a third vote. I am sorry, but 45.69 - 27.95 is a statistically significant difference.

After all that time and energy spent trying to find a unique nickname, UND will most likely be the 29th version of a hawk in college sports.

— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) November 8, 2015

North Dakota had multiple chances to pick a 100% unique nickname (SunDogs, NoDaks). Now they're going to be just another school with a bird.

— Jack Hittinger (@jackhitts) November 8, 2015

Voters Selling Nickname Vote

Now I have heard it all. We have eligible voters selling their votes. What next?

Anna Burleson, Grand Forks Herald -- Schurkey Swanke is "trolling for idiots," as he puts it.

Swanke lives in Grand Forks and qualifies to vote for UND's new nickname because he has donated money to the school, but he said he's so sick of hearing about it that he's selling his vote online.

"UND is not an institution of hockey, and UND is not an institution of football," he said. "I enjoy hockey, but if there were any money savings that could be devoted to education, I'd cancel the hockey program in a heartbeat. It's a diversion from the real core of what UND was supposed to do."

UND Nickname Vote: Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote

The group that filed the lawsuit to stop the nickname vote has failed. I can't imagine that there can be anything thing else standing in the way of the nickname vote. And as I write this, somehow karma will find a way to screw up the nickname vote. Now, the court has spoken and wasted no time throwing out this lawsuit. What nickname do we end up with?

Anna Burleson, Grand Forks Herald – A Fargo judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the University of North Dakota's nickname vote. Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote.

Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in a complaint filed Thursday that the vote stop until UND or North Dakota are voting options and the state's Sioux tribes are included as eligible voters.

A judge denied the request Monday, citing a lack of evidence showing the vote would cause irreparable harm.

"We appreciate the decision of the courts," UND spokesman Peter Johnson said. "The voting process will continue, and we look forward to the results of the vote."

Becker, a Republican state representative from Grand Forks, said he had been told by legal counsel the case's hearing was short.

"We obviously will regroup and consider what our options are," he said.

I must say that I agree with Rich Becker. There really are some bad nickname choices. Some are worse than others. I also think it's silly to not vote. At least you can have a hand in voting against the less attractive nicknames. I am sure you can figure out which one on your own.

"It is so obvious these five names inspire nobody really and they're trying to make lemonade out of a lemon," Becker said. "It is what it is. We're disappointed but the sun will come up tomorrow and we'll see what we're going to do next."

UND Nickname Vote: Zach Parise Doesn't Care for Choices

Former Fighting Sioux All-American forward Zach Parise doesn't like any of the Nickname choices that are being voted on. He's not alone, a lot of voters have relayed these feelings. It will be interesting to see if move on folks will complain about Parise who is one of UND's most popular Alumni.

Per Paul Walsh, Startribune:

The University of North Dakota opened voting Monday for a new nickname, with the ballot offering five choices to replace Fighting Sioux, and former UND hockey star Zach Parise has weighed in.

That nickname was erased in 2012 under pressure from the NCAA because of its potential to offend American Indians. New nickname options are: Fighting Hawks, Nodaks, North Stars, Roughriders and Sundogs.

Parise, a member of the Minnesota Wild who proudly wore the Sioux name on his jersey, said Monday that he doesn’t care for any of the names on the ballot.

UND Votes

Just voted #NODAKS #FightingSioux 's beginnings pic.twitter.com/HpfJVKf2yf

— Tim Brubakken (@timbrubakken) October 19, 2015

Here's some of the tweets that came across my tweet deck today. The vote for a new nickname started today. What nickname did you vote for and why?

Votes in #Nodaks #undhockey #nodakhockey

— Ryan Dunphy (@azsioux) October 19, 2015

Nodaks, Nodaks, and more Nodaks...What nickname did you vote for? In your opinion, which nickname is the least lame. For me, it's Fighting Hawks, but I can stomach Nodaks and Rough Riders, too.

Nodaks it is. #UNDnickname #NodakNation

— Tom Mroz (@tom_mroz) October 19, 2015

Sad day. Just voted #nodaks for the new nickname. Please for the love of God, don't vote Sundogs #UNDnickname #fightingsiouxforever

— Dan Riley (@rile0151) October 19, 2015

Sundogs probably won't be a popular choice. Not seeing the nickname Sundogs tweeted a lot today.

To anyone eligible to vote for the new UND nickname, please vote the fighting hawks!

— Spencer C (@C1Spencer) October 19, 2015

Words of the only other person from my high school to go to UND on the Nickname vote: "It's the Monte Mohawks thing all over again." #truth

— Sara Folkestad (@saraj323) October 19, 2015

Notch another vote for #Nodaks.

— Steve Drees (@stevedrees) October 19, 2015

Not that I want a new nickname but from the list of names were given I gotta choose Nodaks. Go back to where it all started. #tradition

— Drake Caggiula (@drakecaggiula) October 19, 2015

So I have been successfully co-opted into the process. #Nodaks #newnickname pic.twitter.com/YejTjmkWn9

— Trevor Van Berkom (@OhioSioux) October 19, 2015

I voted #Nodaks but will still call them the Fighting Sioux.

— Brad Boyd (@NDBrad) October 19, 2015

Just voted #NODAKS #FightingSioux 's beginnings pic.twitter.com/HpfJVKf2yf

— Tim Brubakken (@timbrubakken) October 19, 2015

UND Nickname Vote Starts Tomorrow at 0800 C.T.

Remember Folks, if you can vote on the UND nickname and don't. You have no room to be upset if you don't like the end results. Per the email that we got. Feel Free to add your nickname choice and why. 

Voting begins on Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. Central Time, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Oct. 23. The voting link will not be activated until the voting opens on Oct. 19.

Eligible voters will only be able to vote once, and will be asked to choose from the following potential nicknames:

• Fighting Hawks
• Nodaks
• North Stars
• Roughriders
• Sundogs

UND anticipates receiving the results of the vote early the week of Oct. 26. In the event none of the five potential nicknames receives more than 50 percent of the vote, stakeholders who were eligible to take part in the initial vote will be able to participate in a runoff vote between the two top vote-getters. If a runoff vote occurs, more information will be provided.

Is Nodak Nation Trending?

Last night, before the UND's game against the BSU Beavers, the Nodak Nation flag made an appearance in the student section. I have to admit that nickname is kind of catchy and could be trending. Tomorrow, I am still voting for Fighting Hawks.

That being said, could this be UND's new nickname? Apparently, the head coach of the UND hockey team Brad Berry seems to like the nickname, too.

Congrats Matt Hrynkiw-1st Collegiate Win. To Brock Boeser-1st Career Hat Trick. And our loud and passionate Student Sections. #NoDak Nation

— Brad Berry (@BradBerry29) October 18, 2015

Oh Boy, Let's Reject the Sundogs Nickname Outright

Yesterday, the Grand Forks Herald asked readers what nickname they liked the best. Today, the Herald posted the comments from readers. A few of them make you want to pull your hair out of your head. Like I mentioned yesterday, it would be interesting to know how many of these people actually played an organized sport. Also, when I see the nickname Sundogs, I don't think of power or intimidating. I think of activating the 9/11 system, because I am going to have a stroke.

Many of you probably told them none of the above. That was my response. I am going to vote for Fighting Hawks. People eligible to vote need to come out and defeat the Sundogs nickname.

Some of these comments make my head explode. Here's the comments that stick out.

You can read the whole article by clicking on this link:

Sundogs. Unique, durable, sustainable, and leaves options for mascot and logo wide open.

Sundogs. I envision a logo of the head of a dog wearing sunglasses and I think that would be pretty cool.

Sundogs, due to it sounding best when introducing teams and being geographically relevant. The other options have too many negatives, including too many like mascots and mocking relevance.

sUNDogs. I like the UND in the middle, and that it has a bit of a Native American connection. "Part of the time we marched in the teeth of a biting storm of snow, and at every hour of the day the sun could be discerned sulking behind soft grey mists in company with rivals, known in the language of the plains as 'Sun-dogs', whose parahelic splendors warned the traveller of the approach of the ever-to-be-dreaded 'blizzard'." [Bourke, John (1966). Mackenzie's Last Fight with the Cheyennes. Argonaut Press Ltd. p. 10.]

I plan on voting for Sundogs because I think it is unique for the area, has UND in the name, and would lend itself to an interesting logo. - Casey Stittsworth, attended UND 2003-2007, men's hockey season ticket holder.

I'm an alum who has been watching this debate rage for 25 years. Let's pick a name and get it behind us. Yes, in our hearts, we will always be Fighting Sioux, but we need an official nickname for the generations to come. My choice is the sUNDdogs. It's unique. It's timeless. It has ties to the region. We can educate people about our climate. I think a well-designed logo could make this something special for UND.

82,000 Eligible to Vote for UND's New Nickname

According to Anna Burleson of the Grand Forks Herald, over 82,000 people will be eligible to vote in next weeks nickname vote.

The vote will be held Oct. 19 - 23. Voters will be asked to choose the Nodaks, Sundogs, Roughriders, Fighting Hawks or North Stars.

Those who can vote are UND students, faculty and staff, retirees and alumni who attended the school for any length of time. Donors—those who have ever given any monetary amount—and season ticketholders as of Aug. 31 are also eligible.

UND spokesman Peter Johnson said 82,121 individual email accounts are now on file and will be sent information on how to vote through the external survey company Qualtrics, though that number wasn't exact as of Tuesday because some duplicates are still being filtered and removed.

UND spokesman Peter Johnson said 82,121 individual email accounts are now on file and will be sent information on how to vote through the external survey company Qualtrics, though that number wasn't exact as of Tuesday because some duplicates are still being filtered and removed.

From the Delusional Department:

A mind is a terrible thing to waste. I'd like to know how many of the people supporting Sundogs actually played some sort of organized sports?

If Sundogs ended up being the final selection, UND will be a laughing stock of the college athletics world. That's why I am ready to get this moving forward so we can stop these ridiculous letters to the editor. I'd also like to know who Ralph has been talking too.

It would be interesting to know how many of the people that support Sundogs are anti-Fighting Sioux nickname?

From the Grand Forks Herald editorial page:

I'm starting to think the Sundogs nickname might be the one chosen by a majority of UND voters in the coming vote.

Years ago, it was obvious the Sioux nickname was going to have to be abandoned. I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about a new nickname, one that would be unique, strong, powerful, reflective of North Dakota and UND, and easy to use with sporting events' cheers, slogans and logos.

In a letter I sent to the Herald in 2007, I suggested Sundogs. I also was among those who entered the name in the recent UND "contest," and was pleased but not surprised when it came out as one of the five finalists.

Time To Vote: UND nickname voting instructions to be sent this week

Here's the letter that I got today. 

As an eligible UND nickname voter, you should receive an email in the next day or two that will contain instructions and a link for casting your vote.

The email will come from Qualtrics, the third-party online voting service retained to manage the voting process for UND. The email will be sent to this address. Please read the instructions carefully.

SAVE the Qualtrics email! You will need the link it contains to vote next week.

Voting begins on Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. Central Time, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Oct. 23. The voting link will not be activated until the voting opens on Oct. 19.

Eligible voters will only be able to vote once, and will be asked to choose from the following potential nicknames:

• Fighting Hawks
• Nodaks
• North Stars
• Roughriders
• Sundogs

UND anticipates receiving the results of the vote early the week of Oct. 26. In the event none of the five potential nicknames receives more than 50 percent of the vote, stakeholders who were eligible to take part in the initial vote will be able to participate in a runoff vote between the two top vote-getters. If a runoff vote occurs, more information will be provided.

Tom Dennis: Let the Sundogs shine as new UND nickname

I almost fell out of my chair at work when I read this, thank God my mouth wasn't full of coffee when I read this. First, I think Tom Dennis, for the most part, is spot on in a lot of his editorial writings. Even if he's a bit liberal for me. But this, ugh. This is even worthy of a woof. If UND picks the nickname Sundogs, which is highly doubtful, they will become the laughing stock of college sports. This line of thinking must be rejected.

Tom Dennis, Grand Forks Herald:

For there shine the sundogs, the sun's twin siblings that on cold and clear North Dakota mornings never fail to take your breath away.

Why not clue in the rest of America to this unique phenomenon?

Sundogs sparkle; sundogs dance. Sundogs inspire, blending the North Country's core elements of ice crystals and blue sky into a vision that impressed Shakespeare himself: "Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?" the Bard wrote in "Henry VI, Part 3."

Sounds like the kind of rapture UND could use right now.

And that's why we hope supporters of the university will choose Sundogs as UND's next nickname.

For decades, the Herald has tracked UND's nickname debate as closely as has any institution in town. We've seen the harm that the long and bitter battle has done to the school's spirit. We've watched as a mood of sullenness has settled like a fog on the university community.

And we think Sundogs might just be the symbol to chase those blues away.

I don't know about other folks, but the nickname Sundogs is a nonstarter for me. During the late 1990's to early 2000's, the student organization B.R.I.D.G.E.S pushed the nickname Sundogs, hard. This is the same organization that was very instrumental in getting rid of the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Former UND Grad to Take Legal Action Against UND over Nickname

Just when you think you're finally going to vote, another wrench gets thrown into the equation. This is turning into a soap opera. Or a train wreck that you can't take your eyes off of.

According to Rob Port of Say Anything Blog, UND grad William Brotherton is plans to take legal action against the University of North Dakota. I kid you not.

I would imagine that he better hurry up, there's only 10 1/2 days until voting takes place. Also, there might be question on whether Mr. Brotherton actually has standing in this manner.

“We are looking to raise money to look at filing a pleading by next friday [October 16],” William Brotherton, who operates the Brotherton Law Office, told me today. “There’s a number of questions as to how the nickname committee arrived at its decision on the five names. There is the huge outcry over the fact that North Dakota is not listed as one of the options for the voters. There’s also an outcry that you can’t even write in any other choice. It all seems to be very much orchestrated.”

Asked how he got involved, Brotherton said people started contacting him after he wrote an op/ed published in the Fargo Forum about the controversy. “I have received a lot of calls and emails from folks because I wrote an op/ed,” he said. “A bunch of folks have been contacting me so I guess I sort of became the lightning rod for all this.”

Like I have said in the past, I favored the UND/North Dakota option, but I have since warmed to moving ahead and voting for a new nickname. Fighting Hawks is the one that I have decided I like the best. The other four options all have issues. Especially, the Sundogs option.

Grand Forks Herald: Former Bismarck Mayor Marlan “Hawk” Haakenson UND can't use my trade names

First, what's this guy's end game? President Robert O. Kelley isn't budging either. Maybe I am wrong, but I don't see him putting North Dakota on the nickname ballot.

I know I am not a lawyer, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. But I don't see how one guy, who happens to be an NDSU guy, can derail the whole nickname process.

If I was the University of North Dakota, I would just ignore him. Don't like it, sue us in court. This would be tied up in the courts for years.
Per the Grand Forks Herald:

Former Bismarck Mayor Marlan “Hawk” Haakenson urged UND President Robert Kelley to add “North Dakota” to the ballot for a new nickname, saying he will not authorize the school to use four names he has registered as trade names.

In a handwritten letter sent Sept. 28, Haakenson said he owns rights to four names, having added “Roughriders Sports Team” to three names he registered earlier in September. “I will not sell the rights to use my trademarks. I will not let anyone use them.”

Haakenson also has registered trade names for Fighting Hawks, North Stars and Nodaks.

“You have time to add ‘North Dakota’ to your ballot, as an overwhelming percentage of your qualified voters have asked you to do. That’s the right thing to do,” he wrote. “You give the appearance of rigged ballot and vote.”

I know I have said this 100 times. I love the Fighting Sioux nickname. I also realize that this fight should have taken place about 5-7 years ago. It seems like some have been late to the party. The Fighting Sioux nickname is gone and not coming back. If UND had refused to change the Fighting Sioux nickname, there's no way that UND would be able to host an NCAA regional.

I also don't really like any of the nickname choices that we get to vote on. I could accept, Nodaks, Rough Riders/Roughriders (Not really sure how they will end up spelling this), and Fighting Hawks. These are the best choices in my opinion. I honestly don't know which of the three I will vote for. My friend Mafia Man from Sioux Sports, actually kind of swayed me towards Fighting Hawks. This seems to be the option that is trending as of late.

Again, I am pro-Fighting Sioux nickname, I will always be. I am worn out with the argument surrounding the nickname. I am (reluctantly) ready to move on, I will vote for a nickname in October. That being said, I will always wear my Fighting Sioux gear with pride when the opportunity arises. Last Wednesday, I wore a golf shirt with the Fighting Sioux logo on it to the hockey presser. I didn't even realize I was wearing it. Just came out of the wash that way.

Sure, why not? Crookston Times Letter: Prairie Dogs is a great nickname for UND

This one is too hilarious not to share with the blog readers, feel free to share your thoughts. This nickname suggestion is almost as bad as Sundogs. Close, but Sundogs still takes it for all-time bad nickname suggestions.

Per the Crookston Times:

I'd like to add my suggestion to that list of five, Prairie Dogs. Why Prairie Dogs? Because they're social animals, they keep a sharp lookout for their enemies, and they alert one another to danger by making loud barking or chirping noises. Also, just think about it. What are the prairie states? They're Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota, and they border the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Go! Prairie Dogs! Go!

If you're curious about why I took such an interest in this "Name Game," I can tell you why. I grew up in Crookston, Minnesota and played ice hockey at Cathedral High School with Johnny Noah who died this month. Johnny was 87, and so am I. Johnny and other guys from Cathedral played for the first UND Big Ten hockey team which was coached by our former football and hockey coach, Don Norman. Of course, this was way back in the forties and early fifties, but it sure left an impression on me, and so did Johnny Noah who also played on the U.S. Olympic team.
By Chuck Dowdle
Cambria, California

Grand Forks Herald Letter: Still time to put UND/North Dakota option on ballot

Whether we want to admit it or not, President Robert O. Kelley isn't going to change his mind. His mind has been made up. While I am in favor of being simply being UND/North Dakota, but it's not going to happen. We will not get our way. If you like the UND/North Dakota option, consider voting for Nodaks.

Per the Grand Forks Herald:
Now, UND's president won't allow a vote on the UND/North Dakota option. Months ago, he said he would consider putting

that option back on the ballot, but few people believe he had any intention of doing so.

Meanwhile, nearly 70 percent of UND students voted for the "no nickname" option on the ballot. Public numbers are similar. Once again, our leadership betrays its people.

Additionally, UND has employed fear-mongering tactics such as suggesting that the NCAA could come back and punish UND for what fans say. Seriously? Whatever happened to free speech? And will the NCAA really come out and say "UND must have a nickname"? I don't read that condition in the NCAA-UND agreement or NCAA's bylaws. It's just not necessary.

Oh Boy!

Ruthmary Arnason Unruh of Grand Forks, ND wrote this doozy of a letter to the editor. In my opinion, she's living in a pure fantasy world. Sure Nodaks is unique, but Sundogs isn't. Thank God, every online poll that I have seen has Sundogs in fourth or fifth.

NODAKS—Imagine this:
•A bold outline of the state of North Dakota
•A background of green and white (stripes, checks, lightning bolts, etc.)
•The word "NODAKS" in big letters covering the state—in a bold, funky font
•The eternal flame aglow in the letter "D" like the existing UND symbol
•This is a personal favorite. We are truly Nodaks.

SUNDOGS—Picture this:
•The word SUNDOGS in a creative brilliant font
•A burst (like the sun) around the letters UND of SUNDOGS
•Color bursts (sundogs) on either side of the word SUNDOGS (probably green and white flashes with a sparkling, classy look)
•The eternal flame aglow in the letter "D" or "O."

Come on, UND fans: Look forward. Visualize. Imagine. Pledge your loyalty.

Stand up and Cheer for a great new UND look.

North Dakota—Here's to you!