Local have mixed reactions over UND nickname

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Thursday’s announcement that the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname will be retired after a four-year legal battle has evoked a wide range of reactions from people all across the state, including Dickinson.

Dickinson resident Todd Heck said he doesn’t really have an opinion on the matter.

“I didn’t go to school there, and I’m not a big sports fan,” he said.

Mitch Kick, owner of Big Sky Athlete of Dickinson, said he had about two people stop in Friday morning and three phone calls regarding Fighting Sioux gear since Thursday’s announcement.

“I have talked to a couple of companies that we deal with, and depending upon what the licensing scenario is, they may still try and print with the old logo, but I don’t know if legally they can do it,” Kick said.

Kick said the store has hooded sweatshirts and shorts, among other items. He anticipates the store will be sold out quickly.

After four years, Susette Ridl of Dickinson said she thought the name would be kept.

“I didn’t really want to see them change it, but I can see where it would offend the Native Americans,” Ridl said.

Dickinson resident and UND alum Glen Bruhschwein said it is sad to see the nickname and logo go.

“I agree that there needed to be a definite statement from both of the tribes involved and that did not clearly come,” Bruhschwein said. “I recall that this has been a controversy for 25 years.”

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