WINONA, Minn., Feb. 10, 2001 -- Planners for the Winona State University spring rock concert have bid $60,000 for the New England metal rockers Godsmack and are keeping their fingers crossed. Dan Anderson, coordinator for the UPAC activities committee, said he hopes to hear Friday whether the bid is accepted. The committee began with a $50,000 ceiling on offers but quickly learned that bands like Bare Naked Ladies and Counting Crows want $100,000-plus. Also considered were Third Eye Blind, Matchbox 20, Offspring, Three Doors Down and Green Day but nothing would work out, said Anderson: "These bands were either not touring until summer, were touring far from Minnesota, or would only play on Sunday. So we were out of luck with the touring part and we didn't want to have the concert on a Sunday." Anderson said some groups did not want to play in Winona State's facilities. If Godsmack accepts the Winona State bid, UPAC is looking at this lineup: Systematic, 15 minutes; Cold, 30 minutes, Staind, 45 minutes; Godsmack, 1-1/2 hours. "If our bid falls though, we are looking at Papa Roach as a fallback," Anderson said.

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 10, 2000 -- Talk at Winona State University's sports central, Memorial Hall, keeps coming back to the jumping the Northern Sun conference and joining the more competitive North Central. With Winona State dominating most sports in the Northern Sun, a change may be order. Or so goes one line of reasoning. As soon as an NCCA freeze on league changes expires in 2002, the North Central may be looking for a new member. The pending departure of Morningside College from the North Central leaves the league with nine teams. An even number, eight of 10, makes for better scheduling. A downside for Winona State to go with the North Central would be air fare to play distant Northern Colorado in Greeley, a league member since 1978.