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NEWS
KENNETH REBELLO News Editor
sdsucollegian.com
President Dunn talks master plan for ‘Pathway to Premier 2030’
Open Forum South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn addressed the senate on Monday regarding an update on the master plan for ‘Pathway to Premier 2030’ and the university’s goal of becoming a R1: Doctoral Universities (very high research activities). “They are kind of mundane and you may not think about it too much, but as part of our strategic planning process, it has multiple parts to it,” Dunn said. “Pathway to Premier is the idea to where we’re going, but there’s some real nuts and bolts that we need to get done and one of them is a master plan which dictates over the next 10 or 15 plus years and priorities we would have as a university for buildings or roads or constructions.” Dunn further elaborated on being in contact with a nationally recognized local firm in Sioux Falls to lay out the plan, incorporating the idea of having a South Dakota connection and alumni as a part of the firm. According to Dunn, the allocation of resources for half of MNR (maintenance and repair funds) and half of bond payments would eventually contribute to funding of new buildings, both housing and classes. “I think the thing that has emerged as a part of the pathway to premier is the access to campus being really difficult during game day,” Dunn said. “So I think access to campus is our biggest problem I think, to make that big step of way-finding and just the feel of entering campus.” Remodeling of buildings on campus was an additional issue brought up by senators. Dunn explained his stance through examples of buildings like Yeager Hall and Hilton M. Briggs library. “I think the first floor of Yeager Hall looks a little industrial [reference to the printing lab],” Dunn said. “We need to move offices there and that’s the kind of remodeling we’re looking at because we don’t need an industrial function in the
heart of campus, but we need you and your faculty to have access easily.” Dunn spoke on the Larson remodeling that was scheduled to take place earlier this summer. He explained the massive scale of remodeling needed that delayed in acquiring extra revenue. However, he hopes to have the project started in summer 2025. “In the auxiliary system, we have to spend about 2% of the revenue we receive on maintenance and repair,” Dunn said. “So finishing Grove Hall is next and then we would look at Young and Binnewies Hall would be on the plan.” Dunn proceeded to inform the senate about nearing the end date of the capital campaign ‘Bold & Blue’ on April 24. The amount raised for the campaign will be unveiled and around $17 million worth of scholarships would be awarded from next year. He also urged students to attend the party near the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center (PAC) to celebrate the occasion on April 24. “Part of it is to show gratitude to those who have given that much money and the other part is to just feel the energy and excitement of what has been done,” Dunn said. Dunn also asked the senate to have confidence in the Board of Regents (SDBOR) with their decision-making and policies put in place. Lastly, he informed the senate about switching to R1 university and how enormous a step would it be, considering the time span. “It’s like going D1 in athletics, but on the academics side,” Dunn said. “We know we can do it, but it’s going to take a lot of work and we need additional funds from the state of South Dakota, but that would be our goal.” Student Organization Reports Senators listened to student organization reports from Latin American Student Association (LASA) and KSDJ radio. Senators also approved the constitution of the Ping Pong Club. LASA provides a support system to Latin students at SDSU, the campus
community and people interested in learning about Latin culture. LASA also hosts events in collaboration with other student organizations within the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility (OMAA) such as Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Black Student Alliance (BSA) and International Dance Crew (IDC). KSDJ radio is a student-run radio station by students in the School of Communications and Journalism (COJO), but open to all students. The KSDJ radio can be accessed by tuning into the 90.7 frequency and covers almost all of Brookings County. KSDJ currently consists of 10 students and have previously collaborated with the University Program Council (UPC) to host the Mayday Music Festival. Broadcast of KSDJ involves live shows, podcasts and home athletic games. The Ping Pong Club aims to create an environment for students to learn, practice and play ping-pong. They also aim to host tournaments at SDSU and allow members to compete in tournaments against other colleges. They aim to join the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA). The Ping Pong Club currently consists of seven members but has an additional 15 to 20 students who have shown interest in joining the club. Unfinished Business Senators voted on Resolution 23-8-R. The resolution stated the introduction of House Bill 1022 was to make an appropriation for a sum of $6 million to the Department of Education to provide professional development in literacy to teachers, and to declare an emergency. Government Affairs Chair Michael Garofalo informed the senate that the bill had been backed by Secretary of Education for the state of South Dakota, Joseph Graves and that it would give students the educational tools they need to prosper academically. The resolution was taken to a roll call and approved. Senators also voted on
February 14, 2024
Commemoration 23-7-C. The SA commemorated February of 2024 as Black History Month and encouraged students to engage with events commemorating the Black History Month. Communications Chair Hannah Dayaget and Sen. Rylee Sabo for College of Nursing asked the senate to support the commemoration and encouraged them to take part in events organized. New Business Head of General Activity Fee (GAF) Strategic Planning Committee Blake Pulse presented a draft of the GAF strategic plan that would determine funds distributed to various entities within SDSU for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2030. While no changes have been made to the overall GAF amount, various entities would receive cuts or additions to their budget. While the Union would see changes to credit amount in FY 2026, addition of funds have been observed for the Rabbit Ride program and the Miller Wellness Center. FY 2027 will observe an increase in budget for the Wellness Center in regard with bond payments. No significant changes would take place after FY 2027. The GAF strategic plan would observe students voting for or against the plan later. Vice President Hayden Bentz and Chief of Staff Benjamin Connor lauded President Trinity Peterson, Pulse and senators for their contribution to the planning GAF since May 2023. Resolution 23-9-R was introduced to seek SA support for Senate Bill 45. The bill would appropriate a sum of nearly $6.1 million to BOR for the purpose of establishing a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology. The resolution is scheduled to be voted on at the next meeting. The senate also closed the slate for President and Vice President nominations after noticing no nominees for three straight SA meetings, making both Peterson and Bentz the only nominees for the respective positions.
sdsucollegian.com
February 14, 2024
NEWS
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POLICY 2:12 REVIEWED South Dakota State University’s travel policy may observe new rules for student organizations’ overnight stay
KENNETH ROBELLO News Editor The Office of General Counsel recently reviewed South Dakota State University’s Policy 2:12 for Student Organization Travel and Field Trips last fall with the suggestion of adding a new section where organizations would not require students to adhere to bed sharing. According to Tracy Greene, vice president and general counsel, the suggestion of a new clause was solely due to policies being reviewed for improvements and compliance. Greene further said in an email interview that the athletics department already follows this compliance best practice standard. “This is just a proposed policy and nothing has been implemented yet,” Students’ Association President Trinity Peterson said. The suggested draft would essentially mandate one person per bed. Students are not required to share beds, although they would share rooms through any university-sponsored trip. “The current policy is four people to one room,” Peterson said. “With this [suggested policy], it would limit to two people per room or depending on the number of beds in the room.” During the SA meeting held Jan. 29, Resolution 23-3-R was introduced to the senate. The resolution was aimed to vote for support of the suggested bed sharing policy. However, the senate amended the policy and voted in favor to support it as an ‘opt-in’ option. “What we are proposing is having a single bed be an opt-in option,” College of Nursing Sen. Rylee Sabo said. “So if you don’t feel comfortable sharing a bed with somebody else, you can request for your own bed and it is not a penalty to you.” The suggested policy was amended as an opt-in option to reduce lodging budget for both student organizations and the SA. Currently, SDSU has over 270 student organizations, which are funded through the General Activity Fee (GAF). Each student pays a GAF of $50.85 per credit hour. “We provide funding for a lot of these trips and events,” Sabo said. “In 2022-23 school year, we used 28% of our Special Allocation Funds for lodging and if this plan that
they [Office of General Counsel] have want to be a voice for the students and proposed goes into place, we can expect when we talk to other students about to spend about 50% of that Special this, they also agree that it is a priority Allocation budget on lodging instead of for them to have these events on campus using the funds for other things.” [rather than funding for lodging costs] The SASpecial Allocation Fund is and we have to be responsible with all provided to support SDSU student orgaof our students’ GAF money because it’s nizations that encounter a substantial expensive to come to school.” budget shortfall and is in need of funds If the proposed policy of bed sharing to support a specific one-time event or without an opt-in option would go into expenditure. effect, Students’ Association would furAccording to Resolution 23-3-R, $2,100 ther encourage the university to look (28%) of the Special Allocation Fund was into other potential funding options for utilized for lodging various student orgastudent organization lodging expenses nizations. GAF increases are historically without affecting GAF costs for students. TRINITY PETERSON difficult to approve through the South “Students’ Association passed a resoDakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) and lution that SDSU considers as a feedback hence GAF dollars cannot support significant increases on the draft policy,” Greene said. “It would be considered in funding for student organizations. in the institutional policy process.” “The Special Allocation Fund is a $7,500 fund that all The draft policy is currently vetting for campus feedstudent organizations are open to apply for,” Peterson back. No timeline would be provided as the policy draft said. “If student organizations end up short on their is still under consideration. fundraising before a trip or to host an event, this fund would cover for it.” Peterson further explained that without the opt-in option, lodging cost would only double the expenses from the Special Allocation Fund, causing shortage of funds for emergency purposes such as events and in turn increase the Unit 3 GAF budget. “Essentially, more student fees means more student dollars would be going toward lodging if this policy would be put into effect,” Peterson said. “It’s not like university fees that typically cover the travel expenses, but a lot of them are from the General Activity Fee budget.” Sabo explained that with the opt-in option, requesting a single bed instead of sharing would result in a slight increase of cost for the Special Allocation fund but may not reach to an extent of doubling the funds, which would sort out funding much better. Having amended Resolution 23-3-R as an opt-in option and voted to pass it on, SA looks forward to suggesting recommendations to the General Counsel and the draft would then require feedback for approval. “That’s kind of what we’re here for,” Sabo said. “We
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February 14, 2024
Bill that passed House is First Amendment violation, SA senator, lawyer say GRETA GOEDE Editor-in-Chief A bill that one student leader and a lawyer said violates free speech passed through State Affairs Monday and the House of Representatives Tuesday. House Bill 1178, a bill that prohibits the Board of Regents or any institution under its control from using state resources for obscene live conduct, passed through State Affairs 11-2 and the House 59-8. State law defines obscene live conduct as “any physical human body activity, whether performed or engaged in alone or with other persons, including singing, speaking, dancing, acting, simulation, or pantomiming, where: (a) The dominant theme of such conduct, taken as a whole, appeals to a prurient interest; (b) The conduct is patently offensive because it affronts contemporary community standards relating to the description or representation of sexual matters; and (c) The conduct is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.” Michael Garofalo, president of Student Federation, said this bill is just a way to “justify” trying to ban drag shows on campus. “It’s basically just another bill to ban drag shows, it’s just not written in the bill,” Garofalo said. This is not the first time a bill like this Michael Garofalo has been introduced. Republic Rep. Chris Karr who introduced HB1178 has made attempts in the past to stop obscene live conduct on campuses following SDSU’s drag show in 2022. Karr sponsored House Bill 1116 in 2023, a bill that would have prohibited the use of state resources for lewd or lascivious content but the bill failed. Karr returned this year with more republicans on board to get this bill passed the second time around. Garofalo said one representative that voted on the bill implied that state taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund things like drag shows, even though student
Volume 139 • Issue 17
organizations are funded through the General Activity Fee and not by tax money. Garofalo thinks this misinformation might have been the reason for this debate in the first place. “It’s kind of disappointing because that’s been explained to them so many times, that taxpayer dollars do not fund student organizations,” Garofalo said. “I think there may be still misinformation as to how the whole funding structure for misinformation works.” Although the student organizations aren’t funded by taxpayer dollars, the buildings on campuses are. This means the state could technically stop a show from happening in a campus building becuase it’s state resources even though the student organization has to pay to rent the room. If this bill passes, the Gender and Sexuality Alliances annual drag show will be the first event “on the chopping block,” according to Garofalo, but this could also affect other organizations as well. “There are a number of programs that could be deemed as obscene live conduct,” Garofalo said. “If there’s a film that someone is putting on and there is a section in it… that someone finds inappropriate they could say it’s obscene live conduct the organization is hosting.” This bill also opens up the state to potential lawsuits. If something is found to be obscene live conduct individuals or entities could sue the BOR, schools or employees based on this bill. “They don’t want that to happen, because ultimately the attorney general will defend the state in court and taxpayers will foot the bill,” Garofalo said. Garofalo thinks this bill will discourage students from free speech and expression by threat of legal action. The Collegian spoke with Mike Hiestand, senior legal counsel at the Student Press Law Center, about how this bill impacts free speech for students. According to Hiestand, this bill has some “very significant first amendment concerns.” “They’re saying you can’t use university resources. That’s no workaround, that’s censorship,” Hiestand said.
The Collegian is the independent student newspaper at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. The Collegian is published by and for South Dakota State University students under the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and a free press. Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff or administration. The Collegian is published weekly on Wednesday during the academic year of SDSU.
Greta Goede Editor-in-Chief
Kenneth Rebello
Brayden Byers Managing Editor
Anna Lockrem
Hiestand also said that obscenity is a legal term and although people use it for many things, under the law it has a high bar to meet. “When we’re talking obscenity, we’re talking pretty graphic sexual content,” Hiestand said. “You know if this drag show were to turn into a live sex show, then yeah you would probably have obscenity concerns but if it’s just people dressing up and singing songs and having a good time… that’s not even close to obscene.” According to Hiestand, this issue is beyond the government’s reach. HB1178 will now move to the Senate to be voted on. Garofalo hopes to move on from this and see different things come out of session this year besides this ongoing debate. “The Board of Regents has adopted that attendance policy for minors, now we’re talking about policing adults,” Garofalo said. “I would love to see more productive things happen as we get through the rest of the session.”
UPD Daily Crime Log The following were included in the University Police Department daily crime log from FEB. 4 to FEB. 10 SUNDAY, FEB 4 • •
WEDNESDAY, FEB 7 •
•
• • •
• • • • •
1:58 a.m., Dairy Queen, DUI - Second Offense 2:13 a.m., Binnewies Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism 2:19 a.m., Young Hall, Ficticious/False ID 2:30 a.m., Hansen Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism 10:39 a.m., Wellness Center, Miscellaneous Incident
Evan Patzwald
Joclyn Haven
Jack McCarty
Jordan Roemeling
Design Editor
News Editor
Bosten Morehart
Natalie Dean
Zachary Simon
12:20 a.m., Union Loop, Theft from Vehicle 12:45 p.m., Meadows South, Intentional Damage/Third Degree Vandalism 10:39 p.m., Young Hall, Miscellaneous Incident
SATURDAY, FEB 10
Marshall Minihan
Ad Sales Representative
1:28 p.m., Starbucks - SDSU, Theft
FRIDAY, FEB 9
Entertainment Editor
Assist. Sports Editor
10:42 a.m., Pierson Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism
THURSDAY, FEB 8
Assist. News Editor
Sports Editor
2:10 a.m., Meadows South, Intentional Damage/Vandalism 2:35 a.m., Binnewies Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism
Copy Editor
Shelby Lang
Ad Sales Representative
Photo Chief
Assist. Entertainment Editor
Nadia Pinos
Social Media Manager
Madelyn Murphy
Ad Sales Representative
Letters to the Editor Send letters to Editors@ sdsucollegian.com or to USU 069 Box 2815, Brookings, S.D. 57006. You can also post comments online at www.sdsucollegian.com. Please keep to less than 250 words.
Main line: 605.688.6164 Newsroom: 605.688.6166 Editor-in-Chief: 605.688.6178
sdsucollegian.com
NEWS
February 14, 2024
Downtown Brookings to host first ever ‘Chocolate Crawl event’
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PARTICIPATING DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES
Submitted Art The Chocolate Crawl event is a part of the larger city wide event called the Frost Fest. Each business participating in the event will prepare and serve a treat of some kind.
BRIGHTON MCBRIDE Reporter More than 25 businesses in Downtown Brookings are set to participate in the city’s “first ever Chocolate Crawl event” Saturday, Feb. 17. Kirsten Gjesdal, director of Downtown Brookings and owner of The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co., has been working to coordinate the Chocolate Crawl which is “part of a larger city wide event called Frost Fest,” Gjesdal said. The plan for the event is that each business participating will serve a treat of some kind. “My only request was that it has something to do with chocolate,” said Gjesdal. Some businesses will hand out free samples of something they sell in the store, some are baking treats and some places that already serve food will have a unique chocolate item on the menu, Gjesdal said. “It is up to the business if they will charge for the treat, or if it will be free,” said Gjesdal. Each business has full creative freedom in what they serve. “I estimate that about 75% of busi-
nesses participating will be handing out free samples,” Gjesdal said. The event will tentatively take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “But it depends on the individual business’ hours. They can serve the treats as late as they are open if they choose,” said Gjesdal. Some treats visitors can look forward to are the Cubby’s Cow Cow Tippah Chocolate Stout from Remedy Brewing & Hot Chocolate Cocktails; Kool Beans chocolate covered espresso beans; George’s Pizza Chocolate Oreo dessert pizza; and Cottonwood Coffee raspberry mocha. Gjesdal anticipates a great turnout for the event, “depending on the weather, but the forecast is looking good.” Gjesdal said. “Thousands of people come downtown every Saturday,” The timing of the event is no coincidence. Gjesdal thought a Chocolate Crawl would be the perfect event to do right around Valentine’s Day. “The Carrot Seed will be sampling bites of the chocolate bars we carry in-store,” said Gjesdal. “We’ll have at least three varieties out to taste at a time.” “We will include flavors like peanut butter cup dark chocolate, s’mores, key
lime white chocolate, fudge brownie, toffee brittle, cookies & cream and malted milkshake,” Gjesdal said. “I’m not sure how many candy bars we’ll go through but we’re ready for a big crowd!” Chelsea Lang, owner of Socialight Boutique, commented on the event mentioning that she has participated in Sip and Shops before, but she is excited about the first-ever Chocolate Crawl. “I plan to bake a chocolate gluten-free mini cupcake, probably with chocolate frosting and baby pink sprinkles, or something to match my store’s vibe,” said Lang. “It’s a weekend in February, so I would say it would be pretty busy, I will probably estimate around 150 cupcakes,” said Lang. Lang encourages everyone to come to the event, “Some college students probably don’t know all the businesses downtown, it’s a great chance to see what all the businesses have to offer,” said Lang. The Chocolate Crawl is a unique event and gives the town something to do during the winter. All ages can enjoy some chocolate this Saturday.
1. Agua Fresh - Chocolate Bubble Tea* 2. Antique Mercantile 3. Be Still Boutique 4. Brookings Arts Council - Hot cocoa and Girl Scout Cookies* 5. Cafe Coteau at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota - Nutty Date Bar* 6. The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co. 7. Cottonwood Coffee - Raspberry Mocha* 8. Cubby’s - Cow Tippah Chocolate Stout from Remedy Brewing & Hot Chocolate Cocktails* 9. Dakota Soul Boutique 10. Emerald Grace Clothing Co. 11. Flowers on Main 12. FOUND by Funky Junk 13. George’s Pizza - Chocolate Oreo Dessert Pizza* 14. Hand Tied Floral Boutique 15. Kool Beans Coffee & Roasterie 16. The Man Cave Barbershop 17. Mosaic Wine Bar & Small Plates - Wine + Chocolate Pairing* 18. Nick’s Hamburgers - Chocolate Malt* 19. The Nook 20. Party Depot 21. Pasque 22. Seven Songbirds 23. 605 Backroads Boutique 24. The Socialight 25. Trendz 26. The Ugly Duckling 27. Wink’s Fine Jewelry
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sdsucollegian.com
Febuary 14, 2024
Greek life, athletics, and ROTC learn dangers of hazing Two moms who lost their sons give a presentation about hazings on college campuses
Photo courtesy of KATIE YUNKER Members of greek life, athletics and ROTC meet presenters Rae Ann Gruver and Evelyn Piazza at their presentation Feb. 6 in Club 71.
GRACELIN BJORDAL Reporter Two mothers who lost their sons to fraternity hazing presented “Love, Mom & Dad,” at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Club 71 Tuesday, Feb. 6. Evelyn Piazza and Rae Ann Gruver used their time in Brookings to tell people how hazing has impacted their lives. They shared educated information with the crowd and issued a call to action to prevent hazing. Timothy Piazza died Feb. 4, 2017, at the former Theta Beta Pi House at Penn State due to head trauma from multiple falls. Since then, his parents, Jim and Evelyn Piazza have worked to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing. They also passed the Timothy J. Piazza Law (State Senate Bill 1090), which creates a category in organizational and institutional hazing and makes them both punishable by law. Maxwell Gruver was died weeks into the 2017 fall semester at LSU while
pledging to Phi Delta Theta from acute alcohol poisoning and aspiration. The Gruvers created the Max Gruver Foundation and helped pass the Max Gruver Anti-Hazing Act. This act makes hazing a felony Louisiana. South Dakota is 1 of 6 states that does not have a law prohibiting hazing. To go about this, a person must go to their local legislature and present the bill. Next, the committee will research, discuss, and make changes to the bill. The bill is then put before the chamber for a vote. “South Dakota should not wait until a hazing death occurs,” Gruver said. “South Dakota should be proactive and not reactive in creating a law to protect young adults in your state.” This summer, SDSU Sigma Phi Epsilon President Blake Gibney met Gruver and Piazza at the Rich Leadership Institute where they presented “Love, Mom & Dad.” “Very few presentations that I have sat through made me feel emotional,”
Gibney who added that the presentation made him think of his brother, who is also college-aged. Gibney brought Gruver and Piazza to SDSU to spread awareness and give a real-world example of why hazing is so dangerous. According to Gruver, “Hazing is making another person do anything in order to be part of your group.” Since 2000, there have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths on college campuses. These deaths have varied from heatstroke to cardiac arrest, to aspiration. Hazing comes in many different forms, small and large. “Love, Mom & Dad,” spoke primarily about active hazing prevention in the student body. Gibney and Sig Ep’s executive board ensures hazing prevention through chapter education and reminds the chapter why hazing is detrimental to new initiates and initiated chapter. Gruver, Piazza and Gibney also encourage the
“see something, say something” system. “Feel empowered to report when something does not seem right. Feel empowered to step in,” Gruver said. South Dakota State University takes measures to ensure that hazing events do not take place outside of or in the house, according to Katie Yunker, program advisor for Greek Life at SDSU. “Fraternity and Sorority Life takes a strong stance against hazing,” Yunker said. “We provide continuous education to all of our members on how to prevent hazing in their respective organizations, support the efforts of national organizations to end hazing, and promote new member activities that build cohesion and foster belonging among all members.” To learn more about the Max Gruver Foundation and Timothy J Piazza Foundation visit: • https://www.liveliketim.org/ • https://www.maxgruverfoundation.com/
sdsucollegian.com
February 14, 2024
NEWS
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Recorder Club hopes to grow on campus Jacquie Wold, public relations coordinator, said that the members’ goal at the club meetings is to learn the songs they are currently working on. You might think the recorder – yeah, “It is pretty chill most days…We have that musical instrument you might have fun with it but we also take it seriously,” played as a kid – is just that: for kids. Wold said. But one club on campus is working to The club welcomes people of all levels change that perception. of knowledge of music and the recorder. The Recorder Club started about two years ago and its members say it is a great Treasurer Katie Hold says that if you are willing to learn how to read music and way to meet people and play fun songs. how to play, they will teach you. They meet every Friday and welcome They play traditional recorder songs anyone who wants to learn more about from the Baroque period, along with the recorder. songs they just have fun with. They’re Joseph Cassady, president of the club, also starting to play more pop songs. describes the weekly meetings as a lot The club recently of running through performed the song “My music and learning Heart Will Go On” at the about the music of IF YOU GO Capers event in late-Janthe recorder and all uary. They also plan to the gimmicks of the What: Recorder club perform at Madrigal in recorder. the future put on by the “As fun as it is to When: Every Friday at Concert Choir. just play recorder, a 5:30 p.m. Club members plan lot of playing recordWhere: Performing to have a concert this er, well, is learning Arts Center, Room 193 spring, with the date how to stop all of the Contact info: joseph. still being determined. things that people cassady@jacks.sdstate. There are also hopes laugh at about the reto grow the club and corder,” Cassady said. edu eventually put on more “A lot of the meeting performances on camtime is spent learning pus. about the recorder, The club was started by a group of learning about the music of the recorder, community assistants who were involved or learning how to play the music of the in music. Cassady eventually joined and recorder.” is now working to build club numbers Many students involved in other musiagain after many of the members graducal classes or clubs find recorder club to ated. Club leaders urge people to check be a fun and different way to play music, out a meeting if they are interested and to Cassady said. It is usually a secondary see what it is all about. instrument for the members and they The club has recorders on hand, so have a fun time learning something new. you don’t need to bring anything. They They get to learn a different instrument but implement their knowledge of music have various types of recorders, from a large one called a bass recorder, a tenor into playing songs. recorder, a soprano recorder and others. Although the club puts in work to They hope to fundraise in the future to learn songs and effectively teach people grow their collection. how to play the recorder, there is no lack “If you’re interested at all at any time… of fun at meetings. Sarah Fuerst’s role is just come see into the world of (what) described as “club hype bringer.” we’re doing,” Holt said. “I think the group has a really fun dynamic,” Fuerst said. “We are serious, but not so serious that we don’t have fun.” LINDSEY JUNKER Reporter
Submitted Photo The Recorder Club plays traditional songs from the Baroque period and more recently pop songs, such as “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion at the Capers event in late-January. A goal of their’s is to expand the club and to have more future performances on campus.
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sdsucollegian.com
February 14, 2024
Pickleball makes its way to SDSU
MILLER WELLNESS CENTER (SUBMITTED)
ELEANOR WEHSELER Reporter Pickleball has gained national attention and popularity over the past few years and South Dakota State University students and community members have embraced the trend. 36 pickleball players filled the courts Sunday, Feb. 4 for the Miller Wellness Center intramural tournament. Beyond those competitive games, there also is open play happening in the center daily. Students and Brookings residents frequent the courts for fellowship and friendly competition. Kevin Miller, member services coordinator at the Miller Wellness Center, spoke highly about the group of pickleball regulars. The sport is seeing a consistent flow of regular players and new people just trying it out. “We have anywhere from 20 to 40 community members playing,” Miller said. The Wellness Center bought 14 new paddles at the beginning of the semester and they have seen a lot of use. Students and community members are encouraged to rent a paddle and join in at open play. “It’s unique right now for a lot of people,” Miller said, speaking on the popularity of the sport. “Pickleball, you can just play one-on-one to relax. You don’t need to be super competitive if you don’t want to.” Brecklyn Beyer, a junior mechanical engineering major, is a frequent pickleball player. The community aspect and
relaxed environment are her favorite parts of playing. Beyer joins in on the court when classes allow and encourages other students to do the same. “It’s OK if you don’t have any experience,” Beyer said. “I love playing and getting involved with a different group of people.” Teresa McLagan, a Brookings resident and retiree, is a four-year Miller Wellness Center member and pickleball regular. She is happy with the consistent turnout of players. She said that courts are full on most days, ranging anywhere from three to six full courts. McLagan praised the sport and the welcoming community. When she retired, she was looking for a new hobby and happened upon pickleball. “I was looking for something to do… I bought my first paddle, and now I’m on my third one,” McLagan said. According to the USA Pickleball website, “It’s easy to start, but hard to stop.” The website provides details and resources for individuals interested in the sport. There are no more organized pickleball tournaments through the Wellness Center for the remainder of the spring semester, open play is ongoing and all are welcome, Miller said. The Jackrabbit Open and more intramural tournaments are scheduled for the fall semester. Students and community members can stay up to date on the intramural schedule and other tournament offerings on the Wellness Center app and social media .
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February 14, 2023
POWERLIFT YOUR WAY TO THE TOP
Register today to compete in the upcoming Miller Wellness Center powerlifting competition AVERI JOHANNSEN Reporter Officials at the Miller Wellness Center are pumped to host their second annual powerlifting meet Saturday, Feb. 24. The meet will include three lifts: squat, bench and deadlift. Jacob Heidenreich, the fitness coordinator at the Miller Wellness Center, said each contestant will be given three attempts at each lift and their highest weight will be recorded. The meet costs $25 for anyone to register, student or not. The winner will receive a variety of prizes, such as gifts from supplement and equipment companies, clothing and gift cards. “We will have everyone come weigh in. Then based on their weight and whatever the total weight they report, meaning their squat, bench, and deadlift total, they will get a score,” Kyle Dawson, graduate assistant for physical therapy, said. “Based on that score, we will rank them for their brackets.” This event is the second annual for the Wellness Center and organizers are looking forward to hosting more people this year. About 30 people competed last year and they hope to have 40 to 50 this year. “People saw what we did last year and the fun we had,” Dawson said. “We are hoping that will make it more popular this time around.” This year, there will be a new bracket specifically for Special Olympic athletes. Last year the organization brought a guest lifter, but this year they will be bringing between 10 to 14 athletes. The athletes train once a week at the Brookings High School to get prepared for the event. “Some of our athletes have never lifted and some of them have been with us for three years,” Brian Chatham, Special Olympics powerlifting coach, said. “Our athletes are very excited. This is their hometown crowd. Some of them are a little nervous as this is their first time, but overall this will be a great experience for them.”
This event is another way for those who like coming to the Wellness Center everyday to lift or train to test themselves in a new way while having fun. “This is another opportunity for us to provide students with something different than the every day of going to the gym,” Jacob Heidenreich, fitness coordinator at the Miller Wellness Center, said. “It’s a way for us to engage our student body, especially those who miss the competition aspect.” One of the main interest centers for students on campus is working out at the Miller Wellness Center. Dawson said this event helps kickstart a passion in powerlifting for students. Both Dawson and Heidenreich said this is something they love doing and that’s what drives them to host events like this. Their goal is to get students and community members to start a passion in powerlifting, just like the two of them share. This meet is one of the four powerlifting meets that have been hosted at the Miller Wellness Center, but it is one of the only meets in this general area. “We are the only event within a 45-minute drive of us,” Heidenreich said. “We also are one of the only with a low barrier of entry, meaning we allow our competitors to wear what they are comfortable in and lower the entry fee.” As far as marketing goes, Heidenreich, Dawson and their staff have been putting flyers out across campus and have been tabling to those that come into the Miller Wellness Center. They have also been contacting local fitness centers to promote the event and get the community engaged. “The biggest thing that we do is word of mouth,” Heidenreich said. “All our past participants have had positive experiences, and that helps promote them to others.” Dawson said, “Our registrations have taken off a little bit faster than last year, so, I’m hoping that we see an increase.”
sdsucollegian.com
NEWS
February 14, 2024
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SOUTH DAKOTA ART MUSEUM SET TO DEBUT NEW EXHIBITS
ADDISON SEDLACEK Reporter The South Dakota Art Museum will introduce two new exhibits in the next month. The exhibits, “Moments of Is: Stuart Artist-in-Residence Alums,” and “Termespheres,” display a wide range of artistic skills and viewpoints. “Moments’’ opens Saturday and runs through May 12. “Termespheres” opens March 16 and runs through July 28. “Moments of Is” connects with the extensive career of Signe Stuart, a painting professor at SDSU from 1972 to 1984. The collection “Moments of Is” celebrates the rich tapestry of artists under the Stuart Artist-in-Residence program at South Dakota State University. A decade ago, Signe Stuart and her husband Joe, who previously served as the museum’s director, founded the Artist-inResidence program through the School of Design. Reflecting on Stuart’s legacy, Taylor McKeown, collections curator at the art museum said: “She is one of the most notable South Dakota artists of her time.” Funded through a donation to the SDSU Foundation, the Artist-inResidence program annually brings nine artists to campus. The selected artists, chosen from outside South Dakota, spend a month on campus creating their artwork and engaging with the community in Grove Hall. “It is an exceptional program,” McKeown said, highlighting the diversity of perspectives it brings to the SDSU community. The “Moments of Is” show is a testament to the diversity and creativity fostered by this program. The collections feature a wide range of practices from the participating artists. Some include cut-out rugs, found objects and creations from paper. The
Ares (Fear of Men) by Jessica Campbell
exhibition guarantees artwork for each visitor. McKeown credits associate professor for studio art Diana Behl with helping bring the exhibits to the museum. “Diana was pivotal in connecting me with the artists,” said McKeown.
“She helped me select the work for the show.” McKeown and Behl put forth efforts to construct cross-departmental disciplinary engagement. “Stuart artists bring their ideas and perspectives to our community,” Behl said.
Artist Ali Hval’s “Something Worn, Something Blue” display is featured in the upcoming exhibit. “Fashion does a fantastic job of challenging what we are societally expected to wear,” Hval said. When describing her work, Hval
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NEWS
added, “At first glance, the work I create is deceptively saccharine and superficial, using frilly materials like pom-pom hair ties and these candy-like colors that could be found in Barbie’s wardrobe.” “Something Worn, Something Blue” will be just one of the pieces in the “Moments of Is” collection. The “Termespheres” exhibition introduces the work of Dick Termes, a Spearfish-based artist renowned for his unique sphere paintings. Termes’s work, which offers a 3D view of his surroundings, allows visitors to enter his artistic world. “That show will be incredible as Dick works with virtual reality,” McKeown said. “So, that will be available in the gallery.” This innovative approach allows the museum to stay up-to-date on technology and bring visitors a top-notch experience. The Termespheres exhibition vividly brings geometry and mathematics into the world of art. Both exhibits are the results of thought-out planning and generous support. The museum plans its exhibitions two years in advance. “All of the programming and exhibitions that go on at the museum are through the generosity of donors,” McKeown said. The museum offers free admission to all and a 10% discount in the museum store to SDSU students. Among the scheduled events is a virtual talk with artists from “Moments of Is,” set for Thursday, Feb. 29 at 2:30 p.m. The event offers deeper engagement with the art and artists involved. “I love seeing how visiting artists can energize everyone,” Behl said.
February 14, 2024
‘Something Worn, Something Blue’ by Ali Hval with cermic, acrylic, rhinestones, fabric, polyfil, beads.
Cubical Universe in Termespheres by Dick
IF YOU GO WHAT: New Art Museum
Exhibits WHEN: ‘Moments of Is’: Saturday through May 12; ‘Termespheres’: March 16 through July 28 WHERE: South Dakota Art Museum COST: Free
Gargoyles of St. Denis in Termespheres by Dick Termes
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sdsucollegian.com
February 14, 2024
Jack’s Cupboard’s new leadership finds ways to reach community CAMILLE BUUS Reporter South Dakota State University’s on-campus food pantry, Jack’s Cupboard, recently introduced a new leadership program in fall 2023. The leadership program is called “For Students by Students” and was created by Nicole Schilling in a capstone project where she focused on improving nutrition for students facing food insecurity. The leadership program had a slow start with finding volunteers but has led the way to substantial growth within the SDSU community and doubling the number of members on the food pantry executive board. Although the program has had success, Jack’s Cupboard needs more volunteers to meet the needs of hungry students. During the pandemic, Jack’s Cupboard gave out an average of 127.5 pounds of food to 15 students each week. Now, an average of 651 pounds of food is dispersed to 107 students each week. By Thursday of each week, the shelves are empty. Due to the increased demand, more volunteers are needed. According to the National Library of Medicine, 32.9% of college students report food insecurity. Food insecurity affects mental and physical health, socialization and academic performance. “I don’t think food insecurity has a particular look, so no one ever knows what someone else is going through,” Avery Sage, Jack’s Cupboard adviser, said. The leadership program has taken a deeper dive into helping food insecurity by creating brand awareness. The new leadership team has organized four food drives, although only two were sponsored by Jack’s Cupboard. The first sponsored event was Hobo Day Fighting
SUBMITTED PHOTO Picture of Jack’s Cupboard volunteering at SDSUs track meet, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
Hunger, which brought in 1,300 pounds of food, and the second being the Christmas food drive. Other organizations that have helped Jack’s Cupboard are Brookings Food Pantry, and Lead State. Jack’s Cupboard has also created more brand awareness by increasing advertising on social media, helping the team members reach a larger audience and intrigue volunteers to come to meetings. They meet once a month, usually Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union and serve free pizza. “Our social media has helped people learn what Jack’s Cupboard is all about,” Katelyn Winberg, the public relations specialist, said. More volunteers would also allow Jack’s Cupboard to extend its hours, providing increased availability to students. Right now, the cupboard is only open on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. By adding additional days and hours, this could help prevent many students from going hungry between meals and provide resources during holiday breaks. “We encourage any students looking for volunteer opportunities to connect
with Jack’s Cupboard,” Sage said. “It is the volunteers that make Jack’s Cupboard function in the first place.” In addition, Jack’s Cupboard leaders have worked at concession stands at track events for Sodexo to raise additional money, The first SDSU track event they hosted was Jan. 20, then again Jan. 26. The leaders of Jack’s Cupboard are enthusiastic about having additional ways to raise money such as these track meets, it is a huge undertaking. If more volunteers helped with these events, it would create more flexibility in the leaders’ schedules. “With the increased volunteer opportunities, more volunteers are needed, and this would create more flexibility in the leadership member’s schedules,” said
Schilling. Not only is food insecurity important to the campus community, but it is also important to the community at large. In addition to helping SDSU students, Jack’s Cupboard helps the Brookings community. The pantry donated to the University Lutheran Newman Center, the Food Recovery Network and the Brookings Food Pantry. “It’s a nice way to give back to the community that has done so much for you,” said Budhi Kasu, Jack’s Cupboard volunteer. People can volunteer by stocking shelves and weighing food for students, or by running concession stands with the leadership team to raise money for Jack’s Cupboard. Check out SignUpGenius to set up a time to volunteer for Jack’s Cupboard’s spring 2024 schedule and visit the Instagram page @jackscupboardsdsu.
sdsucollegian.com
February 14, 2024
OPINION
A list of bad songs on good albums: FINALE
JACK MCCARTY Entertainment Editor
This is the final part in a three part series. If you would like to read the other parts, feel free to check out the official Collegian website. Here are a couple reminders of the guidelines I set for myself during this project. First, no transition songs. To me it, doesn’t seem fair to judge them on the same level as other songs when their purpose is completely different from them. Second, no joke songs. Once again they have a different purpose than songs that are trying to be earnest. Finally, one song per artist. This keeps the list from becoming repetitive. With that out of the way, enjoy the finale.
Photo by Top Dog Entertainment
“HUMBLE.” By Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.: I have never liked this song. I’ve had a lot of dumb and embarrassing opinions since my freshman year of high school, but to my surprise, this is one I’m going to stick my neck out for. There are just so many things that rub me the wrong way, which is a surprise since the rest of the album is good. I listened to it recently, and I was blown away by the tight groovy beats, masterful lyricism, and complex flow. So, to that end I feel like this song is an antithesis to the rest of the album. The first problem is his voice. His voice being in a higher register has hardly ever been a problem, but here it just doesn’t sound right. There’s high pitched and then there’s nasally. This song makes me feel like I’m getting a lecture from Steve
Urkel. It’s incredibly surreal. The beat is also a problem for me. I’m not sure I would call it bad, but it is overpowering to the point where it feels like you’re getting smacked over the head with it. That’s a similar situation with the flow which is just so handfisted. It’s hard to take it seriously. There are levels to this song, you and I know, but none of them are good. “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS:
so incredibly clumsy at times, and the emphasis in the chorus is just so forced and undeserved. It sounds like she thinks that using a vampire as an analogy is some clever mic-drop moment, but it just rings hollow. People have been calling other people vampires since the idea of vampires. The feeling of someone draining your time and energy is universal. Have you ever worked in food service? It’s like that. It’s not clever word play or a tongue and cheek reference. The entire song is played as seriously as a heart attack, and that fact alone just sucks all the charm out of the song. It sucks it out like a... something that needs to drain someone of their life to survive. I can’t think of a word for that, but I’m sure there’s something. Most of her other songs are either fast and fun party pleasers or songs that you would cry yourself to sleep listening to. This song just strikes a weird uncanny valley with me. It’s the worst of both worlds. Olivia, I like the rest of the album, but this song bled me dry like a Photo by Geffen Records god damn... LANDLORD! That was the This is the album that got me to under- word I was looking for! stand the hype around her. I remember “Jailbait” by Motörhead - Ace of when “Drivers License” dropped and everyone was talking about it, and while I don’t think that was a bad song, I’m just not the audience. There’s just not a lot of room for a melodramatic tearjerker about a teenage girl’s first break up next to my daily dose of divorced dad buttrock, and the same three They Might be Giants songs I’ve been listening to for years. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised with her latest studio release; however, there is one exception. “Vampire’s” popularity confuses me. To me it represents all her weaknesses as an artist and none of her strengths. The Photo by Mercury Records first thing is her voice. To me it feels like her voice is mostly a means to an end. It’s Spades: We finally made it. The worst fine, but you’re not listening to her for it. song on the list. Surprisingly, I think this She’s not Adele. On this song, her voice is also the best sounding song on here, just really does not work for me. It’s just at least from an instrumental level. This incredibly grating, and that wouldn’t be is the one song that’s on here because I so bad if she didn’t call so much attention think the lyrics really are that bad. to it. There’s a reason that the songs that Motörhead’s influence can’t be underI really like on this album are the ones stated. They went on to inspire thouwhere she talks more than sings like “Bad sands of people and essentially created Idea Right?” and “Get Him Back”. thrash metal out of whole cloth. This led Another main issue is writing. It’s just to the existence of bands like Metallica,
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who would go on to rule the world in the early nineties through the early 2000’s. And lead singer and bassist, Lemmy Kilmister, is considered a legend among metalheads. His devil-may-care persona and breakneck bass playing cemented him as an icon. The reason I’m telling you all this is because this is a song that can really change the way you see a person, so let me rip the band aid off here. If you couldn’t tell by the song title, this song is about wanting to sleep with underage girls who look like they aren’t. While researching songs for this list I saw so many people talk about what felt like the same 10 songs, but not one person brought up the pedophile song. I thought I was losing my mind after a while. Does no one seriously think this is a bad song? I know that they aren’t the most popular band, but someone had to realize this was gross, right? As far as I know, Lemmy was never accused of statutory rape and isn’t actually a sex offender, but that doesn’t make this song any better. It just means the song hits like a fanfiction about being on Jeffery Epstein’s Island. I’ve tried to get past the lyrics and focus on instruments that are admittedly pretty good but then I would hear Lemmy, as creepily as possible, say “love that young stuff ” right before the guitar solo, and then I would just turn it off. It’s not ironically, satirical or self-aware at all. Which is a shame because a song like that could work if it was trying to satirize or comment on society’s weird fetishization with young girls. The subject shouldn’t be off limits, you just can’t sing about it the same way a meat-headed jock would sing about hitting on cheerleaders. I still appreciate Lemmy as a person for the most part. Watching him in interviews he seems like an interesting guy. After amphetamines, listening to Motörhead is the next best thing, so there’s no way I’m going to stop. I just feel like I had to set the record straight and remind people that this song, and songs like it, are not ok and never were. Lemmy you’re not jailbait but you could’ve used a night in jail to reflect on what you’ve wrote.
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sdsucollegian.com February 14, 2024
Jackrabbits softball opens season 3-2 after California tournament; Texas trip is up next
At the end of three innings, Fresno State jumped out into an early lead, going up 2-0. The two-run lead lasted till the top of the seventh when Mia Jarecki sent Emma Christensen home on a two-out triple. Jarecki scored the last run for the Jacks, bringing the score to 2-2 before Wilson’s RBI to end the game.
MARSHALL MINIHAN Sports Editor
The South Dakota State softball team opened up their season in California over the weekend going 3-2 in the Fresno State Kickoff Classic. The Jackrabbits traded wins with both Fresno State and Santa Clara before finishing the weekend over .500 in a 9-1 blowout against CSU Bakersfield. “It’s been a long time since we have been on a field,” said softball head coach Kristina McSweeney. “Didn’t finish the season [2023 season] the way we wanted to but are ready for some redemption.” Game 1: Fresno State The Jacks handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the season as they dropped Fresno State 20-8 in six innings. Overall, SDSU tallied 15 hits with a handful of athletes recording more than one. Mia Jarecki, Brooke Dumont, Jocelyn Carrillo and Rozelyn Carrillo all finished with a pair of RBIs while Lindsey Culver and Emma Osmundson brought in three each. “The leadership you’re going to see from Tori Kniesche, Rozelyn Carrillo, Lindsey Culver, Cheyanne Masterson and all the rest of them,” said McSweeney. “It’s a different style of softball. They just want to win.” 3x All-Summit League First Team pitcher Tori Kniesche took the mound for the Jacks and kept Fresno State contained for the first couple of innings before letting up a double which brought in three runs. Fortunately for SDSU, the first four innings at the plate brought in three runs each, inching close to an early run rule. Fresno State showed life in the bottom of the fifth with two runs in to bring the score to 12-7. Next came a total of eight runs in the top of the sixth alone for the Jacks. In her debut, Akayla Barnard hit a triple which brought in two runs to put South Dakota State at 20 points scored, tying their Division 1 record of most runs scored with their 2022 matchup against USD. Game 2: Santa Clara Though scoring 20 points in their season debut, the Jacks brought in only a single point in game two against the Santa Clara Broncos. However, the sole run of the game proved to be essential as the Jacks earned their second win of the season 1-0. Kniesche took the mound once again in game two and recorded 13 strikeouts.
Photo by JOSH GATELEY Tori Kiesche pitches the ball to an Oklahoma Sonner batter in their matchup from the 2023 season.
HIGHEST BATTING AVERAGES Emma Osmundson- .438 Lindsey Culver- .429 Mia Jarecki- .385 Brook Dumont- .385 Akayla Barnard- .333 Catcher Dumont recorded 12 putouts while shortstop Rozelyn Carrillo was responsible for three of her own. After a quiet two-and-a-half innings, the only run of the game was put in motion when Barnard was walked with two outs recorded on the board. Osmundson took to the plate and drove the ball to the fence which recorded her a double and an RBI. Game 3: Fresno State After two wins in a row, SDSU’s luck went dry as the Host Fresno State got the better of them, taking their last matchup 3-2. Going into extra innings at 2-all, Fresno State’s Juliana Wilson brought in the final run of the game on an RBI single, handing the Jacks their first loss of the season.
Game 4: Santa Clara An eight-hit performance from Santa Clara brought the Jacks to .500 as they defeated South Dakota State 5-7 in the fourth game of the tournament. SDSU and Santa Clara traded runs after three innings but a two-run home run from Salmon gave them their victory. Though a loss, the Jacks had the bats going, sending two pitches over the fence by way of home runs from Osmundson and Jarecki. The Jacks also tallied three doubles in their fourth outing of the season. The Broncos brought in the first HR of the game by way of Salmon before the Jacks answered back with two of their own. The lead once again fell into Santa Clara’s hands after an RBI from Hazyl Gray going into the last inning. Culver sent Barnard home on a single to tie the game. Santa Clara made short work of the Jacks after, sending a pitch over the fence and taking the game 7-5. Game 5: CSU Bakersfield South Dakota State finished their final game of the tournament going 9-1 against Bakersfield in just five innings. Two extra runs in the fifth ended the game early in favor of the Jacks after seven runs were scored in the second, third and fourth innings. 11 hits were tallied in the final game, all coming off of singles as the bats were rolling for the Jackrabbits. Rozelyn Carrillo took two hits and amounted to three of the nine runs scored for the Jacks while Culver’s two hits resulted in two runs of her own. Dumont finished the game with eight putouts, the most on the team while Abby Gentry had the second most for the Jacks with two. Up Next The Jackrabbits hit the road for their second of five tournaments as they make their way to Denton, Texas, home of the North Texas Mean Green for the Tracey Beard College Classic. For SDSU, the opening pitch is at 1:30 p.m. on Friday against Texas A&M Commerce.
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SPORTS
February 14, 2024
JACKRABBIT SISTER ACT
Carrillos help SDSU softball reach Summit League heights
Photo by ROMEO T GUZMAN
S
Centerfield Jocelyn Carrillo diving for a ball in the outfield. In 2023, Jocelyn had 164 at bats where she amounted to 52 hits, 37 runs, 7 homeruns, 36 RBIs and batting a .317 average.
outh Dakota State’s softball team includes three sisters from California- two of whom are established stars and a younger sibling who hopes to someday match her sisters’ accomplishments on the field.
Jocelyn, Rozelyn, and Keira Carrillo are from Palmdale, about an hour north of Los Angeles. Rozelyn, a senior shortstop, is a two-time first team All-Summit League performer. Jocelyn, a fifth-year senior centerfielder, earned first team All-Summit League honors last year. Keira, meanwhile, is a sophomore transfer who arrived in Brookings in January and will spend the year redshirting. She hopes to continue the successful Carrillo sister run next year as an outfielder. Kristina McSweeney, in her second year as Jackrabbit coach, said each sister brings different contributions to her team, which has won the Jackrabbits three Summit League titles in the past five years. “Rozelyn brings the fire and spunk to this team, which is just what we need,” McSweeney said. “Jocelyn is a quiet leader. She wants the best for each and every
one of her teammates. Keira is the perfect combination of both. She is fiery but quiet. Tiny but mighty. Plays hard to prove herself and has a great work ethic.” The SDSU softball team recently visited the home state of the Carrillo sisters where they faced Fresno State, Santa Clara and CSU Bakersfield, going 3-2. Both Rozelyn and Jocelyn batted a .167 back in their home state while Keria stayed back and cheered her sisters on from Brookings due to her redshirt season. Next year, Keria will keep the spark that her sisters will be leaving behind. For the oldest of the three sisters, Jocelyn, coming to SDSU was a bit of a fluke. She went from not even knowing where Brookings, South Dakota, was to finding her new home in Brookings. Her story began with her older brother’s recruiting process. Romeo Carrillo wanted to attend a school where he could study aviation as well as pitch for the
COLLEGIAN STORY BY HANNAH DUTTON
baseball team- a possibility at SDSU because of its aviation program. He filmed videos of himself pitching and sent them to SDSU baseball coach Mitch Mormann. Mormann could not help but notice the skill of his sister, who was catching in all his videos. He shared the videos with former Jackrabbits softball coach Krista Wood. Jocelyn contacted the softball coach and became a Jackrabbit soon after their visit. Romeo didn’t end up going here, but that is how the Carrillo sisters found their home at SDSU. “My dad persuaded me in my decision to attend South Dakota State,” Jocelyn said. “The environment it contains with the support of the community, and the facilities, and the involvement of the coaching staff.” Jocelyn said she thinks SDSU is a special place. She has learned so much about herself during her five years here. One of the most special things she has experienced is that being on a team here is so unique and not something that everyone gets to experience. The softball program has experienced shocking changes in the past five years. The leadership of the Carrillo sisters and staffing changes are a large part of that. In 2018 the Jackrabbits
sdsucollegian.com
SPORTS
February 14, 2024
Photo by GOJACKS.com Rozelyn Carrillo getting ready for a pitch at shortstop. In 2023, Rozelyn’s batting average was .288. She had a total of 184 at bats where she had 53 hits, 37 runs, 39 RBIs and 6 homeruns.
softball team was picked to be last in the Summit League. After rebuilding the program, they won the conference in 2021 and haven’t lost it since. Jocelyn describes the love that her teammates show each other as “sacrificial.” The most important thing to Jocelyn is her faith in Jesus. She found this at SDSU which is the biggest factor in what makes it so special to her. “I have the same love for every single one of the girls on my team, it is the same type of love I have for my sisters,” Jocelyn said. Rozelyn was unsure about choosing SDSU at first. But as her senior year in high school approached, she decided to give it a shot. She describes the people here as “endlessly supportive.” Each year has been different. The first year was the start of rebuilding the program. Each year moving forward from there the team has been striving to get better. Rozelyn said she thinks even though a change of coaching staff can be rattling to the team environment, the switch to McSweeney has brought to the team changed them for the better. McSweeney took over after Wood moved to Creighton after her eighth season. “Coach McSweeney has helped me to understand that softball doesn’t define who we are,” Rozelyn said. “She knows what is good for the team and how to push us to make us better.” Jocelyn’s main goal is to leave the program better than
she found it, and to lead the Jackrabbits to an unforgettable season this spring. After college she plans to work in ministry through Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as filling the role as a strength coach for the Jackrabbits. Rozelyn plans to pursue a master’s degree in Sports and recreation management and work as a graduate assistant. It is all part of her dream to coach softball. Jocelyn, Rozelyn, and Keira Carrillo all attended Highland High School in Palmdale and were standout athletes. Keira attended Fresno State for her first year but transferred and joined her sisters in Brookings last month. Keira heard good things about SDSU from her sisters and decided to take the offer. She is beginning to feel at home and said she is surrounded by people who support her. Keira describes her sisters as people who lead by example. “They both play with tunnel vision. They always stay positive and don’t get down on themselves,” Keira said. She looks up to both her sisters and strives to play like them. “This team works as a unit. They work to be great, not just good,” Keira said. The Jackrabbits will face a tough preseason schedule. This weekend they head to Texas where they will face Texas A&M Commerce, Missouri, and North Texas. Summit League play begins March 23 where they will face University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. The Summit League Softball Championship will take place here in Brookings May 8 to May 11. “This is going to be a good year,” said Kiera.“I am so excited, this is going to be a great year,” said McSweeney. “We are senior heavy, so they have all of that experience behind them. They are all such great people. The wins and losses don’t matter, I am just looking forward to being with them all for one more year.”
ROZELYN CARRILLO
Hometown: Palmdale, California Year in School: Senior Position: Shortstop Major: Sport and Recreation Management Awards: Two-time All-Summit League First Team (2023, 2022), 2023 Summit League All-Tournament Team, 2022-23 Easton/ NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, 2022-23 Summit League Academic Honor Roll, 202223 Summit League Commissioner’s List of Academic Excellence, 2022 Summit League Player of the Year, 2022 Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 NFCA All-Midwest Region Second Team, Summit League Peak Performer of the Week (2023 - 1, 2022 - 2, 2021 - 1)
JOCELYN CARRILLO
Hometown: Palmdale, California Year in School: 5th year Senior Position: Centerfield Major: Exercise Science Awards: 2023 All-Summit League First Team, 2022-23 Easton/NFCA, All-America Scholar-Athlete, 2022-23 Summit League Academic Honor Roll, 2022-23 Summit League Commissioner’s List of Academic Excellence, 2022 All-Summit League Second Team, 2022 Summit League All-Tournament Team, 2021 All-Summit League First Team, 2021 NFCA First Team All-Region and Summit League Peak Performer of the Week (2023 - 1, 2021 - 1)
KERIA CARRILLO
Hometown: Palmdale, California Year in School: Sophomore Position: Outfielder Major: Human Biology KERIA CARRILLO
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SPORTS
February 14, 2023
Rabbits split duals in Oklahoma; prepare for dual with Missouri
MADDIE MCGEE Sports Reporter The Jackrabbits prepare to host the Missouri Tigers, coming off a 1-1 weekend in Oklahoma. The No. 7 ranked Missouri Tigers are set to visit Frost Arena this Sunday and will provide a challenge to a hot Jackrabbit squad. The SDSU wrestling team has won nine out of their last 10 duals, most ending in a blow out. Beating Wyoming and Utah Valley both 33-3, they are controlling the mat. The Tigers were on a six-match win streak before dropping contests to Cornell and No. 3 Oklahoma State. “I think it’s been a great season, we had a little bit of a slow start, but we have been wrestling really well recently and we were ranked 10th in the country which is the first time in program history and it was pretty cool to do that,” Cael Swensen said. South Dakota State’s dual against Nebraska in 2022 was the only time they hosted a team ranked as high as Mizzou. Losing the match back in 2022, the Jacks hope to get this victory over Missouri before their Border Bell Dual against rival North Dakota State. Winning this dual in Frost Arena would be historic for the SDSU wrestling program and could potentially allow the Jacks to host ranked teams again in the future. Head coach, Damion Hahn hopes to see this event add to the tradition of the “die-hard, loyal” Jackrabbit fanbase. “I think by being ranked 10th in the country and having 8 out of the 10 ranked right now only helps our cause to keep building momentum and putting people in the stands,” Hahn said. Four-year starter, Tanner Sloan, is an athlete to watch this Sunday. Sloan recently added to his 16-1 record with his takedown of Oklahoma’s No.3 ranked Stephen Buchanan. Ranked No. 2 in his 197-weight class, Sloan is a top contender for the NCAA National Championships this year.
This Past Weekend
Photo by Keith Lucas/Sideline Media Productions Clay Carlson takes down his opponent from Oklahoma in the Jackrabbits’ 20-13 victory on Feb. 9, 2024.
Ranked Jackrabbits 125: Tanner Jordan (13) 133: Derrick Cardinal (20) 141: Clay Carlson (23) 149: Alek Martin (22) 157: Cael Swensen (17) 174: Cade DeVos (4) 184: Bennett Berge (8) 197: Tanner Sloan (4) Cade DeVos, another wrestler to watch, grabbed a win against Oklahoma to make his record 16-1 last weekend. DeVos has been hot all season and is most likely to wrestle No. 11 ranked senior Tiger, Peyton Mocco. No. 1 ranked Keegan O’Toole has been a standout wrestler this year for the Tigers. Winning his last match against
Oklahoma State wrestler Izzak Olejnik in the 165 weight class. Connor Gayor is a potential Jackrabbit for O’Toole to face this upcoming Sunday. A big part of the Jacks’ success this year is the culture that this team has built over the past few years. Hahn mentioned the team is all in, and competes for each other on and off the mat every single day. “You know, they want to be national champions, they want to contend for trophies at the Big 12 tournament and the national tournament, so if we continue to build upon our foundation and what we have established, the sky’s the limit,” Hahn said. Up Next: The Jacks will host the Border Bell Dual against North Dakota State on Sunday, Feb. 25. Many senior wrestlers will see this match for their senior night. This will be their last dual before they head to Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in the Big 12 Championships.
The Jackrabbit wrestling team went 1-1 in Oklahoma winning against the Sooners on Friday and falling to the Cowboys Sunday. Oklahoma The Jackrabbits defeated the Sooners 20-13. • No. 5 Tanner Sloan defeated No. 2 Stephen Buchanan • SDSU ended a threematch losing streak to the Sooners • Berge and Swenson extended personal win Streaks to nine • DeVos extended win streak to eight while improving to 17-1 • Oklahoma leads series 6-4 Oklahoma State The Cowboys defeated the Rabbits 31-6 • Cade DeVos and Tanner Sloan earned the only two wins for the Rabbits in the dual • Sloan won his 36th consecutive dual match • Sloan moves to 13th place in career victories at SDSU • Swensen is 3-3 in overtime matches this season • Oklahoma State leads series 8-0
A18
SPORTS
February 14, 2024
Jacks win streak hits 12 with thumping of Oral Roberts; Roos up next
JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter South Dakota State cruised to a season sweep of Oral Roberts on Saturday and extended their win streak to 12 games. They will return to Frost Arena for their next two games against Kansas City and Omaha. at Oral Roberts Two Jackrabbits achieved career highs in scoring at Mabee Center in Tulsa. Madison Mathiowetz scored 22 points, largely in part from six three-pointers made. Ellie Colbeck achieved 19 points, surpassing her previous high of 15 set just the week before at South Dakota. She hit on five three-pointers, making them the first Jackrabbit duo in nine years to make at least five three-pointers in a single game. The career highs set by Mathiowetz and Colbeck helped the Jacks surpass 100 points for the first time in Summit League play this season as they went on to win 103-77. Mathiowetz went on to earn a weekly accolade from the Summit League on Tuesday for her performance. “[Mathiowetz and] Colbeck have played incredibly well,” head coach Aaron Johnston said. “Ellie’s strung together a few games now where she’s really shot the ball at a high level.” Colbeck now has 100 points on the season, more than double her total from last year. Four other Jacks achieved double digits: Brooklyn Meyer with 18, Paige Meyer with 16, Tori Nelson with 11 and Mesa Byom with 10. The Jackrabbits achieved a season-high 62% on shots while they made their most three-pointers in a single game this season at 13, converting on their first six attempts. Sophomore guard Taleyah Jones led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 26 points, her second-most in a game this season. Two others achieved double digits, graduate guard Hannah Cooper with 17 and redshirt sophomore guard Jalei Oglesby with 10. ORU converted 41.3% of their shots while making just 25% of their three-pointers. “Our team was really locked in and did a great job,” Johnston said. “I thought defensively, we were, you know, good enough too. Oral Roberts is such a good offensive team, they’re really hard to slow down.” Oral Roberts has the best offense in the Summit League, averaging over 81 points a game. vs Kansas City The Kansas City Roos will make the trip up to Brook-
Photo by Evan Patzwald Mesa Byom of South Dakota State looks to find an open teammate in the 73-55 victory over USD in Vermillion, SD Jan. 20, 2024. Byom had seven rebounds and six points with four assists in the victory over the in-state rivals.
ings on Thursday and are eighth in Summit League play. They are coming off an 86-71 win at home over the University of North Dakota on Saturday, snapping a five game losing streak. Freshman guard Emani Bennett is coming off a career-best performance, putting up 26 points off 11 field goals. Her twin sister, Elauni, also put up a career-best 15 points off seven field goals. Sophomore guard Alayna Contreras currently leads the Roos in scoring, averaging over 10 points a game. As a team, the Roos are 41.7% on their shots and 28.1% on three-pointers and are averaging 65.7 points a game on offense, putting them eighth in the Summit League. Defensively, they have allowed 64.5 points a game, thirdbest in the conference. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. The game can be watched on Midco Sports Two or the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus. vs Omaha Following Kansas City will be a visit from the Mavericks of Omaha, who sit last in the Summit League and
are on a three game losing streak. They will travel to Vermillion to face the Coyotes of South Dakota Thursday before heading to Frost Arena on Saturday. In their last game, an 84-70 loss to North Dakota State, junior guard Grace Cave was the Mavericks’ leading scorer at 15. Three additional players scored double digits: junior guard Kennedi Grant with 13, junior forward Morgann Gardner with 12, and senior guard Polina Nikulochkina with 10. Cave leads the team in scoring this season, averaging over 12 points a game. She has connected on 42% of her shots. As a team, the Mavericks are 41.7% on their shots and 34.8% on three-pointers. They are third-best on offense in the Summit League with 74.2 points a game, but have allowed the most points with 84.5, just under eight more points than the next closest school in Oral Roberts. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. The game can be watched on Midco Sports or the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus.
A19 SPORTS
February 14, 2024
Men’s Basketball hits the road for two
JON AKRE Sports Reporter
a block.
The Jacks reclaim sole possession of first place in the Summit League standings after taking down Oral Roberts 83-72 on Saturday. South Dakota State(14-11, 7-3 Summit) is now just 0.5 games ahead of North Dakota(15-11, 7-4 Summit) with two tough road matchups coming up this week against Kansas City and Omaha.
The first of two road games this week sees round two of the Jacks taking on the Roos, this time in Missouri. The Roos come into this matchup as part of a four-way tie for fifth place in the Summit League with a 5-6 conference record, but are just 2.5 games behind the No. 1 seeded Jacks. For Kansas City, the biggest struggle this season has been scoring, the Roos are the lowest scoring team in the Summit League averaging 72.5 points per conference game. On the flipside, their defense is second in points allowed at just 71.5 per game, and they will have their hands full against the Jacks who are the second most productive offense in the Summit at 78 points per game. The Roos are led by Jamar Brown, the 6-foot-5 junior guard averages 15 points a game in conference play. The No. 2 scoring option in Summit play has been Khristion Courseault. The graduate student averages just over 11 points per contest on 47% shooting beyond the arc.
Oral Roberts
The Jacks had just one game this past week against the Golden Eagles, giving them ample time to prepare and avenge a loss to ORU just two weeks prior. The biggest difference between that loss and the game Saturday was location, and Frost Arena is one of the toughest places to play in the country. Combine that with nearly 3,500 of the Jackrabbit faithful in attendance, going for the conference sweep of the Yellow and Blue is a near impossible task. ORU was able to silence the crowd in the early going, jumping out to an 18-7 lead in the first eight minutes of the game. But the early struggles by the Jacks were quickly fixed, and managed to go into halftime with a six-point lead, outscoring the Golden Eagles 36-19 over the final 12 minutes of the first half. From then on, the Jacks were able to maintain a lead or tie for the majority of the second half, and pulled away late to knock off the Golden Eagles 83-72. Oddly enough, the only five players to score for the Jacks in this game were the five players who started the game, with four combining for 79 of the teams 83 total points. Luke Appel finished with 25 points on 10-16 shooting from the field, Zeke Mayo poured in 19 on 3-6 shooting from beyond the arc, and William Kyle recorded his second consecutive double-double, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Charlie Easley also had a career night, scoring 18 points on just nine shot attempts, while also adding five rebounds, a season-high five assists, five steals, and
Kansas City
Omaha
On the way back from Kansas City the Jacks will take a pit stop in Omaha to take on the Mavericks. Like the Roos, the Mavericks are also part of that four-way tie for fifth in a log jammed Summit League. The Mavericks score an average of 78.6 points per conference game and give up an average of 77.6 points on defense. Frankie Fidler has been a huge factor in the Mavericks scoring, in 11 conference games Fidler averages over 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists, including 42% shooting beyond the arc. Behind him, Marquel Sutton averaging over 15 points and seven rebounds on 53% shooting in that same stretch. Omaha played well against the Jacks in their first matchup nearly a month ago in Brookings, but fell short 90-87 in a high scoring affair.
Collegian photo by JOCLYN HAVEN SDSU’s Zeke Mayo drives down the right side of the lane into double coverage from Oral Robert’s Isaac McBride (10) and Jalen Miller (12) during a basketball game Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at Frost Arena in Brookings.