April 24, 2024

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BRIEF

Senate talks Larson renovations, travel policy

SERENA DAVIS Reporter

Open Forum

Jennifer Novotny spoke to the senate on updates with Larson Commons renovation. Novotny showed the senate different material options they were considering for the project and explained different concerns students had.

“We have seen record numbers of students eating between 5 and 7 p.m,” Novotny said. “We’ve typically served around 300 students prior to this year and this year we are closer to around 1200 to 1230.”

Novotny explained that with the influx of students, they are trying to create more seating options without changing the square footage of the space. Novotny explained that they want to make the space more available as a spot for students to sit and work on homework and hang out with friends.

The current plan is to open the front end of the building so the stairs are easier to see for incoming students that are new to the area. They also plan to open the staircase and make the landing spot on the top of the stairs larger for mobility.

The project will go into two phases with the outdoor renovation starting this summer and have a timeline to finish up in the fall before classes start. The next phase does not have a specific start date, but Novotny said it should be in the next academic year.

Blake Pulse spoke to the senate for approval of the Natural Resource Management Graduate Student Association constitution. Pulse said the organization has three goals: better organize community within the department, give more professional development opportunities to graduate students and work towards a shared government model within the department.

“There are about 40 people in total and everyone is really interested in joining,” Pulse said.

The constitution passed unanimously.

Committee and Staff Report:

President Trinity Peterson and Vice President Hayden Bentz had a meeting planned with Facility Services to talk about campus safety and GAF strategic planned was sent for approval from President Barry Dunn and Vice President Michaela Willis.

Bentz encouraged the senate to attend the Bold and Blue event on Thursday. Clubs including GSA, LSA and AISA reported on events including a sip and paint, and the 32nd annual Wacipi. Unified Council reported on Greek Week, shouting out AXID and SAE as overall winners. They also discussed upcoming events in the fall including sorority preview night August 26, and having a block party on Greek row at the beginning of the school year. UPC has their final event Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the VBR for the May Day Music Festival with music and food trucks, prizes and games.

Unfinished

Business:

Senate members discussed and voted on Resolution 24-1-R. The resolution states The Senate is opposed to the current draft of the Student Organization Travel and Field Trip Policy. The supporters of the opposition said that they want to be compliant with South Dakota’s minor policies and discussed not opposing the issue just the current draft.

“I feel that opposing this shows the students that what we’re doing here is best for them,” said Rylee Sabo, chief of staff.

The Senate to approve the opposition.

The Senate voted to table the McCrory Garden Project.

Amendment 24-1-A was also discussed and voted on. The amendment would limit campaign spending to $2,500 which is in line with trends from past presidential elections. Receipts would have to be provided for every purchase and it would be reviewed every two years. The amendment was approved.

Collegian photo by BRAYDEN BYERS Assistant Vice President for Student Life Jennifer Novotny talks about the upcoming renovation of the Larson Commons Dining Center.

SDSU Foundation to announce final fundraising total for ‘Bold & Blue’ tomorrow

State’s largest comprehensive campaign established $500 million goal to support university

The final total raised in the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in South Dakota history will be announced tomorrow night at a celebration on the South Dakota State University campus.

“Bold & Blue: A Campaign for South Dakota State University” established a goal of $500 million, an amount essentially twice what the university had raised in its previous campaign.

The campaign began Jan. 1, 2017. The final goal was made public in October 2021.

The announcement will be made by university and campaign leadership at approximately 8:30 p.m. tomorrow following an outdoor concert at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. The Johnny Holm Band is set to perform from 7-8:30 p.m., along with the SDSU Concert Choir and The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band.

University President Barry H. Dunn and campaign co-chairs Dana Dykhouse and Kim Tyler will be available for interviews. Parking is designated for the media in the northwest corner of the lot

directly east of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.

The event will be livestreamed at http://www.boldandblue.org, and an embargoed news release with the final fundraising total will be sent by the end of the business day Thursday.

— University Marketing & Communications

BOLD & BLUE FUNDRAISING ANNOUNCEMENT

When: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Where: Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center

Time: Band from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.)

Announcement @ 8.30 p.m.

Livestream: http://www. boldandble.org

SUNDAY, APR 14

UPD Daily Crime Log

The following were included in the University Police Department daily crime log from APR. 14 to APR. 20

• 1:39 a.m., North Campus Dr/Medary Ave, DUI/Fictitious License/Possession

• 1:06 p.m., Young Hall, Intentional Damage/Third Degree Vandalism

MONDAY, APR 15

• 12:42 p.m., UPD, Intentional Damage/Vandalism

TUESDAY, APR 16

• 12:41 a.m., Young Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism

• 12:55 p.m., Brown Hall, Possession of Fictitious License

WEDNESDAY, APR 17

• 10:14 p.m., Young Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism

THURSDAY, APR 18

• 1:02 p.m., Larson's Commons, Harassment

• 2:16 p.m., Young Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism

• 5:16 p.m., Abbott Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism

FRIDAY, APR 19

• 2:57 p.m., Lot 156 - SE Overflow, Intentional Damage/Third Degree Vandalism

• 10:36 p.m., Young Hall, Underage Purchase/Possession of Alcohol

SATURDAY, APR 20

• 2:44 a.m., Binnewies Hall, Underage Purchase/Possession of Alcohol

• 3:45 a.m., Binnewies Hall, Intentional Damage/Vandalism

• 3:10 p.m., Student Union, Fictitious/False ID

Collegian photo by Zoey Schentzel South Dakota State’s Pride of the Dakotas band performs during the launching ceremony of the ‘Bold and Blue’ campaign in October 2021.

Courtesy of South Dakota State Foundation South Dakota State’s Foundation will announce the final amount raised in the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in South Dakota history tomorrow at 8:30 p.m.

Legal advice offered to students if needed

ELEANOR WEHSELER Reporter

Students looking for legal advice can now meet with a lawyer for free every week, sponsored by the Students’ Association General Activity Fee (GAF).

Stacia Jackson, lawyer and SDSU alumni, returns to campus each week to provide free legal aid to students. She is eager to help students with a variety of questions and concerns.

This service aims to provide general advice, assist in filling out legal documents, as well as discussing criminal and family law.

Jackson encourages students to utilize the service even if they don’t know what their questions may be or what their next steps should be.

“The more you tell me and are straightforward about any problems, the easier it is for me to provide advice and guidance,” Jackson said. “I want to help you.”

Jackson sees two or three students on an average every week. This is an increase in numbers from previous years. Topics may vary from consultations on criminal proceedings, what to expect in court, business formation, and most commonly, landlord-tenant issues.

She has now been

MORE INFORMATION

Name: Stacia Jackson

Practicing Firm: Helsoer, McCarty, and Rasmessen in Brookings

Availability: Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Scheduling: To schedule email former S.A.

Chief of Staff, Ben Connor

Email: benjamin.connor@sdstate.edu

contracted to provide this service for almost three years. Jackson has seen growth in the utilization of the program in recent years and hopes to see it grow even more.

This service is contracted through the SA each semester and is provided at the University Student Union. This is part of the allocation of the GAF funds.

Ben Connor, SAs former chief of staff, handles scheduling and appointment inquiries.

“It is super simple to schedule an appointment; just email me and I will get you on the schedule and in contact with the lawyer,” Connor said.

Accessibility to the services and availability of Jackson each week are primary concerns for Connor and the rest of the SA regarding this program.

Max Einck, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, did not know the service existed but is interested in learning more about the services funded by GAF.

“I think it is a really great service to provide for students,” Einck said. “If I have legal questions this seems like a great resource to use, and it’s available on campus.”

To schedule an appointment with Jackson, email Connor at sdsu. sachiefofstaff@sdstate.edu. Appointments are available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Student Union. Students will be scheduled as soon as possible when coordinating Jackson’s schedule.

Smokin’ Jacks and Matt Gauger Band set to play

JONAH SEDELMEIER Reporter

The May Day Music Festival, put on by the University Program Council, is an upcoming South Dakota State University campus music festival. The festival will feature live music from the Smokin’ Jacks and the Matt Gauger Band, free SDSU ice cream, Cheezy Noodlez, and La Petit Crepe food trucks, supplies for bouquet making, which will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, plant potting, yard games, free prize, and SDSU merchandise.

This will be the ninth year of the festival being put on. It was started in 2015 by KSDJ and eventually taken over by UPC. This festival partners with KSDJ, Hand Tied Floral & Gift, and the Residence Hall Association.

The Mayday Music Festival will occur this Friday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Volstorff Ballroom in the University Student Union. “The Mayday Music Festival is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the school year and allows us to take some time off from studying to relax and enjoy a number of free activities,” Annie Feden, the Mayday Music Festival coordinator, said. “This event is for the students, but it is also for the community.”

Students can show their support for the event by posting the festival on their social media accounts and sharing information about it with friends. The Mayday Music Festival Instagram handle is @sdsupc. Their Facebook handle is @South Dakota State University Program Council.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Professor’s focus: Ag comm

New Agricultural Communications professor, Erica Summerfield, will join the COJO staff

EMMA HEIDEN Reporter

As more people take interest in majors like agricultural communications, the School of Communication and Journalism (COJO) is hiring more people to keep up.

Erica Summerfield will fill the role of assistant professor of agricultural communication starting in August. Summerfield starts full time after she finishes her doctorate in agricultural communication, education and leadership at The Ohio State University this spring.

Summerfield will start by teaching courses that are required as part of the ag-comm specialization and work on developing classes specific to agricultural communications majors. She said she is excited to start at SDSU and is looking to build a bridge between The College

of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) and COJO.

“To be a friendly face for ag comm that students feel comfortable coming to and talking to,” she said. The ag communications specialization has provided many positive experiences to students. Summerfield hopes to grow that and bring on new ideas and people.

Mackenzie Alberts from Pine Island, Minnesota, is a junior completing her bachelor’s in ag communications. She applauded the new hire.

“It’s great the ag-comm department is getting a new hire and I’m excited to see what she can bring to the students at SDSU,” Alberts said.

Ag communications is a specialization where students learn about the agricultural industry from different perspectives and develop effective communication skills to tell the story of agriculture.

The agricultural communications

specialization has grown from about 50 majors in 2018 to over 70 this past fall. Joshua Westwick, director of the School of Communication and Journalism, has seen firsthand the growth of the program.

“The department has been in place for a while, but the numbers have gone up rapidly over the past few years,” Westwick said.

Summerfield said there’s so much potential for growth in ag comm in South Dakota.

“The fact that we have so many students excited and doing it gives me a lot of hope for the growth of the program,” Summerfield said. “I think one of my goals is to keep that momentum going, but to kind of kickstart to hopefully make SDSU one of those programs people seek out for ag comm.”

Westwick said: “We don’t offer in COJO a course called agricultural communications and it’s sad … it is a huge portion of

our student population. We want to be sure we are prepared to meet their needs.”

The excitement around Yeager Hall, where ag comm students take a number of courses, is on the rise as the start date for Summerfield becomes closer.

“If you look at the work that’s happened through ACT (Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow) and student involvement at a national level … it’s about taking that to the next level and making this better than we already are,” Westwick said.

SDSU staff members are ready to work with Summerfield to get an agricultural communications course added to the curriculum that will hopefully be a required course for students in that particular major.

“I’m really excited about it, and I can’t wait to get started,” Summerfield said.

Erica Summerfield will begin teaching starting this fall. She recieved her doctorate from Ohio State University.

Media center to get ‘refresh’

“We are showing them that the university is committed to journalism education in providing extraordinary hands-on learning opportunities.”

JOSHUA WESTWICK DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & JOURNALISM

Story by JACK AMER

The Yeager Media Studio on campus will undergo a “refresh” that could cost as much as $100,000 beginning in May.

The Yeager Media Studio is home of television show On the Call with The Prairie Doc, and The Collegian student news broadcast. The studio also hosts interviews, podcasts, and even serves as a podium for presidential and faculty announcements for the university.

Over the years, the studio has become outdated and is in need of a “refresh,” said Andrew Sogn, University Marketing and Communications assistant director.

“We need as much flexibility and ability to transform as possible,” Sogn said. “Within that now, we have a green screen, a black curtain, and a blue curtain.”

The revamp will look to brighten the aesthetics of the room overall. The background will be redone and will have five to six areas around the room to shoot video from. Along with that, there will be the addition of a state-of-the-art news desk that hosts an interactive screen on the front.

“It will look drastically different in here,” said Joshua Westwick, director of The School of Communications

and Journalism. “The carpet on the floor and the walls will all come down … It is getting painted, there will be a new SDSU logo on the wall …”

The newly renovated area will also include an audio mixer, soundproofing equipment and other upgrades.

Possibly the biggest difference from an equipment standpoint is the installation of a state-of-the-art Tricaster system —a versatile video switcher boasting teleprompter functionality and seamless video playback.

“(The Tricaster) is going to allow us to save space and it will take the place of three outdated computers that are in there now,” said Brian Stemwedel, assistant coordinator for University Marketing and Communications.

Staff members emphasize the long-awaited arrival of these new systems and they forsee a significant expansion in the studio’s capabilities in terms of classroom functionality and media production.

“Eventually, there will be opportunities to network a broadcast across campus … and we can direct it from [Yeager Media Studio]” Stemwedel said regarding the functionality of the new equipment.

The Yeager Media Center operated as a stand-alone

Both photos are artist renderings of the Yeager Media Studio after renovations will occur this summer and is planned to be completed when students return the following year. The ‘refresh’ will include an audio mixer, soundproofing equipment, new lighting and other upgrades to the building.

business model for the university. In recent years it transitioned to become part of the video services unit and operates under the University Marketing and Communications. But it is also shared with the school of Communications and Journalism.

The project budget is still being tweaked, and the details are still being finalized, but thanks to contributions from The College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, the Office of Academic Affairs, The School of Communications and Journalism, and University Marketing Communication, the project will begin around the end of May and will be completed before students return to campus.

The project will cost an estimated $80,000 to $100,000

“By providing a more accurate representation of what’s happening in the industry, we are better preparing our students for their future,” Westwick said. “We are showing them that the university is committed to journalism education in providing extraordinary hands-on learning opportunities.”

Tips for preparing for final exams

CLARA BRAUN Reporter

Summer is rapidly approaching, and the one thing standing between now and then is finals. Finals week, as well as the week before, can be stressful and hard to manage time and feel prepared for the upcoming tests.

It is hard to get started, especially when there are multiple tests to prepare for.

Making a study schedule is beneficial. Breaking up what you must do into manageable and specific sections so that breaks can be incorporated.

Alternating subjects within study periods, so that it is harder to burnout as fast.

Hold yourself accountable to studying. Don’t wait until 8 p.m. to get started, do it little by little throughout the day. Utilizing SI, tutoring, study groups and other class help options are great resources.

students when logging into the wellness center app or website.

True Thorne, a TRIO coordinator said, “I suggest thinking out loud and asking questions, just thinking through it to get full comprehension.”

Thorne also suggested trying out different forms of note-taking such as cornel, outlining method, mind mapping and charting method.

Another tip Thorne provided was to find a space with a whiteboard so not only are you rewriting the notes you have already done, but you can also say them out loud. This could also be done with friends, teaching the material is a great way to retain information.

The TRIO program is also a good option for people who are first-generation, low-income and/or have a diagnosed disability. If you fit this criteria, there is free tutoring, printing, study rooms, computers and a lot of activities for stress relief.

Last semester, the TRIO program had a self-care day and made stuffed animals to reduce anxiety about finals. They also recommend that while studying for finals, when taking breaks opt for a walk or yoga or some form of low-intensity workouts. This helps the brain keep going as well as getting our bodies moving.

The wellness center offers multiple different styles of group fitness classes. Some of these are pilates, PiYo, rhythm ride, cycle and core, cardio dance, yoga and so many more. All of them are free to

However, with all the pressure, stress and even anxiety, it is important to fuel your body. Sweet treats are an easy go-to study snack, but sticking to foods that will keep you full or give you nutrients will not only make you feel better but after it’s all said and done you can be rewarded with a treat.

With those energy drinks and coffee, drinking a lot of water is important. Taking 15-to-30-minute power naps is another way of getting a boost of energy. With that, any longer can make you feel more tired.

Studying for five or more hours straight is not always the best option. It is OK to cut yourself off if it is getting late and you are not retaining information. Take a break, go to bed and wake up early and resume when you can retain information.

Set goals for yourself. Have an overall big end goal, and then set some mini more achievable goals. Using the tips given to have a successful finals week, and start your summer off strong.

TRUE THORNE

Sports Briefs

New rules for football; softball heads to Minnesota today

MARSHALL MINIHAN Sports Editor

New rules have been put in place in the NCAA for the 2024 football season, with the most notable being the coach-to-player communication devices through football helmets.

Although a big step for NCAA football, this only applies to Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams.

If teams that aren’t in the FBS division would like to use the new communication devices, they must send in a proposal to the Football Rules Committee by June 15.

Communication from coach to player will be turned off with either 15 seconds remaining on the play clock or after the play begins.

Traditionally, a horse-collar tackle made within the tackle box was not a penalty, but that rule has changed. Now, the personal foul will amount to 15 yards.

As seen in the NFL, college football is implementing the two-minute warning, an automatic timeout for the game which comes at the final two minutes of each half.

Tablets for in-game video can now be used. Coaches and players can see video of the broadcast and different angles of the camera.

College teams are allowed up to 18 tablets for the playing field, coaches’ booth and the locker room.

Softball

South Dakota State’s softball team had their double-header against Wisconsin canceled which was scheduled for yesterday.

Now ten days removed from a game, the Jacks set their sights on another Big

10 opponent in Minnesota, which is scheduled for today at 5 p.m.

“Excited about playing Minnesota,” said SDSU head coach Kristina McSweeney. “Just high-level competition is going to just propel us a little bit more forward.

“Getting to see some quality pitching again and facing some really good hitters. Minnesota’s offense is borderline one of the best.”

This season, SDSU has amounted to a 27-18 record and is still undefeated in conference play (11-0).

Lindsay Culver leads the Jacks with a .395 batting average. Culver has brought in nine home runs (leads the team), three triples (third on the team), 12 doubles (second on the team), 42 RBIs (most on the team) and 51 total hits (second on the team). Pitching for the Jacks, Tori Kniesche sits at an ERA of 1.73 which is the 47th best in the country. Kniesche’s 161 strikeouts is the 17th most in the country and her 13 complete games have her at 43rd most in the country. For Minnesota, they sit at 23-21 on the season, coming off a 1-6 loss to Rutgers. The Gophers went 1-2 in a three-game series against the Scarlet Knights.

Jess Oakland, a sophomore for the Gophers is averaging a .451 batting average this season and has hit 17 home runs, fifth most in a single season for Minnesota.

Oakland averages 1.36 runs per game, which is the second most in the country.

Minnesota’s pitchers have recently gone deep into games this season with two pitchers, Macy Richardson and Jacie Hambrick both pitching seven innings within the last week.

The game will be played at the Jane Sage Cowles Stadium in Minneapolis,

Minnesota, and can be streamed on bigtenplus.com.

Collegian photo by BOSTEN MOREHART

Rozelyn Carrillo rounding second base in their sweep over Kansas City this season. Carrillo has amounted to 33 hits, 27 runs, three home runs and a .244 batting average in 45 games.

Jacks baseball defeat the Tommies, host Golden Eagles this weekend

JON AKRE Sports Reporter

South Dakota State baseball improved their conference record to 9-8 this past weekend following a home series victory over the conference-leading St. Thomas Tommies.

The Jacks (17-20, 9-8 Summit) remain on the hunt for the regular season championship with a month to go before the Summit League tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“At this point, every game you’re playing for a regular season championship,” head coach Rob Bishop said. “There’s just not enough that separates the first four teams for sure.”

Game 1 (Saturday)

SDSU rallied back from a five-run deficit to take down the Tommies 9-5 in game one.

St. Thomas scored their first runs of the game in the second inning from a two-RBI double by catcher Max Morris and a three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning by right fielder Matthew Maulik.

The Jacks responded to the early St. Thomas lead with four consecutive innings resulting in runs scored, starting with Cael Frost knocking in two runs on a double in the bottom of the fifth.

The Jacks took advantage of multiple throwing errors in the sixth, scoring yet another run before tying the game in the seventh with another two-RBI double, this time by Bryce Ronken.

The Jacks took the lead in the eighth inning with a three-run home run by Dawson Parry, and another run off an RBI single from Davis Carr.

Jackrabbit hitters recorded nine hits, nine walks and four hit-by-pitches in the win.

Pitcher Alex Clemons came in and threw two shutout innings to close out the comeback victory.

Game 2 (Sunday, Game 1 of DH)

The Tommies tied the series at one apiece in the first half of Sunday’s doubleheader with the help of fifteen total hits and a nine-strikeout performance by starting pitcher Nick Esch.

Each of the nine batters in the UST order recorded a hit, but the scoring didn’t get going until the third inning with backto-back RBI singles and an error scoring four runs.

Parry scored the first run for the Jacks in the bottom of the third with an RBI double, but UST continued to extend their lead with three more runs in the fifth inning.

It was back-and-forth scoring the rest of the way, though SDSU never got closer

than a four-run deficit leading to an 11-6 loss.

South Dakota State’s Jake Goble took the loss on the mound, giving up seven hits, three walks, and five earned runs in just over four innings of work.

The 11-6 loss was the first loss of the season at Erv Huether Field this season for the Jacks.

Game 3 (Sunday, Game 2 of DH)

In the final game of the weekend, a late-game RBI sac-fly by Jordan Sagedahl pushed SDSU over the Tommies for the series victory.

Sagedahl went one for four in the game, but his one hit also resulted in his eighth home run of the season in the first inning.

The Tommies answered with a homer

of their own the very next inning from the designated hitter Brigs Richartz.

In the third, the Jacks retook the lead off an RBI single from Ronken that plated Reece Anderson.

St. Thomas would get their first lead of the game in the top of the fifth via a ground out that scored one and a throwing error that tacked on their third run of the game.

But SDSU would continue to battle, tying the game in the very next half-inning on an RBI sac fly by Jess Bellows.

Tied at three heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Jacks got a runner on and over to third base before Sagedahl drove a ball deep enough into the outfield for the runner to score on the sac fly.

Up 4-3, Clemons would come in once again to close out and earn his second win of the weekend.

Three great outings on the mound helped the Jacks to victory. Owen Bishop started on the mound and gave up just one hit and one earned run in three innings of work.

Dylan Driessen relieved Owen Bishop and followed up with three hits and an earned run while throwing four strikeouts in under five innings while Clemons threw an inning and two-thirds of no-hit baseball while striking out three.

“Driessen and Clemons out of the bullpen were really, really good,” Rob Bishop said. “Those two guys were unbelievable, getting Owen [Bishop] back in the mix on the starting rotation, he threw three really good innings as well.”

SDSU also outhit the Tommies 12-4 in the final game of the series.

Up Next

South Dakota State will stay home next weekend to take on the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles in a three-game series starting Friday, first pitch is set for 3 p.m. Saturday’s game is scheduled to start at noon, while the series finale Sunday is at 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Dave Eggen/Inertia

Jacks Jordan Sagedahl swings at a pitch during the series against St. Thomas at Erv Huether Field Sat. April, 20, 2024. Sagedahl hit his eighth home run of the season in the final game of the series.

A SEASON SAVED

Despite setbacks, Johnston guides women’s basketball to strong season

HANNAH DUTTON Reporter

Everyone who knows South Dakota State women’s basketball knows Aaron Johnston can coach.

But this past season might have just put an exclamation point on just how good he is.

The program lost two stars to graduation in Mayah Selland and Paiton Burkhard, then suffered through a rash of injuries that would normally throw a team into a rebuilding stage.

But that wasn’t the case with Johnston at the helm.

“Arguably this season he did his best coaching job ever,” said Justin Sell, the athletic director at SDSU. “Understanding your program and your team helps you to overcome challenges.”

The Jacks went 11-6 in non conference games this season and played four ranked teams in the National Champions No. 1 South Carolina, Washington State, Creighton and Gonzaga. When the Summit League schedule began, the Jacks and Johnston went undefeated in conference play.

There were many challenges this team had to face during this season. Now, a month out from the last game, the successful season can be better understood.

“A lot of the attention went to the injuries and adversity and rightly so, but ultimately we had a great year while that was happening,” Johnston said. “It took some of the attention away from all the good things our team was doing.”

Paige Meyer, a junior guard and Summit League Tournament MVP, said: “The adversity we faced made us better throughout the season. People stepped up into different roles and had success in those roles.”

Johnston has a rule to not compare his current and previous teams.

“We are maintaining a standard, we don’t like to compare ourselves to our past teams, but we talk about what we have done over the years as a standard,” Johnston said.

Another reason for the success of this team is the positive environment that Johnston fosters. Johnston, along with his coaching staff, care for their players on and off the court, making them all well rounded athletes.

“He balances their academics, community engagement and maximizes them as student athletes,” said Sell.

“Our coaches are direct and show us tough love, but at the end of the day they want what is best for each of

us and what is best for this team,” said Madison Mathiowetz, a sophomore guard on the team.

Over the 24 seasons as a Jackrabbit, Sell hasn’t seen much change in Johnston’s coaching style.

“I don’t think his approach has changed at all,” Sell said. “He is very consistent with how he handles people.”

Johnston does many things in his program to ensure that he, his athletes and his coaching staff are on the same page.

“He knows how to assess each individual play style and pull them all together to work together as a team,” said Sell.

Honesty is one thing Johnston strives for throughout

Coach Johnston has an all-time record of 571-185 at South Dakota State and is the winningest coach in SDSU women’s basketball history.

his program. He believes in having a conversational team, talking about things that are hard to talk about and talking about positive things that his players are doing and reassuring them.

“We want to hear them, listen to each other, hear each other and do what’s best for each other,” Johnston said. “I always want to be invested in people, never forgetting that what we do is trying to help young people pursue their goals and dreams.”

“He treats everyone in a very similar way and has the same expectations and clearly communicates those, he cleans out all the gray stuff and gets down to focusing on the task at hand,” Sell said.

“Our coaches do such a good job working in their positions,” Meyer said. “They always give us the feedback we need. The way he believes in all of us girls helps us to buy into his plan.”

Johnston coached at SDSU during the transition from Division II to Division I. This is a transition that would be difficult for any team to make. With Johnston at the head, it went about as smooth as it could have been and this gave the program hope that they would be able to be competitive at the next level.

“What he was able to do through the change from DII to DI should never be discounted,” said Sell.

In the 2000-01 season, Johnston took over complete control over the Jackrabbits and finished with a 15-12 record. Just two seasons later, Johnston and the Jacks hoisted the national championship trophy after defeating Northern Kentucky.

Six seasons later, the Jacks had their first ever Division I season where they finished 32-2 and made it to the second round of the Division I NCAA Tournament.

“Coach Johnston is so smart in the game of basketball,” Mathiowetz said. “He pushes us further than we could imagine, but does it in a way we believe we can do it.”

“We have been really fortunate to have him want to be a Jackrabbit for so long,” Sell said. “He has remained true to this place.”

The growth and success of Coach Johnston and the women’s basketball team has established a whole fan base behind the program.

“Having national success and so much support has been so important to our program and university,” Sell said.

“There is something special about the way SDSU supports women’s basketball,” Mathiowetz said. “The whole world is starting to see it, but Brookings has always seen it.”

Collegian photo by EVAN PATZWALD

SDSU’S OLYMPIAN

Jackrabbit swimmer to compete in the 2024 Summer Games

IZZY COX Sports Reporter

Swimmer, Denilson Cyprianos, will be heading to Paris this summer to represent his home country of Zimbabwe in the Olympic Games.

Cyprianos currently holds school records in the 400m and 800m freestyle relays and the 200m backstroke on the men’s swimming & diving team, with just one semester left of collegiate eligibility for the 2024 season.

Cyprianos recently won the 200 backstroke at the 13th African Games and was runner-up in the 100m backstroke.

The Collegian recently had the opportunity to sit down with Cyprianos to talk about his upcoming experience at the Olympics.

What events are you most excited to compete in at the Olympics?

I will only be competing in the 200m backstroke in Paris.

How have you been preparing mentally for such a

big stage?

I have been competing in continental competitions for the last 12 months, gaining valuable experience. Mentally, there are challenges with balancing school and swimming, but I am excited for the summer to just focus on preparing for the Olympics.

Can you share anything that you have been doing to prepare mentally or physically?

Since I know what event I will be competing in, I have begun visualizing my perfect race and attaining the goals I have set for myself. Focusing on doing my best in controlling the variables within my control has always been a key focus of mine in preparing for any competition.

What are your goals for the Olympics, both personally and as part of the team?

Personally, I wish to go under the two-minute mark in the 200 backstroke. For my team, my goal would be to go 1:58 and become the first male Zimbabwean swimmer to attain an Olympic qualifying time.

How do you manage the pressure of competing at the highest level?

Leading up to competition, I focus heavily on my breathing. This helps deal with the nerves that come with competition and allows me to feel grounded and present.

Are there any competitors you look up to that you are excited to race against?

I love seeing Florent Manadou; he is a French sprinter who I have looked up to from a young age, and now I am lucky enough to swim in the same pools as him. Just seeing the best swimmers in the world in one place is special, not only because I get to see them but because I am there as well.

How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your success?

Support from my coaches and the team has been instrumental in my progress as an athlete and as a person. Hard work is the norm here; each member of the team is trying to climb to the top, fostering a positive environment of competition. The coaches have shared their wisdom with me almost on a daily basis since I arrived in Brookings. This has highlighted the impor-

Photo courtesy of DAVE EGGEN/INERTIA (SDSU ATHLETICS)

tance of focusing on each day rather than getting lost in focusing on the end goal.

Can you describe the feeling of representing your country on the Olympic stage?

This year has already been a rollercoaster of emotions. I am not quite sure how it will feel to represent my country, my family, and my school at the highest level in sports. Earlier this year, I was a flag bearer for Zimbabwe at the African Games; that feeling was utterly surreal.

Representing my country has gained so much more meaning to me over the years; it has always been an honor to represent my country. At this level, it just feels like it’s more than that; it’s your friends, the people who were there when you started as a swimmer and those I’ve met along the way, all the children I have inspired from Zimbabwe that swimming at the highest level is possible and my family, my biggest supporters.

Have you faced any challenges or setbacks during your journey to the Olympics, and how did you overcome them?

This journey has had far too many setbacks to count and quantify. I am thankful for the challenges as they have led me to the place I am now in life. A quote I like to live by is, “we move”; this has allowed me to grow through the setbacks and give myself the opportunity to remember all I have to do is keep moving forward.

What advice would you give to young swimmers aspiring to compete at the Olympic level?

Understand that there are things that you can control and things you cannot. Every day is an opportunity to learn something, learn from the people around you, and make memories at every point of the journey. Dream big and understand that nothing is impossible; the realm of possibility is infinite and understand it’s what you do every day that is how you live your life.

Photo courtesy of DAVE EGGEN/INERTIA (SDSU ATHLETICS)

Cyprianos competes at the Coyote Invite at the Midco Aquatic Center on February 3, 2024 in Sioux Falls. The Bulawayo, Zimbabwe native will represent his country at the 2024 Summer Olympics.