Texas school official discusses nickname change

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – An official at a university in Wichita Falls, Texas, that has gone through a nickname change says the transition there for the most part went smoothly.

Midwestern State University was among the schools targeted by the NCAA for having American Indian imagery. The school about four years ago switched from Indians to Mustangs.

Kurt Portmann, executive associate athletic director, says there are still graduates and die-hard fans who continue to wear their MSU Indians gear. But he says overall, the nickname issue is viewed as being in the past.

Portmann says the University of North Dakota likely will have a similar experience.

A state Supreme Court ruling last week supported a Board of Higher Education decision nearly a year ago to retire the school's Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian head logo, which some find offensive.