It's tied!! Our sports debate over the dakotas finds itself knotted up at two wins a piece. We need a deciding topic, a game five if you will. The debate has come to which state has the best athletes left, athletes that haven't already been mentioned in previous topics. Lets get to it!
As has become an ongoing occurrence, we start with North Dakota.
Boxing legend Virgil Hill of Williston ND gets our debate off and running as the first name on our list. Virgil won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles. Virgil was a long time WBA light heaveyweight championwith his first belt coming in 1987. He would go on to defend his title a record 19 times before retiring in 1997 with a professional record of 56-6.
The next athlete we will dicuss is professional football player Pete Retzlaff of Ellendale ND. Pete was selected in the 1953 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions but was sold to the Philadelphia Eagles where he played running back, wide receiver, and tight end for eleven seasons. He led the NFL in receptions in 1958 and was selected to five pro bowls throughout his career. The Eagles have retired Retzlaff's number 44 jersey.
South Dakota
We start this list with Billy Mills of Pine Ridge SD. Mills won a gold medal in the 10,000 meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and is the only American to ever do so. His 64 victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history. In 1976, Mills was inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame and to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1984. There was later a movie put out about Mills and his accomplishments titled, "Running Brave," staring Robby Benson.
The next name on SD's list is Frank Leahy of Winner SD. Leahy played tackle for the University of Notre Dame on Knute Rockne's last three teams, graduating in 1931. After a few coaching stops at various univeristies, Leahy would end up back at his alma matter. He would coach at Notre Dame for eleven years and win five national championships while compiling six undefeated seasons.
It's been fun looking at these two states and recognizing the major names in sports that have come from each, but there can only be one winner, and that is South Dakota. Both North and South Dakota have a pretty good representation of athletes from there respected states. SI.com put out the 50 greatest athletes from each state a few years back and when looking at each states induvidual list to me South Dakota is the winner. It's been fun and Mike I apologize for the tardiness.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Which state, North or South Dakota, has the better sporting venues?
A venue can completely change the sporting experience. Arenas and stadiums are being built bigger and better then ever and I'm going to compare the venues of the dakotas. Which state has the better sporting venues?
North Dakota:
The Ralph Engelstad Arena opened oct 5, 2001 and is regarded as one of the finest hockey arenas in the world. It is home to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Mens and Womens hockey teams, and has a seating capacity of 11,500. This facility includes a world class 10,000 sq. ft. weight room, an on-site X-Ray machine, escalators taking you around as well as up and down the stadium, and a eight screen video scoreboard that shows game action as well as numerous other in game info. The two million dollar daktronics scoreboard weighs in at 30,000 lbs.
The Fargo Dome is the next venue on the list, and is the site of many different events in the fargo area, including concerts and NDSU football games. Opening Dec. 2, 1992, the Fargo Dome was built for $48,000,000 and has a seating capacity of 18,700 with several suites on both sidelines.
We head back to Grand Forks for our next arena. The Alerus Center at UND is fa acility which house Fighting Sioux Football. A 12,283 seat stadium, the Alerus has an astroturf playing surface, 18 luxery suites, a bose sound system, a 15x30 daktronics video replay system, and eight concession stands. The Fighting Sioux Football team has a deffinate homefield advantage at the Alerus, compiling a 35-5 record over five seasons, as well as an 8-0 post season record.
The last venue we'll talk about is Newman Outdoor Field, located in Fargo. Newman Field is home to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the independent Northern League as well as to the NDSU baseball team. Completed in June, 1996, this stadium has a seating capacity of 4,513 and was built for $5,500,000. Dressing rooms are located under the stadium behind each dugout and there is an indoor batting cage. 12 suites are located throughout the stadium and a old school feel is present at the stadium with a hand-operated scoreboard.
South Dakota:
Howard Wood Field is an outdoor stadium located in Sioux Falls which opened in 1957. The stadium hold around 10,000 people and is one of the premier football and track facilities in the region. The Howard Wood Dakota Relays are one of the major sporting events held at Howard Wood each year. Also, college and high school teams from around the area call this stadium home for both football and track.
The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center located in Rapid City South Dakota is a 150,000 sq. ft. Exhibition center with a 10,000 seat multi-purpose arena. It was built in 1977 and is the major event center for the western part of South Dakota.
Sioux Falls Stadium, or better known as "The birdcage," is home to the Sioux Falls Canaries baseball team of the independent Northern Leagues. It holds 4,500 people and was completely renovated in 2000.
The Dakota Dome is a 10,000 seat multipurpose arena located in Vermillion SD on the campus of USD. It opened in 1979 at a cost of 7.9 million dollars, and is home to coyote football, basketball, and indoor track.
This debate is won by North Dakota. I've actually been to all the venues on this list, and its really not even very close. North Dakota has some pretty sweet facilities. The Engelstad arena is amazing. I'll admit that I'm not the biggest hockey fan, but going to a UND hockey game was one of the cooler things I've ever experienced, and the venue had a lot to do with that. Newman Field is pretty awesome too. It's like a mini major league park and its a great place to watch baseball. ND wins this debate and stay tuned for our next debat topic of the Dakotas.
North Dakota:
The Ralph Engelstad Arena opened oct 5, 2001 and is regarded as one of the finest hockey arenas in the world. It is home to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Mens and Womens hockey teams, and has a seating capacity of 11,500. This facility includes a world class 10,000 sq. ft. weight room, an on-site X-Ray machine, escalators taking you around as well as up and down the stadium, and a eight screen video scoreboard that shows game action as well as numerous other in game info. The two million dollar daktronics scoreboard weighs in at 30,000 lbs.
The Fargo Dome is the next venue on the list, and is the site of many different events in the fargo area, including concerts and NDSU football games. Opening Dec. 2, 1992, the Fargo Dome was built for $48,000,000 and has a seating capacity of 18,700 with several suites on both sidelines.
We head back to Grand Forks for our next arena. The Alerus Center at UND is fa acility which house Fighting Sioux Football. A 12,283 seat stadium, the Alerus has an astroturf playing surface, 18 luxery suites, a bose sound system, a 15x30 daktronics video replay system, and eight concession stands. The Fighting Sioux Football team has a deffinate homefield advantage at the Alerus, compiling a 35-5 record over five seasons, as well as an 8-0 post season record.
The last venue we'll talk about is Newman Outdoor Field, located in Fargo. Newman Field is home to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the independent Northern League as well as to the NDSU baseball team. Completed in June, 1996, this stadium has a seating capacity of 4,513 and was built for $5,500,000. Dressing rooms are located under the stadium behind each dugout and there is an indoor batting cage. 12 suites are located throughout the stadium and a old school feel is present at the stadium with a hand-operated scoreboard.
South Dakota:
Howard Wood Field is an outdoor stadium located in Sioux Falls which opened in 1957. The stadium hold around 10,000 people and is one of the premier football and track facilities in the region. The Howard Wood Dakota Relays are one of the major sporting events held at Howard Wood each year. Also, college and high school teams from around the area call this stadium home for both football and track.
The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center located in Rapid City South Dakota is a 150,000 sq. ft. Exhibition center with a 10,000 seat multi-purpose arena. It was built in 1977 and is the major event center for the western part of South Dakota.
Sioux Falls Stadium, or better known as "The birdcage," is home to the Sioux Falls Canaries baseball team of the independent Northern Leagues. It holds 4,500 people and was completely renovated in 2000.
The Dakota Dome is a 10,000 seat multipurpose arena located in Vermillion SD on the campus of USD. It opened in 1979 at a cost of 7.9 million dollars, and is home to coyote football, basketball, and indoor track.
This debate is won by North Dakota. I've actually been to all the venues on this list, and its really not even very close. North Dakota has some pretty sweet facilities. The Engelstad arena is amazing. I'll admit that I'm not the biggest hockey fan, but going to a UND hockey game was one of the cooler things I've ever experienced, and the venue had a lot to do with that. Newman Field is pretty awesome too. It's like a mini major league park and its a great place to watch baseball. ND wins this debate and stay tuned for our next debat topic of the Dakotas.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Dakotans in the NBA??
Lets turn our Dakota debate to the sport of basketball, and get started with North Dakota.
North Dakota's claim to fame in the sport of basketball comes from a guy who played in the NBA for 12 seasons, but is definitely better known for his work as a coach. Phil Jackson wasn't born in North Dakota, but grew up and attended high school in Williston ND. Phil, aka. the "Zen Master" has won nine NBA titles throughout his coaching career and is known for his holistic approach to the game as well as for his use of the triangle offense. Phil Jackson is a well known basketball name from the State of North Dakota. A few other well known names from ND are Lute Olson, a well known coach from the University of Arizona, Dale Brown, a long time coach for LSU, and Jeff Boschee, the states first McDonalds All American player and point guard for the Kansas Jay-Hawks.
We turn our focus to South Dakota:
We get things started with Mike Miller from Mitchell South Dakota. Mike played his college ball at the University of Florida and played for a national title. He was drafted fifth overall by the Orlando Magic and was selected as the 2001 rookie of the year. Mike won the leagues sixth man of the year award in 2005-2006 season and currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Eric Piatkowski is the next player on the South Dakota list. Piatkowski his from Rapid City SD and played his college ball at the University of Nebraska. He was drafted in 1994 to the Indiana Pacers and played in the League until 2006. With this list, SD has something unique, Beckey Hammon from Rapid City SD who plays in the WNBA. Hammon was the WAC player of the year as a member of Colorado State. She joined the NY liberty in 1999 and his currently playing for San Antonio.
With this topics decision, which Dakota has a better representation in the sport of baskebtall, I give this one to SD. The reason for this is because they simply have more athletes who have actually played in the league. If we were giving out a coaching award, the nod may go to ND, but in this case I award SD as the winner of this topic. Also, having men and woman in the professional sport of basketball helps. Sd gets my vote.
North Dakota's claim to fame in the sport of basketball comes from a guy who played in the NBA for 12 seasons, but is definitely better known for his work as a coach. Phil Jackson wasn't born in North Dakota, but grew up and attended high school in Williston ND. Phil, aka. the "Zen Master" has won nine NBA titles throughout his coaching career and is known for his holistic approach to the game as well as for his use of the triangle offense. Phil Jackson is a well known basketball name from the State of North Dakota. A few other well known names from ND are Lute Olson, a well known coach from the University of Arizona, Dale Brown, a long time coach for LSU, and Jeff Boschee, the states first McDonalds All American player and point guard for the Kansas Jay-Hawks.
We turn our focus to South Dakota:
We get things started with Mike Miller from Mitchell South Dakota. Mike played his college ball at the University of Florida and played for a national title. He was drafted fifth overall by the Orlando Magic and was selected as the 2001 rookie of the year. Mike won the leagues sixth man of the year award in 2005-2006 season and currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Eric Piatkowski is the next player on the South Dakota list. Piatkowski his from Rapid City SD and played his college ball at the University of Nebraska. He was drafted in 1994 to the Indiana Pacers and played in the League until 2006. With this list, SD has something unique, Beckey Hammon from Rapid City SD who plays in the WNBA. Hammon was the WAC player of the year as a member of Colorado State. She joined the NY liberty in 1999 and his currently playing for San Antonio.
With this topics decision, which Dakota has a better representation in the sport of baskebtall, I give this one to SD. The reason for this is because they simply have more athletes who have actually played in the league. If we were giving out a coaching award, the nod may go to ND, but in this case I award SD as the winner of this topic. Also, having men and woman in the professional sport of basketball helps. Sd gets my vote.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The baseball challenge
It's day two of the the Dakota show down. The Dakota debate is taking form and it's now time to talk of America's Past Time. Which Dakota is best represented in baseball? Lets discuss
We'll get things started with players from North Dakota:
Perhaps a name that could seal the deal for North Dakota before even hearing the list for South Dakota, is a hall of famer by the name of Roger Eugene Maris, or Fargo ND. Maris is best known for breaking Babe Ruth's single season home run record by hitting 61 home runs in the 1961 season. If you ask me, Maris's record should still be the existing number in the record books. Did they have steroids in the 60's? Doubt it. The # is still 61. The next player we'll bring up is Travis Haffner, 1st basemen for the Cleveland Indains from Sykston ND. Haffner is a career .282 hitter and has compiled 147 HR in a injury plagued career. Until the past couple years Haffner has anchored the 1B sport as well as the 4th spot in the batting order for the tribe. A potential all-star when healthy. Our list of ND ballplayers continues with Darin Erstad from Jamestown ND. Erstad played his college ball at the U of Nebraska and broke into the league as the 1st overall pick to the Anaheim Angels in the 1996 mlb draft. A two time All-star, and a World Series winner with the 02 Angels, Erstad presently has found himself as a situational player for the Houston Astros. Rick Helling is the forth player on our list, coming from Devils Lake ND. Helling was drafted in 1992 while playing his college ball at the University of Stanford. Helling's 15 years in the league were spent with a variety of teams. He was on the 2003 World Series winning Florida Marlins and announced his retirement from the game of baseball in 2007. In all, ND has had 15 players born in their state, that have reached the Major Leagues.
Lets now focus our attention to South Dakota:
We'll get the list started with George Lee (Sparky) Anderson, born in Birdgewater SD. Although sparky did spend time as a player in the majors, he's most famous for his time spent as a manager. Sparky won World Series titles as a manager with the 1975 and 76 Cinncinati Reds, and also as the manager of the 1984 Detroit Tigers. He finished his baseball managerial career with a lifetime record of 2194-1834, for a .545 percentage. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 2000. South Dakota's 2nd name on the list will be Mark Ellis, of Rapid City SD. Ellis played his college ball at the University of Florida and went on to be drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 1999 draft. Ellis is currently the starting 2B for the A's and has a career batting avergae of .265. We move on to our next candidate, Jason Kubel, from Belle Forche SD. Kubel was drafted in 2000 without playing any college ball. Kubel has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins, mostly as a left fielder and DH. His career batting average is .268 and Jason is experiencing a great start to his 2009 season. Some interesting bits of information from SD is that current Red Sox manager Terry Francona was born in Aberdeen SD, and also that former Red Sox closer Keith Foulke, was born on ellsworth AFB in SD. Both grew up in other states, but none the less, born in SD.
To conclude this baseball debate of which state has a better representation in the majors out of the Dakotas, I have to chalk this one up to North Dakota. Roger Maris alone wins this arguement for the No Daks. Although he was actually born in Minnesota, he moved to ND as a young boy and grew up as well as attended high school in Fargo. Roger Maris ranks up there with some of the all time Yankee greats that ever laced up their cleats and roamed the playing surface of the infamous Yankee Stadium. His 61 HR in a single season was just one of Maris' baseball accomplishments. He also, was MVP of the league three times, had four all star appearances, one gold glove, a .260 career average, and that all was topped off by an induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Good for you North Dakota, Roger Maris is definitaly something to be proud of. Our current score is all knoted up at 1. We'll continue our Dakota debate tomorrow. Stay tuned.
We'll get things started with players from North Dakota:
Perhaps a name that could seal the deal for North Dakota before even hearing the list for South Dakota, is a hall of famer by the name of Roger Eugene Maris, or Fargo ND. Maris is best known for breaking Babe Ruth's single season home run record by hitting 61 home runs in the 1961 season. If you ask me, Maris's record should still be the existing number in the record books. Did they have steroids in the 60's? Doubt it. The # is still 61. The next player we'll bring up is Travis Haffner, 1st basemen for the Cleveland Indains from Sykston ND. Haffner is a career .282 hitter and has compiled 147 HR in a injury plagued career. Until the past couple years Haffner has anchored the 1B sport as well as the 4th spot in the batting order for the tribe. A potential all-star when healthy. Our list of ND ballplayers continues with Darin Erstad from Jamestown ND. Erstad played his college ball at the U of Nebraska and broke into the league as the 1st overall pick to the Anaheim Angels in the 1996 mlb draft. A two time All-star, and a World Series winner with the 02 Angels, Erstad presently has found himself as a situational player for the Houston Astros. Rick Helling is the forth player on our list, coming from Devils Lake ND. Helling was drafted in 1992 while playing his college ball at the University of Stanford. Helling's 15 years in the league were spent with a variety of teams. He was on the 2003 World Series winning Florida Marlins and announced his retirement from the game of baseball in 2007. In all, ND has had 15 players born in their state, that have reached the Major Leagues.
Lets now focus our attention to South Dakota:
We'll get the list started with George Lee (Sparky) Anderson, born in Birdgewater SD. Although sparky did spend time as a player in the majors, he's most famous for his time spent as a manager. Sparky won World Series titles as a manager with the 1975 and 76 Cinncinati Reds, and also as the manager of the 1984 Detroit Tigers. He finished his baseball managerial career with a lifetime record of 2194-1834, for a .545 percentage. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 2000. South Dakota's 2nd name on the list will be Mark Ellis, of Rapid City SD. Ellis played his college ball at the University of Florida and went on to be drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 1999 draft. Ellis is currently the starting 2B for the A's and has a career batting avergae of .265. We move on to our next candidate, Jason Kubel, from Belle Forche SD. Kubel was drafted in 2000 without playing any college ball. Kubel has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins, mostly as a left fielder and DH. His career batting average is .268 and Jason is experiencing a great start to his 2009 season. Some interesting bits of information from SD is that current Red Sox manager Terry Francona was born in Aberdeen SD, and also that former Red Sox closer Keith Foulke, was born on ellsworth AFB in SD. Both grew up in other states, but none the less, born in SD.
To conclude this baseball debate of which state has a better representation in the majors out of the Dakotas, I have to chalk this one up to North Dakota. Roger Maris alone wins this arguement for the No Daks. Although he was actually born in Minnesota, he moved to ND as a young boy and grew up as well as attended high school in Fargo. Roger Maris ranks up there with some of the all time Yankee greats that ever laced up their cleats and roamed the playing surface of the infamous Yankee Stadium. His 61 HR in a single season was just one of Maris' baseball accomplishments. He also, was MVP of the league three times, had four all star appearances, one gold glove, a .260 career average, and that all was topped off by an induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Good for you North Dakota, Roger Maris is definitaly something to be proud of. Our current score is all knoted up at 1. We'll continue our Dakota debate tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Lets get this debate off and running with talks of Professional Football. North or South Dakota??Which state is better represented?
North Dakota Athletes: The first ND athlete that will be brought forth is Phil Hansen, from Oakes ND. A Two-time All-America at North Dakota State; a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, he's the third player in Bills' history with 50-plus sacks, is now retired, but was a beast! Who else does ND bring to the Professional Football table? Jim Kleinsasser of the Minnesota Vikings. From Carrington ND, a Two-time Division II All-America tight end at North Dakota, in 1997 and '98; led team in '98 with 45 catches; second-round pick of Vikings and is still with the team today, blocking for you know who, All Day Adrian Peterson. Leading rusher in the NFL this past season. Thanks Jim!! Next, Brooks Bollinger from Grand Forks ND. A Four-time all-city QB at Central High; passed for 4,209 career yards and 40 touchdowns; won 10 letters in three sports; played his college ball at Wisconsin and has bounced around the NFL, with his last stop being in Dallas, backing up Tony Romo. Now, these above names are your most recognizable names from North Dakota associated with the NFL. There are a few more North Dakotans that at one time played in the league, but you have to have been born in the stone age to know any of them. Either way not a bad list for 600,000 people.
Lets talk South Dakota:
We'll start with Adam Vinatieri, attended Rapid City High School, Has played in five super bowls and is the only kicker in history to win four super bowl rings. Is currently with the Indianapolis Colts. The next athlete from SD is Chad Greenway from Mt. Vernon SD. Chad attended the University of Iowa, was a first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, and started this past season as an Outside Linebacker. Ben Leber, Vermillion SD, Started as the other outside Linbacker for the Minnesota Vikings, a team that finished 2nd in the NFL in run defense. SD, "Solid." If you will!! The next name from SD I'll bring up is Josh Heupel. Started for the University of Oklahoma for two years and won a national title with the team in 2000. Was runner up in the Heisman trophey that year to Chris Weinke and was later drafted by the Miami Dolphins. There are a few more names from SD that are in the NFL right now, as well as some names that played in the past, but I feel I have stats and names here to make my final decision.
Which state, North or South Dakota, has the better representation in the NFL? South Dakota wins this arguement hands down. Two of the three three starting linebackers on the same team were from the same state, SD, and that particular defense on that team finished 2nd in stopping the run. Also Adam Vinatieri is a future hall of famer with a plethora of RINGS!! South Dakota better represents the Dakotas in the Professional Sport of Football. But don't take my opinion, let you're voice be heard. What do you think?? Our next sport will be debated soon!
North Dakota Athletes: The first ND athlete that will be brought forth is Phil Hansen, from Oakes ND. A Two-time All-America at North Dakota State; a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, he's the third player in Bills' history with 50-plus sacks, is now retired, but was a beast! Who else does ND bring to the Professional Football table? Jim Kleinsasser of the Minnesota Vikings. From Carrington ND, a Two-time Division II All-America tight end at North Dakota, in 1997 and '98; led team in '98 with 45 catches; second-round pick of Vikings and is still with the team today, blocking for you know who, All Day Adrian Peterson. Leading rusher in the NFL this past season. Thanks Jim!! Next, Brooks Bollinger from Grand Forks ND. A Four-time all-city QB at Central High; passed for 4,209 career yards and 40 touchdowns; won 10 letters in three sports; played his college ball at Wisconsin and has bounced around the NFL, with his last stop being in Dallas, backing up Tony Romo. Now, these above names are your most recognizable names from North Dakota associated with the NFL. There are a few more North Dakotans that at one time played in the league, but you have to have been born in the stone age to know any of them. Either way not a bad list for 600,000 people.
Lets talk South Dakota:
We'll start with Adam Vinatieri, attended Rapid City High School, Has played in five super bowls and is the only kicker in history to win four super bowl rings. Is currently with the Indianapolis Colts. The next athlete from SD is Chad Greenway from Mt. Vernon SD. Chad attended the University of Iowa, was a first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, and started this past season as an Outside Linebacker. Ben Leber, Vermillion SD, Started as the other outside Linbacker for the Minnesota Vikings, a team that finished 2nd in the NFL in run defense. SD, "Solid." If you will!! The next name from SD I'll bring up is Josh Heupel. Started for the University of Oklahoma for two years and won a national title with the team in 2000. Was runner up in the Heisman trophey that year to Chris Weinke and was later drafted by the Miami Dolphins. There are a few more names from SD that are in the NFL right now, as well as some names that played in the past, but I feel I have stats and names here to make my final decision.
Which state, North or South Dakota, has the better representation in the NFL? South Dakota wins this arguement hands down. Two of the three three starting linebackers on the same team were from the same state, SD, and that particular defense on that team finished 2nd in stopping the run. Also Adam Vinatieri is a future hall of famer with a plethora of RINGS!! South Dakota better represents the Dakotas in the Professional Sport of Football. But don't take my opinion, let you're voice be heard. What do you think?? Our next sport will be debated soon!
When the average American citizen is asked what they think or know about North and South Dakota, a majoirty of the time not much is said. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that there is a certain number of Americans' that may not be able to point out the Dakota's on a map. Although North and South Dakota have a combined population of right around 1,400,000, and not much is known nation wide about either state, some fine athletes as well as sporting names have come from the two upper midwest states. Let's focus some attention to the Dakotas. Which state has put out more athletes or big names to the sporting world? I'm going to take each sport and list the athletes from North and South Dakota associated with each sport. The number of athletes in each as well as the stats had by each particular individual will help me determine which state has contributed more to that particular sport and the sporting world as a whole. These states have for the most part got along, but its time to create some friendly controversy and perhaps a bit of a rivalry. Consider my opinion, but make your own!! Let's talk Sports!!
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