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Officials Will Not Visit N. Dakota
BY JEREMY HOECK
jeremy.hoeck@yankton.net
While the University of South Dakota has taken the first step toward possible membership in The Summit League, it’s transitional partner to the north is, for now, left behind.
Officials from the Division I conference announced Tuesday that it will visit the USD campus Jan. 20-21 to gather information about the school’s athletic programs.
However, the league has no plans to make a similar visit to the University of North Dakota because of that school’s ongoing issues with the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
“We are not moving forward on their possible acceptance until their logo situation is resolved,” Summit League commissioner Tom Douple told the Press & Dakotan. “I don’t think it’s fair for our league to consider them with that hanging over their heads.”
Like USD, North Dakota had crafted a letter of interest in The Summit League shortly after beginning its transition to D-I. Both schools have continually stated that conference affiliation is one of the most important aspect of the transition.
“The UND athletics department is always looking for ways to expand and improve opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, fans and contributors,” UND athletic director Brian Faison said in a statement Tuesday.
“Conference membership is a crucial part of the transition process to full Division I membership,” he added. “We are pleased to be members of the Great West Conference.”
Under a legal settlement with the NCAA, UND has until late next year to get the approval of Sioux tribes for use of the nickname and logo, or face sanctions.
South Dakota State and North Dakota State are both members of The Summit League. The conference, which sponsors all sports except football, consists of 10 members.
Officials from the Division I conference announced Tuesday that it will visit the USD campus Jan. 20-21 to gather information about the school’s athletic programs.
However, the league has no plans to make a similar visit to the University of North Dakota because of that school’s ongoing issues with the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
“We are not moving forward on their possible acceptance until their logo situation is resolved,” Summit League commissioner Tom Douple told the Press & Dakotan. “I don’t think it’s fair for our league to consider them with that hanging over their heads.”
Like USD, North Dakota had crafted a letter of interest in The Summit League shortly after beginning its transition to D-I. Both schools have continually stated that conference affiliation is one of the most important aspect of the transition.
“The UND athletics department is always looking for ways to expand and improve opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, fans and contributors,” UND athletic director Brian Faison said in a statement Tuesday.
“Conference membership is a crucial part of the transition process to full Division I membership,” he added. “We are pleased to be members of the Great West Conference.”
Under a legal settlement with the NCAA, UND has until late next year to get the approval of Sioux tribes for use of the nickname and logo, or face sanctions.
South Dakota State and North Dakota State are both members of The Summit League. The conference, which sponsors all sports except football, consists of 10 members.
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| Summit League Will Visit USD, Could Extend Membership | Gazelles Win Home Dual With Wagner |
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