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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/2/2007 10:37:24 PM
Posts: 4,
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Greetings, Gateway! A few random thoughts on SDSU's and NDSU's entrance into the Gateway this fall. We're looking forward to getting reacquainted with our long-time North Central Conference foes, the University of Northern Iowa.
The North Central Conference was always one of the top, if not the top, College Division (into the late 70s) and then Division II conferences in the country. The University of Northern Iowa, North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University were charter members in the venerable NCC. The Panthers left the NCC in the late 70s...without looking it up, I think is was the 1977-78 season. As you know, SDSU and NDSU made the move a few years ago and this coming season is the last transition year for both schools.
The NDSU Bison have quite a reputation in football. They have a tradition of accepting nothing but the best and putting it out there every weekend on the gridiron. Since UNI left the NCC, I think one has to conclude that NDSU was the top football program in the old conference.
SDSU may not have quite the same recent history as developed by NDSU but the 'Rabbits usually claimed the "all-sports" trophy for the NCC. And we're really excited about football because since the move to D-I, you'd have to say the Jackrabbits are an emerging power...we're the tough new kid who just moved into the neighborhood. Last year, after stumbling for the first three games, we hit our stride and crunched some excellent teams on our way to the Great West Football Conference title game at the end of the season against NDSU in the Fargo Dome. Even though NDSU came out on top of that one, I think the Bison faithful will agree it was one heckuva battle. It was classic smash-face football played in front of more than 19,000 fans, many of whom were there to support the Jacks on the enemy's turf. When the final whistle blew, the warriors on both sides stood like bloodied but not beaten statues.
Yeah, the Bison won that one. The Jacks walked out of there having earned the respect of the Bison. But respect's not enough. We're itching to get the Bison back in Brookings this Fall to reclaim the annual battle trophy, the Dakota Marker. (Scheduling requirements had the Jacks playing in Fargo the last two years in a row. As you will find out, playing every other year in Fargo is tough...playing two years in a row in the 'Dome may be asking too much.)
So, the Jacks ended up second in the conference...but people took notice and you all know we ended up with a high national ranking at the end of the year.
I'll close with this: SDSU returns 18 starters and a stable full of talent battling to claim the right to start.
Hey, Gateway: You'll appreciate having both SDSU and NDSU in your ranks. They're the great land grant institutions, the flagship schools, in their respective states. They're long overdue for making big noise in D-I. The level of play, already fabulous in the Gateway, will do nothing but improve. Play the best to be the best. We're excited to be joining you.
Visit our message board! www.sdsufans.com
Watchout Gateway! Get ready to play the Jackrabbits. 
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Freshman
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/19/2007 3:24:53 PM
Posts: 24,
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I will be so much easier for the Gateway schools to schedule with this addition. Welcome.
PANTHERS WIN! PANTHERS WIN!
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 6/2/2007 11:34:11 PM
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| It looks as if when the SDSU and NDSU come in they will make an immediate impact with good solid play!
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/2/2007 11:34:11 PM
Posts: 2,
Visits: 4
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| It looks as if when the SDSU and NDSU come in they will make an immediate impact with good solid play!
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/2/2007 10:37:24 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 5
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cencalcools (6/2/2007)
It looks as if when the SDSU and NDSU come in they will make an immediate impact with good solid play!
cencalcools (6/2/2007)
It looks as if when the SDSU and NDSU come in they will make an immediate impact with good solid play!
 You can say that again!
Watchout Gateway! Get ready to play the Jackrabbits.
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 4/13/2008 8:24:53 AM
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Freshman
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Last Login: 6/16/2008 4:36:28 PM
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All I can say is:
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