Bentz-Wehseler vs. Spier-Siira Students to vote on Students’ Association leadership next week
EMILY DECOCK
Assistant News Editor
SDSU students will get the chance to vote for new student leadership as the Students’ Association election opens March 25 and 26. Students will vote on the president and vice president as well as senators for the upcoming academic year.
Polls open on March 25 at 8 a.m. and close March 26 at 5 p.m. This election marks the first time in two years that the president and vice president nomination is contested.
his freshman year, when he was a senator-at-large. He then served as student body vice president his sophomore and junior year.
“I’d always really enjoyed student government things in high school and thought this was kind of the natural progression,”
Bentz said. “It also just seemed like a really unique opportunity to learn more about SDSU and to make some hopefully meaningful change on campus.”
as well as student council president at her high school.
“I kind of jumped in [to senate] right away,” Spier said. “I enjoy leadership and I especially enjoy student involvement.”
Siira is a junior animal science and agricultural science double major. He has been involved in student government for two years.
students academically. Bentz highlighted various colleges that he feels could use additional resources.
Current vice president Hayden Bentz is running for president, alongside current senator-at-large Eleanor Wehseler as vice president. Additionally, sen ator-at-large Sophie Spier is running for president. Her running mate is current senator for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Wesley Siira.
Wehseler is a junior agricultural communications and public relations double major. She joined SA as a senator-at-large last September.
Bentz is a junior human biology pre-med student with plans to go to medical school after graduation. Bentz has been active in senate since
“What really struck me most about Eleanor is just her ability to find common ground with everybody around the table at SA meetings and wanting to find a solution to problems,” Bentz said about his running mate. “That’s really important when you want to lead the body.”
Spier is a freshman pre-pharmacy major. She joined SA this past September. Before coming to SDSU, Spier was the South Dakota Girls State governor
“We were kind of just told by our peers that we have two corresponding personalities, and he (Siira) actually wanted to run for vice president,” Spier said. “He felt like that fit his strengths the best, he was looking for a partner and I was told that I would be a good partner.”
Bentz and Wehseler’s campaign motto is ‘Change that works.’
Bentz said he and We hseler want to focus on change that SA can accomplish.
“It has been really beneficial to have the experience both Eleanor and I have in knowing what SA can do, but maybe more importantly what SA can’t necessarily do and accomplish,” Bentz said.
“I’m really lucky as a human biology major to have lots of different resources available to me, with supplemental instruction and tutoring, and lots of really, really awesome stuff,” Bentz said. “But I know in speaking with other majors across campus, if it’s not always the case. A really good example comes in the form of engineering majors and students in the CAFES as well.”
They would also like to expand the hours that Briggs Library is open. Bentz pointed out that other universities similar in size to SDSU have increased library hours.
If elected, Bentz and Wehseler want to focus on how to support
Bentz-Wehseler also hopes to increase inclusivity for international students, multicultural and disabled students and first generation students. They plan to do this by increasing connections between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility (OMAA), TRIO and students.
“I really think for all of our
HAYDEN BENTZ
ELEANOR WEHSELER
WESLEY SIIRA
SOPHIE SPIER
propositions that we offered up during our campaign, we feel that we can really accomplish those,” Bentz said. “In particular that library piece, keeping that open.”
Spier and Siira’s campaign motto is ‘Building on progress, brick by brick.’
“We feel that SDSU is in a really good place right now,” Spier said about their motto. “So we basically want to add on to that with continuous change that will stick around, even when SA leadership overturns.”
If elected, one thing Spier and Siira hope to improve is commuter parking lot efficiency. Spier approached the parking committee with an idea to “expand the technology that would allow commuters to track the ins and outs of lots,” according to Spier.
“I just will preface, this is a big change,” Spier said. “Just specifically regarding technology in general, you have to jump through basically seven rings. But it’s something that I’m personally very passionate about just because I know that SDSU, again, campus is great, but parking doesn’t always seem the best 100%.”
Another initiative Spier and
Siira want to implement at the SDSU campus is the green bandana project, a mental health initiative. Wearing a green bandana on a backpack, water bottle or purse is a symbol that you’re a safe place, Spier said.
The last ‘brick’ of Spier and Siira’s campaign is what she calls “executive socials.” She hopes this will foster collaboration between clubs and organizations.
It’s an opportunity for clubs and organizations throughout campus to come together and collaborate.
“We will come together, maybe have some treats,” Spier said, “but also just talk about how SA can benefit these clubs and parts of campus, as for funding, representation, support in general, but also clubs can communicate to collaborate with each other, share ideas.”
open for people to submit questions as well, during the debates or before the debate too.”
Students can expect to get an email with an online form to vote. Students will be able to vote for president and vice president as well as senators for any colleges they are a part of. Last year some students reported issues with being able to vote more than once if they were a part of more than one college.
Peterson says those ballot issues should be resolved this year.
“If you’re a double major, you’ll be able to vote in both of those colleges,” Peterson said. “And then, the College of Ag, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) also has an advocate position that’ll be on that ballot as well.”
SENATORS UP FOR ELECTION
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences: Benjamin Anderson
McKenzie Hofer
Lydia Stein
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences: Emma Peterson
A debate between the two pairs of nominees will be held at 12 p.m. on March 24 on the Market stage in the Student Union. The debate is open to the public and will be moderated by current SA president Trinity Peterson and communications chair Gabrielle Fink.
“Basically each candidate will get a chance to make an opening statement, kind of just talk about what they’re doing, what their platform is and why they’re running,” Peterson said. “And then we’ll have some kind of generic questions to start. It’ll also be
Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering: Dominic Delahoyde
Supriya Paudel
Mason Pulse
Lucas Smith
College of Natural Sciences: Alex Schemek
Victoria Vazquez
College of Nursing: Grace Barnett
Graduate School: Michael Nanor Worfa
There will also be in-person voting on the Market stage in the Union.
“Your SA president and vice president, we meet with President Dunn monthly and a lot of university leadership,” Peterson said. “So, who you elect is really who is advocating for you to those higher up people – to the mayor of Brookings, to the president and even those senators who are meeting with the deans of your colleges and advocating for you based on all of your needs. It’s just really important that you make your voice heard and that you elect people that you feel like you want to represent you, essentially.”
Spier-Siira’s official Instagram
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Two new vet clubs get approved
EMMA MERNAUGH
Assistant News Editor
The Students’ Association unanimously approved constitutions for two new veterinary student organizations and reviewed upcoming budgets during its meeting on Monday, as election season approached.
Open Forum
The Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (SVECCS) gained approval after a presentation by club President, Andrea Kopman and Vice President, Bella Jurgens. The club aims to introduce emergency veterinary protocols, filling a gap for SDSU’s Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM) students.
“Our end goal is low-cost spay and neuter clinics.”
Mary Novak, Rabbits Obtaining Surgical Experience (ROSE) founding member
“There are no opportunities like this on campus,” Kopman said, noting seven founding members are in place, with plans to advertise the club soon. All present SA members voted to formalize the club’s status.
Next, Mary Novak presented the Rabbits Obtaining Surgical Experience (ROSE) club, a partnership with the Brookings Humane Society to offer hands-on surgical experience and training.
“Our end goal is low-cost spay and neuter clinics,” Novak said, highlighting faculty involvement and community benefits.
Senator Eleanor Wehseler, said her own veterinary shadowing experience,
emphasizes the need for this experience. A second roll call vote showed unanimous approval.
Committee & Staff Reports
SA President, Trinity Peterson reported on multiple topics: an honors college ex-officio spot for the 2025-26 term is under review by a task force meeting on Friday, with legislation drafted by Senator Matthew Schell. The online counseling platform “You Will” funded by the General Activity Fee (GAF), will switch to “Better Mind” on July 1. This company is not only more cost effective but also offers 50-minute sessions instead of 30.
Vice President Hayden Bentz confirmed funding for the Rodeo Club’s Jackrabbit Stampede, Little I and Nepal Night. Twelve candidates were verified for the general election ballot.
“There are no opportunities like this on campus.”
Andrea Kopman, Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society president
Finance Chair Grace Peterson announced the Fiscal Year 25’ budget details were attached for review. The Senate will vote next week on two Fiscal Year 26’ budgets (preferred and contingency) because of the Board of Regents’ pending GAF approval, set for April 3 at Northern State University.
Diversity Liaison Oscar Garcia talked about a transition from “Diversity Chair” to “Diversity Liaison” after consultations with past holders, addressing high turnover with a lower salary and fewer hours.
Vice President Bentz and President Peterson will meet with President Dunn on Wednesday to relay student concerns.
GRACE PETERSON
Council anticipates sending team offer letters next week.
Advisor Dr. Willis, in her final meeting of the semester, endorsed the dualbudget strategy, explaining it ensures funding continuity regardless of the Regents’ GAF decision.
“It’s a timing issue,” she said. Willis will depart for Mayo Clinic this week, to have surgery - a partial nephrectomy, to remove cancer in her kidney. Dr. Kim Grieve will take over as advisor through May.
Ex-officio updates included the American Indian Student Association’s Awa Chibi event which will take place on March 29-30, the Graduate Student Association’s clothing drive for Marty’s Closet and Greek Week (April 6-11) benefiting the Brookings Backpack Program. The University Program
New Business
The first reading of Fiscal Year 26’ budgets, with a stipend cut for the Diversity Liaison role were mentioned. The meeting adjourned after election reminders, including a campaign guideline meeting on Wednesday in the Pheasant Room.
Announcements
The Senate reconvenes next week to vote on budgets and to host a debate for the upcoming election.
MATTHEW SCHELL
MICHAELA WILLIS
BluePrint wins 12 state awards
RYANN DAVIS
Assistant News Editor
For the first time ever, the employees at BluePrint Design & Print Center submitted some of their work to the South Dakota American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) annual award show, The American Advertising Awards. By submitting an entry, students have the chance to win a gold or silver “ADDY” for a variety of categories.
SDSU’s student-run print center has been around since 2010. BluePrint offers event marketing services such as digital advertising, T-Stands and posters as well as interior banners. The print center also offers help with students’ printing needs for homework or other projects.
On Feb. 28, 12 awards were given to 6 of the students at BluePrint during this year’s event. Three of the award winners, Grace Guetter, Mackenzie Nelsen and Grace Fritz, who are all graphic design majors at SDSU, said earning the awards was very special. The girls were all hired in January of 2024, and said it’s a great job opportunity for graphic design majors and a way to be constantly practicing design.
Both Guetter and Fritz won gold ADDY’s in the “integrated campaign” category. Guetter’s design was “Cowboy Casino Night,” and Fritz’s design was for “Perler Bead Night,” Nelsen and Fritz won silver awards as well. Nelsen’s “Sanderson Gardens” design won in the integrated campaign category and Fritz’s “Hobo Day Poster” won in the poster series category. The girls made their decisions on which of their designs to submit with the help of their co-workers in the office, as well as Jerad Schlobohm, the assistant-director of student union communications and print center.
Jack Derickson, BluePrint’s manager, submitted both personal designs and ones he created at BluePrint. He won two gold ADDY awards and two silver ADDY’s. Other winners included Matt Scott and Austin Satnan. Scott’s “Earth-
stock Theater” design won a gold ADDY in the illustration category. Satnan won a “Best of Show” gold ADDY award for his design, “Hollywood Murder Mystery,” along with a silver ADDY for “Trivia Night,” which was in the illustration category.
Previously, BluePrint submitted to “Steal This Idea,” the Association of College Unions International’s graphic design and marketing competition where they received an honorable mention award last year.
AWARD WINNERS
Schlobohm worked with Derickson on the decision-making process for design submissions.
“Jack, our manager, and I basically said ‘pick out whatever you think is your strongest designs from the past calendar year,’” Schlobohm explained, “We weren’t necessarily submitting for a specific category at the time, they were just showing us the best designs and then I would say, ‘okay, yep I think this one and this one would be good entries.’
Photo courtesy of COURTNEY SCHLOBOHM
BluePrint’s staff after winning 12 ADDY’s at the 2024 American Advertising Awards on Feb. 28
LILLI STEEKE Reporter
The 102nd Little International is set for March 28 and 29 with a record number of animals to be shown, along with over 2,000 high school students coming to campus to compete.
“Little International is a combination of staff and showman,” Teigen Hadrick, Little International manager, said. “It takes about 160 students on staff, whether taking pictures of animals in the ring, transporting animals to and from the arena, or helping run a CDE [Career Development Events] contest.
Exhibitors got paired with their animals on Jan. 29 and have been working to train those animals for the Little International livestock show, one of SDSU’s biggest traditions.
There are 165 animals total being shown, with sheep, goats, pigs, dairy, horses and beef. Exhibitors
spend hours training their animals to lead and walk, along with washing and clipping them before the show. All of the animals are kept at their respective units on campus except the goat and pigs, which are kept in the Animal Science Arena.
“People from all different majors come together to share a common passion working toward a similar goal,” Hadrick said.
Little International takes a lot of hours, whether it is for the exhibitors working with their animals, or the staff planning the small details.
“In the coming weeks, I am really just all over the place, filling in wherever I am needed. I am either helping out at the arena or the different units,” Makenna Skiff, the 102nd Little International Livestock Coordinator said.
Little International has a big impact on campus with over 2,000 high school students coming to campus competing in CDE. The high school students are offered tours throughout campus to try
and recruit students to come to SDSU and be a part of Little International someday as a Jackrabbit.
Little International is based on the Chicago International with the red barn and the green chips. SDSU wants to use that history and make it special for the staff and the exhibitors.
The Little International logo will be placed into the middle of the show ring with yellow wood chips throughout the two days of the event.
The green chips and red barn bring back many memories for the alumni and faculty that come and watch Little “I”.
“When I was a student here at SDSU I was involved with Little I, but not to the extent of some of the students that I work with now,” Little International adviser, Tommy Norman said. “It is just awesome to see their level of care and motivation to make it successful.”
Photo courtesy of LITTLE
Students lead one of SDSU’s biggest traditions
ELSA DUCLOS Reporter
Little International is a well-established, 102-year-old tradition at South Dakota State University, but that doesn’t mean the current Little “I” leadership isn’t dedicated to expanding its footprint to new Brookings community members and spreading their community’s rich culture to new audiences, all while keeping that culture tight within SDSU. And that’s exactly what they’re doing as they work to plan this year’s Little “I” event March 28 and 29.
Little International is the largest twoday, student-run livestock exhibition in the country. About 160 student staff members and 170 student exhibitors are participating, Little “I” manager Teigen Hadrick said. Little “I” brought about 2,200 FFA students from across the Midwest to SDSU’s campus last year.
A similar crowd is expected this year. “We bring a lot of people in [to town] that want to come and watch but that’s not the main thing,” Hadrick said. “We want to try and boost the community as much as
they help us. That’s what we want to see when we do it. That’s really what we want to give back and there’s different ways we try to do that.”
One of those ways that Little I gives back to its community is through a program introduced this year called “Ag in the Classroom.” This committee is made up of six assistants who, once a month, each visit a classroom in the Brookings area to teach kindergarten, first-grade and third-grade students about agriculture.
This program has reached around 200 students this year.
“I’ve been really happy with the success of that group,” Hadrick said. “They’ve done really well.”
Erin Jacobson or “Miss Erin” to her students, is an agronomy student at SDSU and is one of the six Ag in the Classroom assistants. The assistants visit the same classroom each month, so they are able to build connections with the teachers and students they see monthly.
“I think seeing the kids’ reactions to things that we see every day or we don’t even think twice about is my favorite
Cassidy Strommen
Major: Argiculture communications
Year: Junior
Hometown: Solen, North Dakota
Little “I” role: Assistant manager
part,” Jacobson said.
Both Hadrick and this year’s Little International assistant manager Cassidy Strommen enjoy the camaraderie that comes with Little “I”. Their goal is to bring that comradery to Brookings’ community and not just to SDSU’s campus.
“My favorite thing is during the week of Little ‘I’, it’s really busy and people are running around at the last minute…but that last week of Little ‘I’ is when you see the comradery between the students… it’s just really fun to see how we all can come together for one event,” Strommen said.
When asked what he wants attendees to take away from their experience at Little ‘I’, Hadrick said, “I really just want them to have fun… Maybe you learn something, maybe you just came to watch your best friend show a pig. We just want you to come in, have a good time, sit around in the chips, and watch some people show some livestock.”
Don’t miss the 102nd showing of Little International on March 28 and 29 at the SDSU Animal Science Arena to support our students. You can get more information at sdsulittleinternational.org.
Teigen Hadrick
Major: Animal science production managment
Year: Senior
Hometown: Faulkton, South Dakota
Little “I” role: Manager
Photo courtesy of LITTLE INTERNATIONAL STAFF
Local coffee shop all started with a popcorn machine
Owner Kurt Osborne had the hobby of roasting coffee in a popcorn popper in his garage. That has grown to become what now is a successful business with a storefront in the oldest building on Main Avenue.
That’s where you will find Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie in downtown Brookings at 225 Main Avenue.
Monthly drink specials are something the business doesn’t shy away from. This is a key factor in bringing in customers such as college students who study while having a treat.
“We try really hard and put a lot of effort into sourcing really great ingredients that go into our coffee drinks,” manager Erinn Thomas said.
Kool Beans is not just your ordinary coffee shop.
“All of our coffee and espresso is roasted on site,” Thomas said.
Not only do they roast it on site for their business, but Kool Beans also roast for 15 other coffee shops and businesses.
It takes about 20 minutes to roast 15 pounds of coffee beans. These beans are then served or sold directly from the shop.
“Mostly every bean that we used, I have roasted it,” said Julia Kreifels, a Kool Beans roaster. “In a way I’m kind of like the backbone of the shop.”
Keeping the businesses growing has not been an issue for this Kool Beans team. The three things the employers focus on are community, quality and sustainability.
Kool Beans wants to make sure you enjoy your coffee.
“Here we are a lot more focused on the quality whereas places I worked before were more focused on just speed,” said Isabella Fiecke, a Kool Beans barista.
While coffee is the main item on the menu, it’s not the only thing on the menu. Using relationships with other businesses like Coddleston Bakery, Kool Beans is able to serve items like scones and cookies to expand their menu.
This is a goal the business wants to be noticeable to customers. They want to make sure this is the best quality of coffee in Brookings.
Having positive interactions with the customers is something the Kool Beans team holds of high value as well.
“The Kool Beans team is a close knit group of people that are all great,” Kreifels said.
“I just love getting to know everybody and making people’s day with a coffee is so fun,” Fiecke said.
KOOL BEANS COFFEE AND ROASTERIE
Location: 225 Main Avenue
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. - Sat. Contact: (605) 692-2326
The environment of Kool Beans is known to be what makes it so special. A lot of students go to Kool Beans to do their work because of the comfortable atmosphere.
“It was so warm and inviting just in the time of me walking in, ”customer Taryn Hettich said.
It’s open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., so students have a lot of time to visit the shop.
The shop is closed on Sunday, so staff have a day for maintenance and cleaning. A crucial element in keeping the shop up to date on facility upkeep.
In 2021, Kool Beans moved their building from 314 Main Ave, to their newer location which has been a big growth component for the business.
“It’s more open,” Thomas said. “It’s vibrant, and it’s big, and people enjoy being in this space.”
“The Kool Beans team is a close knit group of people that are all great.”
Collegian photo by AVA GRATE Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie started in owner Kurt Osborne’s garage where he would roast coffee inside a popcorn popper, as seen below.
JULIA KREIFELS KOOL BEANS ROASTER
China Night to feature food, activities and guest speakers
KYLER BOMGAARS
Reporter
SDSU will host China Night at the Dakota Bank Center in Brookings.
The event starts at 6 p.m. and will include cultural performances, interactive activities and authentic Chinese food.
Tickets can be purchased in the Student Union from 12 p.m. -1 p.m. Mon-Fri or on TicketMaster. They are also available on the Dakota Bank Center website or can be purchased the day of at the box office.
Kelly Dahlhoff, event manager, said that guests should just bring themselves and their tickets.
“There will be food and drinks at the event, so no need to bring in any outside items,” Dahloff said. There will be a variety of authentic Chinese food provided including Chongqing spicy chicken, cumin beef, fried dumplings, etc. All food is provided by local favorites Lao Szechuan Hot Pot Buffet and WokN Go. There will be vegetarian options available.
Jiahui Yuan, president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, said the mission of the event,
“aims to showcase Chinese culture and traditions to the SDSU community, promoting understanding between different cultures.”
China Night creates a space where people from different backgrounds can experience and appreciate Chinese culture. It strengthens the community by encouraging students, faculty, and residents to attend the event.
Performers are coming from all over the world, mainly China, to perform traditional Chinese dances and songs. Yizi Zhang, vice president of the students association, and Yuan agreed the Lion Dance is the performance to look for.
“The Lion Dance is one of the most representative Chinese New Year programs in many Chinese cities,” Zhang said.
Yuan thinks the performances are the most important part of China Night saying, “The display of traditional and modern Chinese art, such as dance, music, martial arts and drama, convey stories and emotions to help viewers connect with Chinese culture.
Mayor Ope Niemeyer, city manager Paul Briseno and SDSU president Barry Dunn will be guest speaking.
Collegian photo by TATE PETERSON
Photo from the last China Night that took place in September 2023. This year China night will feature an activity that will teach people how to make traditional Chinese noodles. The event will be March 23.
SDSU Introduces First Bison Minor and Certificate In the Nation
ELIZABETH COUDRON Reporter
South Dakota State University is working toward adding a bison studies minor and certificate - which would be the first in the nation.
The program must be approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents at its meeting in April. But, as of now, SDSU officials are moving forward and hope to implement it this fall, opening opportunities for animal science and natural resource students.
“My goal, and the goal of this change, is to make sure that we have students that are effective enough and excelling in going out to the field and managing a herd of buffalo,” said Philip Urso, bison studies professor at SDSU.
This is a niche market and eventually there will be job openings for bison producers specifically, said graduate student Bailey Rodriquez.
Organizations such as at Custer State Park, Turner Enterprises and conservation herds are leading the way, and could provide career paths for graduates.
In the past, the point of the bison industry was to build from the dwindling population. But now there are private herds and government herds that are also focusing on the feedlot and meat production of bison.
“I think that it’s wonderful,” Lydia Whitman from the National Bison Association said when asked about the minor and certificate at SDSU. “The more that we can put forward bison knowledge, the more it can be implemented because we need that knowledge shared between the communities that are stewarding bison.”
According to the National Bison Association, there are 1,986 bison ranches nationwide, which is a 12% increase from 2017. There are 192,477 bison ranched and reported in the U.S., which is a 5%
increase from 2017.
“I would suggest getting the minor or certificate if you have any interest in bison or cattle,” Rodriquez said. “I didn’t have any interest in bison until it was handed to me, but now I love it.”
Her enthusiasm highlights the program’s ability to provide new opportunities for students, whether they have prior interest or are simply looking to explore a unique niche in agriculture.
Currently, South Dakota State is offering two bison classes: intro to bison management and current issues in bison industries. SDSU is working on adding more classes like range management and advanced bison production.
To get a bison studies minor, students will need to earn 18 credits. Classes will include basic animal husbandry, bison, range management, internship credits, research credits and electives.
The bison certificate will require 12 to 13 credits and is designed for those looking to specialize in
specific areas without committing to a full minor.
“There has been a lot of interest in students that are interested in learning about bison management both from the natural resources perspective as well as animal science students,” animal science adviser Lisa Roker said.
Because of the growing industry, there are becoming more career opportunities working with bison, Urso said. With this minor, students would be able to work in a feedlot, nutrition studies, research and conservation opportunities and herd management.
The industry is also pushing for more veterinarians that specialize in bison. People in the industry are looking for more students with bison interest and are starting to offer summer internships as well, Rodriguez said.
Students interested in animal science, natural resources and agriculture can now have the opportunity to gain specialized training that could set them apart in a competitive job market, Roker said. This new program could make SDSU a premier destination for students looking to work in the bison industry.
Bison By the Numbers
192,477: Number of bison in the United States residing on private ranches and farms according to the 2022 USDA census.
1,986: Number of private U.S. ranches and farms raising bison according to the 2022 USDA census.
30,000: Estimated bison on tribal lands (US and Canada)
400,000: Estimated herd size in North America today.
Information from bisoncentral.com
Photos by TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA
Department of Agriculture grant supplies $2 million to aid Bison Managers
KALYSSA SCHOCK
Reporter
The SDSU Bison Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) research project is looking to bring nationwide recognition to the university and provide students with more opportunities.
The project was funded nearly $2 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support bison managers in Midwestern states and other grasslands. The areas include: South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas.
The Bison CIG project will be looking for SDSU student interns soon because the project begins this spring.
“There will be lots of internship opportunities for SDSU students, so reach out,” Assistant Professor/Coordinator-Wizipan Program Rachel Short said.
The university will not only be gaining nationwide attention through this project, but it will be building partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the National Bison Association. This project wants to highlight the need and power for partnerships.
The overall goal for the bison CIG project is to provide bison producers with new resources that do not exist. The resources will include preparing bison managers for climate extremes such as drought and how bison feces may build better soil.
South Dakota is the leader of bison production in the nation. With about 30,000 privately owned bison and some 15,000 bison owned by federal agencies and reservations.
“There are only about 400,000 bison left on the planet. They need our attention and help,” said Jeff Martin, assistant professor of bison biology and management and extension bison specialist. “We want to help bison producers and do something good.”
The bison CIG project affects not only
The areas included in the $2 million grant are South Dakota Nebraska North Dakota Montana, Wisconsin and Texas. This grant is being supplied to Bison Managers and the Bison Conservation and Innovation grant (CIG) in order to help further research and protect the dwindling bison population.
bison producers, but cattle ranchers, South Dakota residents and especially South Dakota State University and its students.
“South Dakota is the place for bison research and SDSU is home to two of the leading bison experts in the country,” Lora Perkins, natural resource management professor, said.
The project will impact the people and landowners of South Dakota along with people and landowners across the nation. The project will educate and create an understanding about how much grazing animals influence our country’s landscapes.
The project is designed to educate producers of any sort of grazing animals about the benefits bison grazing has to the ecosystem such as healthy landscapes, better soil and more wildlife.
“We might see more uniform vegeta-
tion and plant diversity,” Perkins said.
Said Martin: “We will use two different techniques of winter bale grazing, measure bison body condition and measure soil organic matter.”
Much of the research will take place on a 5,000-acre ranch with about 200 head of bison in Alliance Nebraska and is set to start in April or May.
Producers will be educated by training the trainer workshops, some of which are at Custer State Park. This allows producers to have a say in what they need and allows them to actively participate in these sources.
This project will have a profoundly positive impact, not only for bison producers across the country, but grazing animal producers nationwide. Additionally, it will significantly benefit the residents of South Dakota, as well as the faculty and students at South Dakota
State University. The SDSU Bison CIG project will be a “community practice,” Short said.
Source:
photo courtesy of TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA
American Sign Language Club dreams of ASL courses added to curriculum
LUCY AZINGER
Reporter
The American Sign Language Club is trying to get at least one sign language course on campus for undergraduates at SDSU.
American Sign Language is a formal language employing a system of hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body, facial expressions, body postures and finger spelling especially for communication by and with deaf people. According to Listencarefully.org, 21% of South Dakota’s population has some form of hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound and can occur in one or both ears.
Isabella Cosato, a junior and club president, started the ASL course process in January right after winter break. Adding an ASL course to campus is a dream of Cosato’s.
“The end goal is that we would be the first university in South Dakota that offers the full ASL interpreting degree along with the certification,” Cosato said.
Teresa Seefeldt, vice provost for undergraduate education, said the University of South Dakota is the only university in South Dakota to offer any form of ASL courses. USD allows students to go as far as getting a minor in ASL, but going for a higher degree is not offered. As of now, Cosato would be happy to even get a 101-and 102-level course
taught on campus. Christine Garst-Santos, director of the School of American and Global Studies, shares the same thought.
“I think it would be very positive,” Garst-Santos said. “It’s important that we provide access and bring in as many folks as possible and learn how to interact with those cultures.”
But getting a new course on campus isn’t easy.
“It goes through a variety of layers of approval,” Seefeldt said. “The process really starts at a school or department that has faculty to offer that course.”
To teach an ASL course, the faculty member must have the qualifications to properly teach ASL. SDSU campus doesn’t have an ASL-qualified faculty member already on campus. This means to add an ASL course there needs to be a search for a new faculty member.
“If a course is offered by another university, then we can seek authority to offer that course,” Seefeldt said, “American Sign Language is offered by
USD, so we can seek approval to offer that existing course.”
When requesting a course, it still takes time to grant that approval by the system level. SDSU would need to contact USD and discuss their ASL courses.
The Board of Regents is the last stop for a course to be added. They get the final say in if a course is going to get approved or not. A lot of that comes down to engagement.
Garst-Santos said, “You look at supply and demand.”
“At the undergraduate level, you need a minimum of 10 students to offer a section of a course,” Seefeldt said.
Both are saying the same thing. A course needs to have a certain number of students who want to take the course and a qualified faculty member to teach it. If one of those isn’t there, then a course won’t be taught and that’s part of what Cosato is working towards.
“There are 42 club members right now.” She said, “I am asking some of the directors in the Psychology, Sociology
and Rural Studies school about how we can do a schoolwide survey,” Cosato said. Cosato is hoping to reach all undergraduate level students and hope they take a survey on their interest in taking an ASL course. When presenting to the Board of Regents, this could help in the case of interest in the course from students.
“This is a long process, so it won’t happen for the fall 2025 year.” Seefeldt said, “More likely, it will happen in the fall 2026.”
It’s still very early in the process of trying to add this course. No matter if the ASL courses get accepted or not, Cosato is going to continue pursuing ASL courses on campus.
“American Sign Language is so important because this is a vital form of communication for the majority of deaf people,” Cosato said. They’re part of our society, allow them to be, and that starts with learning the alphabet.”
ISABELLA COSATO
TERESA SEEFELDT
CHRISTINE GARST-SANTOS
Photo Courtesy of LUCY AZINGER Members of the American Sign Language Club practice signing the Alphabet.
Baseball falls 1-2 against Northern Colorado; first home game tomorrow
JON AKRE
Sports Reporter
The South Dakota State baseball team dropped two out of three games in its first series of Summit League play this past weekend against Northern Colorado.
The Jacks (2-13, 1-2 Summit) will look to turn things around in their first games on the newly renovated Erv Huether field starting Tomorrow at 3 p.m. against St. Thomas.
Game one (UNC 8, SDSU 4)
Timely hitting proved to be the difference as the Northern Colorado Bears established an early 7-1 lead and didn’t look back as they took game one of Saturday’s doubleheader.
The Jacks struck first on an RBI single by Nolan Grawe, but the Bear’s consistent offense over the first four innings was too much for the Jacks to handle.
Northern Colorado scored on a SAC fly in the first, an RBI single and a two-RBI double in the second, back-to-back RBI singles in the third and finally a wild pitch in the fourth capped off the 7-0 run.
SDSU’s offense would get rolling again in the later innings, scoring three runs on a SAC fly in the sixth and eighth innings, but it wasn’t enough to claw back from the hefty deficit.
Arlen Peters took the loss on the mound for the Jacks, tallying 2.1 innings pitched and allowing six runs on nine hits and a walk. Bryce Ronken had the hot bat in game one batting 4-for-4 with a double, while Grawe drove in two runs in the loss.
Game two (SDSU 12, UNC 7)
A couple of big innings in game two powered the Jacks to a high-scoring win closing out Saturday’s doubleheader.
The Jacks struck for two runs in the top of the first followed by five runs in the second, coming on consecutive at-bats
from the top part of the order. The Jacks gashed the Bears again in the fifth for another three runs, adding two more runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
Northern Colorado had a much tougher time stringing together runs despite scoring seven runs on 15 hits. The Bears scored four of those runs in the third inning alone.
Ty Madison took the win on the mound for the Jacks, allowing one run on four hits in two innings, striking out three.
Bryce Ronken again was the difference maker in game two, driving in five runs on three hits, including a double. Carter Sintek batted 3-for-5 with two triples, a SAC fly, and two RBIs in the win.
Game three
(UNC 11, SDSU 10)
With the game firmly in hand for the Jacks, UNC scored seven-ninth-inning runs to walk it off and take the three-game series Sunday.
“We played 26 pretty good innings this weekend,” said SDSU head coach Rob Bishop. “It was our most consistent threegame stretch as far as doing all three aspects of the game well enough, until the 27th inning and we just let it slip away.”
It was a rally that started with good hitting from the Bears and ended with inconsistent pitching from the Jacks’ staff.
The first four runs of the ninth inning came on an RBI single by UNC shortstop Anthony Stellato, a SAC fly by centerfielder Carter Monda, and finally, a two-RBI double from third baseman Kai
Wagner.
From then on, it was self-inflicted damage by SDSU. Three walks, two wild pitches and one hit-by-pitch all piled up at once to score the final three runs of the game.
Jude Sundquist took the loss for the Jacks, allowing three runs on one hit, three walks and a wild pitch. Luke Luskey drove in two runs on three hits, including a double and a two-run home run in the loss. SDSU’s second baseman Keagen Jirschele and left fielder Owen Siegert each drove in two runs as well.
St. Thomas
After a rough start to the season, the Jacks still have a long way to go before the Summit League Tournament in late May, and it starts tomorrow afternoon at the newly renovated Erv Huether field in Brookings.
“We’re so thankful for the people that stepped up financially and just helped us get this done,” said Coach Bishop on the field renovations. “This is going to be a game-changer for us. It’s just a really exciting time for SDSU baseball.”
The Jacks will take on the St. Thomas Tommies, the preseason No. 2 team in the Summit League, in a three-game series starting Friday at 3 p.m.
The Tommies are a year removed from winning its first conference regular season title in any sport since moving to the Summit League and are not far behind the preseason favorite Oral Roberts Golden Eagles.
“They had a young team when they entered the league and now those guys are all third and fourth-year guys, so they’re veteran kids with a lot of at-bats under their belt,” said coach Bishop on UST. “
The Tommies lineup features a member of the all-conference team last year, along with a second-team all-conference pitcher, Evan Esch.
Photo courtesy of BOB SOLORIO/SDSU ATHLETICS
Freshman pitcher Caleb Duerr in his March 16 matchup against Northern Colorado. Duerr pitched five innings, tallying four strikeouts, two walks and allowed two runs.
Softball sits at 15-15 through 30 games
JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter
SDSU currently sits at 15-15 after starting the season 4-0 before losing 12 of their next 13 games. Since then, they have won 10 of their last 13 to rebound to a .500 record. Their last non-conference matchup will be a doubleheader against Iowa next Tuesday.
“This week, we get to take a step back,” head coach Kristina McSweeney said of the break. “We can break things down…we can work on the little things that we need to work on to get better.”
The Jacks played four games against ranked opponents, all of them ending in losses in extra innings. They played Nebraska and Oklahoma State twice, losing to the Cornhuskers 8-5 on Feb. 28 and 5-4 on March 9 and the Cowgirls 5-2 on Feb. 23 and 3-2 on Feb. 27.
SDSU has shut out an opponent once this season and have won four games on the run-ahead rule, in which they led by at least eight runs after five or more innings.
Summit League Slate
The Jacks went 14-2 in the Summit last season with their only losses being to Omaha in the best-of-three Summit League Championship series. They are looking to claim their first conference title since winning backto-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
“It’s a mentality of not focusing on the result, and focusing on the process,” McSweeney said.“We restart our season in a couple days, we go back to 0-0, and, you know, the preseason is what the preseason is... I believe in my team and I believe in the players that I have.”
The Jacks begin conference play on Saturday, March 29 with a doubleheader against Kansas City. The Roos are a distant last place in the conference with a 3-18 record with their only wins coming against East Texas A&M twice and Southern Illinois Edwardsville.
The Roos have just four home runs all season. Grace Batdorf possesses the Roos’ best batting average at .343 from 35 at-bats. The redshirt junior outfielder from Oklahoma City has scored five runs and twelve hits and batted in nine runs. Derika Castillo possesses the other half of the team’s home runs this season, while also having an identical number of runs and hits and 10 RBI. First pitches for the three-game series are at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Following a quick doubleheader versus Iowa State on April 1, SDSU returns to Summit League action. They host South Dakota for a three-game series on the weekend of April 5 and 6. After hosting USD, it is a road trip to St. Thomas for a three-game series on April 12
and 13. After the road trip, the Jacks return to Jackrabbit Softball Stadium to host North Dakota State on April 18 and 19, then defending Summit League champion Omaha on April 26 and 27. Finally, closing out the season is a three-game series on the road against North Dakota on May 2 and 3.
SUMMIT LEAGUE STANDINGS
No. 1: Omaha (19-5)
No. 2: St. Thomas (14-9)
No. 3: South Dakota (17-11)
No. 4: North Dakota (15-14)
No. 5: South Dakota State (15-15)
No. 6: North Dakota State (13-16)
No. 7: Kansas City (3-18)
Photo courtesy of MARK KUHLMANN/SDSU ATHLETICS
Freshman Amanda Vacanti recorded a 3 run homerun in SDSU’s 5-4 victory against the Northern Colorado Bears. The rightfielder has scored 26 runs and 45 hits in her debut season.
Men’s Club Hockey Looks Forward
SDSU’s hockey team sets sights to build on 15-2 record in the coming years
JACOB BRENDE
Assistant Sports Editor
Coming off a two win season, things could only go up for the Jackrabbit club hockey team. A change in head coach, culture and vision propelled the Jacks to a 15-2 season that saw them ranked for the first time in the clubs history.
“The big thing is making sure it was consistent with the values that we have within Brookings and SDSU and making sure it was gonna be legitimate for the future, so we wanted to have the right group together to…. be competitive for the next coming years,” said Coach Justin Kirchhevel, who entered his first full year as head coach the 2024-2025 season.
Kirchhevel took over the head coaching spot late last season where the Jacks ended up 2-6. He credits the players quickly buying into the team's vision and the camaraderie they displayed as a major factor in their success this season.
“He has been an awesome coach for our program,” said senior Matt Maag regarding Kirchhevel. “He has set up a system that works well with the type of players we have. Additionally, he has built a community where you are willing to do whatever it takes for the team's success.”
The team took an offensive leap this year and put up the numbers to prove it. Over their 17-game season, the Jacks were able to score 110 goals, an average of 6.4 a game. In the eight games they played last year, they scored 43 goals, or 5.3 a game. Senior Max Kjelden led the team in points with 31, putting up 18 goals and 13 assists.
Jackrabbit goaltending let up 30 goals while tallying up 390 saves for an average of 1.70 goals a game. Four different goaltenders suited up over the season, with each earning a win and at least one shutout. Freshman goaltender Addison Ronning played a team-high eight games and ended the season with a .947 save percentage.
Over the team’s 17 game stretch, their two-game series in Fargo against NDSU was mentioned as being their stiffest game according to both players and coaches.
“We work hard in all the games, but those were probably one of the bigger games… playing those games really gets everyone's adrenaline going,” said senior
Cooper VanOverbeke.
“We outshot them heavily in the first game, ended up losing 2-1… Talk about playing against some adversity on the road,” said Kirchhevel.
“The next day they came back with the right mentality, really showed their poise and came together as a group and that was kinda our turning point, it was like we are full speed ahead at this point.”
SDSU finished off the year placing 18th in the ACHA Central out of 53 teams and despite not making nationals, Kirchhevel mentioned how there are high hopes that next season, with a culture and plan set in place, they will be even better.
“We talk about the whole year like this is bigger than you, and we're starting something that you'll come back to in 10 years… We are going to have a great team next year.”
Leading Scorers
No. 1: Max Kjelden
31 Points No. 2: Owen Schneider 28 Points No. 3: Ashton Witte 23 Points No. 4: Zach Struck 22 Points No. 5: Mason Schramm 21 Points No. 6: Quintin Steindl 20 Points
No. 7: Garett Everson 19 Points
No. 8: Max Mohr 17 Points
No. 9: Alex Heibult 12 Points
No. 10: Jack Merritt 9 Points
Collegian photo by EMMA WAAGE
Freshman Jackrabbit forward Owen Schneider handles the puck. Schneider had 28 points on the season which was second for the Jacks. The freshman tallied ten goals and 18 assists on the season.
Nine Jacks Head to Philly for national tournament
MARSHALL MINIHAN
Sports
Editor
Nine Jackrabbits qualified for the NCAA Division 1 Championships which begin today in Philadelphia and go through Saturday after finishing third in the Big 12.
“It’s the Big 12 Championships, you have more than a handful of teams that bring their absolute best to the tournament,” said Damion Hahn. “I thought there were some rounds that were up and there were some rounds that were, you know, where we took some losses. That’s just how it goes.”
The brackets will feature an SDSU wrestler in every weight class except at 149 pounds.
Similar to the Big 12 wrestling Championships, SDSU’s Bennett Berge is the highest-ranked Jackrabbit heading into completion and is ranked fifth in the 184-pound weight class. This season, Berge has tallied a 26-5 record and finished third in the conference. The sophomore will wrestle No. 28 Dennis Robin of West Virginia.
Cobe Siebrecht, Drake Rhodes and Zach Glazier joined the South Dakota State wrestling team this season through the transfer portal and all qualified for the championships.
For Siebrecht, he finished second in the conference after losing to Vinny Zerban 7-4 and boasts the No. 19 spot heading into the weekend. Siebrecht did however gather two upset wins in the tournament over Jared Hill and No. 1 Cody Chittum, who he lost to earlier this season. The Iowa transfer will take on No. 14 Jude Swisher of Penn in the 157 pound class.
Though having to default due to an injury in his first match of the Big 12 Championships, Rhodes earned the No. 14 spot heading into this weekend at 165 pounds. Rhodes holds a 21-5 record this season and will compete against No. 19 Jack Thomsen who spent three seasons at South Dakota State before transferring to Northern Iowa.
Similar to Berge, Glazier took third in the conference and will head into the national championships with the No. 14 spot in the 197-pound weight class. Glazier notched two wins in the consolation bracket to take third over Brian Burburija and 4-3 victory by decision in the match for third. The sixth year will take on No. 19 Andy Smith of Virginia Tech in his first match.
Julian Tagg went into the Big 12 Championships with as the eighth ranked 141-pounder and ended with a fifth place finish with notable wins over Eli Griffin and Mosha Schwartz. Tagg faced former champion Andrew Alirez in the second round and narrowly lost 4-3. The Ohio native is ranked No. 18 in his weight class and will take on Rutgers wrestler Joseph Olivieri who is ranked
15th.
Cade DeVos also finished fifth in the Big 12 and will take the mat against No. 20 Dani Braunagel of Illinois. DeVos tallied 19 wins and seven losses this season and took down Jared Simma in the conference championships.
285-pound Luke Rasmussen won his final match of the conference tournament to take third and earned a qualifying spot for the national championships after he took down Sam Mitchell. This will be Rasmussen’s first appearance in the national tournament and will face off with No. 8 Like Luffman of Illinois.
“At heavyweight in the Big 12, we had a lot of bubble guys that could have allocated spots but they did not and our guy was one of them and you had to finish in
the top four to go to the national tournament and Ras [Rasmussen], you know wrestled out of his mind.”
Tanner Jordan finished in eighth place in the Big 12 at 125 pounds after a loss to Northern Iowa’s Trevor Anderson and will take on No. 10 Stevo Poulin. Jordan goes into the tournament with a 23-8 record and holds the No. 23 spot in the weight class.
In the 133 pound class is Derrick Cardinal who qualified for his second national tournament. Cardinal is 18-14 on the year and will take on No. 3 Nasir Bailey of Little Rock.
The tournament can be streamed on ESPN with sessions beginning today at 11 a.m. at the Wells Fargo Center.
Photo courtesy of JENNA BATKA/SDSU ATHLETICS Bennet Berghe wrestles Iowa State’s Evan Brockman in SDSU’s 20-15 loss on February 14. Berge is ranked fifth nationally and third in the Big 12 in the 184 lb weight class.
No. 10 women set to face No. 7 Cowgirls in national tournament
MADISON GILLETTE Sports
Reporter
After a successful undefeated conference season, the reigning Summit League Champions for the last three years is once again, going dancing.
The Jackrabbits were seeded tenth for the 2024-25 NCAA tournament and will take on the No. 7 Oklahoma State Cowgirls.
“I think this team is as good as seed as we’ve had,” said head coach Aaron Johnston. “They’re certainly playing at that level and have certainly proved that throughout the year.”
South Dakota State
This will be SDSU’s 13th appearance in the tournament in 17 seasons. The Jacks have had a tough non-conference schedule, only taking 3 losses, one being Texas, a No.1 team in the NCAA tournament and fifth in the nation.
After beating teams such Rice, Creighton, Wisconsin and Oregon, the No. 24 team in the nation has shown that they can compete.
As a team, the Jacks average 76.3 points a game, 48.3% from the field and 37% beyond the arc and 71.6% from the charity stripe.
The Jacks average 38.9 boards per game and 17 assists. Brooklyn Meyer leads the team in points, averaging 17.4 a game, tallying 556 on the season. Brooklyn Meyer hit her career-high this season with a 34-point game. Haleigh Timmer and Paige Meyer contribute to points as well. Timmer averages 13.1 a game with a career-high of 26 and a total of 420 on the season.
Paige Meyer averages 12 a game with a career-high of 27 and a total of 385 points this season.
Madison Mathiowetz has also been a key contributor for the Jackrabbits this season. The Minnesota Native averages 8.7 points a game and shoots 44.5% on field goals and 37.5% from beyond the arc. In the championship game against Oral Roberts, she had 20 points and shot 50% from the field.
Paige Meyer has 170 assists on the season which is the most for the Jacks and averages 5.3 a game. Mesa Byom has brought in 218 rebounds this season (6.8 per game).
Brooklyn Meyer isn’t far behind with 5.8 a game and 186 on the season. Byom also averaged one block a game, having 32 on the season.
“We have a lot of pieces it takes to be a really good team; we have great guard play and post play,” said Johnston. “We can defend size, we can defend athleticism. We have a lot of different things we can do.”
Oklahoma State
The OSU women’s basketball team is 25-6 overall and 14-4 in the Big 12 conference. OSU has beaten teams such as TCU, Kansas, Baylor and Utah.
As a team, the Cowgirls average 76.7 points per game and shoot 45% on field goals and 33.8% from beyond the arc. The Cowgirls grab 40.9 boards per game and 8.2 steals per game.
Leading the team in points is sophomore guard Stailee Heard. Heard averages 16.7 points per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and boasts the highest 3-point percentage on the team with 40.9%. So far this season Heard has had 57 steals and 9 blocks. Heard has brought in with 252 so far this season. Helping with rebounds are 5th-years Ténin Magassa and
SPOKANE REGION RANKINGS
No. 1: Southern California
No. 2: Connecticut
No. 3: Oklahoma
No. 4: Kentucky
No. 5: Kansas State
No. 6: Iowa
No. 7: Oklahoma State
No. 8: California
No. 9: Mississippi State
No. 10: South Dakota State
No. 11: Murray State
No. 12: Fairfield
No. 13: Liberty
No. 14: Florida Gulf Coast
No. 15: Arkansas State
No. 16: UNC Greensboro
Collegian photo by EAN WETZEL
Paige Meyer finished with 12 points and three assists in South Dakota State’s first win in the Summit League Championship over Omaha. The Minnesota native wore #14 for over half the game due to blood on her normal #21 jersey.
Alexia Smith. Magassa 5.8 per game with a total of 179. Magassa also averages 8.7 points per game and leads the team with 72 blocks on the season.
Alexia Smith averages 4.8 rebounds per game and 148 on the season.
Junior guard Micah Gray is second in scoring on the team averaging 13.8 points per game. Gray shoots 73.9% from the charity stripe and has a total of 428 points on the season.
Gray has 75 rebounds and 43 assists on the season. The Jacks and the Cowgirls will go head to head Saturday in Storrs, Connecticut with a tip-off time of 2:30 p.m.
WHERE TO WATCH
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
Stadium: Gampel Pavilion
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
Stream: ESPN2
Listen: Jackrabbit Sports Network
Collegian photo by EAN WETZEL
Brooklyn Meyer (31) drives to the basket against Harriet Ford (0) in South Dakota State’s 87-67 victory over the Mavericks of Omaha. In the game, Brooklyn Meyer scored 16 points, four rebounds and six assists.
