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UPCOMING SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
4 p.m. — The Variety (90.7 FM)
6 p.m. — Dakota DeBruin (90.7 FM)
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
3 p.m. — Sierra Singer (90.7 FM)
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Collegian Report Ep. 11 (YouTube)
MONDAY, APRIL 27
5 p.m. — Collegian Media Meeting (Student Union Room 069)
7 p.m. — Students’ Association Meeting (YouTube & 90.7 FM)
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
4 p.m. — ApoloJacks (90.7 FM)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
The Collegian Issue 12 (Brookings)
MORE AT SDSUCOLLEGIAN.COM
BEHIND-THE-SCENES: SWEENEY TODD
State University Theatre opened up their season last weekend with its production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
The show follows Sweeney Todd, a barber set up on fleet street, as he teams up with a pie shop owner to seek revenge on those who wronged him.
Collegian Media’s Claire Booth, who was part of the ensemble, gives us an exclusive behind the scenes lookat the production in a Collegian Media online exclusive.
ON YOUTUBE LATER THIS WEEK
April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Sami Banks, a rural advocate with Margo’s Place in Brookings, writes about the importance of awareness, supporting survivors, and finding local help.
“Volunteering enables you to pursue passion and purpose by contributing your skills to causes that are meaningful to you.”
Isioma Ngozi Ononye explains how volunteering is a good way to build a portfolio and expand your network.
The daily crime log is a document prepared by the SDSU Police Department that provides details on calls they have taken over the past week. The crime log is sent to Collegian Media for publication every Monday.
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
No incident documented.
MONDAY, APRIL 6
No incident documented.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
No incident documented.
WEDENSDAY, APRIL 8
• 6:01 a.m. — A miscellaneous incident was reported at the Newman Center / Performing Arts Center. The incident was documented.
• 9:13 a.m. — Non-threatening phone calls were reported at Briggs Library. The incident was documented.
• 12:46 p.m. — Harassment was reported at Abbott Hall. The incident was documented.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
No incident documented.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 No incident documented.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
No incident documented.
Collegian Media corrects all con rmed errors that are brought to reporters’ or editors’ attention. A er editors con rm the error and the accurate information, the correction will appear as soon as possible on the same platform. Errors that could be libelous or require a more prominent display may require di erent handling at the editor-in-chief’s discretion. In all cases, transparency in making a correction is essential.
KENNEDY FOSTER / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
With razor in hand, Jacob Stevens steps into the role of the infamous barber in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Stevens is a senior majoring in theatre and communication studies.
RYANN DAVIS
News Director
Senators discuss plan to revitalize ‘Walmart path’
There are plans for the Eighth Street connection between SDSU’s campus, Walmart and McCrory Gardens’ arboretum to go under construction this summer, adding walking trails and increased arboretum accessibility.
Senators voted to pass a memorandum of understanding between the Students’ Association (SA), McCrory Gardens and SDSU Facilities and Services at Monday night’s meeting. The memorandum introduced more formal plans for a project that will connect the Eighth Street “Walmart path” to a new trail system in McCrory Gardens’ arboretum. The construction on Eighth Street is scheduled to begin this summer, with further construction following.
The total estimated cost for this project is $1.4 million. Tanner Aiken, project manager and horticulturist, said a large portion of the project is being devoted to storm water management. According to the memorandum, SA is contributing $150,000 from their transportation fund to the SD Arboretum Recreation Corridor project.
The project began with an application for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant through the Department of Transportation in 2022.
“We applied for this project, seeing the potential of the West side of the arboretum, kind of the disc golf course area,” Aiken said.
The project plans outline a paved trail that will go through two and a half kilometers of the arboretum as well as a gravel trail. Aiken said the inspiration for this was the Dakota Nature Park.
“There’s some other opportunities for some grassy trails, so, really, this is open to anybody that just wants to ride their bike, run, walk, just go lay in the grass in the trees,” Aiken said.
The trails will also be ADA accessible.
Senators were given the chance to ask questions or voice concerns about the plans and made suggestions for lighting throughout the trails, more emergency call boxes and asked about the possibility of additional crosswalks on 22nd Avenue.
Aiken and McCrory Gardens Director of Operations, Lisa Marotz, will return to SA next Monday when senators will vote on the project’s approval.
IN OTHER NEWS
During unfinished business, senators passed Resolution 26-1-R. The resolution pushes the university to do a feasibility study on the replacement of the paper-based room reservation signs with digital availability screens in the Student Union.
Finance Chair Dominic Delahoyde is a sponsor for this resolution, and said he got the idea for this when he visited the SDSU Alumni & Foundation building, where digital availability screens are in use.
“I feel like it’d be something that would also help just reduce our overall paper waste,” Delahoyde said.
During committee and staff reports, the newly elected senators introduced themselves as this was their first
meeting as a new senate.
A new senator-at-large, Becca Derenge, reported on behalf of the Student Union Advisory Committee. Derenge said after the Yeager Cafeteria closes, the kitchen appliances will be stored in Hansen and Waneta Hall. Also on the agenda for this summer, Derenge said the Student Union’s HVAC system is being fixed.
REWARDING
HEALTHCARE CAREERS
Sign-On Bonus & Tuition Assistance FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY
Weekend Shift Differentials Internships Available
Certification Opportunities
RYANN DAVIS / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Students’ Association President Sophie Spier addresses the senate at the April 20, 2026 SA meeting.
STUDENT INFLUENCE ON BROOKINGS ECONOMY, HOUSING
ELEANOR JOHNSON Reporter
As students fill coffee shops, apartments and downtown streets, their presence shapes daily life in Brookings in ways many people may not realize.
With over 12,000 students at South Dakota State University, Brookings experiences both the benefits and challenges that come with being a college town. From supporting local businesses to impacting housing and city resources, students play a major role in shaping the community.
Mike Struck, Brookings’ community development director, said students play a key role in Brookings.
“The student population has a pretty significant impact on the community,” he said. “When students are in the community, they’re spending money, which allows businesses to prosper and helps the city invest in infrastructure, parks and services.”
That impact is reflected in a 2021 economic study from the South Dakota Board of Regents, which found that South Dakota State University generates more than $561 million in economic activity in Brookings County annually.
That economic influence also affects how the city grows and attracts new businesses.
“Population is a significant driver of economic development,” Struck said. “When you reach certain population levels, more businesses and retailers start looking at your community.”
According to Struck, students who live in Brookings for at least six months of the year are counted toward the total population, which can help open the community to funding and development opportunities.
In addition to business growth, students have also had a noticeable impact on Brookings’ housing market.
“At one point in time, the university was growing quicker than housing could be provided,” Struck said. “The private sector developers responded, and in recent years we’ve seen a lot more multifamily construction to provide different housing options and price points.”
As of July 1, 2024, about 52 percent of occupied housing units in Brookings were rentals, compared with 48 percent being owner‑occupied. This is an increase from an approximately even 50‑50 split in previous years, Struck said. He noted that this shift reflects both the student population and broader trends in the housing market.
Beyond housing and city development, students play a key role in Brookings’ local workforce.
“A lot of the businesses will offer part time posi-
tions, and they’ll try to work around class schedules to fill the needs of the local workforce,” Struck said. “It’s a great way for students to get some professional level experience and some income as well.”
Struck also added that many larger employers, such as Daktronics, offer internship opportunities and flexible schedules specifically designed for students, including remote work options.
In Brookings, the rhythm of local businesses is shaped largely by the student population.
Jacob Limmer, owner of Cottonwood Coffee, said students are “a critical, significant component” of their customer base. “I’m not sure we’d even be in business without students,” Limmer said.
Limmer estimated that roughly 40 to 50 percent of their customers are students. He also said that total sales noticeably drop during summer and winter breaks when many students leave town.
Limmer said about 80 percent of their employees are students, which he considers a unique relationship.
“You’re in this spot where you can’t be in a career yet. You don’t have a college degree,” he said. “And so we get to take advantage of this kind of unique situation that students have in their lives, where we get really high quality, interesting employees for a short amount of time.”
Along with coffee shops, students’ presence also supports other local businesses, like The Socialight Boutique in downtown Brookings.
Chelsea Lang, owner of The Socialight Boutique, said students have a huge impact on her business.
“They bring a ton of traffic into the store. All of the events and sports games also bring so many people to town,” Lang said. She estimated that about half of her customers are students.
“Fall is the busiest time of year due to students coming back to campus and also football games,” Lang said. “I try to keep up with the latest trends, which can often come from that age group. I also carry for my audience, so I always have things that college girls love.”
She also said that sales are usually slower during breaks and summer months, with the highest sales being in the fall.
“Students bring life to our community. They have events that bring people to town, they are a huge part of our community’s vibrancy and local business’ success,” Lang said.
Struck said he sees the effects of being a college town as more of an opportunity than a challenge.
“Every year, there’s a new group of students that come into the community that come with different goals and aspirations and ideas,” Struck said. “There’s a tremendous amount of creativity that comes not only with those new students, but as the existing students are here longer and longer, they all have different ideas and perspectives and desires of what they like to see in the community.”
KYLA ANDVIK / COLLEGIAN MEDIA People study at Brookings coffee shop Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie last Fall.
SDSU Theatre Presents Sweeney Todd
KENNEDY FOSTER
Reporter
State University Theatre and Dance performed Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” for over 1,750 people April 16-19.
The show follows main character Sweeney Todd as he returns to London after being wrongfully imprisoned by a corrupt judge for 15 years. Seeking revenge, Todd teams up with the struggling pie shop owner, Mrs. Lovett, whose business begins to boom after she makes a disturbing change to her recipe, with the help of Todd.
Senior theater and communication studies double major Jacob Stevens, who plays Sweeney Todd, said this role has been different compared to his previous roles.
“He (Sweeney Todd) lives in such an extreme emotional world, but it has to be played with total honesty,” Stevens said. “A lot of roles I’ve done in the past lean into charm or humor or warmth in a more accessible way, but Sweeney doesn’t offer that.”
Last spring, Stevens played the charming love interest, Jimmy Ray Dobbs, in SDSU’s performance of
Bright Star, which is a stark contrast from Sweeney Todd.
“He’s isolated, obsessive and deeply wounded, and the challenge is letting all of that exist without trying to “soften” him for the audience,” Stevens said. “It’s forced me to trust stillness more and to really sit in darker, more uncomfortable emotional spaces than I’m used to.”
The production leaned into the gothic, Victorian-era themes of mid-1800’s London, with the use of fog machines and a darkly lit stage.
Stage manager Reagan Black’s job is to ensure that all the technical aspects of the show happen when they are supposed to. Putting it all together was the senior’s biggest challenge.
“There are so many different moving pieces, just making sure they can all go together and make a cohesive finished product,” Black said.
For many students in the show, this was their last performance with State University Theatre. Out of the cast and crew, 17 students are seniors.
Director Casey Paradies’ favorite part of directing the show was “getting to do it one last time with my babies,” referring to his graduating students.
State University Theatre and Dance will end their season this weekend with their spring dance concert called
is at 7 p.m. on April 24 and 25 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 26.
Who is Stephen Sondheim?
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) was an American composer and lyricist who revolutionized Broadway musical theatre. Some of his most popular works include West Side Story, Gypsy, Company, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George. He has won eight Tony Awards, eight Grammys and an Academy Award.
Masked in the Oscar Larson Theatre. The show
KENNEDY FOSTER / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Jacob Stevens, who played Sweeney Todd in this year’s production of “Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” rose from his coffin at the end of the opening number on April 14, 2026.
Blast from the past Rock show on Saturday to feature music from the 80s
MASON SALWAY Reporter
A low rumble from a crowd, the lights go up on stage, and then the music starts. You leave the stage and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
This is the feeling Everatt Misar, a freshmen theater major and vocalist for the band Dead Ringer, loves.
“Being on stage is very much like playing a character,” Misar said. “You are trying to do what will make the audience happy.”
This Saturday, he and other musicians will get the chance to impress the crowd at the 80s Rock Battle of the Bands on the stage of the Coolidge Sylvan Theatre just outside Lincoln Hall. SDSU students in various bands will take the stage and perform rock classics from the 1980s. That includes songs like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ‘69,” Van Halen’s “Jump,” and Journey’s “Separate Ways,” and many more classics.
The event is organized by the SDSU History Club and the Rock Band Club.
“The music is very recognizable and you’ll hear something you will enjoy. And, it is less formal than our last event, the regency ball,” said Karli Haack, the History Club fundraising manager.
The bands will compete for not just the crowd’s enjoyment, but also for a cash prize of $500. It will be given to the groups based on placement given by judges.
An audience choice award of gift cards is also up for grabs.
This event cost around $5,000 to put on, Haack said. The money came from all over Brookings, with History Club, community sponsors, the school of American Global Studies, and, 103.7 the KRRO radio contributing.
The bands are not the only ones who will be in the running for a reward. A
IF YOU GO TO THE EVENT
What: 80s Rock Battle of the Bands
Where: Coolidge Sylvan Theatre, just west of Lincoln Hall
When: Saturday, April 25, 4-8 p.m.
How much: $8.50 for students, tickets sold in the box office in the Performing Arts Center
giveaway of two David Lee Roth tickets will be available to the audience. This prize is provided in partnership with KRRO.
This event is designed to raise money for the History Club and the Rock Band Club and will help with future events and club meetings.
This will be the first major event of the spring to take place outside and it will be a good opportunity to see live local bands and socialize, said Aeriel Eitreim, a junior history education major.
“The goal is to bring awareness to SDSU about the great events of SDSU History Club,” Eitreim said. “We have spent all semester planning and getting ready for the event.”
The bands performing will also be judged by a panel of consisting of John Ackman, a former SDSU professor, Dan Carlson, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School band director, and Kevin Fullerton, the director of career development at SDSU.
The Shorty’s Hot Box food truck and the SDSU Ice Cream Truck will be in the nearby parking lot to provide food drinks and refreshments.
MASON SALWAY / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Emma Raisanen, History Club president (left) and Karli Haack, History Club fundraising manager (right) table in the Student Union this week to get the word out about the 80s Rock Battle of the Bands.
STUDENT FINDS PURPOSE IN FIREFIGHTING
JORDAN ROEMELING
Lifestyles Editor
Drew Harding, a junior criminology major at SDSU, spends his time balancing schoolwork and answering emergency calls as the only student volunteer firefighter at the Brookings Fire Department.
His interest in public service began early on, when police officers and firefighters would visit during school. Those days left a lasting impression on him, Harding said, and knew at a young age he wanted to pursue a path like theirs someday.
After some questioning about college, he chose SDSU, but felt some uncertainty about his decision.
That changed this past summer.
Harding worked at a firework stand, and met a recruiter for volunteer firefighting wearing a t-shirt representing his department. Harding remembers offering him any help if needed, but then decided to approach him and ask him about firefighting.
“Something possessed me to go back to him,” Harding said. “I asked him, (and) he said it was the best decision he had ever made, and it’s never too late to volunteer.”
Now, Harding has been at the Brookings Fire Department since September, where he commits himself to answering as many fire calls as he can while completing training certifications and his degree. Harding recently finished his structural firefighter certification training.
“I won’t lie that it is a huge undertaking to do both of these things at the same time, but I don’t think I’ve ever been happier doing it,” Harding said.
Harding said he feels like an ambassador for both SDSU and the Brookings Fire Department, as he represents both.
“I’d say one of the most fun events I’ve done is the Hobo Day Parade, because I got to walk alongside all of our fire apparatuses that we had in the parade,” Harding said. “It’s one of those things that just puts a smile on my face as much as it does anyone. I absolutely love being part of the community.”
Troy Hughes, the Brookings Fire Chief, had some good things to say about Harding’s work so far.
“Drew is very energetic (and) Drew wants to learn,” Hughes said. “He’s the ideal candidate for us, he’s young with a lot of energy.”
As graduation approaches, Harding said he is still exploring law enforcement and firefighting as potential career paths.
“I think that there’s a lot of awesome possibilities,” Harding said. “I equally love policing and firefighting, and that there’s no losing in what I end up choosing.”
Upcoming Events for BFD
Hughes also shared some events that the Brookings Fire Department will be having to promote the fire station and potential opportunities for students, like Harding.
In the near future, the department will have a ‘Firefighter For a Day’ event at their training site, located at the South Fire Station off of Medary Avenue and 32nd Street.
Participants will put on firefighter gear to get a feel for the weight of it, and to see if it is something they are interested in.
“We’ll put our rope rescue harnesses on, some bunker gear, and say ‘Here’s what it is, here’s what we do and here’s a chance for you to try it,’” Hughes said. “So, we’re hoping that will draw more students in.”
Hughes also said that they will get to experience a simulated fire inside a building, which can be uncomfortable at first, but gives people a chance to try it out.
“(It) is pretty confining for people when you get zipped up, it’s kind of like a body bag,” Hughes said.
“There’s a lot of different sensations and experiences, (but) we understand because we all were just as nervous … but we’ll give it to you in a small dose, where you go ‘hey, I did that.’”
The fire department is also in the design stage for a new fire station that is estimated to be open next summer or early spring. The new station will give firefighters new amenities such as better ways to clean gear.
There will also be three new trucks, including a wildland engine, a heavy rescue and a tower rescue.
BROOKINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
To become a volunteer firefighter at the Brookings Fire Department, visit https://www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/.
JORDAN ROEMELING / COLLEGIAN MEDIA Drew Harding poses in front of Engine 1 on April 8, 2026 in Brookings S.D. Harding is the only SDSU student volunteer firefighter at the Brookings Fire Department.
BE PRESENT: TERI JOHNSON
ADLEN WHEELOCK Reporter
Engaging. Authentic. Curious. Present. Busy. These are all words used to describe senior lecturer Teri Johnson.
Johnson has been a lecturer at South Dakota State University since 2014, when she and her husband returned to Brookings. In addition to her teacher role, she is a pastor at three rural churches and a member of the Brookings School Board - that’s the busy part.
This semester, Johnson teaches four sections of Life, Love and Money and three sections of Mastering Lifetime Learning. She makes it a point to remember a student’s name, even in her larger classes. She thinks that remembering somebody’s name makes them feel seen and heard. At the beginning of each semester, she doesn’t pass around attendance sheets. She does attendance by herself, which helps her learn each person’s name. She said she has done this in her ministry too.
“I’ve always been in, prior to right now, been in really, really big churches and you can kind of get swallowed up,”
Johnson said. “So I just made it a point, like remember, remember, remember.”
Johnson is a graduate of SDSU. The Rapid City native decided to attend SDSU because her mother came to school here and she grew up with South Dakota State College memorabilia around the house. A few of her friends from Rapid City also attended SDSU, influencing her decision.
Johnson earned a degree in sociology and a minor in religion and women studies. After graduation, she attended the Iliff School of Theology in Denver and earned her master of divinity degree. She later went on to attend Sioux Falls Seminary, where she received her doctor of ministry degree in 2000.
Johnson preached at multiple churches before returning to Brookings and becoming a lecturer in 2014. Since then, she has been a part of the School of Education, Counseling and Human Development’s exploratory studies program, and Counseling and Human Resource Development Program.
She said that she thinks this was the direction God was calling her. She loves being a part of the exploratory program because she has a passion for helping
FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Teri Johnson teaches a section of her class ‘Life, Love and Money’ inside Lincoln Hall on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
students explore their options.
“I’m a curious person anyway, so to work with students that are curious about all the majors, curious about finding their right path and being open, really seemed to be a good fit for me, because I was still exploring my life, even at that age,” Johnson said.
Johnson has a gift for interacting with others and making them feel like they belong. This quality hasn’t gone unnoticed by her students and colleagues.
One colleague of Johnson’s, Anne Karabon, who is the director of the School of Education, Counseling and Human Development, said she has heard great feedback from students, especially students who have taken a religion class with Johnson.
“She has the ability to teach about multiple perspectives and also allows perspectives to be safe and present in the classroom discussion,” Karabon said.
This isn’t necessarily a unique quality, Karabon said, but one that is very special and important while in the classroom. Johnson has the ability to make connections within her class-
rooms and the community. She is a good listener and uses that skill while teaching and preaching.
Karabon said Johnson’s personality is authentic. She is always real and that helps her connect with others. She also said Johnson’s ability to “compartmentalize” helps her be present in every situation even with her busy schedule.
“When she’s teaching a course, she is fully there and whole, like whole body, whole mind into what is happening,” Karabon said.
Johnson said she enjoys learning about her students and their lives. She is inspired by her students every day. She has even had the opportunity to teach students she baptized as babies.
“I love interacting with students, because I learn as much as they do,” Johnson said. “I think I really value curiosity, so curiosity about others, and so, getting to know students, learning more about them, their life stories, where they’re from, what they contribute.”
Freshman Nora Peterson, a criminology major, had Johnson as a teacher for first-year seminar. She said Johnson always did her best to make the class
TERI JOHNSON
Title: Senior Lecturer
Education:
• Bachelor of Science, SDSU
• Master of Divinity, Iliff School of Theology
• Doctor of Ministry, Sioux Falls Seminary
engaging and fun.
“That’s my favorite class I’ve ever had,” Peterson said.
Peterson was surprised Johnson is also a minister.
Being employed at SDSU and at three churches in the community creates a busy schedule for Johnson. She said her congregations are understanding and know that she teaches full time. She does her teaching during the week, which allows her to be present at church on the weekends and Wednesday nights.
With her free time, Johnson enjoys spending time with her family, grandchildren and dogs. She also likes to bake bread, read and knit. On campus, she enjoys taking part in fitness classes at the Miller Wellness Center, when her schedule allows it. 2BFit is her favorite class.
Johnson’s advice for students is to be engaged in what they do.
“We can just be fully present to each other, show up to life,” Johnson said.
“We all have bad days, but I think if we show up and bring our gifts and accept each other, life’s going to be pretty good.”
Johnson loves teaching all her classes, but her favorite class to teach is first year seminar. She enjoys getting to see new students during their first semester on campus and helping them find their way at SDSU. She is grateful to be able to teach and continue being a minister.
that I love,” Johnson said. “I love it.” classes, but her favorite class to teach is first year seminar. She enjoys getting to see new students during their first semester on campus and helping them find their way at SDSU. She is grateful to be able to teach and continue being a minister.
that I love,” Johnson said. “I love it.”
FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Johnson speaks to one of her students in her ‘Life, Love and Money’ class inside a Lincoln Hall classroom on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Johnson listens to a group project in her ‘Life, Love and Money’ class on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Governor’s Day celebrates ROTC cadets
AMINA AIDARKHANOVA Reporter
Cadets stood in formation as university leaders, state officials and community members gathered at SDSU to recognize the achievements and service of ROTC students during the annual Governor’s Day ceremony.
The event was held at the Performing Arts Center, and it brings together Army and Air Force ROTC cadets to celebrate their achievements while strengthening connections between the university, the state and the local community. The ceremony is part of a long-standing tradition and is considered one of the longest-running ROTC recognition events of its kind in the United States, honoring cadets for distinctions in leadership, academics and military training.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden attended the event. He addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of service and responsibility. He told the cadets that “every generation of Americans bears the responsibility to carry this freedom forward,” and greeted them as “the next generation of leaders, both for this state and for the entire country.”
Rhoden also demonstrated his pleasure and pride in those who have chosen the path of service, thanking both the cadets and the veterans for their dedication and self-sacrifice.
While the ceremony is a formal display of discipline, the preparation begins hours before the first speech.
Samuel Gigov, a freshman mechanical engineering student and Cadet Fourth Class, was at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center at 9 a.m. to prepare. Gigov pulled double duty, performing the national anthem and serving as a proffer, ensuring every award reached its recipient.
“I believe that Governor’s Day is an amazing way to boost morale and show off some achievements held by our ROTC Detachments,” Gigov said. “It is also a way to connect with many people who have served or are current-
ly serving in the military.”
For Jonah Hansen, a senior food science major, the day represents a rare bridge to state leadership.
Having attended the event four times, Hansen noted the unique access it has provided, such as meeting the governor of South Dakota four times and allowing cadets to meet with veterans and high-ranking officials.
For many students, the experience extends far beyond the ceremony itself.
Ellie Doering, a senior nursing student and ROTC cadet, said the program has played a major role in shaping her both personally and professionally. She said her time management skills, professionalism and speaking abilities have all benefitted.
Doering said cadets build strong relationships through shared responsibilities and constant communication.
Balancing ROTC obligations with school can be demanding. Cadets participate in physical training, leadership labs and classes each week in addition
to their academic workload. Doering said managing those responsibilities requires discipline and organization.
She emphasized that the program creates a supportive environment where students can grow as leaders.
Doering said one of the most rewarding aspects is helping create a positive space where cadets feel comfortable learning and improving, even when they make mistakes.
Doering said the event brings together cadets, active-duty service members and veterans, giving them a chance to share their experiences and showcase their work. University leaders say the program plays a key role in student development and the institution’s mission. David Earnest, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said supporting ROTC students aligns closely with SDSU’s focus on leadership and public service.
“Young men and women who join ROTC think about leadership every day,” Earnest said.
Collegian photos by AMINA AIDARKHANOVA
ABOVE: Governor Larry Rhoden poses for a photo with cadet while presenting an award at the annual Governor’s Day ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
BELOW: SDSU President Barry Dunn poses for a photo with cadet while presenting an award at the annual Governor’s Day ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Multiple personal bests recorded past week
NATHAN THOMPSON
Sports Reporter
On August 13, 1982, the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High was released to audiences around the country. The film follows various high schools throughout the school year and the wild times they have as they take on Los Angeles one day at a time. However, if you are looking for fast times in California, you need not look only to Ridgemont High. The Jackrabbits’ times at the Bryan Clay Invitational could also suffice.
BRYAN CLAY INVITATIONAL
Many Jackrabbits had great showings in what is advertised as one of the greatest collegiate fields of competition available. Cody Larson placed seventh in the 3000 steeplechase, with a time of 8:28.94. Larson also got 10th in the men’s 1500 race, with a new best time of 3:40.37. These times are first and second in school history respectively. Will Lohr ran a new personal best time in the 5000 meter race, with a time of 13:58.77, breaking the 14 minute barrier for the first time in his career putting him 10th.
In the women’s events, Story Rasby ran 55.15 in the 400, placing 20th at the meet. Erika Kuntz placed 30th in the same event, with a new best time of the season, with a 55.62. Jenna Johnson placed 21st in the 400 hurdles, with a time of 1:02.24. Reese Luze bested her old personal record by 0.52 seconds, running 2:11.34, and placing 47. Madalyn Childs also ran a new fastest time, with a 2:14.82 800 meter, placing 60th in her heat and 145th at the meet. Kelsey Schmidt ran a new personal best of 17:23.43 in the 5000 meter race, placing 60th in her heat and 134th at the meet.
PHIL ESTEN CHALLENGE
68 Jackrabbits competed in Veterans Memorial Stadium in La Crosse, Wisconsin last week. Among them was Lucas Flemmer, whose new personal best 400 meter time of 46.80 won the event. Carter Johnson got second in the 110 hurdles with a time of 14.42. Carter
Toews got sixth in the 200 meter dash, running a new fastest time of 21.30. Tyler O’Neil’s personal best of 3:57.79 in the 1500 also earned him sixth place honors.
In the men’s field events, Ty Nelson jumped his best length, a 49 feet, 5 inches leap to win the event. Wyatt Melcher got sixth in the event with a new best of 47 feet, 3 inches. Ethan Fischer won the discus with a throw of 176 feet, 4 inches. Grayson Ring and Brooks Holen were among the seven people who jumped 6 feet, 7 inches getting new season bests, alongside their fourth and sixth place finishes. Ryan Hackbart’s 184 foot, 7 inch hammer throw was sixth best at the meet, and the furthest throw of his career.
In the women’s events Ellie Harris won the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.85 seconds. Sian O’Sullivan got fourth in the event with a time of 12.19 seconds. Kyra Weiss and Vivian Dalton went sixth and seventh in the 400 meter, both having personal bests, running respective times of 57.42 and 57.62. Brianne Travis had a personal best 18:51.18 personal best in the 5000 meter, to earn third place. Silja Gunderson’s personal best time of 14.20 was second in the 100 hurdles. The women’s 4x100 meter relay, of Ellie Harris, Sian O’Sullivan, Chloe Raw, and Silja Gunderson won the meet with 45.54.
In the women’s field events, Piper Eby bested her old best throw in the Discus to win the meet, throwing 156 feet, 10 inches. Hadley Carlson got second place and a new best high jump, with 5 feet, 5 inches. Her teammate Taylor Jochum jumped 5 feet, 2 inches for fourth. Josie Curry won the hammer throw with a throw of 178 feet, 8 inches.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the coming days, SDSU will be competing in three meets. The Drake Relays in Iowa from April 23-25, the John McDonnell Invitational in Arkansas on April 24 and the OU O Ring Alumni Opener in Oklahoma on April 25.
JOSH KUTCHER PHOTOGRAPHY / GOJACKS
SDSU’s Cody Larson jumps over a hurdle in the 3000-meter steeplechase during the Bryan Clay Invitational on April 16, 2026. Larson won the Kwik Star Summit League Men’s Track Peak Performer of the Week from his performance in the meet.
SDSU HOSTS SPRING GAME
OWEN BOYD
Sports Reporter
On Saturday, April 18, the SDSU football team held their annual spring game inside the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex with the offense facing defense.
It wasn’t a normal game, instead it was more of a simulation where the offense would start down 0-17 and have to drive their way down the field to score.
Every time the offense scored, they reset back to the 40-yard line and drive again. They continued to reset until the defense stopped them from scoring a touchdown or field goal.
Then the quarterbacks switched out, going from the starter down to the fifth string.
Chase Mason made a full return, looking good and healthy both passing and running the ball. However, the game had no contact for quarterbacks, so unfortunately, we were not able to see Mason’s usual running playstyle on full display.
Some other players that stood out were junior running back Ramon McKinny Jr, scoring a breakaway touchdown and making several other big runs for a gain.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Beau Bakken showed out, making a hard-hitting tackle that had the entire team and crowd excited.
Sophomore tight end Brayden Delahoyde made quite the show by getting a very impressive toe-tap catch to secure a first down.
All the kickers made a strong impression as well, missing only one or two kicks, one of which was called back due to a false start.
Overall, both the offense and defense had solid performances, and looking ready to go as the head into the 2026 season.
ABOVE: Jackrabbit quarterback Jack Henry throws a ball during SDSU’s spring game. BELOW: Jacks defenders try to stop running back James Basinger short of the goal line.
Collegian photos by FINN HOLSEN
Junior running back Ramon McKinney breaks through the defense for a big play.
SOCCER WINS EXHIBITION MATCH
The South Dakota State Jackrabbit soccer team continued their spring season with a 3-0 win over Northern State in an exhibition match on Sunday, April 19 at Fishback Soccer Park in Brookings. Here are some photos from the match.
Collegian photos by OWEN BOYD
South Dakota State middle fielder Mia Bosch jumps up for a header while battling with Northern State.
Senior Hannah Langstaff tries to fend off two Wolves defenders and mantain control of the ball.
SDSU’s Sophia Emerson kicks the ball in Sunday’s match against the Northern State Wolves.
ABOVE: Junior Mia Bosch fights over a ball with Northern State player.
BELOW: The SDSU soccer team celebrates after their win over Northern State on Sunday.
MAVERICKS DOWN JACKS
Jackrabbits look to rebound after sweep to Omaha
JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter
Following a road sweep by the University of Nebraska Omaha last weekend, South Dakota State softball looks to turn things around with this weekend’s series at home against the University of St. Thomas.
GAME ONE (L, 7-1)
The Mavericks opened game one of the series with six unanswered runs. Bailey Sample kicked off scoring with a two-run home run for Omaha, followed by four runs batted in. Ella Berlage got the Jacks on the board with a home run. They were unable to score the rest of the contest, losing 7-1.
Amanda Vacanti started on the mound for SDSU, pitching three innings with two strikeouts. Akayla Barnard and Hailey Herman split relief duties in the last three innings.
GAME TWO (L, 7-4)
Following a Mara Cramer home run, Omaha jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. Alli Boyle answered with a solo home run in the third inning. Emma Vike hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning, but the Mavericks had already extended their lead. Another home run by Akayla Barnard proved insufficient in the Jacks’ comeback efforts, losing 7-4.
Tayler Baker got the starting nod, pitching the first inning until Herman relieved her for the next two and twothirds innings. Grace Proctor would finish the game as she and Herman combined for three strikeouts.
GAME THREE (L, 1-5)
The Mavericks hit two homers, both adding multiple runs. Katherine Johnson scored two runs in the first inning while Emma Durrell scored three runs in the sixth inning. An Abby Gentry RBI double was the only scoring SDSU could muster, completing the sweep
for the Mavericks with a 5-1 score.
Madi Mangulis pitched a complete game, striking out four batters. Before this, her last two complete games ended in victories.
The Jacks drop to 23-27 with a 5-7 Summit League record. They rank fourth in the conference.
“[It’s] disappointing that we didn’t win,” head coach Kristina McSweeney said. “However, naturally any coach would do a lot of reflecting after a weekend like what we had, and I go back and look at the scores around the Summit…kind of puts it into perspective that we were competitive.”
Omaha has six shutout wins in conference play. SDSU was the first Summit League team to score runs
in every game of a series against the Mavericks.
ST. THOMAS
This Friday the Jacks will start a three game series against St. Thomas that spans through Sunday.
The Tommies are in the midst of a four game winning streak and hold a 29-13 record, standing behind only Omaha in the Summit League standings. Leading the way for St. Thomas in a plethora of statistics is Laken Lienhard. Some of the stats she leads the team in include batting average, slugging percentage and walks. Her .400 batting average, .810 slugging percentage and 29 walks are all trailed by Avery Wukawitz. Wukawitz also has
team highs in plenty of statistics. Her four triples, 12 home runs and 101 total bases are the best on her team.
Pitching is also an area of strength for St. Thomas. The Tommies have given up nearly 100 less hits than their opposition. Throughout their 42 game season so far, they have let up 253 runs while tallying 344 themselves. They have allowed 140 runs this season and only 16 home runs.
Ella Cook serves as an ace for the Tommies, boasting a 2.03 ERA, .216 opposing batting average, a team high ten wins and the most innings pitched with 117.
The series will open at 4 p.m. Friday followed by a 1 p.m. start Saturday and Sunday.
MIRANDA SAMPSON / GOJACKS
Abby Gentry swings the bat in a softball game against the University of Nebraska Omaha on April 19, 2026. Gentry was responsible for SDSU’s only run of the game, hitting an RBI double in the sixth inning.
ORAL ROBERTS BESTS SDSU Top placed ORU offense shows out in sweep
ERIC HEGGESETH
Sports Reporter
The Golden Eagles of Oral Roberts left little to question about who is in control of the Summit League, departing Erv Huether Field with a three-game sweep of the Jackrabbits in Brookings.
GAME ONE (L, 8-4)
The long ball led the way for the Golden Eagles on a windy Friday afternoon at Erv Huether Field in Brookings.
Cooper Kelly started the scoring in the top of the first for the Golden Eagles, sending Sam Schlecht’s two-out, 0-2 count offering over the right field fence for a three-run home run. Oral Roberts led 6-0 after two and a half innings with a two-RBI double from Will Edmunson and a sacrifice fly.
SDSU got on the board in the bottom of the third on a two-run single from Nate Wachter.
In the fourth, Makani Tanaka blasted a solo home run to give ORU a 7-2 advantage. Nolan Grawe extended his hit streak to 15 games in the bottom half with a two-run home run.
Tanaka gave ORU the final say in the seventh inning with his second home run of the day, a wall-scraping solo homer just over the reach of right fielder Nate Wachter.
SDSU had two-hit days from three players in Luke Luskey, Nolan Grawe and Keegan Jirschele. Sam Schlecht took the pitching loss (3-3) and Easton Teel got the victory for ORU (4-1).
GAME TWO (L, 18-2)
ORU had a magnificent day at the plate as they piled on 18 runs on the Jackrabbits coming away with a 18-2 run-rule victory on Saturday afternoon.
ORU got it going quickly as they scored six runs in the second inning. Cooper Combs hit a two-run home
run, and Will Edmundson then left the yard blasting a three-run homerun.
Wailele Kane-Yates doubled in another run to finalize the inning. During it, Oral Roberts sent 11 players to the plate.
The Golden Eagles were not done, scoring eight more runs off six hits in the third inning to make it a 14-0 game.
Oral Roberts extended their lead to 16-0 in the fourth as Davis reached on a fielder’s choice and Combs brought another run home on a sacrifice fly.
SDSU added on two runs in the fifth, but weren’t able to make up the deficit.
Sophomore Infielder Nolan Grawe extended his hit streak to 16 games.
SDSU also had hits from Grant Sorenson, Luke Jones, Luke Everson and Nic Wirk and left 10 runners on base.
Will Yeary (1-0) gets the win on the mound for ORU and Sam Novotny (2-
4) suffers the loss
GAME THREE (L, 10-2)
ORU once again took control early to defeat the Jacks 10-2, never trailing in a three game sweep.
In the second inning, Ethan Fender grounded out but Cooper Kelly came home to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead after the second inning.
Oral Roberts once again put up a crooked number in the third inning, Makani Tanka grounded out, but still added one run to the score. Cooper Combs finished the at bat by shooting one up the middle to score two. In the next at bat, Fender singled in Cooper Kelly. ORU added six runs in total during the third and led 7-0 by the end of it.
In the fourth, SDSU’s Nate Wachter brought in Grant Sorenson on a
sacrifice fly to cut the ORU lead to 7-1 after four.
Oral Roberts added two extra runs in the seventh to take a 10-2 lead and would go on to win the game. Jack Hill (4-0) gets the win on the mound for ORU and Kaden Rylance (2-3) picks up the loss.
ORU boosted their record to 23-14 overall and a Summit League best 14-1 in conference play while SDSU fell to 12-24 overall and a 6-9 record in conference play.
South Dakota State will be in action next on Wednesday when they play host to NAIA Briar Cliff. First pitch at Erv Huether Field is set for 3 p.m before a weekend series with Northern Colorado. Saturday and Sunday tilts are both scheduled for 2 P.M
DAVE EGGEN / INERTIA
Nate Wachter holds the bat in a baseball game against Oral Roberts on April 18, 2026. Both the offense and defense faced struggles in the 18-2 loss, ORU managing 15 hits while the Jacks put up five.
