Skol, Vikings is the fight song of the Minnesota Vikings. It was introduced around the time the team was founded in 1961. The old recording is usually played whenever the team scores, accompanied by cheerleaders carrying flags that spell out the team's name.

For those not accustomed with the lyrics:

Skol, Vikings! Let's win this game.
Skol, Vikings! Honor your name.
Go get that first down
Then get a touchdown,
Rock 'em, sock 'em, fight, fight, fight, fight!
Go, Vikings! Run out the score;
You'll hear us yell for more.
V-I-K-I-N-G-S!
Skol, Vikings! Let's go!

And for those who have always wondered what the Hell does Skol mean; Skol (written skål in Norwegian, and sometimes "Skoal" in English) is the Norwegian word for a salute or a toast, as to an admired person or group.

I can tell you this much. Everyone in section 101 knows the words to this song by heart. After a score, we leap to our feet in unison and scream the song out in perfect harmony. It is a very time honored tradition. Much like the discussion last week on whether the horns on the helmet need to be changed or not, this song is one that in many purists minds should not be jazzed up for a new generation.

But last week I received a tip that relayed to me that the Vikings were considering adding a new version of Skol Vikings song to the game day experience. "Whoa Nelly!", said I. In my mind that would be akin to replacing the Mona Lisa with some of that new fangled modern art that looks like it was painted by a 5-year old.

But when I finally came up for air my source went on to explain that the Vikes would consider adding this new version to the pregame only and certainly have no intention of messing with the song at all in its traditional points of play (after scores and at halftime/postgame). The thought being that adding a new version with an edge to it might appeal to younger audiences. Again I said, "Whoa Nelly!" and again the voice at the other end emphasized that NOTHING will change with the words, style or current play of the beloved original song.

OK all you old timers, now deep slow breaths.....deep slow breaths.

When I could finally formulate two words at a time, I actually had a nice chat and even went as far to offer up my approval of a new jazzed up song. My stance was, why not play the new song during the video introduction prior to the player introduction?

Or perhaps at the end of the game when all the fireworks are exploding above our heads? Hell, all the old timers leave in the third quarter anyway so they can get home in time for 60-Minutes and Andy Rooney. What would they care if a new version of the Skol song was played at the end of the game!?!?!?!?

At any rate I was given some work to do. Apparently Winter Park wants to take a pulse of your reaction to this news. And where better to talk a pulse than right here on the Viking Underground. First, take the poll below:

Second, leave a comment voicing your thoughts on this proposed new Skol version. Are you "a'gin it" or "fer it"....and why. Be thoughtful, concise, and considerate. And please keep in mind that it’s probably less than 50/50 right now but the Vikings are anxious to hear some responses.

Get to work.

Media Types Getting Edgy: Vikingland Security Introduced

Judd Zulgad at the Star Tribune got his undies in bunch late last week because the Vikings newest football hire, Fran Foley, effectively told the media that loose lips sink ships:

My position will be that we're not going to talk about our football business in public," Foley said. "It's just not going to happen. It's not the way that I do business, and it won't be the way that we'll do business from this point forward.

Locals will recall Zulgad from the 2004 - 2005 NFL season. He was the stiff that drew the short straw and was shipped off to cover the Green Bay Packers for an entire season. This was a STrib failed experiment, the thinking that locals in the Twin Cities would love to have Packer coverage along with Vikings coverage. Zulgad must still be taking bitter tonic:

So what exactly is the Vikings' plan to keep its fan base informed? Is there one?

"There is a change in approach at the Vikings organization from the past and we're working through it," said Lester Bagley, the Vikings' vice president of public affairs and stadium development. "There had been a lot of information in the previous regime that was out in the public that sometimes was inappropriate and potentially harmful to the club from a competitive perspective.

"We need to set a new course. That's kind of what we're going to have to all get used to working with. We also realize that the media are an important part of covering this club and getting fans information about exactly what is going on."

[The] Vikings apparently plan to only put out the welcome mat for their fans when it's convenient. "It's too competitive out there," Foley said explaining his lack of candidness. "We're not going to share any of that [information] with the public."

So now we get to the bottom of the issue for Zulgad. He's peeved because he will now have to work for a story instead of having it handed to him. I can almost picture the STrib boys clamoring to overthrow the new Vikings regimen and demand that the team bring back Ol' Pencil Ear who was, in himself, worth three to four easy columns a week ranging from scalping Super Bowl tickets to having no control over the players.

Well Judd, you may have lost your connections at Winter Park but I still have mine. I was in contact with no less than three Winter Park employees this week. I was not turned away once. The Vikings interest in their fan base is first and foremost and information is, and will be, free flowing. My latest invitation is to once again sit on an Advisory Board within the comfy confines of the newly improved facility at Winter Park. And the Vikings Official Fan Club will soon be relaunching their product to bring the team even closer to its adoring fan base.

So, I have no issues with the Vikes limiting media access and story lines so that beat writers have to work a bit harder to bring home the bacon. As Mr. Bagley stated, a competitive advantage is needed in every area of running a successful NFL franchise. The old way of free flowing information did not bring home any Super Bowl trophies that I can recall. At least, I don’t recall any Super Bowl hardware in the trophy case at Winter Park.

If you need some help getting some information Mr. Zulgad, give me a call. Maybe I can help you out. Otherwise, you best get to work on your next Vikings story.

Coming Tuesday

VU Podcast Forty-Five will be up and available for listening. And keep in mind I am traveling on business this week. I'll be posting photos to the VU Moblog from my phone as I make my way to a secret location before returning Wednesday. Check out the VU Moblog and see if you can determine where I am.

Posted by maasx003 at February 20, 2006 01:53 AM