As the unified symbol of statewide dominance in North Dakota, the Nickel Trophy is 75 pounds of pride, glory and bragging rights. Since UND won the last custody battle in 2003, there have been a select few who have laid their eyes on this chunk of aluminum alloy. The mystery of its whereabouts led us to Grand Forks to finally catch a glimpse of history.
Walking into the Hyslop Sports Center in Grand Forks is like striding into a time machine. The double doors are old and heavy, the tile and walls are worn and battered. It reminded me of pacing in the dark hallways of the Bison Sports Arena, minus the crashing of weights coming from the ceiling and gigantic “Snorty” logo painted on the far north wall. Arriving with the title of “NDSU magazine guy” can be intimidating because you’re not only walking into the administrative offices of an in- state rival, you’re walking on their turf, their history and their tradition.
Photos by Paul Flessland