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WOSTER AWARDED PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION
Jim Woster, a 1962 animal science graduate, has been awarded a Presidential Medallion by SDSU President Barry Dunn last week.
Woster was presented the medallion during the September 13 football game.
Activist
JACKRABBIT SPORTS
Read coverage of the Jackrabbit volleyball (Thursday at 7 p.m.), women’s soccer (Thursday at 7 p.m.) and football (Saturday at 2 p.m.) this week.
Athletic director talks growing student support, facility projects STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
EMILY DECOCK
Editor-in-Chief
South Dakota State University’s athletic director called the recent trend of student attendance at athletic events “awesome” and answered questions from senators on potential new construction projects.
“Student demand has gone way up, which is awesome,” said Justin Sell, in his 17th year leading the athletic department. “We need you at everything; it’s the energy in the building.”
One project senators asked about was a new soccer facility on campus. The team currently plays at the Fishback Soccer Stadium on the South side of Brookings, about three miles away from campus.
“We’ve been working on it probably for five years, at least,” Sell said. “I think it needs to be on campus.”
Funding for all SDSU athletic facility projects have been privately raised, or through a bond in the case of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Sell said.
board on the north end of the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium will potentially be part of a larger update to the stadium.
A project that’s in talks would add an equipment room to Dykhouse Stadium, with an academic center above it, jutting out toward the round-a-bout. The project would also look to update the football locker room.
“That screen or video board would probably be part of that project and then part of that fundraising piece,” Sell said. “So, we’d have to find a funding source.”
In other news at Monday’s meeting: Senators passed a resolution to create a temporary task force to review and address accessibility for students with physical disabilities.
SDSU student Megan Rezac brought accessibility concerns to the Students’ Association during open forum. Rezac, a senior communication studies major, brought up many points of inaccessibility on the SDSU campus with the Senate. Retention rates for disabled students are generally lower than rates for students who are not disabled, Rezac said.
“Soccer has to kind of behave the same way,” he said. “When we put in turf for softball and baseball last spring, those were donor-driven, we got donations to do that.”
Sell remains encouraged that the soccer facility will be completed. They have a design and cost, but need a lead gift to kick the project off.
“We do that, then it will move pretty quick, because it’s not as complex as the arena or the stadium or the indoor facility,” Sell said. “We could get that fairly quickly if we can get the lead donor.”
Sell also said getting a larger score-
“Disabled students often face numerous more barriers than the fellow students in their grade when trying to achieve the same result in their academics,” Rezac said. “I am a disabled student here at SDSU. I have experienced a lot of barriers here to getting my education, such as inaccessibility, not just in classrooms, but in materials for classes.”
Sen. McKenzie Duncan was a prime sponsor of the resolution.
“Megan has done a lot of research into this subject,” Duncan said. “My purpose in creating this resolution is to see our Senate body respond to an individual and a cause like this with positive action.”
EMILY DECOCK / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Sophie Spier speaks at the Students’ Association meeting on Monday, Sept. 22.
JUSTIN SELL
Cole Swindell returns to Brookings
JORDAN ROEMELING Lifestyles Director
Cole Swindell, one of country music’s chart-topping performers, is headlining the Dacotah Bank Center on Thursday for his “Happy Hour Sad Tour.” He’ll be joined by special guests Priscilla Block and Greylan James.
The Georgia native is known for his long-time impact in the country genre, beginning with his debut single, “Chillin’ It,” released in 2013. Since then, he’s landed multiple No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country chart, with hits like “You Should Be Here,” “Middle of a Memory” and “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.”
He also won an Academy of Country Music Award for New Artist of the Year in 2015 and Grammy nominations for music collaborations throughout the years.
This will be a return for Swindell, as his last performance at the Dacotah Bank Center was in 2018.
“We’re so excited to have him back,” said Ashley Biggar, general manager for the Dacotah Bank Center. “Brookings gave him a warm welcome then, and we know fans are ready to show up even bigger this time around.”
Alongside Swindell, rising country artists are making their own space in the music genre.
Priscilla Block gained attention on the TikTok app for her viral 2020 song, “Just About Over You.” Since then, she’s built a fanbase for her honest songwriting that blends country pop and Southern rock. Greylan James, who picked up his first guitar at five, spent years writing for many country stars, including Swindell, before stepping into the spotlight with his own music.
Biggar said concerts like these for Brookings are much more than entertaining the community, but it’s about building community.
“Concerts like this not only bring unforgettable experiences for fans, but they also have a ripple effect–restaurants, hotels and local businesses all benefit,” Biggar said. “It brings people together and showcases Brookings as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Excitement for the upcoming event is building, with steady ticket sales and a strong online response.
“The buzz has been fantastic,” Biggar said. “People are so excited to see a major coun-
try act like Cole come to town. We’ve had calls, messages and so much energy on social media.”
Attendees can expect Thursday’s show to be what Biggar calls “Midwest hospitality at its best,” with the event center having reserved seating, plenty of concessions and on-site parking. But for her, the highlight comes when the music starts.
“For me, it’s all about hearing the crowd when Cole hits those first notes,” Biggar said. “It’s that goosebumps moment where you realize the whole room is connected through the music. Bringing people together for nights like this is why we love what we do.”
COLE SWINDELL CONCERT
Headliner: Cole Swindell
Tour: The Happy Hour Sad Tour
Special Guests: Priscilla Block & Greylan James
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 25
Where: Dactoah Bank Center
DACOTAH BANK CENTER / SUBMITTED PHOTO
Cole Swindell is performing with special guests Priscilla Block and Greylan James on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Dacotah Bank Center for his “Happy Hour Sad Tour.”
Pheasant Restaurant receives grant $50,000 will help iconic restaurant with renovations
TAYLOR TENNANT
Assistant News Director
Brookings’ oldest full-service restaurant is getting improvements that highlight its history and community roots.
Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge has received $50,000 through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. This year, 50 restaurants across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands received funding, with the Pheasant being the only recipient in South Dakota. Along with financial support, Resy, an American Express company, will provide one year of restaurant management software through ResyOS to help with operations.
Head chef and operator Michael Johnson, the third generation of his family to run the restaurant, said they first heard about the grant from another downtown business owner, who suggested they apply after their own business had received funding in a previous year.
“We just filled out the online application, and one day we got a congratulatory email,” he said. “It’s a sort of validation that our authentic selves are worthy of that kind of recognition.”
The grant will fund a series of exterior improvements. Plans include refreshed signage, siding updates, patio enhancements and historical photos and artwork highlighting Brookings’ story.
“$50,000 is a lot of money, but for a building this size and of this age, it kind of only goes so far,” Johnson said. He added that the funding will help the restaurant maintain its historical charm and remain a welcoming spot for locals and visitors.
Founded in 1949, Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge has become a local institution. Travelers, locals and South Dakota State University students, faculty and alumni have been drawn by its local flavors and friendly hospitality for decades. In 2024,
the restaurant earned the prestigious James Beard Foundation “American Classic” Award, the sole winner in the Midwest region.
The restaurant has been family-run since 1966, when Johnson’s grandparents purchased it from the original owners.
Johnson credits the longevity to the community’s support and the mix of custom-
ers who fill the dining room. According to Johnson, lunch hours often attract retired locals and working professionals, while evenings and weekends bring college students and families.
“Sometimes at one table you’ll see multiple generations together,” he said, highlighting the variety of customers, which helps keep the restaurant vibrant.
Johnson also described the ways Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge reflects Brookings’ cultural history. The menu and traditions draw from Norwegian and Scandinavia settlers, Native American roots and more recent Indian and Nepalese populations in the area. The restaurant’s philosophy, he said, is to stay authentic rather than follow trends from bigger cities or national food networks.
“We really just try to reflect our community back to itself,” he said.
Part of that authenticity, Johnson added, is offering a menu that suits all types of diners. College students and families can find affordable options, while those looking to celebrate can splurge on special items. He also noted a common misconception from visitors: some expect a place that’s too traditional or formal, while others worry it might be expensive. In reality, he said, the goal is to provide a welcoming experience for everyone.
The grant will allow the restaurant to address both cosmetic and structural needs. Johnson said that working with local architects, the team is already deep in the planning phase, with completion expected by the end of the year. He anticipates minimal disruption to diners during the renovations.
Johnson said the grant ensures that the restaurant can continue to serve as a space for meals, stories and connections.
“We’re just trying to make sure that we’re taking this place that belongs to the community, cleaning it up and making sure things are ready for the next generation,” he said.
With the grant funding and careful planning, Johnson hopes Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge will remain a cornerstone of the community for generations to come.
TAYLOR TENNANT / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
The Pheasant Restaruant & Lounge offers a wine cellar and an oil and vinegar tasting bar.
Ag program gets $1.2M barn
RYANN DAVIS News Director
A $1.2 million transient animal facility is nearing project completion on the west side of campus. This project was started after the previous facility was destroyed by a derecho in 2022.
According to Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Joseph Cassady, the transient animal facility temporarily holds animals who come to campus for days or months at a time.
“It’s a biosecurity measure to keep the transient animals separate from our resident herds,” Cassady said. These animals used to be housed in an old cow-calf facility built in the 1960s, which did not have room for transient
pigs. On the west end of the new facility, there will be an enclosed structure specifically for pigs.
“That area needs to be able to house them (transient pigs) during cold weather because oftentimes in January at the beginning of the spring semester, we will bring in pigs to support our livestock judging team practices as well as classroom activities,” Cassady said.
The new facility is being built in the same spot it was in before and will remain the same size with the exception of the enclosed pig structure. However, according to Cassady, one mile north of the transient animal facility there was another front facing, 200 foot building that was destroyed by the 2022 derecho. This unit is known as the “BBU.”
“We are not building that building (the BBU) back, so when you consider both of
the buildings that were destroyed by the derecho, the new building, even with the pig part, is less square footage than what we had before,” Cassady said.
This project was originally anticipated to be complete for the fall semester. Issues regarding staying on budget were addressed in early summer, making the completion process delayed to spring 2026.
The transient animal facility will house animals as well as provide learning opportunities for CAFES students.
“It’s (the transient animal facility) designed to support our hands-on learning experience,” Cassady said. “Many students participate in Little International and they will benefit from these facilities as we can house the pigs that are used for Little International.”
RYANN DAVIS / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Workers construct the transient animal barn on Sept. 17, 2025. The facility will house animals, as well as provide learning opportunities for CAFES students. It will be located on the west side of campus.
New athletic ticketing system draws mixed reviews
REMINGTON MIKLOS Reporter
A new ticketing system for Jackrabbit athletic events is drawing mixed reviews from students.
The athletic department recently sent an email to students that read, “All fulltime SDSU students score free admission to every home, regular-season events. All you have to do? Claim your ticket by logging into your student account.”
Under the old system, students tapped their SDSU IDs on card readers and walked into events. They could decide just minutes before the game if they wanted to attend.
The new system requires students to do some planning because they have to reserve the tickets (which show up in their digital wallets) days before the game. For example, students could begin reserving their tickets for Saturday’s game against Mercyhurst this past Monday.
Emily Peters, a junior from Sauk Centre, Minnesota, said that the new system requires more “planning and thinking.”
“You no longer have the freedom to up and go to games with your friends because the tickets might be sold out,” Peters said. “You have to plan a week in advance, and with a group, that can be very difficult.”
Madison McCollum, a junior advertising major from Omaha, said it was difficult to help her friends figure out the full system.
“I personally think the ticketing system makes it difficult for people to figure out if they want to go to the game or not because it has to be done in advance and it makes less people come to games,” McCollum said.
Athletic Director Justin Sell talked about the new ticketing system at Monday’s Students’ Association meeting. The system has been contentious, and Sell admitted to “growing pains” that
come with implementing a new system.
He’s optimistic the athletic department can turn things around for this week’s game that starts at 2 p.m.
“This week should go really well,” Sell said.
Sell said redemption rates for tickets at football games is around 70%.
“We need that way higher, or we need to come up with a system to turn tickets back.”
As long as there is room, students will be let in, Sell said.
“But when we call games a sellout, some people aren’t coming, because they think they can’t get in,” Sell said. “So there’s a couple things we still need to probably work through. But I think by and large, that system’s going to help us a lot.”
Jordon Boe, assistant athletic director
of development, said that on average about 3,500 students are admitted to each football game. Offi cials expect the new ticketing system to process students into the stadium faster.
“We have the ability to have more scanners scanning students at one time than we had card readers,” Boe said. “So, the volume that we can move through that gate will increase.”
By Friday, Aug. 29, close to 3,000 students already had claimed their tickets for Saturday’s season opener against Sacramento State, Boe said. Final student attendance for the game was 3,297.
BRAYDEN BYERS / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
For that game, a line began to develop at the student gate by 4 p.m. The gates opened at 5 p.m., and at that time, there was hardly a line at all. Students could walk right into the game within a few minutes.
By 5:30 p.m., the line stretched back by the Wellness Center, but processing students through seemed to be happening smoothly.
Security procedures for checking bags, boots and hats did seem to add some time to the wait, but not signifi cantly. Some fans reached out through social media to complain.
Kyla Andvik, a junior journalism major from Fargo, said she had no problem with the new system.
“I kind of like it. It makes the student section less crowded, and you have a spot to sit,” Andvik said.
“It was pretty easy. Claiming a ticket wasn’t hard,” said Blair Atteberry, a freshman animal science major from Barnesville, Minnesota.
Students wait in line outside Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium to get into an NCAA college football game against Drake on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Brookings.
Pride of the Dakotas turns 135 years old
ANDREW LEWNO Multimedia Journalist
The world was a much different place 135 years ago. Benjamin Harrison was president of the United States, the country of Turkey didn’t exist yet. South Dakota State University itself was only nine years old. The state of South Dakota was granted statehood alongside North Dakota merely one year prior. Yet through all these differences, one notable thing has been the same: The Pride of the Dakotas.
The marching band officially turned 135 years old this past August. To reach this milestone, the Pride has been a part of many notable moments in history, including two presidential inaugurations, two Rose Parades, a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a National Memorial Day Parade, a National Independence Day Parade, two national championship games in Frisco, Texas and even a performance for the King and Queen of England. To reach this level of success and longevity, The Pride has made a lot of changes since their humble beginnings.
Kevin Kessler, Director of Athletic Bands, said when the band began in 1890, it mainly played for ROTC units and athletics, with the director usually being a professor at the college with some sort of musical experience rather than a trained professional. Halftime shows looked very different too, as the theatrics and showmanship of modern halftime shows did not fully bloom until the ‘40s and ‘50s.
Once the band got their hands on proper musical training and leadership and adopted the more choreographed, routine-based field show style that was emerging at the time, The Pride as SDSU knows them today fully came to form.
After one performance in the mid ‘60s, the PA announcer cheered on what he called “The Pride of the Dakotas” over the speaker system. The name stuck, and the reset was history, Kessler said.
Fast forward to today and The Pride, now nearly 300 students strong. Kessler said that each year begins with new Pride members moving in on Monday, one week before classes start, followed by returning members moving in the following day. The whole week prior to the official start to the fall semester sees The Pride working up to 8-9 hour days to learn all they can before classes begin. Once they start, however, they are limited to just 75 minutes, four days a week.
“It’s a lot to learn,” Kessler said, “because there’s all the music that we play in the stands, there’s the music that we learned for shows, and there’s typically three tunes in a halftime show.”
To master every element of their performances in such a limited
amount of time, Kessler credits the student leadership he sees on the field, especially during the opening week, claiming the work the students put in to help younger, more inexperienced marchers learn their timings and fundamentals is crucial to the process.
Kessler himself played trumpet and was a drum major, or student conductor, during his five years participating as a student in The Pride. Having that experience, he also feels having strong leadership in the form of The Pride’s four drum majors is specifically integral.
One of the drum majors this year, junior math education major Maegan Questad from Sioux Falls, SD, explained what that looks like on the field.
“It’s just a matter of trying to help everyone shift the mindset of ‘We’re here and we’re gonna put in our best effort for the next hour and 15 minutes,’ because we want to be able to create something amazing for people on game days and anywhere else we go,” Questad said.
To be a part of the band, especially as a drum major, means a lot to Questad. She elaborated that to be an ambassador for the school and to be a part of an organization that the school and the entire state can be proud of is what it truly means to be a member of The Pride of the Dakotas.
Being an ambassador spreads far beyond mid-game antics during a home game, as The Pride travels often for exhibition performances in local schools’ marching competitions. For example, this Friday, September 26th, the band will be traveling to Platte, SD for the Missouri Valley Marching Festival.
Back in Brookings, The Pride will continue to get ready for a handful of upcoming events, such as their new routine for Hobo Day and the border battle game against NDSU, and the reunion performance for Pride alumni.
Every five years, the SDSU Alumni Association’s Pride of the Dakotas’ chapter hosts a reunion performance that includes former members marching during the Hobo Day parade, as well as performing during the pregame show. Andi Fouberg, the president and CEO of the SDSU Alumni Association, who played trumpet in the Pride during her time as a Jackrabbit, shared how that impacted her.
“I think that it was truly my first community at SDSU,” she said. “I’m still in touch with the people that were right around me in The Pride because we were right around one another every day in the fall for four years. I met people in other majors that I wouldn’t have met had it not been for The Pride.”
It is that sense of community that The Pride of the Dakotas holds as one of its most important core pillars, even 135 years later. Kessler explained that his personal pride in the band stems from the people who make up the band’s DNA, and the experiences they get to share with one another during their time together; a sentiment that Questad highlighted when asked her favorite memory from her time with The Pride.
“I think it has to be all of the time I’ve spent with my friends,” Questad said. “Because that’s who The Pride is: just one big family. We might not know everyone…but we all have this one relation where we can just have these incredible memories together.”
Photos by EAN WETZEL / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
The Pride of the Dakotas perform at an NCAA college football game between SDSU and Drake on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.
SDSU student to promote dairy industry after being named ‘Princess Kay’ at Minnesota fair
MORGAN MARKETON Reporter
A South Dakota State University junior will spend her next year as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, representing Minnesota’s dairy industry.
Malorie Thorson, 20, of Waverly, Minnesota, was crowned the 72nd Princess Kay last month at the Minnesota State Fair. Over the next year, she will serve as a goodwill ambassador for the state’s 1,900 dairy farmers, working to connect consumers with the people who produce their food.
Her schedule includes classroom visits throughout the school year, on-farm breakfasts during June Dairy Month and appearances at community celebrations. The job also means speaking with families, answering questions about dairy farming and promoting Minnesota’s dairy products at events across the state.
COURTESY SDSU UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
THORSON BIO
Name: Malorie Thorson
Major: Dairy production Year in School: Junior Hometown: Waverly, Minnesota
of the industry beyond just my family’s farm,” she said.
She credits her mother, a 1996 Princess Kay finalist, as one of her inspirations. Growing up, Thorson rarely missed a coronation and said she always dreamed of following in her mother’s footsteps.
“I want people to see that dairy is really a family to family connection,” Thorson said. “Ninety-four percent of dairy farms are family-owned, and we’re producing a high-quality product that goes from my family to another family’s table.”
Thorson said staying organized during the coming year will be key. She keeps her appearance requests and coursework at SDSU in the same planner so she can visualize each week and plan daily goals.
“This helps me stay energized and fully present during appearances,” she said. “The joy I get from telling the story of dairy farmers gives me the adrenaline to stay enthusiastic.”
Thorson is already making plans around annual agricultural conferences. She’s excited to thank organizations for supporting dairy farmers, while also answering their questions about the industry. Balancing school and advocacy, she said, will come down to the same strategies that have guided her through her first two years at SDSU.
The Princess Kay program is run by Midwest Dairy and began in 1954. It has become one of the most visible ways the industry promotes itself. Each year, finalists are honored with 90-pound butter sculptures of themselves displayed at the Minnesota State Fair. Thorson said the
tradition’s impact surprised her.
“I met people from seven different countries and 20 states who came just to see the butter,” she said. “It’s incredible the reach that has in promoting dairy.”
Brenna Bobendrier was Princess Kay in 2020 and now works as farmer relations manager for Midwest Dairy. She said Thorson stood out during this year’s process.
“Malorie is very personable and has a passion for the dairy community,” Bobendrier said. “She’s a great communicator and that ability to connect with people will help her share dairy’s story in meaningful ways.”
The program has expanded in recent years to meet audiences where they are, whether through social media outreach, virtual classroom visits or traditional in-person events, Bobendrier said.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect with consumers,” she added. “The goal is to have authentic conversations that help people understand where their food comes from.”
Thorson is majoring in dairy production and has minors in leadership and agribusiness. Those classes at SDSU have prepared her to answer questions about everything from animal care to sustainability, she said.
“My coursework has given me a broader perspective
Lauren Steffl, an SDSU senior and fellow finalist, said Thorson’s personality helped her stand out during the competition.
“She’s very extroverted and bubbly,” Steffl said. “Her enthusiasm for the dairy community was obvious to everyone, and she made all of us feel welcome during the process.”
Steffl recalled that before coronation night, Thorson gathered the finalists to pray together.
“It was a meaningful moment,” Steffl said. “It showed her leadership and kindness, which are exactly what make her a strong ambassador.”
Thorson said her goal is to approach the year with authenticity. She said she thrives in busy, people-filled environments and she hopes her approachable personality will make consumers comfortable asking questions about farming.
“I love busy environments like the state fair,” she said. “People are drawn to genuine stories, and that’s how I connect best.”
With support from her family, her community and the SDSU campus, Thorson said she thinks she is ready to represent Minnesota’s dairy farmers.
“This role is about being a voice for dairy,” she said. “I want to make sure people understand the hard work and passion behind every glass of milk and every piece of cheese.”
Malorie Thorson, named the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, poses next to a 90-pound butter sculpture at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
Jackrabbits look to rebound vs Omaha after Boise State split
CORDELL VITENSE
Sports Editor
The Jackrabbit volleyball team swept the Boise State Broncos 3-0 Friday. The Jacks then lost on Saturday in a five-set thriller to Boise State to make the Jacks’ record 6-3.
The Broncos’ record is now 8-3 on the season, after splitting 1-1 against South Dakota State, falling victim to their second 3-0 loss of the year.
In their first meeting on Friday night, the Jacks showed out against the Broncos. In the first set, the Jacks beat Boise State 25-18 and followed it up in the second, once again winning 25-18. SDSU sealed the match win in the third set, winning 25-22.
The following day, Boise State came out on top but it was once again SDSU taking the first set, winning 25-21. The Broncos returned the favor, winning set two 25-21. SDSU responded, winning 2515 in the third set. The Broncos went on to win the fourth and fifth sets 25-19 and 15-13, respectively, to give Boise State a 3-2 match win.
The Jackrabbits will now host Omaha to open Summit League play Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m.
Last season when Omaha came to Brookings, SDSU swept the Mavericks 3-0. In the match, Sylvie Zgonc led the Jacks with 11 kills and 13.5 points. For Omaha it was Mckenna Ruch with 16 points and 11 kills leading the way.
In the second meeting for the year in Omaha SDSU once again got the win this time a 3-1 match win. Sylvie Zgonc once again led the Jacks with 13 kills and 14 digs. For the Mavericks it was Kalie Jurgensmeier leading the team this time with 17 kills and a total of 18.5 points.
The Jackrabbits are led by junior outside hitter Sylvie Zgonc. The junior leads the team with 150.5 points and 139 kills on the season. Zgonc is also second on the team with 99 digs.
Madison Burr is the only other Jack-
rabbit to crack 100 points this season so far with 109.5 points. Burr has tallied 76 kills and a team high 47 blocks so far this year.
Right behind Burr in the blocks category is fifth-year senior Sydni Schetnan. Schetnan has 46 Blocks and 64 kills on the season.
Hannah Klein has also made her mark in non-conference play, tallying 74 kills and 84 total points on the year.
The Jackrabbit opponent, Omaha Mavericks are coming off of a 2024 regular season where they finished second in the Summit League Standings.
This year Omaha is 3-6 to start the season in non-conference play but will
look to start 1-0 on their way to having another great in-conference record after coming off a 14-2 season last year.
The Mavericks are led in scoring by senior outside hitter Kali Jurgensmeier. Jurgenmeier has 144.5 points on the season with 130 kills.
Omaha, like SDSU, also has a freshman playing a key role. Faith Venable has 116.5 points with 91 kills and 17 blocks.
The six-foot-five middle blocker Emily Huss is the Mavericks’ defensive stopper. Huss has 40 total blocks on the season while adding 38 kills offensively.
You can see the Jacks again when they travel to Denver, Colorado, to face the Pioneers on Thursday, Oct. 2.
SDSU UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Sept. 25: vs Omaha
Oct. 2: @ Denver
Oct. 4: @ Oral Roberts
Oct. 9: vs Kansas City
Oct. 11: vs St. Thomas
Oct. 16: vs NDSU
Oct. 18: @ USD
Oct. 21: @ UND
Oct. 23: vs Oral Roberts
OWEN BOYD / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Sylvie Zgonc goes up for a kill against the Boise State Broncos on Friday Sept. 19. Zgonc had 16 kills in the Jacks 3-0 sweep of the Broncos. Against Boise State on Saturday, Sept. 20, Zgonc had 17 kills in SDSU’s 3-2 loss.
Cross country finishes solid at Griak; Prepare for SDSU Classic
CORDELL VITENSE
Sports Editor
The South Dakota State men and women’s teams competed in the Griak Invitation last Friday, Sept. 19
Both the men and women had solid results, with the men finishing in fourth and the women finishing in sixth.
Men
For the men, Cody Larson headlined the team by finishing second with a time of 24:56.4 in the 8k race. Senior runner for Wyoming, Jacob White, won the race with a time of 24:39.8.
Another notable finisher for the Jackrabbits included Jackson Dutcher, who finished just outside the top 10 in 11th with a time of 25:29.4.
Close behind Dutcher with a 14thplace finish was sophomore runner Cashton Johnson, with a time of 25:33.9.
Other solid Jackrabbit finishers consisted of Eli Hall in 24th with a time of 26:01.0. Right behind Hall in 26th was Brandon Kampsen, clocking in with a time of 26:05.9.
The men ended with 71 points, which put them in fourth place behind California Baptist University, Wyoming and Minnesota.
“You want to compete regardless, that’s just kind of the way I’m wired and I think most of our young men are wired the same way that whatever the competition is, we want to do really well at it…We’ve got to get better. First, we’ll recover from Griak with lighter workouts, then push harder later this week into early next week and lineup next Friday at home at the SDSU Classic,” stated head coach Rod DeHaven on the results at the Griak.
Women
In the 6k race, senior runner Ashlyn Hillyard headlined the SDSU women,
SDSU ATHLETICS
Senior cross country runner Cody Larson runs on his way to a second place finish in the Griak Invitational on Friday, Sept. 19.
finishing 13th with a time of 22:13.4.
Mya Kizer was the next highest finishing runner for the Jacks, crossing the line with a time of 22:47.3, which was good enough for a 23rd place finish.
In the 34th and 35th places were Eleni Lovgren and Courtney Stadter, respectively. Lovgren finished with a time of 22:55.9 while Stadter ended with a time of 22:59.7
Freshman Nora Peterson finished in the 40th position. Peterson finished with a time of 23:07.8.
The women ended with 144 points, which got them sixth place behind California Baptist University, which finished with a fantastic 25 points. Second place was Minnesota, followed by North Dakota, Iowa and NDSU rounded out the top five.
The next time you can see the cross-country teams will be at the SDSU Classic at the Edgebrook Golf Course in Brookings. The race will begin on Friday, Oct. 3, at 6:40 p.m.
BEST GRIAK FINISHES
No. 2: Cody Larson (M) No. 11: Jackson Dutcher (M) No. 13: Ashlyn Hillyard (F) No. 14: Cashton Johnson (M) No. 23: Mya Kizer (F) No. 24: Eli Hall (M) No.26: Brandon Kampsen (M)
Soccer to start Summit play
Jackrabbits defeat Wyoming 2-0 and move on to St. Thomas
JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter
South Dakota State wrapped up non-conference play with a victory over Wyoming last Thursday, Sept. 18. SDSU improved to 6-1-3 with their 3-0 win over the Cowgirls. The Jackrabbit soccer team will now look towards their first Summit League opponent of the 2025 season.
Wyoming
The Jacks scored a goal in each period, first by Jenna Malloy just before the 40th minute, followed by the second only a few minutes into the second period. The Cowgirls got a pair of shots on goal late; however, Mallorie Benhardt saved them to keep them off the board, marking SDSU’s fifth shutout of the season.
The Jacks had 11 totalshots. Malloy led with four, including the goal. Ellie Gusman put up a pair of shots while Lauren Eckerle had the team’s only other shot on goal. Benhardt had a season high of eight saves on the night.
The Cowgirls put up twice as many shots as the Jacks. Kiley Ballek, Alyssa Glover, and Jennah Warner each had four shots and combined for seven shots on goal. Maddie Burr, with three shots, also had one on goal.
“Wyoming’s a very good team. I’m incredibly proud of the effort our team played with. I thought we defended as well as we have all season to limit them… I’m just incredibly proud of our team for wrapping up non-conference play that way,” said head coach Brock Thompson.
St. Thomas
SDSU begins their conference play at home with a match against the Tommies. Following a 2-0 victory over Western Illinois on Thursday, the Tommies improved to 3-4-1 overall.
Last season, the Jackrabbits got a 1-0 victory over St. Thomas on their way to a 5-2-1 conference record and a Summit
League Championship.
Sophia Barjesteh and Emily McCarthy each scored a goal. Barjesteh put up four shots with two on goal. She now leads the Tommies in shots with 14 and nine on goal. Mackenzie Jacobson has the most goals for the Tommies with three, having scored twice in the Tommies’ first game of the season on Aug. 14.
“I’m super excited to start it (Summit League Play), coming off of the last win, I feel like our team is super ready and it’s just fun to play with all the girls,” said freshman midfielder Jenna Maloy.
Game time is Thursday at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus.
THURSDAY’S GAME
SDSU hosts St. Thomas
When: 7 p.m., Thursday Where: Fishback Soccer Stadium, Brookings Records: SDSU is 6-3-1; St. Thomas is 3-4-1. Coaches: Brock Thompson, SDSU, Sheila McGill, St. Thomas, Historic record: SDSU: 4-0 St. Thomas 0-4
UPCOMING GAMES
Sept. 25: vs St. Thomas
Oct. 2: vs UND
Oct. 5: vs NDSU
Oct. 9: @ Denver
Oct. 12: vs Omaha
Oct. 18: @ USD
CJ JESZ / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Sophomore midfielder Mia Bosch dribbles the ball against Wyoming on Thursday, Sept. 18, in SDSU’s 2-0 win against the Cowgirls. Bosch has seven points on the season with two goals and three assists. The Jackrabbits are in action next Thursday against St.Thomas in their first Summit League game of the year.
Unbeaten Jacks look to continue streak against Mercyhurst
JACOB BRENDE Sports Editor
The 3-0 Jackrabbits will look to extend their perfect record to four games as they host the Mercyhurst Lakers this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Last week the Jacks had a bye. In their previous game, SDSU beat Drake in the beef bowl 37-21 in a game of firsts for many. Former Nebraska Cornhusker Alex Bullock and Fordham transfer Julius Loughridge both scored their first career touchdowns as Jackrabbits. James Basinger and Corey Blair Jr. ran in their first career touchdowns as well.
Mercyhurst, out of Erie, Pennsylvania is 1-3 on the year after losing to Montana State 17-0 last week. Their lone win on the season was against the 2-2 New Haven Chargers, who they beat 48-14.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
The number two ranked Jacks sit behind NDSU in the FCS rankings, with the Bison earning 25 out of 26 first place votes. SDSU is averaging 29 points a game and has held opponents to an average of 16 points. Their highest scoring offensive game was against Montana State, whom the Jacks beat 30-24 in overtime. It was also the highest number of points the defense has let up this year.
Quarterback Chase Mason will look to eclipse the 600 passing yards this Saturday. He currently sits at 589. The former Nebraska baseball player has thrown for five touchdowns this season and a rushing touchdown. Mason is second on the team in rushing yards with 115 on 40 attempts, with an average of 2.9 yards a carry. As a backup quarterback last season, he had 464 yards on 46 attempts.
The number of sacks allowed has declined as the season has continued. In SDSU’s first game of the season against Sacramento State, Mason was sacked
South Dakota State quarterback Chase Mason leaps out of bounds just shy of the endzone during an NCAA college football game against Drake on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Mason threw for 225 yards and a passing touchdown while also running for 51 yards.
a total of seven times. Against Montana State, that figure was four. In their matchup against Drake last week, the team allowed zero sacks. The decreasing figure reflects the veteran leadership in the offensive lineman room, tackles Quinten Christensen and Sam Hagen being team captains.
Running back Julius Loughridge before transferring to SDSU was a firstteam all Patriot-league running back in back-to-back seasons with Fordham. He
has continued to perform like a player befitting those honors, having rushed for 431 yards on 65 carries.
Lofton O’Groske has become Mason’s number one target through the air. Against Montana State he had two touchdowns in the biggest moments of the game. He scored once in the fourth to give the team the lead, and once in overtime to tie it. O’Groske has 279 receiving yards on 23 receptions and has three touchdowns this season.
JACKRABBITS
3-0 1-3
The Jackrabbits will be hosting 1-3 Mercyhurst Lakers this Saturday at 2 p.m.
MERCYHURST STANDOUT
Adam Urena has been a bright spot for the Laker offense. He has thrown for 1146 yards in three games and has six passing touchdowns.
JACKS STANDOUT
Against Drake, Julius Loughridge stood out with his two touchdown performance. Those touchdowns marked his first as a Jackrabbit.
MERCYHURST FACTS
• Headcoach Ryan Riemedio was a coaching intern with the 2018 superbowl champion Philadelphia eagles
• Quarterback Adam Urena threw for the most passing yards by a Mercyhurst quarterback in over a decade with 2651 yards in 2023
• Current Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is a Mercyhurst alumni
NEXT UP
The Jackrabbits will head to Ohio to play the 3-1 Youngstown Penguins. They are ranked #19 in the FCS.
EAN WETZEL / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
MERCYHURST
The Lakers have given up 104 points this season which, while sounds pretty bad, is partly due to their 49-28 point loss to Sacramento State. Their next highest point total they have given up in a game was against Youngstown State, where they gave up 24. They have held teams to a respectable sub 150 passing yards a game average. Rushing though has been a problem, the Lakers letting up 204 yards per game. They also have only had a single sack this entire season, belonging to Corey Cobb Jr.
Offensively, they have scored 91 points this season for an average of 22.75 while averaging nearly 300 yards of passing offense per game.
Their starting quarterback is Adam Urena, a 5-9 graduate student from Chino Hills, California. This season he has thrown for six touchdowns while also throwing for five interceptions and currently has a completion percentage of 67.1 percent. He is coming off of a
year where he threw for 2773 yards and 31 touchdowns. In an era where shorter quarterbacks typically use their mobility as a way to offset their smaller stature, Urena is not much of a rushing threat. Over his career, he has -388 yards rushing, this season that number is -33. He has been sacked seven times during this season.
“He’s not the biggest guy but sometimes those are the guys that have a little bit of an additional chip on their shoulder, especially at that position,” head coach Dan Jackson said. “You can see that in their quarterback. He’s really sharp, he knows where he is going with the football, he’s got good clean reads.”
Brian Trobel is Mercyhurst’s leading rusher this season with a total of 265 yards on the season. He is averaging 66.25 of the team’s 119.5 average rushing yards a game. Jameir Gamble is the team’s second leading rusher, averaging 29.25 a contest.
Three players have emerged as Urena’s
top receivers, Dylan Evans, Rylan Davison and Joe Kerbacher. Evans has 329 receiving yards, Davison has 254 and Kerbacher has 134. Both Evans and Davison have two receiving touchdowns this year. Despite the records of both teams going into the game, Jackson has acknowledged the talent of both the players and the coaching staff of Mercyhurst and believes in the team’s game plan.
“It’s clear their identity and how they want to get the game to the fourth quarter close and see if they can make enough plays to win it,” Jackson said. “And you know I’ve been a part of programs that that was the formula and it’s an effective one.”
“It’s an opportunity to now show what we’ve improved on. We need to make a big jump... I know that we will.”
EAN WETZEL / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Safety Dontay Johnson looks onward during an NCAA college football game against Drake on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Head coach Dan Jackson
MORGAN HOFFMAN / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Julius Loughridge gives a thumbs up during an NCAA college football game against Drake on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Loughridge ran for 86 yards on 20 attempts on route to a two rushing touchdown performance. Those touchdowns were his first as a Jackrabbit after previously rushing for 258 yards in two games.
