North Dakota finally on map

April 27, 2009 • written by Alex Ringdahl, Sports Editor  
Filed under Sports

        If you are not aware that the North Dakota State Bison men’s basketball team made it to the big dance, the NCAA Tournament, you have been living under a rock.

        It is the team’s first year of eligibility and all across Fargo, Bison apparel sold like hotcakes.  The green and gold became more and more common in the halls of West Fargo High, but it seemed like some people were just hopping onto the bandwagon.

        This accomplishment is great for the state because it shows that North Dakota has talent, and that we are indeed a part of America, not Canada.

        It seemed that anyone who is from North Dakota had been a fan of the Bison for years when in reality, many of the turncoats were just fair weather fans.

        I do not see a problem with supporting the Bison; I would rather see Bison colors filling the school than Big 10 schools or ugly Sioux green. 

        The only issue is when the Bison lost in the first round, the fan population mysteriously dropped.   One will not be able to walk in the hallway now without hearing loathing for the Bison.  Ironically, the people who are making these negative comments were wearing a brand new Bison shirt only a few days before.  

        The school is not the only place with a lack of team spirit and consistency. All over the Fargo-Moorhead area Bison pride died with the sound of the final buzzer.

        Just a week ago the Sports City in the mall proudly displayed Bison apparel in the front of the store, then they lost to Kansas and things turned around.  By Sunday the store replaced the Bison pride with clearance Jayhawk clothing.

        This increase in Bison pride shows how more people have pride for their future college than their high school. 

        The school showed a large amount of support when they decided to “pack the house” for the last few basketball games, but the support shown for the Bison among staff and students blew the support for the Packers out of the water.

        The school has shown a potential for team spirit. If only it could be applied to one of our sports teams instead of a college, we would actually have exciting pep rallies and actually have better school morale.