NDSU Student Embarrassed by UND Hockey Team

Someone posted this story on Sioux Sports and if you want a good laugh,  you should read this article. However, seriously, you can't re-write history. I have no idea who John Lipp is? Other than he's a student from Moo U that writes for their student newspaper. He had this wonderful piece in yesterday's NDSU's The Spectrum online version.

That being said, I am thoroughly disappointed in the way North Dakota was represented on the national stage.

Issue one: the persistence of cheering for the Fighting Sioux. It is embarrassing to see a mascot, perceived by many to be racially insensitive at best, so emphatically championed during one of our state’s brief moments in the spotlight.

It was 16 years ago that a collection of faculty representing UND’s Indian Related Programs wrote the nickname was perceived as “promoting the oppression of Native people, and placing UND at great risk for practicing and promoting state-supported, institutionalized racism.”

Furthermore, you do us no favors with hashtags like #RollTribe, as any diversity scholar worth his or her salt can describe the racially and stereotypically-charged history of that word. And no matter how desperately you claim to be honoring the native peoples of this land, the reality is that you care more about a college mascot than the people it purportedly represents.

Where to begin? When the NDSU Football team won their fifth FCS NCAA football championship, the first thing their fans did was yell Sioux Sux. The chant was heard on national television. Seriously, that's more embarrassing than UND fans chanting "Let's Go Sioux" or "Sioux Forever". Guess what? No one thought about the Bison after #raising8. No one started the "F#*k the Bison" chant.

So, UND fans yelling Sioux at a sporting event embarrasses the state more than NDSU Bison athletes' voter registration fraud scandal? Or how about the NDSU athletes stealing from Best Buy? Even better, how about football players getting into a fight downtown Fargo, in the middle of the night? I know, I know, that guy started the fight, right? The story still made the national news.

He who lives in a glass house, shouldn't cast stones.

UND Raises No. 8

For the first time in 16 years, the University of NorthDakota is college hockey's National Champion. The 2015-16 team will probably go down as one of the best in UND's storied history. Frozen Four MVP Drake Caggiula will have UND fans will be talking about him 20 from now. 

One historical fact, UND head coach Brad Berry is the first rookie head coach to win an NCAA title his first season. 

Finally, UND wins it all. What had become a yearly punch line, is now again a reality. UND had been to the NCAA’s Frozen Four in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015 only to come up short each time. With all of the talented players that have come through the doors of the Ralph, none of them had won it all. Until this season.There's some good news, this year, there will not be a thread suggesting UND fire the head coach. 

From day one, this team has been on a mission. They’ve been focused on one thing. Winning an NCAA title. They talked about it on a weekly basis. 

Think about this, 60 teams started the season with the goal of winning an NCAA title. Only one team will end their season with that important win. Last night, the 2015-16 UND hockey team did that. They accomplished the one thing that eluded this team for 16 years.The closed the deal. 

How special was this team? They were at the top of the NCAA in a lot of offensive and defensive categories. They had one of the best possession numbers in the country all season long. UND started the season with 11 freshmen. They were one of the youngest teams in the NCAA. 

In the NCAA playoffs, UND outscored their opponents 20-7. That’s impressive based on who they played. Their path to the national title went through some tough teams with great players: they went through Northeastern, Michigan, Denver and finally Quinnipiac. No one can say that got an easy game. 

In conclusion: what makes this win even more special is how the national hockey media fawned all over Quinnipiac all season long, week in, week out. But in the end, UND proved that they were the best team in the nation. 

I honestly think that the three best teams that I saw this season were in the NCHC, SCSU, UND, and Denver. I also think that UMD was a very tough team that could have beaten Boston College in their regional final. 

Former UND Hockey Players Check In

Tonight's the night! Good luck @UNDmhockey in the @NCAAIceHockey National Championship Game #believeitearnitraiseit

— Ryan Duncan (@rduncan16) April 9, 2016

Good luck to @UNDmhockey today in the national championship game, bring it home buiis! #siouxyeahyeah

— Mark MacMillan (@EasyMac_16) April 9, 2016

Good luck @UNDmhockey in the national title game. Future Hawk leading the way! #FrozenFour https://t.co/VNAW9Sd8IR

— Jonathan Toews (@JonathanToews) April 9, 2016

#LFG #RollTribe #hang8 pic.twitter.com/WRqZnd69wW

— Danny Kristo (@dkristo7) April 8, 2016

I love this picture. So fitting.

A bet is a bet! Pay the man. @UNDmhockey @Scooter_Von @Buccigross @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/bhtWKaWVWb

— Danny Kristo (@dkristo7) March 29, 2016

Congrats @UNDmhockey on making it to the National Championship Game! One more job to do! #finishit #raise8

— Mitch MacMillan (@Mitch_Mac89) April 8, 2016

@BradBerry29 @myUND Get Er Done Men #Wearefamily pic.twitter.com/Cv8jjm2MR0

— craig ludwig (@taz3311) April 8, 2016

Good luck to the Sioux boys at the #FrozenFour #hang8 #tonguesout pic.twitter.com/b1mYfmpltb

— Brendan O'Donnell (@bodonnell21) April 7, 2016

Good luck tonight Fighting Sioux!! I'll be battling from Germany for the 2:30am puck drop! @UNDmhockey

— Brad Miller (@Bradm14) April 7, 2016

Yeah baby!!! Go Sioux!!! 1 more!!! @UNDmhockey

— Derrick LaPoint (@d_lapoint) April 8, 2016

Best of luck to @UNDmhockey the FIGHTING SIOUX in the frozen four. #letsgetthelegsgoing #letsgetthemittsgoing

— Matt Frattin (@Matt_Frattin) April 7, 2016

Good luck to @UNDmhockey in the National Championship game tonight!!! Have fun and play hard!#SiouxYeahYeah

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) April 9, 2016

UNITED IN GREEN!!!!!!!!#BelieveIt-EarnIt-RaiseIt pic.twitter.com/AoyvjPrDDi

— Brad Berry (@BradBerry29) April 9, 2016

Good luck to the Sioux boys tonight in the National Championship game! #Hang8 #FightingSiouxForever

— Rocco Grimaldi (@RGrimaldi23) April 9, 2016

Never Going to Happen

CHL has submitted a brief to NCAA asking major junior players no longer be ineligible to play at US colleges. No response as yet.

— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) March 20, 2016

I don't think this is ever going to happen. There are too many high-level college hockey people that are against this idea. In my opinion, the CHL and the NCAA are in competition with each other. Also, I don't like the CHL people being able to use the NCAA as a fall back if the CHL doesn't work out for them.

Former Fighting Sioux Defenseman Mike Commodore with his Prediction

The University of Michigan men's ice hockey team is going to get piss pounded today.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) March 26, 2016

Today, former Fighting Sioux defenseman Mike Commodore took to Twitter to make his prediction on the North Dakota vs. Michigan game. Some of the responses by the Michigan fans are kind of funny, too.

New York Times: The Sioux Nickname Is Gone, but North Dakota Hockey Fans Haven’t Moved On

I was reading my facebook stream today when I came across this article from the New York Times. No matter where you stand on the nickname, this is a good read.

I predict, the Sioux jersey's and chants aren't going away anytime soon.

I am not sure if anyone should be shocked. You don't change 80 years of tradition and history overnight.

It's going to take a while to move on from the Fighting Sioux Nickname. I just ordered a new Fighting Sioux jersey. (Click to read the article)

When Sandelin opened his remarks with, “Always nice to be back among the Fighting Sioux fans,” he received immediate and prolonged applause.

“I knew that would get a rise,” he said, smiling.

Several minutes later, Sandelin concluded this way: “Once a Sioux, always a Sioux. I can still say that.”

Let's just say... there are more than 4,000 Sioux jersey's. That's not going to change anytime soon. I had a few of my fellow fans tell me that they're set for life. The Dacotah Legacy Collection is one way to keep those Fighting Sioux jersey's stocked up.

“When I go to that hockey game and I see 4,000 Fighting Sioux jerseys in a 12,000-seat arena, hear the chants and see the rituals and hear the booing and cheering and all that stuff, that bothers a lot of people at the university,” said the interim university president Ed Schafer, a former two-term governor and briefly the agriculture secretary under President George W. Bush.

He added: “I look at it and say, What’s the alternative? What do the students have to turn to instead of that? We don’t have that right now.”

I had a conversation with someone this past weekend about the University getting the new logo right. They're convinced that the UND administration understands what is at stake. I am very skeptical.

Fighting Hawks

I want to clear a few things up. First, the official nickname of UND's sports team is Fighting Hawks. The writers that I know and have contact with use the nickname in their articles in one form or another. The TV channels that broadcast UND hockey use Fighting Hawks in their broadcast and in their graphics.

Back in 2012, UND asked the various media entities that cover UND sports to no longer use the Fighting Sioux nickname. I've complied with their request and Fighting Sioux is no longer used in writing about UND sports. UNLESS, I am writing about a player that wore the Fighting Sioux logo.

I have been told by a few readers that I shouldn't use the Fighting Hawks nickname. I disagree. I write for two syndicated blogs with thousands of readers. My managing editors would expect me to honor UND's request as well.

So, I have to comply with UND's wishes. I think it's a fair request on their part. I am not trying to shove the new nickname down anyone's throat. However, it's easier to write when the team you cover has a nickname. I never, ever stopped admiring the Fighting Sioux nickname, but I have to move on. That being said, Sioux forever.

Finally, I took my daughter to a game and sat in the stands, I was yelling Sioux just like everyone else.

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."

Breaking News: Lawsuit filed to stop nickname vote; UND says it won't affect process

Just when you think it can't get any weirder, now a lawsuit has been filed to stop the nickname vote. No idea how this turns out, but UND is going ahead with the vote.

Per the Grand Forks Herald:

A lawsuit was filed in district court in Grand Forks Thursday in an attempt to stop UND's upcoming nickname vote, though for now the vote will continue as planned.

Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in their complaint that the vote be stopped and held only when UND or North Dakota is on the ballot and members of the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes are allowed to participate.

UND spokesman Peter Johnson said in an email that the school is aware of what had been filed.

"The university intends to move forward with the nickname vote as planned beginning on Oct. 19 unless otherwise directed by the courts," he said.

Related articles

• A Troll Is Trying To Hijack The University Of North Dakota's Search For A New Nickname(deadspin.com)

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• North Dakota Football Player Accused of Theft Did So While Wearing Jersey(lostlettermen.com)

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• University of North Dakota: Nickname vote will stand(bismarcktribune.com)

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• Herald Letter: Here's hoping Haakenson blocks UND nickname change(ndgoon.blogspot.com)

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Be on the Lookout: Link For the Nickname Vote Should be in Your Email

I got this email today. So, you'll want to check your email.

This email contains a link to cast a single vote for a nickname for the University of North Dakota.

The link is included at the end of this email.  Please read the following information first.

PLEASE RETAIN THIS EMAIL UNTIL THE VOTING PERIOD BEGINS.  You will need the link contained in this email in order to vote.

Voting begins on Monday, October 19 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, and closes at 11:59 p.m. midnight, Central Time on Friday, October 23.

During the voting period, you will open this email and click the link, which will take you to the voting site.  You will only be able to vote once.  You will be asked to choose from the following potential nicknames:

Fighting Hawks
Nodaks
North Stars
Roughriders
Sundogs

Please note that the voting link will not work until 8:00 a.m. Central Time Monday, October 19, and it also will not work after the voting period closes on Friday, October 23, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.  You must vote during this period.

If you experience technical difficulties during the voting process, please contact the helpline at 701-777-2731.

Here is your link: UND Nickname Vote
Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:

Breaking News: UND announces nickname voting dates

The timetable for the new nickname voting has been announced.

According to the UND website, The voting process, which will be conducted completely online, will begin at 8 a.m. Central Time Monday, Oct. 19, and will close at midnight Central Time on Friday, Oct. 23. Voting will be open to the following groups:

Current UND Students
Current UND Faculty
Current UND Staff
UND Retirees
UND Alumni
UND Donors
Current Season Ticket Holders to UND Athletic Events

During the voting process, eligible voters will cast one vote for a single option on the ballot. Eligible voters will choose one of five nickname options:

The Nickname choices:

Fighting Hawks
Nodaks
North Stars
Roughriders
Sundogs

For instructions, check your email during the week of October 12, 2015.

Herald Letter: Here's hoping Haakenson blocks UND nickname change

When I read this letter, I have to giggle. If I am betting man and I am. I am pretty sure if UND fans vote in favor of Fighting Hawks, North Stars or Nodaks. I don't see Haakenson's little stunt stopping UND from using any of the three nicknames that he says that he registered. I predict there will be a vote in October and UND will probably end up being either the Fighting Hawks or the Rough Riders.

Granted, the three nicknames in question aren't great, but the Fighting Sioux nickname isn't coming back.

If UND was still the Fighting Sioux, they would have never hosted the NCAA West Regional Championship last spring. And I love the Fighting Sioux nickname.

  Per the Grand Forks Herald:

It's a terrific, creative step to register the proposed nicknames Fighting Hawks, Nodaks and the North Stars with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

As an attorney and UND grad, I can especially appreciate (Marlan "Hawk") Haakenson's innovative approach to impeding the university's endless quest to install a spineless nickname. By the way, I'm planning to go to the UND/North Dakota State University game in Fargo and proudly wear one of my Fighting Sioux shirts. And let's all plan to chant Fighting Sioux while we're in the Fargodome!

William Brotherton
Highland Village, Texas

UND can use Sundogs nickname

Marvelous. I am so happy.

Per the Grand Forks Herald:

FARGO -- If UND wants to be the Sundogs, that would be just dandy with Sundog Interactive, an advertising agency in Fargo.

"We wish them nothing but the best in whichever name they go with," Heidi Haaven, the firm's communications director, said in an email. "Obviously choosing a name that represents the University and the state of North Dakota is not an easy task and we would support whatever decision they make."

Sundog is among the top choices for a new nickname for UND's athletic teams after the university stopped using Fighting Sioux as a nickname under pressure from the NCAA, which considers Indian nicknames abusive.

Marlan "Hawk" Haakenson, the former mayor of Bismarck and a fan of the Fighting Sioux nickname, recently registered several potential UND nicknames as trademarks under the belief that this would prevent the university from using them and transitioning to a new nickname. He said he was unable to register "sundog" because another firm already has that trademark.

Related articles

• Grand Forks Herald: Former Bismarck mayor registers trademarks with state(ndgoon.blogspot.com)

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Grand Forks Herald: Former Bismarck mayor registers trademarks with state

You can't make this stuff up.  This gets sillier by the day. And of course, he's an NDSU Alumni.
Per the Grand Forks Herald:

(Marlan "Hawk") Haakenson, who attended North Dakota State University but says he's a supporter of the Fighting Sioux nickname, said he registered the trade names Fighting Hawks, Nodaks and North Stars with the North Dakota Secretary of State in order to prevent UND from using them.

"As far as I'm concerned, Kelley will never get permission from me," Haakenson said. "I'll use every legal means I have to stop him from using the names."

Haakenson said he registered the trade names on Sept. 4, though they were not officially registered until Monday. He was prevented from registering a fourth name, Roughriders, because Secretary of State Al Jaeger said it was too similar to an existing registered trade name in the state.

Haakenson said he was unable to register Sundogs for that same reason, though Jaeger said it was unclear whether an existing trade name would prevent Sundogs from being registered.

North Dakota Wins.... Developing

So, were told by some folks that simply being "North Dakota" isn't a popular option, and should be squashed.

Apparently, that's not the truth, at least with current UND students. Based on the results, I think that President Robert O. Kelley has no choice but to include the option North Dakota as a choice for UND's new nickname.

Per the Grand Forks Herald and Say Anything Blog:

Results released by Student Body President Matt Kopp show when asked if they wanted UND/North Dakota included in the vote, 68 percent said yes, 24 percent said no and 7 percent said they were “not sure.”

The survey was sent out Tuesday and drew 3,262 responses over the two days it was open which, using enrollment data from the 2014-2015 school year, is 22 percent of the student body.

Since the NCAA threatened sanctions and the old Fighting Sioux nickname was retired at UND in late 2012, the school has played simply using an interlocking “UND” logo, going by either UND or North Dakota.

It will be interesting to see how this turns out. Thoughts?

Students want 'North Dakota' as UND nickname option, survey says http://t.co/jrDqNEq2pH #UNDnickname @myUND pic.twitter.com/jQEZRw2UdC

— Grand Forks Herald (@gfherald) August 13, 2015

Fargo Forum: It's getting foolish at UND

Our friends to the south just can't help themselves. They fall all over themselves coming up with suggestions for UND and what they should do when it comes to the UND nickname. Don't do it, worry about your back-to-back-to-back-to-back NCAA FCS championships.Seriously, that's an impressive feat, no doubt about it. That being said, I don't recall any of us asking for their help.

Per the Fargo Forum:

A new nickname at UND is a nice idea, but many backers of the school don’t want one. Many feel if they can’t have Fighting Sioux, then go with nothing. There is so much animosity towards Kelley and the NCAA, and so much passion for the Fighting Sioux, that it will be tough for a new nickname to be accepted. Some hope that by going with no nickname now, the Fighting Sioux nickname will eventually come back. That’s not going to happen.

It will look foolish to people outside of North Dakota, but if UND fans don’t want a new nickname, then there’s no point of having one. More of the mess that needs to be sorted out is who gets to vote, and how the ballot is worded. Voters should be asked if they want a new nickname or keep UND/North Dakota. If more than 50 percent say yes to a new nickname, then they should vote on the final five choices.

Everyone has a solution to UND's nickname issue.

Herald Letter: LETTER: Keep UND’s identity by choosing North Dakota

Here's a letter from a read of the Grand Forks Herald. Thoughts? 

Grand Forks Herald -- The recent poll in the Herald said that people would rather stay North Dakota by a 2 to 1 margin.

 I can be included in that group and the following is the reasoning for doing so:

UND’s identity was unique with the Fighting Sioux, it was never  a mascot but an identity.   Now people are in the process of finding a new something for a mascot which UND never had.  The closest was for years the fan group “The Farce”  had Kermit the Frog, which never appeared on UND letterheads.

Why on earth would UND want to become a re-tread of:

   1.  Another member of the animal kingdom (husky, bear, cougar, colt, a rodent, etc.)

   2. A bird of some type (eagle, cardinal, hawk)

   3. A person (cowboy, minutemen, pirate)

The list of things with which UND could identify was once, in the Herald’s April 4 edition, a thousand names long, now it’s not.  Why would we want to be a “just another” something like  every other university  with overlapping identities for their entire existence. UND was unique with its former identity, keep that uniqueness by not becoming a university with a mascot just like everybody else.

UND represents the entire state of North Dakota, which includes all people of your state.  

UND has the best aerospace studies in the U.S., a four-year med school, and other great academic programs. Why not be the leader in the entire U.S. in this regard by not having a mascot like we have not had?  UND never had a guy riding a horse with  spear like Florida State or Illinois with the guy who danced wildly at their athletic contests, so why start now with some cartoon-like representation.  Be who you are, which is a very proud population represented by the University of North Dakota.

Steve Molvig

Lovelock, Nev.

We're Down to 7 Nickname Choices

Here it is... Tonight, the list of 15 has been whittled down to seven by the UND Nickname Committee: Fighting Hawks, Green Hawks, Nodaks, North Dakota, North Stars, Roughriders and Sundogs emerge after the meeting. According to Anna Burleson of the Grand Forks Herald.

Awarding -1, 0 or 1 point to names based on criteria such as uniqueness, linguistic ease and whether the name was a rallying symbol and representative of the region, UND's nickname committee gave "Roughriders" the most points with 48. "Sundogs" and "North Stars" tied for second place with 46 points each and "Nodaks" came in third with 42 points.

Continuing to play as "UND/North Dakota" is also still a possibility.

I would caution the decision UND makers, these are the nicknames the committee likes. This list doesn't necessarily reflect the opinion of UND fans, alumni, and or current students and athletes. Frankly, I find this list very disappointing. There were much better selections cut from the list lying on the trash heap.

Tweets from the Nickname Committee Meeting

Carla Christofferson notes majority of public wanted North Dakota as nickname but says many are just mad about Sioux logo retirement.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

First, woof. I think that is a broad statement that's a bit shortsighted. There are some, yes. I think some of the nicknames that have emerged are so bad, they would rather stay "North Dakota" instead of adopting a really bad, God awful nickname like Sundogs, Pride or Spirit. I find those nicknames to be unacceptable.

"I think North Dakota is distinctly UND," - #newnickname committee member Adedayo Idowu, who is middle of the road with the name.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

"Saying we're going to be North Dakota to me means saying we're going to stay the #FightingSioux."-#newnickname committee, Chelsea Moser

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 16, 2015

If you want to read her tweets, Anna Burleson from the Grand Forks Herald is at the Nickname Committee Meeting tonight. She's been on top the story from the start.

A couple of things have caught my eye tonight. Also after reading some of the tweets, I am convinced UND is going to get he nickname that Lowell Schweigert wants.

#Newnickname committee member Jazmyn Friesz talks developing different logo & mascot to accompany staying "North Dakota."

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

On keeping North Dakota, Lowell Schweigert says "what is popular is not always right." Encourages group to "have courage." #newnickname

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

#Newnickname committee chairman Karl Goehring isn't in favor of any "hawk" name while Lowell Schweigert likes them.

— Anna Burleson (@AnnagatorB) June 15, 2015

UND Nickname Committee Cuts Nickname List to 15

There are the 15 nicknames under consideration to be UND's new nickname. If you're holding your nose, you're not the only one. If fans are in favor of the nickname that you like on this list, be vocal. 

I highlighted the ones that I think are acceptable. Copyright the Whistler. 

I puzzled that the committee decided to get rid of anything that points UND's aviation school. That makes no sense to me what-so-ever.

Thank God for Karl Goehring...
Continuing to play simply as "North Dakota" is still an option. Goehring said in his experience with the last task force, many alumni were in favor of it.

• Blaze - I am surprised that this is still an option. Obvious reasons. Blaze up.
• Cavalry - Here comes your 7th Cavalry.
• Explorers - Boring.
• Fighting Green - I would rather be Green Machine.
• Fighting Hawks - Maybe this can grow on me.
• Force - We already have the Fargo Force.
• Green Hawks - Drop the "Green" and sure.
• Nodaks - Redundant. I think I am quoting Charlie from Hockey Bias now.
• North Dakota - Number one choice. 
• North Stars - Second choice. 
• Pride - Bad nickname.
• Roughriders - We already have a high school with that name.
• Spirit - Dumb.
• Sundogs - Even dumber. I might have a stroke.
• Thunder Hawk - Whatever. 

Picking a Nickname Won't End the Discussion

First, there's about four months will UND's fall sports kick off the 2015-16 season. For those keeping track on the calendar, UND plays a football game against the Wyoming Cowboys in 120 days. The question is, what will UND's sports teams be referred to when next season rolls around?

Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald kind of reinforced an opinion that has picked up steam since UND dropped the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- There were roughly 2,000 submissions—about 50 pages worth—of people suggesting "North Dakota," "UND," "University of North Dakota," "no nickname," "none," or another variation.

This is an option that should get heavy consideration from the university's Nickname Committee and President Robert Kelley for multiple reasons.

Last month, the Committee laid out criteria for the new name, saying that the main priority is that it promotes a sense of pride and passion, that it is distinctly UND's and that it is a unifying and rallying symbol.

At this point in time, it's hard to believe they can pick anything that will be unifying and rallying. A new nickname is much more likely to creative a divide on campus and among the alumni community. That's not something the school and community needs right now.

One opinion that I keep hearing, UND needs to have a nickname for marketing purposes. Really, I don't see why? In hockey, UND already is a big player on the national stage and is well recognized. The Women's hockey team is quickly getting there as well. I just don't buy it. UND has played without a nickname for three years already.

As an Alumnus of UND, I am very worried that the nickname committee will feel pressured to hurry up and pick a nickname. This is how we will end up with a silly nickname like Sundogs or Flickertails.

"Stick with UND" (so everyone can keep calling them Sioux) http://t.co/g29kAUZvO8 Not the answer.

— SiouxFootballInsider (@SiouxFootball) May 6, 2015

What would you find more marketable, a Richardson Ground Squire or North Dakota? Check out exhibit A. That's a rodent, where do I start? That looks like the mascot of one of our rivals. Yuck! That mascot would cause UND to be the butt of many jokes.

Now if we're looking for good nickname choices, this is one that I could get behind. Introducing Reapers or Grim Reapers.

Finally, selecting a nickname probably isn't going to end the debate. I predict, that things will only get more heated when UND finally decides on a nickname. This matter has been festering for years. It's not going to end here this summer.

You're dreaming if you think it will.

People are still going to yell Sioux at the end of the anthem. It's going to happen. Nothing is going to change that.  There are going to be people that will be unhappy with the final product.