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UPCOMING SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Noon — (2) Jackrabbit WBB vs. (7) Kansas City (YouTube)
8:30 p.m. — (7) Jackrabbit MBB vs. (2) St. Thomas (YouTube)
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
4 p.m. — Collegian Report Episode 6 (YouTube)
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
2:30/9:30 p.m. — Summit League Tournament Semifinals (90.7 FM & YouTube, SDSU Only)
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
3/8 p.m. — Summit League Tournament Championship Game (90.7 FM & YouTube, SDSU Only)
MONDAY, MARCH 9
7 p.m. — Students’ Association Meeting (90.7 FM & YouTube)
MORE AT SDSUCOLLEGIAN.COM
SDSU BASKETBALL
The Summit League Basketball Championships begin this week at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.
Collegian Media will have live playby-play coverage of all Jackrabbits game with Ben Anderson starting Thursday at Noon when the 2ndseeded SDSU women take on 7thseeded Kansas City and later that night when the 7th-seeded SDSU men match up with 2nd-seeded St. Thomas at approximately 8:30 p.m.
If you can’t listen to the games live, you can read our coverage of each game featuring a Jackrabbit team at SDSUCollegian.com.
THIS WEEKEND
POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME LOG
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, FEB. 22
• 10:39 a.m. — A traffic stop occurred at 22nd Avenue and the Highway 14 Bypass. The incident was cleared by arrest or citation for first-offense DUI, expired license plates, open container in a motor vehicle and failure to maintain financial responsibility.
MONDAY, FEB. 23
No crimes were reported.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24
• 4:20 p.m. — Intentional damage/ vandalism was reported at Southeast Townhouse 2. The case is pending.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
• 7:12 p.m. — A theft was reported at the Wellness Center. The report indicates a theft from the building valued at less than $400. The case remains open and unresolved.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
• 12:32 p.m. — Officers responded to Young Hall for a warrant arrest. The incident was cleared by arrest of citation.
FRIDAY, FEB. 27
• 4:52 p.m. — A nuisance or noise complaint was reported at Caldwell Hall. The case is pending.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
• 2:02 a.m. — An incident involving a fictitious or false ID and the possession of a fictitious license was reported at Hyde Hall. The report also cited underage purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages. Case is pending.
• 2:13 a.m. — Underage purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages was reported at the Avera Health & Science Center. The case is pending.
• 2:36 a.m. — Underage purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages was reported at Chicoine Architecture, Math and Engineering Hall. The case is pending.
OWEN BOYD & FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Joe Sayler, left, and Brooklyn Meyer along with the South Dakota State basketball teams will play in the Summit League Tournament Thursday at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Human Rights Commission addresses Students’ Association
JORDAN ROEMELING
Lifestyles Director
The Student’s Association met Monday night to hear from the Brookings Human Rights Commission, approve a commemoration and discuss campus club events.
Open Forum
Dianne Nagy, the vice president of the Brookings Human Rights Commission (HRC) addressed the senate to speak about the importance of the commission, and to expand their mission of creating an inclusive and ‘welcoming environment’ to the university and throughout the city of Brookings.
“Our goals are to increase equity, access and inclusion, build mutual respect and understanding across differences and to celebrate our diversity,” Nagy said.
The Brookings Human Right Commission has four working groups that bridge communities with education and motion toward their goals. They are advocacy, education, outreach and communications.
The commission also has a complaint process for those who feel they have experienced discrimination in protected class areas.
They also hold a junior youth empowerment program to help those navigate a time in their lives that are prone to ‘turbulent change,’ Nagy said. She also said there is an upcoming youth conference on March 21 at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D. for students who were interested in participating.
With the help of the Commission, Nagy said that Brookings has earned a top rating for the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which measures how inclusive laws, policies and services over 500 cities across the nation are for LGBTQ+ communities.
“I’m happy that the HRC has helped ensure that Brookings has received a perfect score of 100 on the MEI scale for every year since 2018,” Nagy said.
Committee & Staff Reports
University Program Council (UPC) will host a Murder in the Mansion event Thursday, March 5, which is a Clue-inspired mystery event. Attendees will work in teams to solve a murder, for a chance to win a prize, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Volstorff Ballroom in the Student Union.
The Latin American Student Association will host a Women’s History Month Trivia event Thursday as well
in the Student Engagement Center at 5:30 p.m.
Unfinished Business
Commemoration 25-5-C was approved by the senate, which will officially recognize March as Women’s History Month.
Students’ Association President Sophie Spier and Jacki Mollison, Senator-At-Large, encouraged those to get involved in university organizations such as Feminist Equality Movement (FEM) Club, Women in Business Club and Women in Aviation Club to celebrate the occasion.
“Even what was previously mentioned in ex-officio reports, some of the
clubs are going to be hosting events relating to Women’s History Month, and this has been a nationally recognized month, especially for women in academics,” Mollison said.
New Business
President Spier made a motion to open the nominations for vice president and president opening slate during its final week. None spoke, leading it to close, making Spier and Megan Christoffels the only running candidates for the 2026-2027 school year.
JORDAN ROEMELING / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Students’ Association President Sophie Spier speaks at the Monday night meeting in the Lewis and Clark Room in the Student Union, in Brookings, SD.
BARRY DUNN
“The matter continues to be taken seriously by university leadership and those working through the appropriate review process.”
Barry Dunn, South Dakota State University President
SDSU President addresses ‘painful’ racist video; investigation underway
BRAYDEN BYERS
Breaking News
South Dakota State President Barry Dunn released a statement Tuesday afternoon acknowledging the “painful” situation and promising the university is taking it seriously after a racist video surfaced on social media early Saturday morning.
“I am writing today to address the circumstances surrounding a video that was made public this past weekend,” Dunn said in the statement.
The president also said that he is limited in what he can share at the time, but added that the university is working with various university offices to fully investigate and respond in accordance with university policies and law.
“The matter continues to be taken seriously by university leadership and those working through the appropriate review process,” Dunn said.
The video was posted on Snapchat on a story called “SDSU 2026.” The story is not affiliated with the university, but the platform does feature videos and posts related to South Dakota
State University. According to Snapchat, anyone who wants to view or post on the story must have an SDSU-related email.
The 46-second video appears to be shot in a bar where several young men, who appear to be white, make racist comments and what appear to be threats against Black people. The video includes racist slurs, disparaging language and threats to lynch and kill Black people.
The video has since been deleted.
Jonathan Gaston-Falk is a staff attorney at the Student Press Law Center. Contacted Tuesday, he told Collegian Media some of the things said in the video might not be protected by the First Amendment.
of the First Amendment.
“There are a couple of statements that may be considered to rise to the level of threats when the speaker is talking about killing or injuring people,” Gaston-Falk said.
The video captured significant media attention and was the subject of numerous social media posts. KELO-TV’s Facebook post about the video got more than 300 comments. Many of those comments debated what kind of speech is protected under the First Amendment.
JONATHAN FALK
Hate speech generally is not restricted speech under the First Amendment because it’s rooted in opinion, he said. But statements made by the subjects in the video, including threats to injure or even kill black people, might land outside the protection
Students’ Association President Sophie Spier said that kind of hate speech has no place at SDSU. She added that the conduct in the video is not a true representation of the students at the university.
“As the student body at SDSU, we must continue to respect our peers and actively foster a community where every student feels safe, valued and supported,” Spier said.
While Dunn acknowledged the video was inappropriate, he also asked for restraint and urged people not to take
“As the student body at SDSU, we must continue to respect our peers and actively foster a community where every student feels safe, valued and supported.”
matters into their own hands.
“Retaliation of any kind against individuals being investigated or those who report concerns, participate in an investigation or express their perspectives in good faith [during the investigation process] will not be tolerated,” Dunn said. “This expectation is essential to maintaining trust and accountability within our university.”
Dunn said it’s the university’s responsibility to uphold the standards of respect and civility. He wanted people to know that if they feel affected, there is support available and people to talk to.
Students are encouraged to connect with SDSU Counseling Services. Benefits-eligible employees have access to confidential support through the Employee Assistance Program.
“Situations like this can be difficult and painful for members of our community,” Dunn said.
SOPHIE SPIER
HEROH helps defend
KNOW - Personal Awareness and Defense Class
LILLY BLUME Reporter
Students practiced escape techniques and situation awareness skills during a self-defense class held on campus last Thursday by HEROH.
Attendees listened closely with wide eyes as instructor Mark Anawski discussed several scenarios where self-defense would be used. Every 40 seconds a person is kidnapped in the United States, Anawski told the class.
Anawski has been involved in training law enforcement for many years and shared his knowledge about what moves can be done, and what moves would be considered a felony offense that would get you in trouble.
The students were able to not only listen but also practice scenarios and many self-defense moves. Jasmine Anawski, junior business economics major, attended and helped with her father, Mark’s, class. Jasmine said the most memorable move she was able to learn was “being picked up and grabbed from behind since this is a common attack.”
Junior Avery Dyke said she enjoyed learning stomping and punching because it felt very realistic.
“Depending on what people are doing for spring break they have extra tools,” stated Jaeda Paul junior, double major in Biology and Human Biology.
The goal for the personal awareness and defense class is to leave students not in fear but with more confidence that they will be able to successfully defend themselves.
Mark Anawski said, “when getting attacked, time seems to stand still. But most only last less than three minutes.”
This class is free to attend at SDSU and does not cost HEROH a dime.
and runs their Instagram account.
Scan for more information on KNOW
“Mark wants these things to be accessible for students and females knowing his background and he wants to give back to the club,” stated Dyke. HEROH stands for Help Everyone Reach Optimal Health. “It works hand in hand with the wellness center, a big club that promotes wellness,” stated Avery Dyke. Avery got involved in HEROH her freshman year when one of her hometown friends participated in it. She holds the position of Secretary
Without having the opportunity to attend a personal awareness and defense class, students wouldn’t be able to gain as much knowledge on what to do in an emergency. Dyke said the most valuable lesson she learned was how to get out of a choke hold, which she would not have been able to do without Anawski instructor.
Jaeda Paul has been in the club since Freshman year and hasn’t looked back since.
“It’s like a second family to me.” You can be as involved as you would like to be in this club and do not have to pay any dues to be a member.
When asked, Paul said “If students are looking to gain leadership positions early in their college careers, HEROH is one of the easier clubs to get a position your freshmen year.
LILLY BLUME / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Instructor Mark Anawski taught students about self-defense on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 in the Barn.
WILLEM LIM / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Jasmine Anawski assists students in a self-defense exercise on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 in the Barn.
SDSU volleyball to host Nebraska
The Jackrabbit volleyball team will host University of Nebraska – Lincoln next fall (UNL), SDSU volleyball announced Monday. The regular season game is set for Sept. 2, 2026, at First Bank & Trust Arena.
The last time the two teams played was in 2007, when the Jackrabbits traveled to Lincoln to play the defending national champion Cornhuskers, losing 3-0. That season was the last time the Jackrabbit volleyball team won a conference tournament.
The Jacks are fresh-off back-to-back at-large appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Last year, the Cornhuskers were eliminated by eventual national champion Texas A&M University in the regional round of the NCAA Tournament.
Tickets for the Nebraska match will not be included in the season ticket package for the 2026 volleyball season, however 2026 season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for that match at a discounted price. Students can claim their tickets at the beginning of the fall semester.
— Collegian Media News
Brooklyn Meyer named national player of the week
Brooklyn Meyer was named one of five Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week honorees by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).
Last week, Meyer averaged 25.5 points and nine rebounds in games against North Dakota State and the University of South Dakota.
She led the Summit League in scoring average and field goal percentage. Meyer also broke SDSU’s single-season scoring record last week with 662 points on the season.
The Larchwood, Iowa, native scored 18 points in the 59-44 win over the No. 1 seeded North Dakota State Bison. She recorded a double-double, tallying 11 rebounds on 7-8 shooting.
In the 82-49 win against USD, Meyer scored 33 points on 13-17 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists. The win marks her highest scoring game at home and the seventh 30-point game of her career.
Meyer is among four other players honored with this week’s award; Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, BYU guard Delaney Gibb, Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo and James Madison forward Ashanti Barnes were also named.
BRIEFS
Saud starts new role as director of graduate, international admissions
Daniel Saud started his new role as director of graduate and international admissions at South Dakota State University on Feb. 23, following a national search, the university announced last week.
The director of graduate and international admissions “provides strategic leadership for the recruitment, admission and enrollment of graduate and international students at the university,” according to the press release.
In Saud’s last role, he served as assistant dean of international admissions and recruitment at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Saud has bachelor’s degrees in international studies and biochemistry from Hawaii Pacific University. In 2013, he earned a master’s in higher education from Merrimack College. He received his doctorate in higher education policy from Vanderbilt University Peabody College of Education in 2020.
Saud is “humbled and honored” to join SDSU in this role, and thanked the search committee and university leadership for the opportunity.
“I look forward to collaborating with university partners to develop and implement data-informed enrollment initiatives, enhance the SDSU student experience, and advance our shared enrollment goals, supporting the workforce and economic development needs of South Dakota and beyond,” Saud said.
“Daniel brings an exceptional depth of experience in graduate and international admissions, along with a strong record of leading innovative, student-centered recruitment and enrollment strategies at major land-grant research universities,” said Shawn Helmbolt, assistant vice president for enrollment management at South Dakota State University. “We are thrilled to have Daniel as part of our team.”
March 1 marks beginning
A South Dakota State University student-led initiative focused on colorectal cancer awareness and prevention returns March 1 for another season of outreach.
The Brookings Colorectal Cancer Awareness Program (BCCAP) is led by students and partners on campus and in the community. It continues its mission to raise awareness and educate the public about colorectal cancer prevention, early detection and routine screening.
This year’s campaign launches at the Brookings Farmers Market, which BCCAP is attending from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7. The event takes place at the 5th Street Gym, located at 605 Fifth St.
At the Farmers Market, BCCAP plans to offer educational materials, information on screening recommendations, and opportunities for com-
munity members to connect with the campaign. While the recommended screening age is 45, BCCAP encourages residents of all ages to visit with the team and learn about colorectal cancer awareness, prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.
— Collegian Media News
DANIEL SAUD
BROOKLYN MEYER
Former UPD chief pleads guilty
Heaton to be sentenced in May
BRAYDEN BYERS
Breaking News
Former South Dakota State University Police Chief Tim Heaton pleaded guilty Friday in Brookings County Circuit Court to one count of cruelty to animals as part of a deal struck with prosecutors.
Heaton pleaded to the single count and in exchange, prosecutors dropped four other counts of animal cruelty.
Cruelty to animals is a Class 6 felony in South Dakota and carries a punishment of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000 for each count. He will be sentenced on May 19 at 11 a.m.
Heaton and his attorney, Anthony Teesdale, had no comment while leaving court.
The conversation in the courtroom Friday centered around the state’s responsibility to prove Heaton did “intentionally, willfully or maliciously inflict gross physical abuse on an animal that caused prolonged pain, serious physical injury, or resulted in the death of an animal,” according to the complaint.
Each count is attached to one of the five dogs found inside a Brookings house owned by Heaton. Daniel Haggar, the attorney representing the state, said that the dog in Count 1 had an abscess on one of its ears and that the understanding he had after talking with the veterinarian is that the abscess along with issues with its mouth would have caused “prolonged pain.”
In supporting the prosecution’s accusations that Heaton was guilty, Haggar said there was evidence that Heaton was exhibiting “certain hiding behavior.” He also said there was a text message exchange between Heaton and his son, Kyer, asking Kyer to remember to tell law enforcement Kyer is “there every day.”
The investigation began when the Brookings Police Department received complaints of neglected animals at a residence owned by Heaton at 1008 Third St. in Brookings.
During an investigation late last year, officers reported finding piles of feces up to 1 foot deep in some areas of the house, according to the documents. They also found cobwebs, frozen water pails and structural damage to the house from a previous fire. The residence had no heat, and the thermostat reading was 10 degrees.
The arresting officer said the conditions inside the house were “unsafe for human or animal habitation.”
Heaton served on the University Police Department from 1995 until he resigned his position effective Jan. 1.
COLLEGIAN MEDIA
The house pictured, owned by Tim Heaton, sits at 1008 3rd St. in Brookings. This is where the five dogs were found late last year.
TIM HEATON
Binnewies set for overhaul
Renovation will cost between $14-$16M
STONE LOOF
South Dakota State University is in the early stages of a renovation to Binnewies Hall that will upgrade the aging residence hall with modern amenities, improved accessibility and new safety systems before reopening in fall 2028.
The total cost of this project is estimated to be between 14 and 16 million dollars. According to a Board of Regents document, it will be funded by rent revenues used for maintenance and repair of the residence halls, as
well as bonded funds from the state of South Dakota.
Binnewies Hall was originally constructed in 1969 and is home to about 480 undergraduate students each academic year. Since its original construction it has seen few upgrades, with the last major updates being the 2011 restroom renovations and fire alarm repairs in 2021. This new project aims to completely modernize the interior with a focus on community areas and mechanical upgrades, according to Rebecca Peterson, director of Housing & Residential Life.
This renovation will update the five-story
BINNEWIES RENOVATIONS
MECHANICAL UPGRADES:
• Replace the heating/hydronic system
• Provide a central air conditioning system tied to the campus central chiller plant, to replace the small window units
• Replace all windows and storefront window systems
• Provide a fire suppression system
• Update the building’s fire alarm system
• Install an elevator
• Replace doors and hardware throughout the building
• Refinish floors and walls throughout the building
• Roof Replacement
• Restroom refinishing and reconfiguration
• Upgrading staff apartments
• Add or renovate student common spaces (study, kitchen and laundry)
PHOTOS BY DRACO RIVERA / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
The Binnewies Hall exterior on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
residence hall to be accessible with an elevator and new doors/hardware like the ones in Pierson Hall and Brown Hall. The project will also replace all windows and remove the in-window air conditioning units, replacing them with central air conditioning. The addition of a fire suppression (sprinkler) system is also included in the changes, along with updated lighting.
Some layout changes are also expected, focusing on community spaces and bathrooms. An architect hasn’t been selected for this project, but Peterson has several ideas of what layout changes could happen.
“We intend to touch the community spaces and try and … really elevate those and bring those into a new experience,” Peterson said. “In Waneta, for example, we redid the bathrooms there, they’re pod style … is that something we could do in Binnewies?”
Peterson also brought up the idea of having all the laundry in one central location. She said the students like the convenience of having laundry machines on every floor, but thinks having
one designated laundry room that people are comfortable in could make up for not having laundry on all floors.
Although having a kitchen space on every level is unlikely, bringing the kitchen out of the basement is a goal.
“I don’t think it’s going to have a community kitchen in every space, but I think, can we get the atmosphere right, to have a really great kitchen that
people want to be in?” Peterson asked.
Binnewies Hall will close May 2027 to start construction, and is scheduled to be completed by fall 2028. Plans for lost residence space compensation have not yet been fully established. Shauna Lowry, Binnewies residence hall director, said her top priority is taking care of residents.
“We never want anyone to feel like
they’re stuck in one place, and so I feel like that is always going to be our priority, making sure that no one is stuck and we’re always going to take care of our people,” Lowry said.
Lowry hopes that once the renovation is complete, students will take more pride in living in Binnewies Hall.
“I’m expecting the first class to have bragging rights … how I lived in Binnewies after it was first remodeled,” she said.
Peterson’s vision for Binnewies Hall is for “students to be just as likely to choose Binnewies as Ben Reifel when they fill out their housing application.” Ben Reifel is one of the most popular first year residence buildings.
Freshman Austin Skrovigand, who is a Binnewies Hall resident, has an optimistic outlook on the renovations.
“I don’t think there’s any way for it to not get better from the renovations,” Skrovig said.
After the renovations at Binnewies Hall, SDSU will look to Young Hall for the next residence hall renovations to come, Peterson said.
Students walk into Binnewies Hall on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
‘Music with a mission’ Lallycooler Music Festival focuses on local impact
ALLIE MARX Reporter
After drawing in about 13,000 people its first year, Lallycooler Music Festival is returning this summer with a new venue, major headliners and a continued focus on keeping its impact local.
The two-day festival will take place this July in Sioux Falls, at the Sioux Falls Canaries Stadium, moving from its original home at Great Bear Ski Valley. Organizers say the change is designed to support long-term growth and make the event more convenient for the community.
“We had a great experience at Great Bear, but we really need a long-term place with the potential to grow with the festival,” said Maddy Grogan, leader of festival operations. “The convenience and the team at Canaries Stadium have been so good to work with, and they have built-in infrastructure. We’re excited for year two in a different location.”
The Friday, July 10, lineup features headliner Darius Rucker, along with Braxton Keith, Graham Barham and South Dakota local Weston Frank. Saturday, July 11, will bring pop and R&B star Jason Derulo as the headliner, joined by Bow Wow, Gavin DeGraw, Josh Ross and the Goodroad Band. While organizers are always looking for growth, Grogan said the focus this year is refining the overall experience and building long-term sustainability.
“Obviously, with any festival, we want to see growth and people,” Grogan said. “We’re excited about the lineup and the opportunity to just bring this back to Sioux Falls.”
Grogan said that in 2025, Lallycooler generated more than $3.4 million in total economic impact. Rather than setting a specific goal for this year, she emphasized the festival’s commitment to the local community.
“One thing we really strive to do that is different, is keep the festival in the community,” she said. “We use local vendors, local food trucks, and all the people working at the festival and volunteering at the festival are people who live here and are a part of the community. We continue to look for ways to lift up different types of vendors and all the different parts of our community throughout the festival.”
That community emphasis is reflected in this year’s nonprofit partnership with Owen’s Outfitters, a program of The Legacy Foundation. The organization provides donated medical equipment free of charge to families and healthcare providers across South Dakota, giving away roughly $400,000 worth of equipment each month, Owen’s Outfitters Executive Director Mike Turner said.
Turner said the connection began when the organization volunteered at last year’s festival.
“To now be selected as the supported nonprofit means a huge amount — getting our name out there and helping the community,” Turner said.
Money raised will help update and simplify the organization’s check-in process, making services more accessible. Owen’s Outfitters will also have a booth at the festival to connect with attendees.
“From the get-go, it’s been so cool that this isn’t just a money-making festival,” he said. “They keep it here and local.”
Organizers describe Lallycooler as “music with a mission,” a phrase that reflects the festival’s emphasis on supporting local nonprofits, vendors, and volunteers while bringing national entertainment to Sioux Falls. For local artists like Weston Frank, that opportunity is significant. A longtime staple in South Dakota’s country music scene, Frank performs 100 to
120 shows annually across the Midwest. Being included on a festival stage alongside national headliners offers validation, and visibility.
“It’s not often that you get to be a local artist at a festival like that,” Frank said. “It’s confirmation of my work.”
At Lallycooler, he plans to perform primarily original music. He added that festivals that include local acts can help draw in regional fans while strengthening the broader music community. After Lallycooler, Frank will continue a busy summer tour schedule across the Midwest.
As Lallycooler enters its second year, organizers hope the mix of national headliners, regional talent, and community partnerships will help the festival continue to grow into a lasting Sioux Falls tradition.
Friday, July 10
Darius Rucker
Braxton Keith
Graham Barham
Weston Frank
Saturday, July 11
Jason Derulo
Bow Wow
Gavin DeGraw
Josh Ross Goodroad Band
Two festival-goers look at a selfie while attending the inaugural Lallycooler Music Festival located in Sioux Falls in 2025 . For its second year, Lallycooler will be in a new location; Sioux Falls Stadium, home of the Sioux Falls Canaries.
Photo courtesy of KICKTURN STUDIOS
BIG TIME OPPORTUNITY SDSU wrestling heads into Big 12 Championships
JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits hop into the Big 12 Wrestling Championships this weekend.
Last year, the Jackrabbits finished third overall, recording three thirdplace finishers and a runner-up finish by sixth-year wrestler, 157-pounder Cobe Siebrecht.
Starting Friday, more than 80 ranked wrestlers from around the conference take to the mat for accolades and awards. SDSU’s preliminary round matches are set as they will face wrestlers from six schools, including three from Utah Valley University.
In the 125-pound class, No. 4 seed Brady Roark will face Sefton Douglass from the University of Wyoming. The Cowboys finished 8-5 and beat SDSU in their last meeting on Jan. 18. The team finished in 10th place in last year’s Big 12 Championships.
Cale Seaton in the 133-pound class faces No. 1 seed Jax Forrest from Oklahoma State University. OSU finished the regular season 15-1 with only one loss against the University of Iowa on Nov. 16, 2025. After finishing runner-up last year, the Cowboys enter this year’s championships with six top seeds, including the top seed overall held by 125-pounder Troy Spratley.
In the 141-pound class, Julian Tagg faces Easton Hilton from the University of Missouri. The Tigers finished their 2025-26 campaign with a 12-8 record, beating four ranked teams. Last year, Missouri placed eighth in the championships with Keegan O’Toole winning the 174-pound class title.
Alek Martin in the 149-pound class faces another Tiger wrestler, No. 5 seed Josh Edmond. The redshirt senior has 24 career dual wins and placed third in the conference for the 2023-24 season.
In the 157-pound class, No. 6 seed Cael Swensen faces Mark Takara from
Utah Valley. The Wolverines ended their regular season at 5-8 overall, losing their last meeting with SDSU 1916 on Jan. 16. Last year, Utah Valley saw two wrestlers finish inside the top 10, with 165-pounder Terrell Barraclough finishing third and 197-pounder Kael Bennie finishing eighth.
Marcus Espinoza-Owens, seeded eighth in the 165-pound class, faces another Wolverine in Zyon Trujillo. The freshman from Las Vegas recorded three dual wins this season, including two against Big 12 opponents.
In the 174-pound class, No. 6 seed Moses Espinoza-Owens earned SDSU’s only preliminary bye and will
face either No. 3 seed Cam Steed from Missouri or Hudson Rogers from Utah Valley in the quarterfinals.
Brock Fettig in the 184-pound class faces No. 7 seed Issac Dean from Iowa State University. The Cyclones finished the regular season 12-2 and beat SDSU, 29-7, in their last meeting on Jan. 25.
Iowa State placed fourth in last year’s Big 12 Championships as 149-pounder Paniro Johnson claimed his second conference title.
In the 197-pound class, No. 4 seed Bennett Berge faces Tyler Perry from the University of Northern Colorado. The Bears finished the regular season 3-10 with no wins against ranked oppo-
nents. Last year’s championships saw Northern Colorado finishing a schoolbest fifth with two class champions. Dominick Serrano took the 133-pound championship and Vincent Zerban won the 157-pound championship.
Luke Rasmussen faces No. 6 seed Jack Forbes from Utah Valley in the 285-pound class. Forbes recorded a 10-3 dual record with a 6-1 conference record.
Session one, featuring the preliminary and quarterfinal matches, begins on Friday at 10 a.m. Session two, featuring semifinal and consolation quarterfinal matches, starts at 5 p.m. Matches will be streamed on ESPN+.
FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Redshirt junior wrestler Bennett Berge faces NDSU wrestler during the Border Bell on Feb. 22 at First Bank & Trust Arena. The Jacks took a tough 20-13 loss against the Bison in the final regular season dual of the season but will look to bounce back during the Big 12 championships.
INDOOR SEASON COMES TO CLOSE
NATHAN THOMPSON Sports Reporter
The SDSU men placed third, and the women fifth at the Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships. The men scored 134.5 points, and the women 72.
Both teams placed lower than last year. Despite these finishes, there were many notable performances. On the men’s team, Cody Larson won the 3000 meter race with a time of 8:15.48. His teammate, Will Lohrfinished fourth in a tight race for second that saw three runners within 1.54 seconds of each other. This duo placed second and third in the 5000 meter, running 14:01.56 and 14:16.14 respectively.
Lohr also placed fourth in the mile with a time of 4:06.71, exceeded by his teammate Brandon Kampsen, who ran 4:06.04 in second place.
Kampsen also scored the silver in the 800 meter race, running 1:49.11.
The men’s only other first place finish came from the field events. Caiden Fredrick won the weight throw with a 69 foot throw. This performance won him Kwik Star Peak Performer of the week.
The men’s team also sported a few promising up-and-comers. Freshman Griffin Fischer placed third in the 200 meter race, Freshman Ty Nelson placed third in the triple jump and Sophomore Cashton Johnson placed seventh in the 5000. As they continue
to develop, they could prove to be key components of future championship attempts.
The women’s only first place finish came from the Distance Medley Relay. The DMR consists of 1200, 800, 400 and 1600 meter runs. The team of Nina Dawson, Vivian Dalton, Madalyn Childs and Eleni Lovgren beat USD’s team by 0.34 seconds.
Other notable finishes include Ellie Harris in the 200 meter, who captured third place with a time of 23.95. Harris also placed fifth in the 60 meter dash, with a time of 7.55.
Josie Curry placed third in the weight throw, throwing just over 61 feet.
Some up-and-coming athletes on
the women’s side are Johanna Pihl, who placed third in the long jump. Freshman Addy Engel led the team in the shot put with a sixth place finish. Sophomore Silja Gunderson placed fourth in the 60 meter hurdles. From the same class, Lindsey Rotz placed sixth in the 800.
With the championship in their rear view mirror, the Jackrabbits now set their sights towards the future, and the approaching start to their outdoor season. On March 27, the Jacks will compete in their outdoor season opener, the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis.
LYDIA HILL / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Griffin Fischer runs past a teammate at the Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championship at the Frederick D. Pollard Jr. Athletic Center in Grand Forks, N.D. Fischer placed third in 200 meter.
SOFTBALL STRUGGLES DOWN SOUTH
CORDELL VITENSE
Sports Editor
The Jackrabbit softball team had a rough OSU/ Tulsa Invitational, going 0-5 over the three-day trip.
SDSU now sits with a record of 12-9 after the five losses over the weekend in Oklahoma.
TULSA
On Friday, Feb. 27, the Jacks took a 4-3 loss to Tulsa to start the Invitational.
Tulsa jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, but the Jacks responded when junior Akayla Barnard and sophomore Amanda Vacanti hit back-to-back home runs to take a 2-1 lead.
SDSU head coach Kristina McSweeney talked about Vacanti’s success this season.
“This is a player that refuses to lose, she refuses to not be on the field,” McSweeney said. “She’s just a competitor. When it’s time to go, it’s time to go. I think that’s one thing you can take away from Amanda is when it’s time to show up, she shows up.”
Tulsa would tie it back up in the bottom of the sixth before the Jacks took it back after an Emma Vike RBI in the top of the seventh.
Tulsa would go on to score one run in the bottom of the seventh and top of the eighth to take the win.
NEBRASKA
Later in the day, the Jacks took on Nebraska, who defeated SDSU with a score of 8-1.
After a scoreless first two innings, Nebraska got on the board first in the top of the third with a single run in the inning. This score opened the floodgates as in the top of the fourth, they went on to score seven runs.
A Vacanti RBI single in the bottom of the seventh was the final score of the game and Nebraska walked out with an 8-1 win.
but it didn’t slow Oklahoma State down as they would score two runs in the bottom of the second.
Down 4-1 in the top of the third, Vacanti hit a two-run home run to bring the score to 4-3.
Later in the inning, freshman Ella Berlage hit an RBI single to tie the game up.
After the game sat tied 4-4, the Cowgirls outscored the Jacks 8-0 to get the win.
NEBRASKA
The Jacks will now head down to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers on Thursday, March 5.
The Jacks will play a doubleheader against the Cornhuskers with the first game scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. game.
The Huskers are currently 14-5 on the season and will play in their home opener against the Jacks.
Nebraska went 3-1 in the OSU/ Tulsa Invitational, with their only loss being to Oklahoma State, whom they split with during the Invitational.
SEMO
After an 0-2 Friday, the Jacks looked to get a fresh start on Saturday when they took on Southeast Missouri State.
The Jacks didn’t turn it around as they took a 6-0 loss.
The Redhawks got off to a fast start in the bottom of the first with a threerun inning. They went on to score two runs in the third inning and one in the fourth.
TULSA
The Jacks faced Tulsa on Saturday for the second time in the Invitational and the result was the same as the first matchup, with Tulsa getting a 4-3 win.
In the bottom of the second inning, Tulsa scored three runs to take the
lead.
The Jackrabbits finally got on the board in the top of the fifth with a three-run inning.
Freshman Bria Riebel started the scoring with a home run, followed by a two-run homer from Barnard.
With the game tied up, Tulsa took the game with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh.
OKLAHOMA STATE
On Sunday, March 1, the Jacks traveled to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State. The trip wasn’t successful as the Jacks got handed a 12-4 loss in six innings.
The Cowgirls started fast with two runs in the first inning. The Jacks scored a run in the top of the second,
Senior pitcher Jordy Frahm is a player to watch as she has an era of 1.71 when she pitches. She has pitched 53 innings this season and given up less than one hit per inning.
Frahm also hits an average of .421 when she steps up to the plate. She has 24 hits on the year, including a team high of seven home runs.
UP NEXT
After playing the Huskers in a doubleheader, the Jacks will travel to Colorado to compete in the Rams Invitational from Saturday, March 7, to Sunday, March 8.
The Jacks will face off against Drake twice, Northern Colorado and Colorado State.
MIRANDA SAMPSON / SAMPSON SNAPSHOTS
Senior Alivya Bollen runs to first base agaisnt the Oklahoma State Cowgirls on Sunday, March 1 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Jacks took a 12-4 loss against the Cowgirls. This game was part of the OSU/ Tulsa Invitational where the Jacks went 0-5. Bollen had five hits during the trip including one RBI.
SUMMIT LEAGUE LOOMS
No. 7 SDSU
JACOB BRENDE Sports Editor
looks to snap losing streak against Tommies
The SDSU’s men’s basketball team dropped their final game of the regular season in a 75-70 loss to USD. With the regular season officially over, the Jacks will head to Sioux Falls for the Summit League Tournament.
USD
Despite leading at halftime, a huge second half by the Coyote’s ended the season off on a bad note for the Jacks. Leading 42 to 38 at the half, SDSU was in the midst of a good shooting performance, shooting more than 50% from the field and nearly 72% from three.
But after the solid first half, they went cold. SDSU went 11-34 from the field while South Dakota went 11-22. The Coyotes’ free-throw shooting was a factor in the loss. The Coyotes shot 31 free throws and scored 25 points off of them. Conversely, the Jacks went 9-13. Joe Sayler led SDSU in points with 24, while Jordan Crawford and Cameron Fens tied for team high points with 17 for the Yotes.
SUMMIT LEAGUE
Thursday will mark the beginning of the postseason for SDSU, and their journey towards Summit League champions will be lined with tough opponents. Going 14-17 on the season, SDSU got the No. 7 seed. The St. Thomas Tommies will seek their third straight win on the season and their third straight victory over the Jackrabbits.
By scoring margin, they rank second in the Summit League in both offense and defense, scoring 83.3 points on average while giving up 72.
Going into this season, SDSU was 7-2 against St. Thomas, but thanks in part to Summit League Freshman of the Year Nick Janowski, the Tommies have built up momentum.
ing statistic that shows a weakness is their rebounding. Out of nine Summit League teams, they rank seventh in team rebounding and last in offensive rebounds. Their defensive rebounding does make up for some of their struggles, but with SDSU being arguably the best rebounding team in the Summit League, that is something that could tip the scales towards the Jacks.
“We gotta play really well,” said head coach Bryan Peterson on beating St. Thomas. “We gotta do it for 40 minutes … I think we’ve had some really good spurts against them but we just gotta put 40 minutes against them.”
If SDSU beats St. Thomas, they’ll face either North Dakota or Denver. The Jacks beat both of those teams this year, splitting each series 1-1. In their first game against North Dakota, they lost in overtime. At home, SDSU beat the Hawks 91-83.
Against Denver, their first game was a win at home and then subsequently lost 61-79 away. If going by seeding, Denver would be the most ideal opponent. The No. 6 seed, they are a streaky team defined by their Summit League leading offense but also by their second worst defense.
The Pioneers have the Summit League scoring leader in Carson Johnson, who averages 20.2 points a night and has the best three-point shooting percentage, going .413 from beyond the arc.
North Dakota is a more balanced team, the No. 3 ranked team in the league, their offense is ranked fifth best and their defense sixth best.
St. Thomas has averaged 75.5 points a game this season against SDSU while the Jacks have averaged 65.5 points against the Tommies. One of those losses was a blowout. But in the first matchup, SDSU was able to keep it
competitive between the two teams, losing 69-75 on the road. The previously mentioned Janowski averaged 22 points a game against SDSU. A team that is good at essentially every facet of the game, the one underly-
SDSU’s postseason bout against St. Thomas will be played at the Denny Sanford PREMIER center in Sioux Falls. Streaming for the game will be provided by Midco Sports and the Summit League Network, further rounds will be offered by the CBS Sports Network.
FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Damon Wilkinson shoots the basketball during a game against the University of South Dakota on Feb. 7, 2026 in First Bank & Trust Arena. Wilkinson scored 18 points and had nine rebounds.
FOCUS ON FOUR SDSU women look for fourth straight Summit title
CORDELL VITENSE
Sports Editor
The Jackrabbit women’s basketball team ended the regular season on a high note, getting an 82-49 win over USD on Saturday.
USD
The Jackrabbits jumped out to a commanding lead after an 18-0 run in the first quarter.
The Jacks took a 27-8 lead going into the second.
The Jacks maintained the 19-point lead after an even second quarter, but SDSU pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Coyotes by 14 in the final two quarters to get a dominant 82-49 win.
Senior Brooklyn Meyer had a big game with 33 points and seven rebounds, while shooting 13-17 from the floor and 7-9 from the line.
For USD, it was Molly Joyce doing a lot of the scoring with 21 points on 50% shooting from the floor and a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line.
JACKS RECAP
Now that the regular season is over, the Jackrabbits will head into the Summit League Tournament on a seven-game winning streak.
The Jacks finished the regular season with a 14-2 conference record, which was good enough to earn them the second seed, behind 15-1 NDSU.
Even though the Jacks won’t head into the tournament with the one-seed, head coach Aaron Johnston says he wouldn’t change anything.
“I wouldn’t cut one thing out of our season,” Johnston said. “Everything that’s happened for us this year has helped us be who we are today. I’m proud of that and I don’t want our team to feel differently about that. I think we
embrace it all, you don’t just get to pick and choose your highlights from the season.”
Senior forward Brooklyn Meyer led the Jackrabbits this season, scoring just over 22 points per game, putting her first in the Summit League in scoring.
Meyer isn’t just a scorer, though. The senior is in the top five in rebounding in the Summit League with just under eight per game and second in blocked shots with 1.8 per game.
Another key player for the Jacks is senior guard Madison Mathiowetz, who averages 13.4 points per game on over 46% shooting from the floor and 41% shooting from deep.
These scoring numbers for Mathiowetz put her ninth in points per game in the Summit League and give the Jacks the highest scoring duo in the conference.
KANSAS CITY
The Jacks’ first game of the tournament will be against the seventh-seeded Kansas City Roos on Thursday, March 5.
The game will be played at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.
The Roos didn’t have the regular season that they would have liked, going 4-12 in conference play and ending the regular season on a seven-game losing streak.
Even with the losing streak, the team played well in the last two games of the season. They lost 70-68 to Oral Roberts on Feb. 21 and 73-71 to St. Thomas on Feb. 25.
The Jacks won the two matchups
against the Roos earlier this season by an average of 33 points, with a 13-point win in the first matchup and a 53-point win on Valentine’s Day.
The Roos’ leading scorer is junior guard Emani Bennett, who averaged 14.3 points per game. Bennet can be a threat from deep as she shot just over four three-pointers per game and made nearly 38% of them.
Emani’s twin sister, Elauni Bennett, is another name to watch. The thirdyear guard averages 12.6 points per game on 57.5% shooting from the field. Elauni Bennett does all her work from inside the arc, only attempting two shots from deep in her entire career.
Tip-off against the Roos is scheduled for noon on Thursday.
FINN HOLSEN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Senior Forward Brooklyn Meyer (left) and redshirt freshman Claire Sheppard (above) celebrate against the USD Coyotes at First Bank and Trust Arena on Saturday Feb.28. The Jacks got an 82-49 win against the Coyotes. The Jacks are now seeded second for the Summit League Tournament after the win over the Yotes.
