USD controversy needs context, Melsted leaving Augie for Minnesota, & the DNA of Sioux Falls Stampede's title chase... all on a Thirsty Thursday from Orion Pub

If there has actually been a busier or more compelling three days of softball news in South Dakota history, it has been a while.   Two days after the shocking removal of 10-year head coach Robert Wagner from USD softball, Augustana's 20-year legend Gretta Melsted became the new head coach at Minnesota.   Yeah, the Gophers. Big Ten. From Division II.   Melsted led Augustana to the 2019 national championship, four D2 world series, and a combined 14 NSIC regular season and tournament titles in her two decades. She had turned down prior Div. I offers from mid-major schools.    So, what do we make of her leap to the big time, just a couple months after Augie hockey coach Garrett Raboin stayed put after reported strong interesr from Minnesota?   On another Thirsty Thursday from the Orion Pub in downtown Sioux Falls, the Happy Hour host—who sat down with Melsted for nearly an hour about her softball journey a year ago—and Sioux Falls Live sports reporter Trent Singer—who recently sat down with Melsted for 45 minutes a couple weeks ago, unpack a massive move.   Melsted's name was on the tip of anyone's tounge the moment it was public knowledge that USD had an opening.    While the school conducts a "national search" to replace Robert Wagner, Singer and the host add layers to a story that has become mysterious, controversial, and combative on social media among USD followers since USD announced there would be a "change in leadership" without mentioning Wagner's name or decade of service.   Meanwhile, the Sioux Falls Stampede skate into Muskegon needed just one win to capture the club's first Clark Cup in seven years.   Singer has covered the team all season and reported on a bunch dramatic playoff wins in front of packed, rowdy crowds.    Why does he supposed attendance has swelled as the title chase has built? Wht has the Herd dominated the first two games of these Clark Cup Finals?   What will be the legacy of this team should it hoisy