Wednesday, June 06, 2012

UAH to the WCHA?

150px px
150px px (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers need a home - the WCHA  appears to be their only option -   the Chargers are in dire need of a league  - the WCHA is currently sitting at nine teams and would like to expand to 10 teams so they would have an even number of teams. I think UAH would fit in nicely in the nWCHA and is a natural rival with BSU.
Adam Wodon, College Hockey News --- Meanwhile, Alabama-Huntsville, a program pulled from the grave recently but still in need of help, will be the only independent and needs a home.

The WCHA is lining up as UAH's only option, and getting a 10th team is appealing to the league. But UAH faces the usual hurdles — questions over facility, commitment and distance.

"We're not making any bones about it — we're committed to Division I hockey and trying to get in a hockey conference," UAH athletic director E.J. Brophy said.

Brophy and other officials from Alabama-Huntsville had meetings with numerous interested parties at the April coaches convention in Naples, Fla., and the recent Frozen Four. Brophy believes the lobbying efforts were successful to a point, but no one has committed to bringing in UAH yet.

"We are discussing things with them. I'd put it as unofficial," WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod said. "I've met with (coach) Chris (Luongo), their president, E.J. (Brophy). We've discussed the process and what it would take. They did not officially apply, and we didn't ask them to. We wanted to find out how we learn more about one another, and how do we get a good feel for their commitment, where they're at with their building, and so on."
This tweet just came across Twitter as I was posting this blog post.

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Brooks on Parise, 'Devils' Parise will soon wear new jersey'

Zach Parise & his fans
Zach Parise & his fans (Photo credit: New Jersey State Library)
This will be one of the top stories in the NHL this summer - where is Zach Parise going to sign and with what team. Personally, I hope the Boston Bruins or the the home town Minnesota Wild are going to be choices for the former Fighting Sioux  First Team All-American and star forward Parise.
Larry Brooks, New York Post --- Parise, who will turn 28 next month, could attract offers of up to 12 years. He will certainly receive front-loaded, bonus-laden offers from the Rangers and Red Wings, who have millions to spend and the inclination to do so.

The Wild will be in, though Parise might want to think more than twice about going home to join a team in which he would be the best player by leaps and bounds.

The Sharks could be in. The Maple Leafs will be, though current general manager Brian Burke doesn’t believe in front-loaded deals. The Bruins could become a serious contender. There will be others.

Given the financial realities in New Jersey, it’s almost impossible to conjure the scenario in which ownership could cut Parise a $10 million check on July 2. And again, that’s even assuming Parise’s first choice is to remain a Devil.

He is one today and will be one tonight. But once the puck is dropped, the clock will be ticking on the Devils’ season and on the captain’s career in New Jersey.

T-minus-60 and counting.
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Who are you going to believe?

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athl...
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Listen to the clip on the Fan 740AM. [click to listen]

The question is who are you going to believe - the coaches Dave Hakstol, Brian Idalski or Chris Mussman that are already dealing with the NCAA sanctions on a day-to-day basis or some political blogger that is just trying to stir up the masses so he can hits on his blog and or some lawyer who doesn't even know what college former athletic director Terry Wanless is currently at.

 Just for clarification purposes - former UND athletic director Terry Wanless is at is Sacramento State not SDSU... Swing and a miss, you're wrong again Reed.

Reed Soderstrom
"The Athletic Director, Faison, was telling everybody that the Big Sky Conference is really worried about the Fighting Sioux thing," said Soderstrom. "We found out later through a former UND athletic director, who is now at San Diego State, that that`s not true. It wasn`t even brought up."
More Reed Soderstrom
Soderstrom suggested Hakstol’s stance in particular was related to his contract, which was renewed a few months after Hakstol first came out in favor of retiring the nickname. Hakstol has denied a connection. 
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Idalski - Recruits' concern real.

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athl...
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Next Tuesday "North Dakota" voters will go to the polls to vote on four ballot measures one of the measures is the Fighting Sioux nickname ballot measure 4. My advice to you is to vote with your conscience but there are a few things to remember going forward.

Do not believe the false rhetoric that the sanctions from the NCAA are minimal and or overblown. If the Fighting Sioux nickname is not retired the first team to suffer from the NCAA Sanctions will be the UND Women's Hockey team.

The Fighting Sioux women's team is going to be one of the top teams in Division I hockey during the 2012-13 season - the UND Women have a legitimate chance of winning their first NCAA title based on who is returning to Idalski's squad - they will be hard pressed to make the Women's Frozen Four if they have to travel instead of hosting a quarter final series. The sanctions have more teeth than some want to believe.
Marino Eccher, INFORUM --- They said they wanted to speak out to counter claims by nickname supporters that the consequences of keeping the nickname are overblown.

Idalski said the consequences of the sanctions hit home for him when they came up while recruiting a blue-chip recruit from Canada.

“Her family called me and asked, what does this mean for us?” he said. “Their concerns were very real.”
Before you think about attacking Brian Idalski, or think that he has been told to get in line by the UND Administration, think again, Idalski was speaking out about the NCAA sanctions before the Measure 4 movement became hot and heated -  Idalski has discussed this issue before at the Wednesday press conferences and he voiced his concerns about the consequences of the NCAA sanctions and what they meant to his team. As long as UND is known as the Fighting Sioux UND will never be able to host an NCAA tourney event in anything.

That being said, Idalski has been consistent on this issue - the woman's head coach is a realist - he knows that his team will suffer very soon if the name if the Fighting Sioux nickname is not dropped. This isn't a scare tactic or some over blown pontification.

For the record; all of UND's teams were conforming with the settlement  and the woman's team was in was the first UND hockey team to wear the new jersey's that said "NORTH DAKOTA" on the front of them, the men's hockey team had to wait a little longer and received their new jerseys right before the West Regional.

None of us want to have to drop the Fighting Sioux nickname - but the cost to the University is good big - teams will not play UND as long as they are under NCAA sanctions. Contrary to what some politicians think, the NCAA is not going to budge from their opinion - the NCAA doesn't care how Sioux Country is going to vote - the NCAA has a signed settlement that was signed by the Attorney General of North Dakota. Al Carlson is clueless if he thinks other wise - before you try to call me a democrat or a liberal think again,  think again, I am life long registered republican and I wouldn't vote for Al Carlson, under an circumstances, even if it meant the house or senate would turn from blue to red. I would vote for the Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck instead. My question is; where were this people five years ago when we could have saved the Fighting Sioux nickname?

Here is the Ballot measure again.

The measure as it appears on the ballot reads: This referendum measure concerns Senate Bill 2370 as passed by the Legislative Assembly in the November 2011 special session (Session Laws, Chapter 580). Senate Bill 2370 repealed section 15-10-46 of the North Dakota Century Code, which required the University of North Dakota to use the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

YES – means you approve Senate Bill 2370, the effect of which would allow the University of North Dakota to discontinue the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

NO – means you reject Senate Bill 2370, and would require the University of North Dakota to use the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
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Tuesday, June 05, 2012

CBS Sports Network to air Calder Cup Finals

Since the Stanley Cup could be over in four quick games the CBS Sports Network has decided to pick up the AHL Calder Cup Finals.  The Norfolk Admirals lead the Toronto Marlies in the Calder Cup Finals two games to none.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League has announced that CBS Sports Network will televise Games 3 through 7 of the 2012 Calder Cup Finals, bringing the AHL’s championship series to millions of homes across the United States in high definition.

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CBC opening for game 3


Here was the opening of last night's game on CBC - unfortunately I am not able to watch CBC anymore because I got rid of my Midcontinent last July and got DirecTV

Based on how the New Jersey Devils have played there may only be one more game left, because the Los Angeles Kings have been relentless and have taken the games to the Devils.
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It's official - Steve Johnson named assistant coach at UNO

Former SCSU assistant coach and former Fighting Sioux All-American forward Steve Johnson has been named the assistant coach at the University of Omaha Nebraska Mavericks. This great personnel move by the UNO Mavericks because it gives them a great assistant coach and will only make the Mavericks better.
OMAHA, Neb. University of Nebraska Omaha head hockey coach Dean Blais announced today that Steve Johnson has been named the team's new assistant coach. He replaces Mike Hastings who left UNO following the 2011-12 season to take the head coach position at Minnesota State.

“I'm very pleased to have a coach of Steve's caliber fill the void left by Mike Hastings' departure,” said Blais. “Steve has the ability to be a great recruiter for us, and his on-ice skills as a coach are very strong as shown by his work in both the United States Hockey League and at the college level. His knowledge and experience will make our team stronger. ”

Johnson spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at WCHA rival school St. Cloud State. Prior to that, he succeeded Blais as the head coach of the Fargo Force of the USHL where he coached for one season, leading the Force to the 2010 Clark Cup Finals.
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Herald - UND coaches will tour state to talk nickname

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athl...
University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletic logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
UND athletic Director Brian Faison and Five UND Fighting Sioux coaches Dave Hakstol, Brian Idalski, Chris Mussman, Travis Brewster and Kevin Gilbraith will be traveling to Fargo, Bismarck and Fargo to inform alumni and fans about ballot measure four and the Fighting Sioux nickname.
Tom Miller, Grand Forks Herald --- UND athletic director Brian Faison and five of his head coaches will hit the road this morning to attend press conferences in Fargo, Bismarck and Minot in hopes of spreading the word about the consequences of retaining the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

The trip comes one week before a statewide vote on Measure 4, which would allow the university to retire the nickname and logo.

“This is an opportunity for us to have our coaches available to answer questions about Measure 4 and how it affects their programs,” Faison said. “The most important thing is these individuals are the ones who have to deal with the consequences on a day-to-day basis. This is a good opportunity to communicate about the facts.”
Next Tuesday June 12th voters will go to the polls to decide four ballot measures as well as primary candidates for Senate, Congress and Governor. 
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Monday, June 04, 2012

SCSU Assistant Hockey Coach Job annoucement

English: St Cloud State University Logo
English: St Cloud State University Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Assistant Men’s Ice Hockey Coach #792767 (contingent on funding)

Institution:St. Cloud State University
Location:St. Cloud, MN
Category:
  • Admin - Athletics and Coaching
Posted:06/04/2012
Application Due:06/18/2012
Type:Full Time
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Date of appointment: July 16, 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter
Description: Assistant Men's Ice Hockey Coach
Responsibilities:
Assist head coach in planning, organizing and administrating all aspects of a highly competitive Division I men's hockey program. Responsibilities include but not limited to: all aspects of on ice coaching, recruiting, video analysis and all other areas of organizational needs. This person should also have the ability to assist in fundraising and public relations.
*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at: http://www.ifo.org/contract09-11/2009-2011.pdf.

Qualifications and experience:
Required:
· Bachelor Degree
· Coaching and/or playing experience at the collegiate or professional level
· Evidence of demonstrated ability to teach and work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Preferred:
· Understanding of the NCAA rules and regulations
· Familiarity at the high school, junior and collegiate hockey levels

Application Procedures:
To apply for this position, please continue the process via this website or directly at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stcloudstate/default.cfm.

Application Review begins June 18, 2012 position is open until filled.
A complete application will include the following:
· Cover Letter
· Resume/Curriculum Vitae
· Contact information for three (3) current, professional references
· Copies of official Transcript(s) (undergraduate/graduate/PhD)
Contact Information:
Search Committee Chair - Bob Motzko
Phone: 320-308-4806
E-mail: rgmotzko@stcloudstate.edu

St. Cloud State University is committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. To promote this endeavor, we invite individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply, including minorities, women, LGBT, persons with disabilities and veterans. St. Cloud State University is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Application Information

Contact:Bob Motzko
Department of Athletics
St. Cloud State University
Phone:320-308-4806
TDD:1-800-627-3529 or (612) 297-5353
Online App. Form:http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stcloudstate/default.cfm
s/t to Husker Mike for posting this on another message board. This Job announcement would be to replace former Fighting Sioux hockey player and SCSU assistant hockey coach Steve Johnson who is moving on to be an assistant Hockey Coach at UNO under Dean Blais.

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New York Times - In Hockey Enforcer’s Descent, a Flood of Prescription Drugs

Derek Boogard being interviewed for WCCO If yo...
Derek Boogard being interviewed for WCCO If you would like to use this photo please leave a comment here, contact me via Flickrmail, or email nvjorgen [at] yahoo dot com. If you see this photo on the net leave a comment with a link to the page. Thanks. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you haven't seen this article you might want to take a look at it. Personally, I can't believe what I just read - I have to think that someone has some explaining to do and there seems to be some questions that beg to be answered. This article does not paint a pretty picture about Derek Boogaard's addiction and maybe this newspaper article might bring to light some things that need to be addressed going forward, most of us don't want to see anymore players' life cut short by an overdose or have their life ruined by a drug addiction.
John Branch, New York Times --- In his final three seasons playing in the National Hockey League, before dying last year at 28 of an accidental overdose of narcotic painkillers and alcohol, Derek Boogaard received more than 100 prescriptions for thousands of pills from more than a dozen team doctors for the Minnesota Wild and the Rangers.

A trove of documents, compiled by Boogaard’s father, offer a rare prescription-by-prescription history of the care given to a prominent, physically ailing athlete who struggled with addiction to some of the very drugs the team doctors were providing. The scores of prescriptions came before and after Boogaard’s entry into the league’s substance-abuse program in September 2009 for an addiction to painkillers and sleeping pills.

Among the findings:

¶ In a six-month stretch from October 2008 to April 2009, while playing 51 games, Boogaard received at least 25 prescriptions for the painkillers hydrocodone or oxycodone, a total of 622 pills, from 10 doctors — eight team doctors of the Wild, an oral surgeon in Minneapolis and a doctor for another N.H.L. team.
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Shawn Thornton comments on Thomas situation


This Sports Net Center interview with Bruin's tough guy Shawn Thornton kind of sums it up. Tim Thomas was one of the major reason the Boston Bruins won a Stanley Cup last season, if they don't have his goaltending effort I don't think the Bruins get out of the first round against the Montreal Canadians. The Bruins has three series that went to seven games (Canadians, Lightning and Canucks).

 "We wouldn’t have won it without him," Thornton said…
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More on Thomas' decision to not play next season

Goalie Tim Thomas, NHL Hockey player for the B...
Goalie Tim Thomas, NHL Hockey player for the Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
So much for my bold prediction of Tim Thomas coming back to the Bruins for a final season to lead the Boston Bruins to another Stanley Cup. For more information on this subject you can check out the Daily Bruins from my friend Rosie.

I am sure there are a lot of fans and certain media members that are licking their lips about the fact that Thomas won't be with the Bruins last season but the fact remains that Thomas was a major reason the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Zito declined to discuss any other specifics of Thomas’s decision not to play next season. On Sunday, Thomas confirmed that he will not play in 2012-13 via a posting on his Facebook page. Thomas has one season remaining on his four-year, $20 million contract. Thomas’s no-movement clause expires on July 1.

The chatter around the league is that Thomas does not want to play for the Bruins next season, thus prompting his decision. The Bruins, who would be responsible for his cap hit next year, would be eager to rid themselves of Thomas’s $5 million number.[Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe]

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BC Interruption, "NCAA Ice Hockey Regionals Were Run Like College Baseball? "

As we are about four months away from the start of the Division I college hockey season - here is a great idea from Brian Favat from B.C. Interruption for you to chew on. Favat throws the idea of having the four highest seeds host the regionals and have a double elimination tourney. I think this would definitely prove to be an exciting regional format.
B.C. Interruption --- Had an interesting thought while taking in some of this weekend's NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament regional action. After another year of poor Regional attendance, lots of talk about ways of improving the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regional format. Could the answer come from college baseball?

What if the men's ice hockey tournament Regional round took on the same format as the NCAA baseball regional format?

The baseball regional round is a four team, double elimination format hosted by the top seed in each region. The regionals start on Friday, pairing the 1 seed up against the 4 and the 2 against the 3. The winners of those two games advance to the 1-0 game, while the losers face each other in an elimination game.
It would look something like this, I don't know if the NCAA would approve of this Idea... I am up for improving the current state of the college hockey regional format - as we saw from this last year that the NCAA regionals were poorly attended.
Thursday

No. 1 seed vs. No. 4 seed
No. 2 seed vs. No. 3 seed

Friday

1-0 game: 1/4 Winner vs. 2/3 Winner
Elimination game: 1/4 Loser vs. 2/3 Loser

Saturday
1-0 Game Loser vs. Elimination game Winner

Sunday
Saturday game winner vs. 2-0 team

Monday (if necessary)
2-1 Elimination game
Here are the attendance figures from the four regional final games from this season’s NCAA regionals – 5,328, 10,974, 4,470, 3,108 – The highest attended regional was the West Regional in Xcel Energy Center. The NCAA should have more fans attending the regionals, something needs to be done to improve attendance.

Another Idea that I am in favor of - having the four number one seeds host the regionals on their campus sites and keep the format the rest of the way. I think that the number one seeds should have some benefit from playing well all season long and gaining a number one seed. You call also probably have higher attendance numbers that we had last season.

One problem facing UND is that the school is currently under NCAA sanctions and would not be able to host an NCAA regional.

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Colllege Hockey INC - Executive Director annoucement

JOB DESCRIPTION
NAME: TBD
DATE: JULY/AUGUST 2012
JOB TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOB STATUS: FULL TIME
WORK LOCATION: TBD
SUPERVISOR: BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COLLEGE HOCKEY INC.
JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the Executive Director manages the interests of College Hockey Inc.
This position supervises two full-time positions as well as other potential part-time positions in
the areas of education, NCAA rules, media platforms and camps. The Executive Director will
create a vision to promote and market of college hockey, grow the economic resources of
College Hockey Inc., improve the recruiting efforts of college hockey and its member institutions
and grow the relationships with USA Hockey and the National Hockey League. Salary and a
benefits package are commensurate with experience. This position requires the ability to travel,
work nights and weekends and holidays as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Oversees an assigned number of areas with the following duties:
· Reports to the Board of Directors of College Hockey Inc.;
· Develops plans and materials to promote and market college hockey;
· Meets with various multi-media entities, including television and websites;
· Manages IceBreaker Tournament and other special events;
· Develops recruiting and youth marketing campaign directed to amateur hockey players;
· In conjunction with the Board of Directors, addresses NCAA legislative issues affecting
college hockey;
· Manages relationships with USA Hockey, National Hockey League and a variety of junior
hockey organizations;
· Ensures College Hockey Inc. is in compliance with NCAA rules;
· Develops and manages annual operating budget and finances for College Hockey Inc.; and
· Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1) Knowledge of amateur hockey, particularly college hockey, and a level of experience with
the sport.
2) Knowledge of supervisory techniques, leadership training, coaching techniques and
appropriate consensus-building skills.
3) Knowledge of NCAA rules, specifically as they relate to recruiting.
4) Knowledge of appropriate computer software applications (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel,
QuickBooks) as they relate to the position.
5) Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
6) Strong interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communication skills.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
1) Bachelor's degree in related field is required, Master's degree preferred.
2) Five years experience performing similar tasks is required.
Class II OSHA
NOTE: MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR
REASSIGN JOB DUTIES OR COMBINE POSITIONS AT ANY TIME.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications and nominations of candidates should be sent via e-mail to Stephen Hagwell
(shagwell@ecachockey.com). All application materials must include a cover letter, resume and
list of professional references. College Hockey Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It will be interesting to see who is selected or this job. 
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Sunday, June 03, 2012

Kings take 2-0 lead in series against Devils


Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter scored the game winning goal at the 13:42 mark in overtime to give the Los Angeles Kings a 2-0 series lead against the New Jersey Devils. The Kings have gone an impressive 14-2 in the Stanley Cup playoffs and have not lost since the first round of the playoffs. What is even more impressive is that the Kings have not lost on the road during this years Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let me just say - I think the Devils will be hard pressed to win four of the next five games against the Kings. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kings sweep the Devils at home. With their win on the road the Kings have now won 10 out of 10 games on the road - that's an impressive feat and only three other teams have done that during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
But to go a perfect 10-for-10 away from the land of the rich and famous, well, that seemed like a dream, or a Hollywood script. Nevertheless, that's just what the Kings did with Jeff Carter's game winner 13 minutes and 42 seconds into overtime for a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on Saturday.

The Kings not only extended their record to 10 consecutive wins to start a postseason, they became only the fourth team to win 10 road games in a playoffs, matching the 1995 and 2000 Devils as well as the 2004 Calgary Flames. [Tim Wharnsby, CBC]

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Tim Thomas' facebook update

This update was on the Boston Bruins star goalie Tim Thomas' Facebook page today. It has been confirmed that the Bruins goalie will be taking next year off  - you have to wonder if retirement on the horizon for Thomas as well?  Why not? Thomas has accomplished a lot during his hockey career and there isn't much left that he hasn't won. Last season  Thomas won a Stanley Cup and a Vezina Trophy and was the Stanley Cup playoffs and was also the MVP during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Friday, June 01, 2012

Tim O’Keefe, Grand Forks, letter: Facts explain Alumni Association’s choice

Former Fighting Hockey player Tim O’Keefe and current executive vice president and CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation had this to say today in the Grand Forks, Herald.
GRAND FORKS — There has been conjecture and criticism of the unanimous decision by the management and board of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation to lead the effort to educate North Dakota voters about the importance of voting “yes” on Measure 4, which would let UND to retire the Fighting Sioux name.

The decision came after considerable discussion and due process and was based on these factors:
** Election laws prevent UND personnel from advocating a position in a political vote, rendering the university defenseless in a situation threatening the future for its students.

** Student Senate, Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, UND administration, the Athletic Department and all 17 head coaches, along with the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, are unanimous in their support of “Yes” on Measure 4.

The strength of unanimity in our group is a powerful answer to those who have questioned our integrity and credibility.

** Student-athlete recruiting is a cutthroat business, and negative recruiting is a reality. [Read the rest of the letter]
Since Tim O’keefe has kicked off his campaign to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname, Okeefe has taken a beating from some. O’keefe has been called a sell out and others have said that he was forced to come out against the nickname by the University of North Dakota administration.  
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