I am a high-school junior from Cloquet, Minn., who plans on attending UND. I am writing in reference to recent news stories about the new UND nickname.
First off, I understand why the name "Fighting Sioux" is no longer officially in use, but I also believe changing the name will continue to cause nothing but controversy. I have attended many UND athletic events, and the pride and passion the fans have for the name Fighting Sioux is incredible. "Lets go Sioux" and many other Sioux-based chants echo throughout the building.
If the name gets replaced, it will not be accepted. The students, fans and alumni love their school and
their Fighting Sioux. Changing the name would not change the decades of tradition that the school has.
The administration needs to realize that the Fighting Sioux name will never go away. Changing the name and punishing students for showing pride for the old name will only cause more trouble and make the school less appealing to high school graduates.
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I, too, have Sioux apparel and am proud of it. Dropping the Fighting Sioux name is understandable, but adopting a new name is not the best idea.
So, if "Fighting Sioux" or just "Sioux" are out of the question, I wouldn't have a new nickname. It would hurt more to replace the name than it would help.
Let the students celebrate their Sioux spirit on their own. I know from personal experience that the Sioux pride is strong and powerful and will never go away.
Wyatt Benson
Cloquet, Minn.
