Update on SDSU and D1AA Move. [Archive]

SDSUFAN

07-28-2003, 12:15 PM

Keith Mehlum the Assistant AD at SDSUcalled me to wish me a happy birthday. I missed his call so I sent a email back to him thanking him. I guess it pays to be a generous booster at SDSU. You get birthday calls from HPER.

In addition I asked for a status report on whether the move will happen in year 2004-05. *Here is what Keith Mehlum told me:

"On the DI front the President is on the phone almost daily with Big Sky and Mid-Con Apresidents gauging interest. *Based on those conversations, we will make an official announcement regarding our decision to move or not move hopefully by mid-August. *It's official with NDSU, they're going in the 04-05 year. *We have begun trying to schedule fb games with the 6 other fb independents that we had a meeting with in June and at the May NCC meetings they revised the conference notification rule. *After Sept 1 of this year, a school now must give the league 18 months notice instead of the prior twelve. *This essentially means 2 years. *These are all factors that will weigh in our final decision next month. *That's all I know for now. *End of quote

The NCC rule is for 18 months notice and not three years as I stated in a thread on Bisonville.com and D2 football.

89rabbit

07-29-2003, 07:57 PM

Great Stuff SDSUFAN. I am glad one of us has enough money to rate as "big time doner". Thanks for the update. My guess (or should I say hope) is that we will make the move in Aug.

Go State!

Bison_Kent

07-29-2003, 08:24 PM

I actually hope SDSU moves up at that same time as NDSU. It will make finding a conference a lot better if both schools will be full Division I members at the same time. But I can see the other side. If all the finacials are not completely in order it might be better to wait.

89rabbit

07-29-2003, 09:34 PM

Me too. I think it makes all the sence in the world for us to move as one. SDSUFAN put some really interesting info about the state of the USD program and recent appointments to the Board of Regents that I found encourageing on the Bisonville Board. After talking with a couple of folks in Brookings, I too think we may be in better shape now then last Dec.

filbert

08-01-2003, 06:13 PM

Word I'm getting from my visiting friends from Brookings is that it's definite that we're going to announce the exploratory year. The women's and men's BB teams are actively scheduling D1 schools for 2004-2005. Just a rumor, but a really good and intriguing one.

89rabbit

08-01-2003, 11:10 PM

filbert,

Thanks for the posts, and welcome to our board. *You are amongst friends. *I hope your rumors are true, I would love to see us announce our exploratory year! :D

Go State!

SDSUFAN

08-02-2003, 07:46 AM

Filbert:
Great news. My gut feeling is its going to happen this year but to hear it from Brookings is indeed a very good sign. It would not make sense to stay in the NCC if we get hit for financial pentalities for breaking contracts for conference games. Finding a conference seems like a matter of time, but good intentions maybe enough to make the move during 2004-2005. Like I have said before, some D1AA schools have filled their schedules with non-Scholarship programs like Drake, Valprorasio etc. These programs without scholarship players are D3 at best. So getting games and filling the football schedule in 2004 will be easier than raising funds for the extra scholarships. All those bottom tier D1 BB schools will now be able to schedule us without losing out on the revenue sharing from the March Madness.
I would say its looking good indeed.

89rabbit

08-02-2003, 08:40 AM

You guys are making my weekend. That is just what I wanted to hear. ;D

Go Blue!

JACKGUY

08-02-2003, 10:16 AM

89rabbit

08-02-2003, 10:43 AM

Its funny that you mentioned coaching. I was just telling SDSUFAN (on Bisonville) that I flet like we where finally turning the corner with Mike Daly then he left. Now we are back to "go better then .500 and win a few Hobo Days" and you get to keep your job. I like Stiegelmeier too, he is a nice guy, but I want to WIN!

As far as Coughlin-Alumni goes, my understanding is they have a lot of $$$ set aside for improvments. The whole east side is to be redone. Seats with backs, Sky boxes, new scoreboards with video, indoor practice field, etc. These improvments are going to happen whether or not we make the move to D I/I AA, its just a timing thing. These up grades to our Football program will take time, but they will help us get to where we want to go in I AA.

Like you I also love SDSU Basketball and agree these are GREAT times to be a rabbit. I know we are ready to go head to head with many of the mid-majors right now. It will be fantastic to see the Jacks in the big dance. The sooner we get started the sooner we get there. ;D

Go Blue!

SDSUFAN

08-02-2003, 07:29 PM

At the Bison Alumni events this week, Gene Taylor talked very confidently about SDSU joining NDSU in the I-AA move in 2004. *He said the Big Sky has 4 schools that would like the Dakota's, 4 schools had not made up their mind. *The Mid-Continent was very interested in adding SDSU, NDSU and UNC. *He also talked about the football only conference with SDSU, NDSU, UNC, UC Davis, Cal Poly, St Marys, S Utah. *Some of the coaches that I talked with did like the fact that the Mid-Con wants us.

It may sound amusing, but I have gauged what was going on at SDSU by the comments of Gene Taylor since he is in near daily communication with Dr. Oien. If Dr. Taylors say it so, then it will be. The mid August annoncement should not be a surprise.

SDSUFAN

08-02-2003, 07:39 PM

This is certainly an exciting time as it seems some kind of announcement will be made by the middle of the month. While Jacks mens basketball is my primary interest at SDSU I would really love to see the University
take the football program to another level with the move to 1AA. Coughlin has a lot of potential but needs a lot of money to improve the facilities and atmosphere. I think a quality run football program has huge revenue potential at SDSU. Of the major sports at SDSU this is the one area that I question whether we have the horses in the coaching staff. Steigelmeyer is a nice guy
but sometimes I wonder if he has the fire and ability to take us where we want to go. We should have a Hobo Day atmosphere for every home football game. I think it's back to the old adage that you have to just win baby. I think with the move we are ok on the basketball side with Nagy and Johnston. Anybody else have opinions about how prepared we are to make the move with the existing coaches? *

Will Stieg get the job done? Thats a very hard question to answer, but I think he is going to give it his 110 per cent. *John did grad work when Morton, Daly, Babich and others were the coaching at Wisconsin. So John has that experience in working with a Big 10 program to draw on. Grad Assistants are the grunts on a coaching staff and see the good and bad decisions maybe by the coaches they work with. *I think John was paying attention.

He is indeed nice man, and very ethical person. *I do feel that if the kitchen gets to hot, I think he will move on.

I think his initial choices in coaching assistants were not the best. The one that left for UND is no longer at UND so he may have had problems being a teammember. *The other guys have been very young and dont have as much experience as you would like. *They get better with time so I think Stieg and his staff deserve a chance and maybe we as fans could be more demanding so that its more than a Hobo Day win.

The pressure to win will be there and SDSU needs the fan support in Football that it has in Basketball.

The students who were on campus when the last NCC title in football was won(1963) are now starting to draw Social Security Checks. I was one of those, but remain faithful that one of these days... we will be champs again.

bisononce

08-02-2003, 08:11 PM

89Rabbit. I too was at the Bison Alumni event this week. Bison Mav comments are accurate. Gen Taylor speaks of SDSU along with NorthDakotaState as foregone. He is confident and pumped. The corollory is: There are many weak sisters getting into Division ll, with small enrollments, limited budgets and lobbying for reduced scholarship limits. And it's going to get really watered down.

Contact the President's office or whoever you know with influence and add your voice, "we gotta make the move, etc." Get your associates to speak up...

Texas_Jacks_Fan

08-03-2003, 09:47 PM

In response to BisonMav, I'm assuming the four schools in the Big Sky who want us are Montana, MSU, Idaho St. and maybe Weber St (I'm unsure of Weber St.) The West Coast schools will be the sticker... Sac St and Portland St. I would think EWU and NAU could be won over in the future. I wonder how solid Sac. St. and Portland St. are in the conference for the future?They draw poorly. But they get exposure in those big cities.Does anyone think they could be replaced by SDSU and NDSU in the coming years?

BisonMav

08-04-2003, 05:43 AM

Northern Arizona was mentioned as supporting the addition of the Dakota's. There has been talk about Sac St joining the Big West. The Big West could be an all California Conference eventually. This is only talk though. Terry Wanless, Sac St AD (formerly UND AD), has said in the Grand Forks Herald, that the Dakota's don't fit his idea of Big Sky schools. There was an article recently about Portland St struggling in Division I.

SDSUFAN

08-04-2003, 05:47 AM

The status on Sac-State and Portland State and their future in the Big Sky is one of contention, and may explain the 4-4 vote regarding SDSU and NDSU. Portland as the article posted over on Bisonville explains was to play basketball in the Rose Garden, which is a grand facility for the Trailblazers and that failed. It failed miserably and that is why they are back on campus with their 1500 capcity facility.

Sac State orginally had a minor football franchise using their facility and upgraded some of the seating and other things for Sac State. The Franchise moved on and now they are left holding the bag and in fact some of the football seating was removed. Since the franchised left their attendence has not been much better than SDSU. Add to that coaching staff had numerous problems and they fired their coach. The new guy is suppose to turn things around. Sounds familiar.

They have a new president and the AD is Terry Wanless who was a finalist for the AD at SDSU but later got the job at UND. He made some moves up at UND including removing the Sioux Logo that got him fired. I dont think he got on good with Ralph Englestad the guy with the dough, and he and the president at UND both got their walking papers.

Wanless has not been any help to NDSU and SDSU in getting into the Big Sky. In fact he is the biggest opponent. He has had a voice in this matter since, Sac State just recently hired a president. Terry seems to forget where he came from, namely Mission South Dakota.

So yes this is an interesting part of equation, and the big city media market looked different to the Montana schools in 1995 than what it does now. Not that great by any means.

SDSUFAN

08-09-2003, 07:47 AM

The Argus Leader has its less than positive coverage on SDSU move to D1AA. They have linked two previous articles as well which does not make much sense, since they are past and not the present. I believe certain people within the Argus Sports Staff do not want to see this happen. Why I dont know.

http://www.argusleader.com/sports/Saturdayfeature.shtml

JACKGUY

08-09-2003, 08:16 AM

While I agree the Argus has not been exactly on board
over the Jacks move I don't think this particular article is
that negative. I thnk once the move is made the Argus will be forced to expand SDSU Coverage based on pure interest level. It seems the announcement of the plan to move into our exploratory year will come today and the quest for a conference will continue. Interesting about speculation over the Horizon and maybe Missouri Valley is still out there. In terms of Basketball I woiuld prefer both over the Mid-Cont and Big Sky. We have closer proximity to those schools.

filbert

08-09-2003, 09:04 AM

On the main Argus front page they've got a poll up asking "Do you agree with South Dakota State University's decision to transfer to Division I athletics?" About 300 responses, with NO leading 2 to 1 right now.

Vote early, vote often.

Doesn't really matter though...here we go!

1963Jack

08-09-2003, 09:18 AM

I agree with Jackguy, setting aside the headline the article is not to bad. The Argus like much of the Sioux Falls Media has wanted to protect Augie, however I too believe they will get on board once we make the move. It is funny that today's Brookings Register has nothing to say about the issue. I will be watching the TV for word of an offical announcement. What an exciting time for SDSU.

SDSUFAN

08-09-2003, 10:28 AM

I guess I was anticipating what I was to read before I actually did read the article and *made the first post above. Yeah, I am with you on the current article not necessarily negative, but not a Jeff Kolpeck upbeat article that the Fargo Forum sports writer did in promoting D1AA for NDSU. *Between the Argus and the Fargo Forum its been night and day as far as promotion of the D1AA program.

Granted the Argus feels obligated to cover Augustana and USF because they are local, but they could have a much better attitude towards SDSU.

The Omaha World Herald fifty miles from Lincoln does a great job covering the Huskers. *When I moved to Nebraska 18 years ago, I could not believe how much coverage the Huskers got in the Omaha paper.

The Brookings Register seems to be always understaffed and the coverage of SDSU is slow and slow to post articles to the web for out of state readers.
When you check all the local papers for other NCC schools, the only newspaper that is slower in reporting than the Brookings Register is the Vermillion paper.

The Brookings Register could do a much better job and they should not allow Rod Thomsgaard, the part time sports writer pooh-pooh, the D1 move. *Rod probably is an excellent teacher in full time job, but his columns knocking Fred Oien and Peggy Miller have been anything but helpful.

Oh yes I just check the Board of Regents website that is linked at the SDSU home page and the Regents are meeting to day August 9th in Spearfish at BHSU. *So more articles should follow tomorrow.

1963Jack

08-09-2003, 12:05 PM

I couldn't agree with you more. *The Fargo paper has been much more positive. *The Argus needs to think of itself as the South Dakota Paper rather then the Sioux Falls paper. *Sioux Falls has grown so much (Kelo reported that by 2005 it is supposed to be 140,000 pop.) that the Argus is having an identity crisis. *They still want to be that local hometown newspaper they where 30 years ago. *Many of the new people are from all over and they need to take a wider view.

We need to do the same thing ourselves here at SDSU. I think that is why we are moving up to D I/I AA. We need to reach out to all the new people in Sioux Falls and help them become better Jackrabbit fans. We need to be South Dakota's University and their Pride!

*You are 100% right on about the Brookings paper they are under staffed. *I am in Brookings and there is no story today, so its not just an internet thing. *

Lastly, you are right about Rod's articles. *He needs to be on the opionion page not the sports page. *He is not reporting so much as lobbying. *Sounds like it is all for not. *I am glad SDSU is taking its rightful place in the region and state.

filbert

08-09-2003, 12:55 PM

Remember that the Argus is a Gannett paper (i.e. USA Today, i.e. Al Neuharth, i.e. USD). When you start seeing pro-SDSU articles in the Argus, you'll know that the transition to D1 was successful. It might take a few years (and might take something like an SDSU D1 national championship in a sport like cross-country or wrestling), but it will happen.

1963Jack

08-09-2003, 01:01 PM

Remember that the Argus is a Gannett paper (i.e. USA Today, i.e. Al Neuharth, i.e. USD). *When you start seeing pro-SDSU articles in the Argus, you'll know that the transition to D1 was successful. *It might take a few years (and might take something like an SDSU D1 national championship in a sport like cross-country or wrestling), but it will happen.

Great Point! Nice post.

SDSUFAN

08-09-2003, 02:24 PM

I wonder how much involvement Al Neuharth has in the day to day operations, especially the Argus. *Most of their staff are out of staters who use the Argus as a stepping stone in their journalistic careers. I think this is part of the problem in not feeling any loyality to SDSU or South Dakota for that matter.

Chris Solari, in a private Email told me he was from Michigan. *So I think this is part of our problem. Stu Whitney has been around for a while, but I have no knowledge of his background. Kevin Dobbs sounds like someone from Colman SD, but not sure. He could be from Oregan, who knows.

Al Neuharth appears to have no interest in athletics at USD and he has not put any big bucks up. *This seems strange since in the 1950's about 1953-54 he ran a weekly newspaper covering South Dakota Sports called SODAK Sports, that was about half the paper size of USA Today form-wise, and he could not muster sufficient advertizing to keep it aflot. It went broke. I heard him talk about that venture on CSPAN a few years back. He has been missing from CSpan as my guess he is about 75 or older. *I just wonder if he will not come up with some major gift down the road to USD. *They sure could use one.

1963Jack

08-09-2003, 10:07 PM

Watched all three Sioux Falls TV stations. *KDLT and KSFY reported that President Miller met with the regents. *KELO did not run a story. *KDLT & KSFY basically said what we already know in a very neutrel way. *

1963Jack

08-09-2003, 10:27 PM

Here is the latest from the Argus

http://www.argusleader.com/sports/Sundayfeature.shtml

Not much new here.

SDSUFAN

08-10-2003, 12:42 AM

No not much new. Maybe there should not be, but I dont get any signal that SDSU is going to stay in the NCC for two more years either.

1963Jack

08-10-2003, 09:19 AM

President Miller is a very smart lady. She is playing her cards close to the vest. I am sure she will make the move as close to the NCC deadline as possible. I am also sure that it will be so long NCC, hello D I/I AA. She wants to limit the amount of time the anti-SDSU forces have to complain.

SDSUFAN

08-10-2003, 11:23 AM

1963Jack:
Yes President Miller is a very smart lady. *I am really happy that she has made upgrading the Athletics to D1AA a major goal of her presidency. *It really takes an outsider like her to have the courage to move up. *

Dr. Wagner was a wonderful man and he wanted our football program to return to the Ralph Ginn days, and we almost got there a few times. *I just hope our next president will be as enthusastic about the athletic programs as the past two presidents have been.

When President Miller retires, and that can't be too far off, I hope and pray we won't get some-one who has no appreciation for these programs and wants to go back-wards or sideways. Athletics are a big investment for the University and provide economic development for South Dakota, not just Brookings.

I guess I am very impatient and want to hear from the horses mouth that we are offically "moving on up to the east side.", to borrower from the Jefferson's TV theme song.

Since the NCC stuck that 18 month rule in at their May Meeting, I dont think we owe Commissoner Marcil *and the other remaining members any favors.

89rabbit

08-10-2003, 11:51 PM

The 18 month rule has kind of ticked me off since it happened. After we announced that we would not move without a conf., the NCC seemed to think that they had us. It seems to me that this new rule was designed to put pressure on us and make us stay. I think it has had the opposite effect, and given us the perfect reason to leave without a firm offer in place from another conf. Which I personally perfer. The sooner we get started down the D I/I AA road the better.

Go State!

SDSUFAN

08-14-2003, 07:35 PM

At Depot Radio KJJQ in Brookings they have a audio play of Coach Stieglemeier on the up-coming season. Also it states that a press conference is schedule for tomorrow at 10:00 in the HPER BLDG and the trophy room
KJJQ is carrying this press conference live and you can listen in

Here is the link:

http://www.depotradio.com/sports.php

bisonguy

08-14-2003, 09:43 PM

I think the press conference might have something to do about a possible *move to DI *:o :o.

Keep us Bison fans updated on the press conference. I can't listen to the radio all day at work.

filbert

08-14-2003, 10:00 PM

Article on the Brookings Register web site:

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10011467&BRD=1127&PAG=461&dept_id= 92769&rfi=6

Word on Division I decision looms

By: John Andrews August 14, 2003

SDSU athletic director says conference invitation unlikely before Sept. 1 deadline

There's an old saying that no news is good news. That's not necessarily the case for South Dakota State University and its quest to reclassify itself athletically from Division II to Division I.

The university has been engaged in the process of finding and securing membership in a conference for the better part of this year. But according to SDSU Athletic Director Fred Oien, it's not likely that a conference will come calling before the university's Sept. 1 deadline for notifying the North Central Conference of its intentions.

"We have told people publicly that we're going to make an announcement before Sept. 1 either way, whether we're going to seek reclassification or if we're dropping the reclassification pursuit for this year," Oien said. "It is highly unlikely at this date, since there have not been site visits, that any conference membership would be offered or extended in the next two or three weeks."

If that's the case, SDSU does have a back-up plan of sorts - an agreement with North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, California Poly-San Luis Obispo, Southern Utah, St. Mary's College (Calif.) and the University of California-Davis to form a football-only conference.

"In principle this June, we agreed that if we were all in need of that setting - because they all have the same problem we do, scheduling problems - if that were to occur, that could begin as early as 2004-2005."

Oien said the university was also looking into a proposed wrestling conference that would include North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Air Force Academy, Fresno State and six schools in Ohio.

He said SDSU would still continue its search for a conference if that situation were to play out.

SDSU has been talking with different conferences, describing SDSU's programs and situation.

"We're doing what we can to encourage people to look at us."

The North Central Conference, SDSU's current Division II league, has a Sept. 1 withdrawal deadline that the university has been working to meet. Should a conference approach SDSU offering membership by that date, SDSU would still be obligated to the NCC for another year. The Sept. 1 deadline is meant to coincide with the NCAA's Dec. 31 deadline for application to Division I status.

Oien said one of the strengths in the university's talks with conferences is its partnership with NDSU, which has already declared its intention to move to Division I.

"There are just some fundamental things about having two schools that are very much alike in terms of their academic program and athletic programs, partnering together for travel purposes. If we joined a conference and a school came this way for a weekend series, we're very close in comparison."

SDSU and NDSU shopped that partnership to the Big Sky Conference earlier this year, but that league's presidents showed some opposition and encouraged the two universities to continue looking.

That may be because of NDSU's declaration of its intentions to move to Division I. That puts NDSU and SDSU at least a year apart on reclassification.

"It really splits our partnership up in negotiations with the conferences. We're dealing with that as we speak."

©Brookings Register 2003

89rabbit

08-14-2003, 11:25 PM

Here is the Argus take:

http://www.argusleader.com/sports/Fridayfeature.shtml

SDSU to officially declare intent to go Division I today
From Staff Reports

published: 8/15/2003

South Dakota State University officials will announce today whether or not the school will move forward with its planned move to Division I athletics.

It is expected that the school will formally say it's ready to make the move to without a conference in place, joining North Dakota State in the ascent to Division I. The press conference starts at 10 a.m. in the Ginn Trophy Room of the HPER Center on the campus.

University President Peggy Miller gave the state Board of Regents "an informational item that this is our position," during the board's meeting last weekend in Sturgis, SDSU Athletic Director Fred Oien said last week. Neither he nor Miller would reveal that position.

SDSU must notify the North Central Conference, the school's current Division II league, of its affiliation plans by Sept. 1. If SDSU officially proceeds with the leap to Division I and notifies the league before that deadline, this season will be the Jackrabbits' last in the NCC.

SDSU leaders previously said the school would not leave Division II unless a Division I league for their teams was in place. However, Miller said last week the school was interested in at least three Division I conferences, but she declined to name them.

The Jackrabbits want to shift to Division I-AA in football, the NCAA's second-highest classification, and Division I in the school's other 19 sports.

KWSN-AM 1230 will broadcast the press conference live.

Go State!

BisonMav

08-15-2003, 07:08 AM

Oien said the university was also looking into a proposed wrestling conference that would include North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Air Force Academy, Fresno State and six schools in Ohio.

That's the first I have heard of the wrestling conference. Sounds like a great idea. :)

SDSUFAN

08-15-2003, 07:24 AM

WNAX-yankton will also cover the press conference live, but I dont think that will be on the internet. Radio freq is 570 AM. *They have had limited their live broadcasts to sporting events.

I listen to Steve Emming this morning 6:35am, before he jumped in the car and headed to Brookings. Steve seemed to think that it is a green light. Mr. Emming is generally very careful in what he says so thats a good sign.

Yes good news on the wrestling *conference. Its amazing what will fall in place when schools start looking to move up in competition.

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 09:37 AM

It is offical, South Dakota State University will be moving up to D I/I AA! Yahoo!!! ;D

Lets Go Rabbits!

bisonguy

08-15-2003, 09:41 AM

Congratulations and welcome aboard travel partner!!!!!

Will this be SDSU's exploratory (last in D2, first in 5 year transition) year?

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 09:48 AM

Congratulations and welcome aboard travel partner!!!!!

Will this be SDSU's exploratory (last in D2, first in 5 year transition) year?

Thank you very much bisonguy! ;D It was my understanding from listening to the news conf. that this will be our last year in D II. So yes I think this is our exploratory year. I am sure the newspapers will be full of stories and will clairify this matter further. One of the reasons given for SDSU move now was to stay in step with NDSU, so I think so.

Go SDSU!
Go NDSU!

JACKGUY

08-15-2003, 09:51 AM

In the press conference Dr. Oien expressed that it became clear that conferences that SDSU and NDSU are persuing would not take SDSU seriously until they declared their intentions formally. It also came down to giving student athletes,coaches and fans a clear message of where we are heading. He also was very confident that the money is there with sponsorships and the endowment fund continues to grow. This is a monumental decision for SDSU and the state of South Dakota and I believe the school will distance itself from the other state schools in terms of excellence in both academics and athletics and enrollment.

SDSUFAN

08-15-2003, 12:43 PM

Back in 1963, after SDSU won the College BB National championship and I was still a student, I thought the coach at the time Jim Iverson, would eventually lead us to D1 basketball. Several things happen in the subsequent years, and it did not happen. *Now 40 years later its going to happen. I am tickled s***less.

JACKGUY

08-15-2003, 01:34 PM

I would be very interested to hear how people in the SDSU family who have been opposed to this move will now react. Some of these people have figured very prominatley into SDSU. I would hope they can move beyond their differences and realize this is new era of opportunity. I realize old traditions and relationships are sometimes hard to leave behind, but I firmly believe this move is for the long term benefit of SDSU. Does anyone have that attitude or do you people that will not be able to move past leaving the NCC?

SDSUFAN

08-15-2003, 02:07 PM

Of all the SDSU alums, who is best known and vocally opposed the move is former BB coach Jim Marking. I was very sad when he spoke out in vorciferous manner at the Board of Regents hearing in Sioux Falls.

Jim is such a likeable guy and he was a very good coach.
He had a hard time getting a high school coaching job after graduating from SDSU that he took a job working for the Railroad and coached Bruce High School in his spare time for one season.

Although his precessor at Hayti, had put a lot effort in building a basketball program at Hayti, his first season Hayti went to finals of the Class B state Tournament, and he had a freshman, player Garney Henley who went on to the CFL and was a great running back.

After 4 appearence in the State B tournament winning the championship once, Jim moved on to Watertown and was very sucessful. When I was attending Brookings High, Jim was coaching at Watertown.
Those Brookings vs Watertown games all went Jim Markings way, and I got tired of his broad smile each time he called time out and talked to his players.
One of his great players at Watertown was Doug Peterson who was on the 1963 national championship.
After Watertown, he became an assistant to Jim Iverson and was a excellent support coach especially in 1963.

He ended up head coach in 1965, when Iverson was fired due to a player scandal that is way too old to air out on this board. If you want to know the goory details send me a message and I will do that off the board.
Jim like to play D1 opponents, and one his great players was the late Lee Colburn, who I never saw play, but had great records and some still stand at SDSU
.
What got Jim upset about the move to D1 is beyond me. I hope he will come around as he is a very loyal SDSU alum besides being a winning BB coach at SDSU.

I know some of my close friends have indicated that moving to D1 was suicidal, but I thinK many are starting to come around. *I guess they feel that somehow the classification should be on the ballot, but its the president' decision, and many have had a hard time accepting that fact.

I am sure its going to change, as we start to move forward with new opponents and new conferences, those doubters will start to see the good. *

There are a lot of fans that love to travel and once they get a chance to see St George Utah and the beautiful surronding area, they will not miss the stinky stockyards of Sioux City Iowa.

That just my feel. *I think this board is just great and it appears most of the posters are SDSU alums living out of state. We have been very positive in our postering and maybe sharing rumors and takes etc. It is a lot of fun thats not quit now.

I glad that this opportunity has been a chance to make acquaintences and friendships with NDSU alums and fans. *The worst Hobo Day I have watched was the one in 1986, when the Bison demolished the Jacks. NDSU won the D2 national champ that year.

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 03:25 PM

My hope (and feeling) is that like a hard fought primary election the party (in this case the SDSU family) will pull togehter now that it is all over with. This is a great op. for SDSU as well as the State of South Dakota! I have been waiting for this day for so long. Lets enjoy it. I would like to offer up my congratulations to President Miller, Fred Oien, and all who worked so hard to make this dream a reality. Nice job folks! ;D

Go State!

tony

08-15-2003, 03:28 PM

Congratulations, Jackrabbit fans.

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 03:28 PM

Congratulations and welcome aboard travel partner!!!!!

Will this be SDSU's exploratory (last in D2, first in 5 year transition) year?

Yes, this is SDSU's exploratory year.

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 03:29 PM

Congratulations, Jackrabbit fans.

Thanks tony, now lets find a conf.

Texas_Jacks_Fan

08-15-2003, 04:36 PM

Thanks to President Miller, and AD Oien, for a hard fought vistory, I cant wait for the new opportunities, and to see SDSU successful at the next level. Props also to NDSU who was instrumental in making this happen, Thanks Bison!
Go Jacks!

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 11:12 PM

Did anyone watch the Sioux Falls news last night? *If so how was the "mood" about our move?

Go Jacks!

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 11:27 PM

Here is the NCC's brave face on the issue. * ;)

http://www.msnbc.com/local/KDLT/M318648.asp

Go State!

89rabbit

08-15-2003, 11:37 PM

Here is even more stuff about our move from the Sioux Falls Argus Leader:

http://www.argusleader.com/sidebar/Saturdayarticle1.shtml

http://www.argusleader.com/news/Saturdayarticle2.shtml

Go State!

SDSUFAN

08-16-2003, 01:16 AM

The Yankton Press & Dakotan is the daily paper closest to Vermillion and does the best job of covering USD had this article about the move to D1.

The first part of the article is boiler plate of the other articles posted but the last part includes comments from Dave Corneman from Yankton who won the D2 wrestling championship at 167 in 1984. Some of you guys probably knew him.

It's Official: SDSU Headed To DI
BY RANDY DOCKENDORF
P&D Regional Editor

While the remaining NCC schools chart a new direction, former SDSU wrestler Dave Cornemann said he is excited about his alma mater's future. The Yankton resident won the Division II title at 167 pounds in 1984 -- in turn qualifying for the Division I tournament -- and was a two-time All-American.

"With Division I, you have doubled the number of scholarships and can recruit more athletes," he said. "And there is the argument that you rise to the level of your competition. If you go against the best, you become the best."

While some athletes will shy away from SDSU as a Division I school, Cornemann said he thinks the lure of a scholarship and Division I will also draw athletes. And many NCC athletes, such as wrestlers and football players, are already competing against Division I and I-AA opponents, he said.

The SDSU wrestling program has finished in the top five in the nation the last eight years and was national runner-up two years ago, Cornemann said. He expects the Jackrabbits will continue such excellence.

"When a coach comes to your house and asks if you want a full scholarship to come to SDSU, it comes down to dollars and cents. The scholarship is the bottom line," he said.

"Initially, there will be some who don't go to SDSU because they can't compete for a national championship in those first years. But once the school gets through that transition period, the chance to compete for a national championship will pick up interest immensely."

By making their commitment to Division I, both SDSU and NDSU have opened their door for conference membership, Cornemann said. "Other conferences are now going to seriously consider them," he said.

The NCC, particularly SDSU, already draws fan attendance comparable to much larger schools, Cornemann said. SDSU fans will continue their tremendously loyalty and possibly pick up new fans and financial backing, he said.

"There is an excitement of having a Division I team in South Dakota," he said. "I was dead set against it at first, but now I think we need to jump on board and ride this pony and have some fun with it."

If you want to read the entire article here is the link

http://www.yankton.net/stories/081603/com_20030816001.shtml

SDSUFAN

08-16-2003, 05:52 AM

Here is an excerpt from one of the Article1 of the Sioux Falls Argus which did not surpise me at all.

"The move will end long-standing rivalries with NCC schools, and not everyone is content with the decision. Jim Marking, a former SDSU basketball coach from 1965 to 1974, called it "a sad day."

"It's a very disappointing day for all alums and friends of South Dakota State," he said. "Everybody's very, very disappointed. I haven't talked to anyone all summer who's for the move."

Gee Jim, who have you been talking to besides guys your age?

JACKGUY

08-16-2003, 05:54 AM

I see Jim Marking just can't let this go. Talk about sour grapes. He seems to imply the whole state is against this move, who has he been talking too. If he keeps this up I believe he will taint the positive things he has done for the SDSU.

SDSUFAN

08-16-2003, 06:18 AM

Jack Guy

Agreed, I think Jim is close to 75 or maybe older, though in good health, I think he kind of feels he is being forgotten. Most young alums would not generally know much about him unless they did some research on his coaching years or read posts from an old guy like me.

Jims old assistant at Watertown and a player I saw play in 1953 at the Barn, and a SDSU ALUM, Lyle "Bud" Belk also wrote some negative letters to the editor in the Brookings Register last fall. Bud was once the head BB coach at NDSU and won one of their NCC titles. Bud letters also attacked NDSU.

Between these two guys there has been some noise, but I think its the younger alums, especially the out of state ones that will make a difference in the long run.
We believe and should put our money where our mouth is and thats something some of the locals have not done and some will probably not.

People in Brookings and surrounding areas have grown accostom to going on the bus to Mankato, and Omaha and many have taken trips to Greeley via Deadwood. They never went with an empty bus.

I think with newer conferences, the travel agencies in Brookings and Sioux Falls have a real opportunity here. They will have prepare new packages and offer them to fans and alumni. I think this will help out a great deal.

I am 62, but I want SDSU to progress not go backwards.

I think that quote from President Miller indicating that one conference refused to do any more consideration until they filed the petition with NCAA speaks volumnes and kind shuts all the negative talk down. SDSU either had to enter or leave the doorway. We could no longer block the doorway.

So its a good feeling and hopefully things will all fall in place.

89rabbit

08-16-2003, 09:38 AM

It is so sad to see people who can't take defeat well. Coach Marking has lost all credibility with me by making such ridiculous statements. I am sure some members of the SDSU family are slightly disappointed, however to suggest that no one wanted to make the move is preposterous. Everyone I talk to. . . my wife, my son, my dogs. . .thinks that I should be the next football coach at SDSU ;)

It also makes me very angry when he presumes to speak for me when he said "It's a very disappointing day for all alums and freinds of South Dakota State". >:( As most of you know I am an alum, and I could not be more delighted with our move.

If coach marking wants to be a true friend of the University he needs to keep his ridiculous comments to himself. It is ok to have your own opinion, it is ok to fight for what you believe in, after all this is America. But please if you are going to make statments to the press be responsible.

My guess is he is the kind of guy that would say the Barn is where SDSU should play its home basketball games. Don't get me wrong the Barn was great for its time, but Frost Arena is a better fit for the University today. Much in the same way the NCC was a great place to play for many year, we have just out grown it as well.

I have said it before and I will say it again. It is a GREAT time to be a rabbit. ;D

Go SDSU!

89rabbit

08-16-2003, 09:48 AM

[quote author=SDSUFAN We believe and should put our money where our mouth is .[/quote]

I agree with you SDSUFAN. As one who has contributed to the University before on nemours occasions. I will be looking into new ways to contribute to the athletic department in support of our move to D I. Lets back the Jacks! :)

Go State!

Charger13

08-16-2003, 10:06 AM

On a news cast, (don't remember which channel) they interviewed Coach Marking and he said "98% of people around the state are against the move". Most of the people I have talked to are for the move. Everyone knows there are some naysayers out there, but not 98%. His recent quotes just make him sound like a rambling old man.
When SDSU first said they were going to look at the move, I talked to a lot of people that were against it, but as they became more educated they changed their minds. There were even some old people that I thought would never be for DI, and they have come around to see the light. Long term this is undoubtedly the best move for SDSU and great news for the state of South Dakota.
I wonder if we will loose any doners or season ticket holders over the move. The move to DI is like the war with Iraq. Even if people were against the war, they were still supporting the soldiers. I hope the same applies at SDSU, and people continue to support our athletic programs.

bisonguy

08-16-2003, 11:21 AM

Here's the article from The Forum- They did have another article strictly about SDSU making the move to DI, but it isn't on their website yet.

Edit again- the other article was listed as a story on 8/15 on the website, and was just the AP story of SDSU's announcement

D-I decision: NDSU played into determination
By Jeff Kolpack *
jkolpack@forumcomm.com
The Forum - 08/16/2003

South Dakota State scored a victory for the school’s Division I proponents Friday by announcing it will leave Division II after this season.

Give North Dakota State an assist on the play.

SDSU athletic director Fred Oien said the school will leave the North Central Conference effective July 1, 2004, and begin a Division I schedule in the fall of 2004.

Oien cited keeping pace with NDSU as one reason for the move.

“If we stayed, we would have been one year out of synch,” Oien said. “It complicates a conference that would want both of us.”

NDSU and SDSU have worked as a team in discussions with the Big Sky Conference last winter. Oien said the fact both are land-grant institutions, have competed against each other since 1921 and are in relative close proximity made it easier to make the Division I move.

“They played a significant role,” Oien said of NDSU. “We admire what North Dakota State has accomplished. We did not want to lose that friendship and spirited competition.”

NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor said SDSU’s decision was good news.

“It is real big to be able to have somebody come in for two games with a fairly easy travel schedule,” Taylor said. “Institutionally, (a conference) now has the opportunity to add two good land grants -- assuming from the president’s standpoint we are attractive.”

NDSU announced its Division I intentions in August 2002, but said it would begin its exploratory year this fall. SDSU, on the other hand, is moving immediately.

Under the exploratory concept, a school remains in Division II, but must begin administrative steps toward Division I status.

SDSU’s decision goes against its self-imposed criteria that it have conference affiliation in place before making the move. NDSU had a similar standard when it began serious Division I discussions in 2001.

After talking with Division I athletic directors and presidents in the past several months, Oien said SDSU had to re-think its position if it was serious about going Division I.

“It became clear to us that without a commitment to Division I, other conference’s interest in us would be minimal.”

The school’s budget, Oien said, will increase from its current $4.3 million to nearly $7 million by 2009. He said a successful endowment drive is giving the athletic department a sense of security.

“If we didn’t have that in place, we would probably struggle financially,” he said.

SDSU’s decision will leave the NCC with seven programs in 2004-05.

Mike Marcil, the NCC commissioner, said in a statement that the league’s Council of Presidents and Institutional Representatives will be meeting in the next few months to discuss expansion. He said the league would like to get back to eight members.

SDSUFAN

08-16-2003, 11:25 AM

Over on D2football.com which you have to pay $29.95 to look at the message board, GoCoyotes who came on this thread as the NCC Fan, started the thread about SDSU D1. He posted all the Argus articles plus the Aberdeen American News report. It kind of funny in my mind how he conveniently left out Yankton Press and Dakotan article, and the part towards the last that is posted above.

Dave Korneman,SDSU National Champion Wrestler speaks for me, but as much I have admired Jim Marking in the past, he does not speak for me either on this matter. I told the Gocoyotes guy that Marking does not speak for SDSU alums anymore than Kelly Higgins speaks for the entire USD alumni. For those who dont know who Kelly Higgins is he is the AD that got his walking papers.

One of the big events that Higgins forgot to organize was the Fundraiser that USD has helde about the same time as the Stan Marshall deal in Brookings. This USD Event is highlighted with the presence of Pat OBrien of CBS sports. Pat O'Brien is a Sioux Falls native and USD grad. This year he got his letter late and could not be on hand, so the event was cancelled I guess. Thats why they are looking for a new AD in Vermillion.

JACKGUY

08-16-2003, 05:54 PM

I had a chance to read some of the comments by NCC Fan. Definitely a troubled and disgruntled USD Fan. While I can see UND moving up at some point I don't envision USD ever making that jump. I would think Northern may be an option for membership in the NCC as they have always had tremendous fan support. It should be fun on the road for both SDSU and NDSU as everybody will be gunning for us. If we don't win you will hear the catcalls of 'Overrated and "Go D1". I think Higgins made a number of mistakes that lead to his demise. I would love to fastforward 10 years and see what all the people spreading the negativity will say then. It seems the people that are agains't SDSU making the move don't feel we are in the same league as NDSU which is absurb. Once Coughlin is renovated and expanded and we add a wellness center we will be better or on par with most of the DI teams that we will be competing against.