Arena manager saddened by nickname decision

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — The general manager of the privately owned Ralph Engelstad Arena on the University of North Dakota campus says he is saddened by the retirement of the school's Fighting Sioux nickname.

Jody Hodgson (HOJ'-suhn) says he will consult with the board of directors, but if he has his way, the arena with an estimated 3,000 Sioux logos will not change.

The arena was paid for by the late Ralph Engelstad, a UND alumnus and benefactor and a staunch supporter of the nickname.

It is not known whether the NCAA would grant the arena postseason tournaments if the logos stay. Hodgson says he ``could care less.'

A state Supreme Court ruling and a Board of Higher Education decision have retired for good the Fighting Sioux nickname after a four-year legal battle.

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