September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

GOING UP

Men’s golf coach makes quarterfinals at U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championships

PAGE 5

George’s Pizza in downtown Brookings is under new ownership, PAGE 9

Collegian photos by JOCLYN HAVEN and ZOEY SHENTZEL(SHE/HER) Hunter Dustman prepares to kick a field goal at Saturday’s game. Grand Pooba Regen Wiederrich drives the Bummobile at Saturday’s parade.

FRESHMAN CLASS, RETENTION RATES PUSH ENROLLMENT HIGHER, PG. 8

7,148 GIFTS

One day for

The total number of donors saw a jump of 592 more than last year’s event. Of the 6,474 donors, 684 identified as current students and 660 as faculty and staff.

Another highlight was inspiring donors from each of the fifty states to join in the excitement, unlocking $50,000 in challenge funds in the process.

The yellow and blue community celebrated, shared and gave. Most of all, we turned one day into countless new opportunities for our Jackrabbits family.

6,474 24 $ 2,5 97,4 3 0 HOURS DONORS RAISED

5,942 GIFTS WERE $100 LESS OR $11,616 DONATED

684 STUDENTS $71,568 DONATED

660 FACULTY & STAFF ALL 50 STAT ES 15 COUNTRIES AND

FROM BROOKINGS HEATHERTON, AUSTRALIA 9,260 MILES AWAY

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BRIEF Senators talk electric scooters coming to campus and upcoming events, two new senators sworn in

JACK MCCARTY Entertainment Editor

Students’ Assocation senators worked through various issues Monday night at their regular weekly Student Union meeting. Here’s a look at what happened:

• Students’ Assocation senators talked about new electric scooters coming to campus soon and Parking Service’s new regulations at their weekly meeting Monday night in the Student Union. They also swore in two new senators.

• Officials from Parking Services will be at next week’s SA meeting to discuss the recent changes to the parking manual and answer questions students may have.

• Government Affairs Chair Michael Garofalo met with Brookings Mayor Oepke Niemeyer and City Council last week to discuss the future of scooters on campus.

“We’re still working the electric scooters, so I’ll keep you posted on that,” Garofalo said.

• After being picked out by SA Board of Directors, Avery Dooley and Grace Barnett were officially sworn in as new student Senators At-Large.

“These two senators are phenomenal candidates,” Sen. Grace Peterson said. “I really do think the board of directors really made the best possible decision.”

Sen. Carter Howell said, “I know student Sen. Dooley personally and I think she is a great representative of the school and the work she does with admissions. And I look forward to getting to know Sen. Barnett as well. I think we got a great group.”

After a unanimous vote, the two were sworn in as official student senators.

• Chief of Staff Benjamin Connor spoke on behalf of Travis Jensen, vice president of Leadership Activities. Connor went over his notes about the

Alumni Mentor Program. The program, according to its website, “Is designed to match eligible SDSU students with SDSU alumni. Through these professional relationships, students will have another level of support to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to successfully launch their professional careers.”

• The African Students Association is currently preparing for the week of Hobo Day. They also mentioned that on Sept. 30, they will have Every Child Matters Day and would like anyone who is interested in participating in it to wear an orange shirt.

• The Black Student Alliance will be holding an open mic night Thursday, Sept. 21 downstairs in the Student Union from 6 to 9 p.m.

• The Gay Straight Alliance finalized its karaoke night and it will be happening tonight (Sept. 20) from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Student Union. They also plan to hold a drag show in the future.

• Sen. Peterson reported on updates

to food service. 14 out of 16 locations on campus are back to their spring hours. She also talked about how last year there were 3,900 students on meal plans and this year there are 4,200.

• Jacks Cupboard is having a food drive challenge a week before Hobo Day. It will be a competition where students can register a group and compete to donate the most food. The winners get a trophy.

• At some point in the future there will be a Fresh blends machine where you can choose a variety of options, like a shake, mocha or frozen lemonade.

• The delivery robots will expand from Shorty’s, Mein Bowl, Erbert and Gerbert’s, to also include Slices and Union Coffee.

• They also ratified amendment 23-5-A that updated the polling station guidelines. The amendment passed with only two senators abstaining and one voting against it.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• BSA Open Mic Night Thursday, Sept. 21

• GSA Karaoke Night Wednesday, Sept. 20

• Every Child Matters Day Saturday, Sept. 30

• Jacks Cupboard Food Drive, week before Hobo Week

Collegian photo by JACK MCCARTY

President Trinity Peterson swears in Avery Dooley and Grace Barnett as Senators At-Large at Monday night’s Students’ Association meeting.

FINAL NUMBER: $2.59M

More than 6,000 donors drive One Day for STATE

Jackrabbits in all 50 states and across 15 countries united to tackle historic philanthropy on Sept. 7 during One Day for STATE. The South Dakota State University Foundation’s seventh annual giving day celebrated all things SDSU and the impact that can be made through private gifts.

In 24 hours, 6,474 donors united to raise $2,597,430 from 7,148 gifts to transform lives at SDSU, supporting funds for over 110 different causes, including scholarships, research, academic programming, athletics and much more.

One Day for STATE aimed to rally alumni, faculty,

staff, parents, current students and friends in support of SDSU. The total number of donors saw a jump of 592 more than last year’s event. Of the 6,474 donors, 660 identified as faculty and 684 as students, demonstrating the One Day for STATE excitement that starts right on campus.

“Every day is a great day to be a jackrabbit, but One Day for STATE is an absolute favorite of ours at the SDSU Foundation,” said Erin Glidden, SDSU Foundation director of pipeline strategy. “This is our chance to work together and make a really bold impact for SDSU.”

The celebration culminated with the community favorite Yellow and Blue Block Party. The festivities fea-

tured all the classics for the party’s lineup: performances by The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band followed by the SDSU cheer squad and dance team, along with food trucks, free SDSU ice cream, kids’ activities and more.

The success of One Day for STATE would not have been possible without support from the yellow and blue community, near and far. Whether you gave a gift, donated your time and talents, or simply celebrated State on Sept. 7, you truly made a difference. For the seventh consecutive year, the Jackrabbit family proved there’s nothing we can’t do when we work together.

University Marketing and Communication

Collegian photo by UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

“Every day is a great day to be a jackrabbit, but One Day for STATE is an absolute favorite of ours at the SDSU Foundation. This is our chance to work together and make a really bold impact for SDSU.”

– Erin Glidden, SDSU Foundation director of pipeline strategy

Men’s golf coach makes it to quarterfinals at U.S. Mid-Amateur tournament

MCKENZIE MAGES Reporter

South Dakota State University’s men’s golf coach Parker Edens made it to the quarterfinals, in one of the most prestigious amateur events in the country, earlier this month.

Edens ended up losing two and one to Stewart Hagestad, who eventually won the U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship held in Scarborough, New York, at Sleepy Hollow Country Club Sept. 9-14.

“Making match play at the Mid-Am was very satisfying,” Edens said. “I have been playing well for most of the summer, so my goal going into the week was to get to match play, and I knew that from there anything was possible.”

If he had won the tournament, Edens would have received an automatic invitation to The Masters tournament this coming April. With his solid finish, he does get an exemption for next year’s Mid-Amateur.

“I will try to continue to play as many events as I can and fit into my schedule during the summer,” Edens said. “It’s definitely a difficult balance between recruiting and my playing schedule, but I have figured out a successful approach to both.”

In the first two rounds of stroke play at the Mid-Am, Edens shot 69, 75, for a total of +3. That was enough to get him inside the cut line.

He played his first match in the Round of 64 against Brady Shivers of Lubbock, Texas. Edens won holes seven through 10 to put him five up in the match, and he held onto his lead to win five and three.

His next match in the Round of 32 was against Preston Dembowiak of Kernersville, South Carolina. Edens led the match for the last 11 holes and won two up with one to play.

The last round he won was in the Round of 16, where he played Jason Bataille of Bridgewater, New Jersey. He

advanced with the winning score of two and one.

To qualify for this event, Edens shot a 5-under round of 66 at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls.

He said he was not nervous to qualify or play in the U.S. Mid-Am because he does not feel the pressure anymore. When he was on the professional tour, he had his and his family’s well-being on the line while playing for money, which he describes as “real pressure.” Now, he just enjoys competing at a high level without the trouble of worrying about a paycheck.

Edens was the only player from South Dakota participating in the Mid-Am. “To be the only person representing not only SDSU, but South Dakota as a whole, is special,” said Justin Sell, SDSU athletic director.

Over the summer, Edens won the South Dakota Mid-Am, South Dakota Matchplay, finished runner-up and low amateur in the Colorado Open, and got to the semifinals in the Colorado Matchplay. He used these experiences as momentum going into the Mid-Am and said he felt he was prepared for success.

As the coach of the SDSU men’s team, he adds extra pressure by playing against his players during qualifying. He does this to play as much as possible to stay tournament ready and challenge the team to beat him.

Junior SDSU golfer Ty Kretz said, “seeing how Parker plays has helped my game immensely. I have played with him several times and each time I seem to learn something new.”

When Sell hires coaches, there are

three standards that must be met, he said. They must have integrity, be passionate about students’ experience, and have an abundance of knowledge and history in their sport.

“Parker checked all of those boxes,” Sell said.

Edens played at South Dakota State during his freshman year from 2010-2011 before redshirting his sophomore year and transferring to Colorado State, where he finished his collegiate golf career.

He was officially named head coach of the men’s golf program July 6, 2022, and said he could not “...wait to get started and help lead the Jackrabbits to great heights.”

The men’s team broke two school records in April this year after shooting 19-under-par in a singular round and 30-under-par as a 36-hole tally.

South Dakota State University’s men’s golf coach Parker Edens lines up a putt in this file photo from GoJacks.com. Edens made it to the quarterfinals of the US Mid-Am tournament held in Scarborough, New York earlier this month.

China Night to make a comeback after gap of four years

KENNETH REBELLO Assistant News Editor

Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) is all set to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival by hosting the China Night event after a break of four years, Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Volstorff Ballroom located in the Student Union.

First held in 1990, the event aims to showcase Chinese culture among students at SDSU and the Brookings community through dance, vocal talent, traditional outfits and delicacies prepared by Chinese students and faculty on campus in collaboration with the Brookings Chinese Association, a nonprofit organization.

“China Night is a great opportunity to experience China culture including the holiday traditions, the food and the performances,” said Jiahui Yuan, president of the CSSA. “China Night’s purpose is to introduce Chinese culture to the campus community as well as the broader community like Brookings and neighboring towns.”

This year, China Night will coincide with the Mid-Autumn festival, a traditional holiday to celebrate successful harvest by Chinese all over the world on Sept. 29.

“Just for scheduling purpose, it happens to be Mid-Autumn festival during the Chinese Lunar Calendar, where a full moon is observed,” said Wenfeng An, faculty adviser for the CSSA. “It is one of the most prominent holidays ad the time of the year where harvest is celebrated by Chinese families all over the world.”

CSSA, along with the Chinese community in Brookings, look forward to put on a memorable event this year especially with a traditional lion dance, chorus singing and all-time favorite meals that have been specifically chosen to delight the audience.

“It was kind of a challenging task to narrow down to a few dishes that represent the cuisine,” An said. “As organizers, we made a decision to decrease the student ticket prices to the minimum as we did not want it to be a barrier but instead as a message that we want them to be here to experience the traditions and the food experience.”

Last held in 2019, this will be the first China Night since the COVID-19 pandemic which has allowed time for the new committee to settle in. CSSA committee looks forward to accommodating around 450 to 500 guests and participants this year.

“I recall it was a full house in 2019 and I guess we are cautiously optimistic this time too for a full house as well,” An said. “In the past, like India Night, China Night and even Nepal Night have witnessed a good amount of seating too.”

China Night is hailed as one of the most anticipated international events held on campus by the CSSA committee. Timing and preparation for the event take place weeks before hosting an event like this.

“We make sure to work together,” Yuan said. “The Chinese in Brookings have shown us much support and helped us with preparing the menu along with more than 10 performances that have been put in place.”

CSSA committee awaits to host China Night through funds raised at concessions during game days. Besides fundraising, the BCA has joined CSSA to assist during this event. The Office of International Affairs and Chinese restaurants in Brookings also play a major role as sponsors of China Night.

Looking back at China Night 2019, An reminisces about the excitement of attendees throughout the event.

“People were excited about the performances, the traditional outfits showcased onstage, the dances and instrumental pieces performed,” An said. “I could also tell that people enjoyed the dinner offered during the event.”

Tickets for China Night are priced at $10 for SDSU students and $17 for faculty and non-SDSU members. Tickets

for attendees ages 18 and younger are priced at $10. Additionally, CSSA offers both platinum and gold tickets priced at $50 and $30 respectively. Platinum and gold tickets are aimed as sponsor level tickets to support the CSSA committee and would enjoy priority seating and a special souvenir.

China Night commences Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. while doors open at 5 p.m.

Additional information on tickets, menu and schedule for the event can be found on the CSSA website.

Photo by CSSA Adviser

SDSU researchers working to restore native plants to national parks

Native plants are crucial to preserving the unique and important biodiversity of the northern Great Plains. However, invasive species have wreaked havoc on what were once pristine grasslands in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska.

The federal government has taken notice of this issue and has begun efforts to restore the native grasses and wildflowers in the many national parks of the northern Great Plains. To facilitate this effort, Lora Perkins, associate professor in South Dakota State University’s Department of Natural Resource Management, is working with the National Park Service on a three-year, $900,000 project.

Perkins and her research team will build on ongoing federally-funded research efforts and established capacity through SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative—a project led by Perkins that began in 2019.

Historically, the northern Great Plains had an abundance of native grasses and wildflowers. These provided the foundation for insects, pollinators, birds and other wildlife. When European settlers moved into the area during the 1800s, invasive plants began sprouting and-

spreading. While some efforts were made to remove the invasive plants, eventually the grasslands, wetlands and woodlands in the region were all heavily impacted. Along with historic drought conditions, scientists have blamed the removal of deep-rooted native grasses as one of the underlying causes of the 1930s Dust Bowl—one of the worst man-made ecological disasters in modern U.S. history.

Today, efforts are focused on restoring native species.

“There’s a lot of cultural heritage with having these plants that historically were very abundant and have gone away,” Perkins said. “A lot of them are unique species that only occur here in our region. We should be embracing them and celebrating them.”

In response, SDSU began a research program—the Native Plant Initiative—to provide research and educational opportunities to students interested in the con servation and restoration of native plant species. The program also encourages the use of native plants by small family farmers as alternative crops.

“So few grasslands remain that we need to maximize the biodiversity of native plants in every area possible,”

Perkins said. “This new reality requires a more thorough understanding of native plant restoration and production than currently exists for native plants in the northern Great Plains.”

National parks, monuments and memorials

In South Dakota, the National Park Service maintains the following national parks, memorials and monuments: Badlands, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore. Each of these places were once home to native grasses and wildflowers but now have many invasive species.

The research team’s project will determine what efforts are needed to restore native species for each specific location.

The surface of Jewel Cave, for example, encompasses 1,274 acres of open grasslands and ponderosa pine forests in southwestern South Dakota. The monument was home to a rich diversity of native grasses and wildflowers. However, in 2000, a wildfire ripped through over 80,000 acres surrounding Jewel Cave. In the following years, non-native species, such as the Canada thistle and leafy spurge, began sprouting and spreading. While National Park Service staff will

deploy pest management strategies to attempt to remove the invasive species, Perkins and her research team will work to restore native grasses and wildflowers at Jewel Cave.

“We are going to harvest seeds, we are going to study how to get the seeds to germinate, and then find the best way to store them,” Perkins said. “We’re going to give those seeds to farmers so we can get a lot more of those seeds, and then we will put them in the parks for restoration.”

The same efforts will occur in the national parks, monuments and memorials of North Dakota, Nebraska and eastern Wyoming.

“All of this work is geared toward better restoration in the parks and this information will help improve all of our natural areas” Perkins said.

After multiple field seasons spent evaluating seeds and developing increased seed production protocols, the National Park Service will have the necessary information for the restoration of 60 native species for the parks, monuments and memorials of the northern Great Plains.

Photo by Ben Shreves and courtesy of University of Marketing and Communications

Retention and recruitment help boost SDSU’s enrollment numbers

SERENA DAVIS Reporter

A large class of first-year students and record retention rates have contributed to South Dakota State University’s highest enrollment in five years.

“We are very excited about having the third-largest class of first-year students ever at SDSU,” President Barry Dunn said, “And to surpass an 80% retention rate for the third time in four years is amazing.”

The 2,275 first-time students who enrolled at SDSU this year is the third largest freshman class behind the 2014 and 2013 freshmen. 1,152, which is just over 50% of the class, are from the state of South Dakota growing over 16% over the past two years and increasing 5% from last year.

Dennis Hedge, vice president for Academic Affairs, said outreach opportunities at schools have helped to promote the university. He quoted Dunn in that students can’t be what they can’t see.

“Those outreach opportunities are moments in time where we can show student what studying at South Dakota State University is all about” said Hedge, “So they can see it, dream it, do it.”

Students from Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska are the next three states with the highest number of first-time students to enroll at SDSU. Nebraska has shown the most growth with a more than 9% increase of freshman coming from the state.

Hedge explained that students see SDSU as an institution of choice and credits high level academic programs as a source of why students are picking SDSU over other institutions. Hedge continues by including the university’s size, global connections and the staff that wants to help students in as well.

The university retained 83% of stu-

dents from their freshman to sophomore year setting a mark 2% higher than the previous record of 81% in 2020. Hedge is hopeful for the coming years saying that he hopes to continue having a healthy, thriving campus community.

“Retention is a critical metric that not only impacts enrollment but is also an indicator of academic quality and student success on a campus,” Dunn said.

Returning sophomore Reese McKenna, an animal science major, said she returned to SDSU because of the connections she made her freshman year and because she enjoys the animal science program at SDSU. McKenna said

because of how hands on the animal science department she can get a deeper grasp on the concepts.

“I was super excited to continue my education and being able to build on the connections I had already made was even more exciting,” said McKenna.

Among the 11,518 students, international student enrollment increased from 621 students to 702 with 1,243 graduate students. The amount of high school students taking courses from SDSU, including dual credit, increased as well totaling at 1,031.

“We are starting to stabilize some critical areas of campus in terms of

enrollment, especially with the graduate school and international students,” Dunn said. “It has taken time to understand the impact the pandemic had on those students, but students from around the world are interested in coming to Brookings.”

Dennis Hedge said with all the activities and sporting events on campus that he can’t remember a year where jackrabbit spirit has never been higher.

Collegian photos by BRAYDEN BYERS Students commute to and from classes near Bailey Rotunda on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. SDSU recorded highest enrollment rate since the last five years.

George’s Pizza under new ownership

RUTHANNE HOLMES Reporter

The new owners of George’s Pizza aim to keep the downtown Brookings legend alive—with minimal changes.

Justin Price, the new operator and manager of George’s, said he understands buying such a classic establishment can be scary and intimidating and many customers wonder what’s going to be different. According to Price, “no big changes are coming.”

Price is no stranger to the restaurant industry. He manages three restaurants in Brookings—Taco Express, Flavor of India, and now George’s. Taco Express on Sixth Street and Flavor of India on Main Avenue have been operating successfully in the city for a few years.

The possibility of acquiring George’s started as a joke between Price and his father, but when George’s came onto the market it became reality. With fond memories of family outings to George’s, Price decided it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. The purchase was finalized in July.

Soon after the purchase was made, Price trained with the staff and learned the recipes. The transition of ownership was smooth, but the biggest challenge that he faces is finding workers. The business is currently hiring and will consider SDSU students to help them bring the “college vibe back,” Price said.

The ‘college vibe’ Price is hoping to achieve is to make George’s the “watering hole” that it once was. He plans to add tap beer options and lunch hours. He also hopes to attract local sports teams after games and his goal is to create an atmosphere that brings the

young crowd in.

The Theodosopoulos family owned George’s for more than 50 years and built a traditional family owned and operated restaurant. The restaurant caused many people to fall “in love over parmesan,” said Dana Anderson a Brookings native and fan of the restaurant.

Price’s plan is to continue the traditions. That includes selling the iconic slice of pizza out the window on weekends once the bars close at 2 a.m. and preparing of traditional Greek cuisine, he hopes George’s remains the perfect spot for a first date. The current featured recipes are staying the same, including the classic blue cheese recipe and the crowd favorite among college students, the pepperoni pizza. But there may be tweaks with new ownership.

There is the possibility of new pizza combinations, catering and options for beer on tap are on the horizon. Once Price feels comfortable with it, the buffet and lunch has a might return full time. With seeing these changes in other restaurants Price said, “If others can do it, we can do it better.”

The college and local community are showing support for “more variety of pizza,” Cora Cook, an SDSU student said. Hopes for the buffet, salad bar and pizza continuing to be served out the window are a community request, which Price is hoping to uphold.

The current hours are Monday through Sunday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Sunday lunch hours are from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After bar hours Wednesday through Friday 10:30 p.m. to after the last downtown bar patron leaves.

File Photos by

Collegian photo by RUTHANNE HOLMES

George’s Pizza in downtown Brookings has new owners after more than 50 years.

Swiftel Center renamed Dacotah Bank Center after $150,000 annual deal

JACK MCCARTY Entertainment Editor

The Swiftel Center on Brooking’s east side was renamed the Dacotah Bank Center earlier this year. This occurred after a 10-year contract was negotiated for $150,000 a year, which is $100,000 more than their previous contract with Swiftel.

The Dacotah Bank Center is a 30,000 square foot arena that was opened in 2001. Since then, it has hosted over 2 million attendees and 4,357 events.

One aspect of this deal may include a rise in performances happening at the center. Michael Logan, the general manager, said that the Dacotah Bank Center should see an increase of people reaching out to them.

“As soon as it was made public, I reached out to all of our agents and promoters,” Logan said, “It was a great opportunity to reintroduce myself to these people.”

This means that Brookings might be more visible based on the name change alone. Another thing people can expect from the deal is greater variety in the acts that are booked. Logan said, while there will still be standard music performances, like the Dropkick Murphys coming Oct. 13, they also have plans for rodeos, cattle shows, monster truck shows and the Harlem Globetrotters.

According to Paul Briseno, Brookings City Manager, they have over 300 event days a year, which means the staff is working around the clock for the community.

The deal might also help improve other aspects of life here in Brookings. Briseno said the funds saved from this endeavor will be utilized for economic development and quality-of-life efforts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 30: The Oak Ridge Boys

Oct. 13: The Dropkick Murphys

Oct. 28: Monster Truck Nitro Tour

Nov. 11: Theory of a Deadman and Skillet

April 3 2024: Harlem Globetrotters

“The city is constantly looking to save or maximize revenue sources,” Briseno said. “Specifically, these naming rights will assist in reducing the need for subsidy to the Facility and allow additional future investments.”

Some of the finer details about the deal are found in a city council agenda memo and the event center agreement. Andrew Rasmussen, a Brookings city council member, said one of the interesting details will give Dacotah Bank exclusive advertising rights in their business category. This would include banking, mortgage and trust, wealth management and financial services. The contract also says that any media outlet that works with them must use the proper name.

Photo submitted by ASHLEY BIGGAR Cody Johnson performing to a crowd of screaming fans.

Photo submitted by ASHLEY BIGGAR

One of the many rodeos that happen at the Dacotah Bank Center.

Photo submitted by ASHLEY BIGGAR Performers for Hairball performing at the Dacotah Bank Center.

Jacks dropped in Boise tourney Conference play begins

SDSU ends nonconference with three losses

JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter

Day one of the tournament didn’t go well for the Jacks as they fell short to the University of Montana Grizzlies. SDSU lost their first two sets, with the second set ending in a closer fashion.

State would then bring the match score to 1-2 after taking the third set before Montana pulled away in the fourth set, taking the match 3-1.

Sylvie Zgonc put up 17 kills, a matchhigh 47 attacks and scored 19.5 points. Masa Scheierman scored 12.5 points and had 12 kills. Raegen Reilly scored a matchhigh three aces.

On Sept. 15, the Jackrabbits played against tournament host Boise State, in which they were swept. To add to their loss, South Dakota State didn’t hold a lead at all throughout the entirety of match two.

Similar to match one, Zgonc led the Jackrabbits in kills with 12. The freshman also had 13 points and scored two aces. Katie Van Egdom put up 29 attacks in the match.

For the third and final match of the tournament, the Jackrabbits played Loyola Marymount, a private school based in Los Angeles, CA. Though South Dakota State had leads in both the first and third sets, the LMU Lions would prove to be victorious, sweeping the Jackrabbits, the second time in two matches.

Scheierman had a match-high eight kills while Zgonc scored a team-high nine points and had two aces.

Volleyball head coach Dan Georgalas is looking forward to the start of conference play.

“We don’t get to put a tally in the win column, but it’s not because we’re not doing good things,” said Georgalas. “I think we’re all kind of excited to put a bow on non-conference, put it behind us, and

STAT LEADERS

• Kills- Sylvie Zgonc (138)

• Assists- Raegen Reilly (226)

•Aces- Raegen Reilly/Sylvie Zgonc (12)

•Digs- Stella Winterfeld (157)

•Blocks- Elyse Winter (26.0)

kind of look through the windshield from now on.”

The three losses drop the Jackrabbits to a 2-10 record on the season, extending their losing streak to five matches. To start Summit League play, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits will hit the road going north for a match against the University of St. Thomas Tommies on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

BRAYDEN BYERS Managing Editor

After dropping only two nonconference games, the South Dakota State Women’s Soccer Team will start fresh with the Summit League season and in-state rival University of South Dakota.

The Jacks started their year 7-2, losing matches to Utah State and Creighton. Most of the Summit League teams, including the Coyotes, begin their Summit League season Thursday, but SDSU gets those extra few days to prepare which head coach Brock Thompson says helps out.

“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of this week it’s really development time and we’re training to be a better version of ourselves,” Thompson said, “and then we’ll start on Thursday and Friday started gearing ourselves towards the match on Sunday.”

The Jackrabbits are in a stretch of two games in two weeks allowing for some breathing room after a whirlwind of a nonconference schedule. That portion concluded last week when the Jacks fell to Creighton 0-1 in Omaha for their second loss.

The difference in the game came in the final minute of the first half. Creighton’s Abigail Santana sent a pass into the box to Shani Sirota who then headed the ball past SDSU’s Jocelyn Tanner to give them the advantage.

“At the end of the day, my message to the team was the Creighton game felt a lot like the Grand Canyon game,” Thompson said, “We found a goal in that game to win it and they found the goal against us to beat us there.”

The Jacks now shift their focus to a team they know very well in South Dakota. With only nine schools in the conference now for women’s soccer

AHEAD

• @USD- Sept. 24, 1 p.m.

• vs NDSU- Sept. 28, 6 p.m.

• vs UND- Oct. 1, 6 p.m.

• @Denver- Oct. 5, 8 p.m.

• vs Omaha- Oct. 12, 6 p.m.

after Western Illinois left, each team plays the other eight once a year. This can make for familiar matchups, both in the regular season and in the Summit Championships.

“Well, we know everyone really well and they know us really well.” said Tanner, the fifth-year keeper for the Jacks. “They want to beat us; we know we’re one of the top teams and we’ve had a target on our back.”

USD will matchup with St. Thomas Thursday at 4 p.m. before hosting SDSU in Vermillion at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex Sunday at 1 p.m. Both of those matches will be streamed on the Summit League Network and Midco Sports Plus.

Photo from Gojacks.com Faith Saewert squares off to serve in the Ole Miss Invite on Sept. 8, 2023.

Collegian Photos by ZOEY SCHENTZEL Kaylee Kardash moves the ball for SDSU against Green Bay in a 5-0 win on Sept. 10, 2023.

JACKRABBIT FOOTBALL LOOKS TOWARD MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Brayden Byers Managing Editor

The South Dakota State football team closed out its nonconference season with a 70-7-win Saturday playing at Target Field in Minneapolis.

The Jackrabbits now have a chance to shift their focus to the Missouri Valley Football Conference portion of the schedule. After a bye this week, the Yellow and Blue will play eight games in consecutive weeks to round out their regular season.

Below is a look at each of the Jacks’ remaining matchups pointing out some key things about each game as well as the basic information you need to know. Keep in mind, some of this information, rankings and records, may change as the season progresses.

v. No. 14 North Dakota Fighting Hawks (Precision Ag Bowl)

When/Where: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings

How to Watch/Listen: Midco Sports or ESPN+ / KSDJ

90.7 or Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat North Dakota 49-35 in Grand Forks in 2022.

The Lead: The Fighting Hawks are coming off their best season in the Valley, going 7-5 and making the playoffs for the second time since joining the conference in 2020. Now ranked 14th in the country, UND is looking to make a statement against the defending champs, proving they belong in the top half of the conference.

@ Illinois State Redbirds

When/Where: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois

How to Watch/Listen: ESPN+ / Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat Illinois State 31-7 in Brookings in 2022.

The Lead: The Redbirds are off to a good start in 2023 sitting with a 2-1 start to the season. Their only loss was 14-13 to rival Eastern Illinois after an extra point bounced off the upright. ISU went 6-5 overall, 4-4 in the Valley, last year finishing sixth in the conference standings and missing the playoffs.

v. Northern Iowa Panthers (Hobo Day)

When/Where: 2 p.m. Saturday Oct. 14 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings

How to Watch/Listen: Midco Sports or ESPN+ / KSDJ 90.7 or Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat Northern Iowa 31-28 in Cedar Falls, Iowa in 2022.

The Lead: Narrowly missing out on the playoffs a year ago, the Panthers have begun 2023 with a few tough games. Their two losses were handed to them by FBS Iowa State and then ninth ranked, now eighth ranked, Weber State. UNI plays the Jacks on Hobo Day and has had a history of being a tough opponent for the Jacks.

@ No. 13 Southern Illinois Salukis

When/Where: 2 p.m. Saturday Oct. 21 at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois

How to Watch/Listen: ESPN+ / Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State lost to Southern Illinois 41-42 in overtime in Brookings in 2021.

The Lead: The only team on the schedule to have beaten the Jacks in their previous matchup, the Salukis are off to a great start this season currently sitting at 3-0. Their most recent win came at the annual ‘War for the Wheel’ game against No. 13 SEMO 26-25. SIU will look

to make it two consecutive wins against the top team in the FCS.

@ South Dakota Coyotes (South Dakota Showdown Series)

When/Where: 1 p.m. Saturday Oct. 28 at The DakotaDome in Vermillion

How to Watch/Listen: Midco Sports or ESPN+ / KSDJ 90.7 or Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat South Dakota 28-3 in Brookings in 2022.

The Lead: The Jacks and Yotes will meet in the annual South Dakota Showdown Series matchup. This year it is in Vermillion at The DakotaDome, which is the site of the infamous Hail Mary in 2021. After a blowout a year ago, USD is ready to get one back on the Champs.

v. No. 2 North Dakota State Bison (Dakota Marker)

When/Where: 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 4 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings

GOBISON.COM/TIM SANGER

NDSU Senior Defensive Tackle Eli Mostaert (53) tackles a ballcarrier from Youngstown State. SDSU will matchup with the Bison Nov. 4.

How to Watch/Listen: Midco Sports or ESPN+ / KSDJ

90.7 or Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat North Dakota State 45-21 in Frisco, Texas in the FCS National Championship game in 2023.

The Lead: A national championship rematch will be happening at the Dana J. Dykhouse in early November. The Jacks have had the upper hand in the last three Dakota Marker matchups and were the victors in the championship game earlier this year. The Bison are looking for their first win against their rival since 2019.

@ No. 24 Youngstown State Penguins

When/Where: 11 a.m. (CT) Saturday Nov. 11 at Stambaugh Stadium in Youngstown, Ohio

How to Watch/Listen: ESPN+ / Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat Youngstown State 47-16 in Youngstown, Ohio in 2021.

The Lead: The Penguins will face off against SDSU for the first time in two years. They are off to a 2-1 start with their only loss to in-state opponent FBS Ohio State. YSU will be making a push for the playoffs after finishing third in the conference last season.

v. Missouri State (Senior Day)

When/Where: 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 18 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings

How to Watch/Listen: Midco Sports or ESPN+ / KSDJ

90.7 or Jackrabbit Sports Network Affiliates

Last Time: South Dakota State beat Missouri State 28-14 in Springfield, Missouri in 2022.

The Lead: The Bears are off to a slow start in 2023 after a 5-6 season a year ago. MSU is 0-2 with losses to FBS Kansas 17-48 and unranked UT Martin 31-38. With a new head coach, the Bears will be looking for a win to finish off the regular season in Brookings.

REMAINING SCHEDULE

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Nov.

Jan. 6 - FCS Championship Game TBD

USD defensive back Myles Harden points during a football game against Missouri Aug. 31, 2023. The Jackrabbits will play the Coyotes Oct. 28.

GOBISON.COM/JACOB REINER

NDSU quarterback Cam Miller scrambles with the ball in an FCS Playoff game against Incarnate Word Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. The Bison would win 35-32 and advance to the FCS National Championship Game to take on South Dakota State.

JON AKRE Sports Reporter

The South Dakota State football team has concluded its nonconference schedule with a record of 3-0 and will now begin Missouri Valley Football Conference action Sept. 30.

Including the playoffs, the Jackrabbits have now won their last eight nonconference games dating back to last year and have extended their overall win streak to 17 straight.

So far this season, SDSU has shown why they are the No. 1 team in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Starting off with a 45-7 victory over Western Oregon, the Jackrabbit defense managed to intercept the Wolves three times, resulting in scores from both the offense and the defense.

After the impressive week 1 game, the Jacks faced the No. 3 ranked Montana State Bobcats. After going down early 10-0 in the first half, the Jackrabbits stormed back, scoring a late touchdown combined with a replay review that would give the Jacks the 20-16 win.

Most recently, the Jacks strolled into Target Field and dominated in all three phases of the game, cruising to a 70-7 victory over Drake. In a game that saw nine different Jackrabbits score, they put up the most points in a game since 2018, a 90-6 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The Jackrabbit offense has had an efficient start to the season, averaging 454 yards per game, and scoring 19 touchdowns through 3 games. But there could be an argument that the defense has been even more impressive, allowing just 10 points and 258 yards per game.

Individually, quarterback Mark Gronowski has thrown eight touchdowns with only one interception, 531 passing yards and another 56 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Amar Johnson has been the leading rusher so far for the Jacks, with 180 yards and a score, while Isaiah Davis is second with 162 yards and one touchdown run. It’s been a quiet start this season for senior running back Isaiah Davis; however, two blowout wins haven’t allowed him to stay on the field for most of those games. Sophomore tailback Angel Johnson has seen a lot more action in the second half of those games and he has done well, running the ball 15 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

Jaxon Janke leads the team in receiving so far, having caught 13 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. One man that’s made a name for himself in the first few games of the season is true freshman wide receiver Griffin Wilde. The Sioux Falls native took over Jadon Janke’s spot in his absence and has had seven catches for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Wilde has caught a touchdown in every game to start this season and has had arguably the biggest touchdown so far with his late in the game score to beat Montana State.

Jadon Janke has only played in one game because of an injury, but he will be returning at the start of confer-

ence play.

JACKS START SEASON 3-0

SEASON

“I’m going to be excited to get Jadon [Janke] back come UND,” SDSU coach Jimmy Rogers said. “He will be ready.”

With the nonconference schedule over, Missouri Valley Football Conference play begins. It will be another tough schedule for the Jackrabbits.

According to the most recent coaches’ poll, four of the eight conference opponents on their schedule are ranked in the top 25 in No. 2 North Dakota State, No. 13 Southern Illinois, No. 14 University of North Dakota and No. 24 Youngstown State. Along with those four, Northern Iowa is hanging just out of the top 25.

The Jackrabbits will play No. 14 North Dakota, Saturday Sept. 30 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.

“We have a lot of talent, but we need to prepare and be at our best every week,” Rogers said. “The Missouri Valley [Football Conference] is hard to win in and anybody can beat you.”

NO. 1 SDSU JACKRABBITS (3-0)

W, 45-7, vs. Western Oregon

Attendance: 16,258

W, 20-16, vs. No. 3 Montana St.

Attendance: 19, 332

W, 70-7, vs. Drake

Attendance (Target Field): 18,174

Collegian Photo by JOCLYN HAVEN Isaiah Davis carries the ball in the Jacks’ 70-7 win Saturday at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN. The game had 18,174 fans in attendance.

JACKRABBITS IN

Collegian Photos by JOCLYN HAVEN

Collegian Photos by EVAN PATZWALD

SPORTS

HOME RUN

Collegian photo by EVAN PATZWALD