by Shane Hylton
Columnist
his week finds us with a lot of news from UND and Grand Forks:
UND aircraft Aerobatic Team comes out on top again
The University of North Dakota Aerobatic Team again topped its competition last year, finishing the season in the top spot. “That’s five consecutive National IAC Collegiate titles,” said Mike Lents, an aviation lecturer at the UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace) and the team’s coach. Members of the team are: Aaron Fettig, Bismarck; Ben Thomas, Fort Collins, Colo.; Alexander Sachs, Oregon, Wisc.; Jonathan Sievert, Anoka, Minn.; and Andrew Davidsmeyer, Jacksonville, Ill.; the coaches are Mike Lents, Algonac, Mich.; Greg Gilmer, Lander, Wyoming; and Jonathan Sepulveda, and the faculty advisor is Joe Vacek, assistant professor at UND Aerospace. “Ben, Jonathan, Alex, Andrew and Aaron proudly represented and demonstrated the best that UND has to offer,” said Lents.
The aerobatic tradition is long and strong at UND. Former UND student and current airline captain Jeff Boerboon is a clear testament to this: Boerboon is a U.S. and international aerobatic champion with many top trophies to his name. The UND Aerobatic Team competes at the collegiate level at aerobatic competitions around the United States at International Aerobatic Club-sanctioned events. UND operates two American Champion Aircraft Super Decathlons for its aerobatic team (video), aerobatic courses, tail wheel training and spin training.
Story by David L. Dodds, Media Relations/Writer & Editor, Office of University Relations
UND keeps climbing, now fifth in national polls
For the second consecutive week, the University of North Dakota men’s hockey team has improved one spot in the national polls and is now ranked No. 5 in the latest USCHO.com and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls released today.
North Dakota (13-7-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) jumped in the polls after a tie and a loss last weekend at top-ranked Minnesota. UND battled the Golden Gophers to a 4-4 overtime tie on Saturday after suffering a 5-1 defeat on Friday. Minnesota retained its top spot in both polls, while No. 2 Quinnipiac, No. 3 Boston College and No. 4 New Hampshire rounded out the top five in both. UND returns home to host St. Cloud State on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The Huskies are ranked No. 15 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll and No. 16 in the USCHO.com poll. The puck drops at 7:37 p.m. Central on Friday and 7:07 p.m. Central on Saturday.
Story by Jason Hadju UND Athletic Media Relations
UND duo competes at National Pole Vault Summit
A pair of University of North Dakota newcomers put forth strong showings today at the UCS Spirit National Pole Vault Summit. Junior Sara Lubke (Helena, Mont.), a transfer from Carroll College, cleared 10 feet, 4 inches (3.15 meters) to place sixth in her division. Lubke’s teammate, freshman Shea MacGregor (Roseau, Minn.), placed 16th in the same division with a mark of 7 feet, 8 inches (2.35 meters). UND’s entire squad will return to action Jan. 26 at Iowa State’s Bill Bergan Invitational.
Story by Jason Hadju UND Athletics Media Relations
Around Town
UND Sports
The UND Men’s Hockey and Women’s Basketball will be in town this weekend. I reccomed you check out both. For more information and tickets visit UNDSpots.com
2013 Sunshine Fest
Come out to the Ralph for a great cause this Saturday from 8am to 1pm. After coping with Shannon’s death in 2007, her family wanted to make a difference in the town she grew up in. They started the Sunshine Memorial Foundation and began an annual event called the “More Sunshine Annual Walk and Fun Run”, a.k.a. Sunshine Fest! The Sunshine Fest is the Sunshine Memorial Foundation’s annual event that each year helps to raise money for charitable causes. The event consists of a 5K outdoor fun run and an indoor 3K walk, a health and wellness fair, music, fun activities and dozens of amazing prizes!!Sunshine Fest 2013 is going to be our most exciting event yet as all money raised will be going to the Sunshine Memorial Foundation in support of our new project, the Proposed Sunshine Hospitality Home! We’d love to have you join us, because everyone could use a little more ‘Sunshine’ in January! Cost is only $10 and you can go to visitgrandforks.com for more information.
God of Carnage
The Late Night Series at the Fire Hall Theatre continues with this Tony Award winning, comedy without manners. The Fire Hall Theatre Late Night Series continues with God of Carnage, by Yasmina Reza. A playground incident spurs the children’s parents to get together to discuss responsibility in a civilized fashion. But when the God of Caranage veers his head, what results is anything but civilized in this comedy without manners. Starring Therese Borkenhagend (grad student, English), Patrick Pearson (alum, Theatre), Natasha Thomas (alum, Musical Therapy), and Daniel Dutot.
*Box office opens at 9 p.m., nights of performances. General admission, no reservations accepted.
The Fire Hall Theater is located downtown Grand Forks. For more information go to: www.ggfct.com