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HOBO HOMECOMING JACKRABBITS CELEBRATE 114th HOBO DAY
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INFO
October 28, 2026
Collegian Media corrects all confirmed errors that are brought to reporters’ or editors’ attention. After editors confirm the error and the accurate information, the correction will appear as soon as possible on the same platform. Errors that could be libelous or require a more prominent display may require different handling at the editor-in-chief’s discretion. In all cases, transparency in making a correction is essential.
ON DEMAND
THE COLLEGIAN REPORT On this week’s Collegian Report, we have a look at some Hobo Week traditions, highlight the next generation of journalists and see how SDSU celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.
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THE LITTLE BROWN JUG
Rumor has it that the Little Brown Jug trophy formerly awarded to the winner of the Interstate Series football game is hiding somewhere. To find out more on the mystery, look for this story later this week.
JACKS GOT TALENT
Students showed off their talents in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center last Tuesday. To read about who won, look for this story later this week.
HOBO DAY GALLERIES
SDSU’s 114th Hobo Week capped off on Saturday with the Hobo Day Parade and football game against Murray State. See more content from the day online later this week.
THE JUMP NEWSLETTER Get the most important news of the week delivered into your inbox every Wednesday.
October 28, 2026
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NEWS
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Taking care of unfinished business Senators tackle funding requests, club budgets and campus commemorations
RYANN DAVIS Editor-in-Chief Monday night’s Students’ Association (SA) meeting was a long one with senators addressing ten different unfinished business items on their agenda. The SDSU dance team was approved to be a formal student organization and on the SA’s general budget rather than completely relying on athletics for their funding. “We all felt very passionately about having them (the dance team) on our general budget,” SA Finance Chair Dominic Delahoyde said. Senators also debated on the dance team’s special allocation letter to the senate, requesting $10,200 to help the team with increases to their annual budget. Part of this increase comes from the need for more hotel rooms due to the “one person per bed” accommodation standard under SDSU’s Policy 2:12. “Most teams get to stay four (dancers) to a room, where we have to follow the two to a room rule, which around doubles our rooms, so that does throw a big burden in our finances as well,” dance team member Carmen Moeller said. Increases in flight costs for the team’s annual trip to nationals is also contributing to the increase in budget on top of the existing dues that dancers have to pay to be on the team. Moeller said dancers’ dues cost around $1,500 going into the summer, and then another $1,500 prior to nationals in January. The original amount being awarded to the dance team was $4,500, but during the debate senators voted to increase the awarded amount to $7,500. The dance team’s new venture was ultimately passed. The Sustainability Club also had a letter to senate debated on Monday night. The club requested $500 to
“help cover routine yearly club expenditures currently being covered by club representatives,” according to the fund request document. SA planned to award the club with $200 upon approval. SA Chief of Staff Andrew Sharples-Schmidt said he thinks the club does good work but argued that the Finance Committee should not fund this club. “The reason they (Sustainability Club) asked for funds was essentially to help cover some of the regular costs, such as buying things, or snacks for meetings, and other things of that sort,” Sharples-Schmidt said. “That’s something typically Finance Committee doesn’t fund, and one of the main reasons we don’t fund that is because every single club would come ask us for money to cover those costs and it would deplete our funds immediately.” Sharples-Schmidt also noted that the Sustainability club did not have a presentation prepared when they initially asked for the funding. SA Vice President Megan Christoffels further debated that the club is doing some “good work,” like pollination projects and tree planting. “I just find this club super important, and I think that 200 dollars could go a long way,” Christoffels said. Senators ultimately voted to send the special allocation fund request back to the Finance Committee where the request can be either failed or proposed to bring back to the senate. Also during unfinished business, the Advertising Club was awarded $2,000 of their requested $11,313 to go toward their trip to New York City in Fall 2027. The Jackrabbit Memorial Jackpot Show was also rewarded $2,000 of their requested $5,000.
RYANN DAVIS / COLLEGIAN MEDIA Members of the Students’ Association dressed up in Halloween Costumes during their meeting on Monday, Oct. 26 in the upper level of the Student Union.
Two out of the three commemorations debated during unfinished business were approved. Commemoration 26-5-C approved the recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month and Commemoration 26-6-C approved the recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. Commemoration 26-4-C would have commemorated October 2026 as “Right to Life Month for the opportunity to promote discussion surrounding the dignity of human life,” according to the commemoration document. Delahoyde debated first, explaining his belief in the importance of bringing varying ideas to the campus community. SA Senator Kailee Loofe said the observation is not nationally or state recognized. “It’s actually only recognized by
the Catholic church and some other pro-life groups,” Loofe said. “And kind of like we discussed last week, the Students’ Association and SDSU are not religiously affiliated groups.” Commemoration 26-4-C ultimately failed. During open forum, City Council member Brianna Doran updated senators on how Hobo Day went. “We did close down Main Street for the evening on Hobo Day, and that’s just to increase pedestrian safety,” Doran said. “We continue to hear good things about that, so I hope you guys enjoy just being able to roam around a little bit more, engage with each other and visit the bars.” Both the Bowling Club and Pre-Optometry Club constitutions were also approved during open forum.
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NEWS
October 28, 2026
MIDTERM ELECTIONS Registration guide and candidate information
ELI WIESE and JAKE DENOMME Multimedia Reporters In November, thousands of South Dakotans will be casting a ballot in the midterm election, and some SDSU students wanting to vote might have questions about how to register. The following information has been gathered from the South Dakota Secretary of State website and through discussion with the Brookings Finance Office which runs the county elections. Any U.S. citizen can vote in South Dakota elections if they are a resident of the state, at least 18 years of age on or before the next election, are not serving time for a federal conviction and have not been ruled mentally incompetent by a court of law. The most common question students might have is if living on campus qualifies them to vote in Brookings County. SDSU students that are not originally residents of Brookings County, but do reside on campus, are considered Brookings residents and can vote in the Brookings County elections. To register to vote in Brookings County, one must fill out a voter registration form that can be found on the South Dakota Secretary of State website. This form must be filled out, signed, mailed or delivered in person to the Brookings County Auditor. A new South Dakota law went into effect on July 1st, 2026 creating requirements for proof of citizenship during registration. For people registering to vote for the first time in South Dakota, either a birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, a South Dakota driver’s license or ID card issued after July 1st, 2025, or a driver’s license or ID card from another state that indicates verification of citizenship is required. If students wish to vote in South Dakota elections but are registered in a county other than Brookings, they can fill out an absentee ballot request form and have an absentee ballot mailed to them. The form must be submitted to the county in which the person is registered. Absentee voting in South Dakota began on Sept. 18. If students are registered in other states, it is recommended that they contact their home auditor or election office to acquire an absentee ballot. It is also recommended that students give themselves enough time for their ballot to be processed through the mail system and arrive before the Nov. 3 election has concluded.
VOTER REGISTRATION The 2026 midterm election is Nov. 3, and the deadline for voter registration in Brookings County is 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 19. Any U.S. citizen can vote in South Dakota elections if they are a resident of the state, at least 18 years of age on or before the next election, are not serving time for a federal conviction and have not been ruled mentally incompetent by a court of law. To fill out the voter registration form or an absentee ballot: www.sdsos.gov Send form to: 520 Third St., Suite 10, Brookings, SD 57006. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS This year’s ballot will contain four proposed constitutional amendments. In order for these amendments to pass, they will need a simple majority. Information on these pages is from the South Dakota Secretary of State website and SDSU Professor Jonathan Ruff. Amendment I: In 2022, voters passed an amendment that expanded Medicaid coverage to those at or below 138% of the federal poverty line. 90% of this Medicaid expansion is funded by the federal government. This amendment proposes that if federal funding for Medicaid expansion were to drop below 90%, the expanded Medicaid coverage will end. Amendment J: Federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. South Dakota does not currently have specific laws barring non-citizens from voting in local and state elections. If passed, this amendment would bar non-citizens from participating in local and state elections. Amendment K: The state considers intangible property (such as uncashed checks and refunds) abandoned if it is unclaimed after a period of three years. This unclaimed property is held by the State Treasurer until it is claimed by its rightful owner. This amendment proposes a trust that unclaimed property will be transferred to in order to gain interest. Interest can accumulate in a variety of ways, such as the money being lent to local governments for public works projects that stimulate economic growth, which the local government will later pay back with added interest. The accumulated interest will then go into the general fund to help the needs of the state. If passed, this amendment will create said trust. Amendment L: Currently all proposed constitu-
tional amendments need a simple majority to be added to the constitution. This amendment would increase that threshold to 60%. If passed, all future proposed constitutional amendments would need to meet the threshold of 60% of yes votes to pass. CANDIDATES AND WHAT THEY STAND FOR Information on the candidates’ policy positions, careers, and ages derives from their campaign sites. GOVERNOR This year, the South Dakota gubernatorial race is between the incumbent, 67-year-old Larry Rhoden, a Republican, and 52-year-old Dan Ahlers, a Democrat. LARRY RHODEN • Republican • Served in the National Guard • Worked in the agriculture industry • Served as state representative for nearly 10 years • Served three consecutive terms in the State Senate • Worked as Kristi Noem’s Lt. Governor • Has been South Dakota’s governor since 2025 Rhoden’s agenda, according to his website, is focused on keeping South Dakota “strong, safe, and free” by reducing homeowner property taxes, expanding public safety projects or improving areas that could use extra attention like correctional infrastructure, and boosting economic growth in the state. His goals also include maintaining a business atmosphere with very few restrictions, protecting Second Amendment rights, growing the workforce and job opportunities as well as improving infrastructure. Rhoden has invested money in expanding travel opportunities, technical colleges around the state through the Build Dakota Scholarship, and critical infrastructure protections against foreign ownership of American agricultural land. DAN AHLERS • Democrat • Served in the South Dakota House of Representatives for four years and in the Senate for two years
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LARRY RHODEN
DAN AHLERS
DAN AHLERS Small business owner in Dell Rapids, SD for over 20 years • President of Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce • President of Dell Rapids Community Fund • President of the Haven Before and After School Program Dan Ahlers’s campaign site focuses on making South Dakota more affordable, safe, and transparent by focusing on rural communities and investing in public education. He wants to expand access to affordable housing, protect healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and support working families by increasing wages and workforce training. SENATOR The United States Senate seat is up for election, with one main challenger facing the incumbent. MIKE ROUNDS • Republican • Served as Governor of South Dakota from 2003-2011 • Has served as US Senator since Jan. 3, 2015. Rounds focuses primarily on national security, relying on domestic energy production, economic growth, and education reform. As a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, he prioritizes keeping the military relevant with new technology, strengthening cybersecurity, and securing the southern border. He also favors using more energy to lower consumer costs, supports reducing federal regulations on local businesses and agriculture, and strongly advocates disbanding the federal Department of Education to restore states’ ability to dictate how their schools operate. According to the Federal Election Commission, Rounds has raised $3,810,748.34 from Jan.1, 2025, to Oct. 14, 2026. Over the same period of time, Rounds has spent a total of $4,385,234.49. As of Oct. 26, Rounds’ campaign has $1,295,542.92 left to spend. •
NEWS
MIKE ROUNDS
BRIAN BENGS
BRIAN BENGS Independent Served as a Navy enlistee Served as an Air Force attorney, was an educator, and a national park ranger Bengs focuses on reducing the influence of “big money” in Congress by pushing for strict term limits, maximum age limits, and getting rid of ultra-wealthy donors in campaigns that sway public opinion or shift directives away from their constituents’ concerns. Bengs is promising to fix the tax code so wealthy citizens and corporations don’t get lower tax rates than middle-class Americans, balance the federal budget, take on Big Ag to protect family farmers, ranchers, and consumers, and lower the overall cost of living for everyday Americans. His campaign website also discusses other issues, such as strengthening social programs like Medicare, securing the border, and preventing new data centers from being built. According to the Federal Election Commission, Bengs has raised a total of $1,855,763.43 between April 28, 2025, and Oct. 14, 2026. His campaign spending during the same period of time totaled $1,786,054.97. Bengs’ remaining amount to spend as of Oct. 26 is $69,708.46. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE The next election on the ballot will be for the United States Representative position, with the candidates being 55-year-old Marty Jackley and 53-year-old Nikki Gronli. MARTY JACKLEY • Republican • Served as the U.S. Attorney for South Dakota • Elected multiple times as South Dakota’s Attorney General • Worked in private law practice and served as both a local and tribal prosecutor • Held leadership roles in different national associations as an attorney general According to his campaign, Jackley’s main priorities for Congress focus on bolstering public safety by supporting law enforcement and • • •
MARTY JACKLEY
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NIKKI GRONLI
securing the southern border to prevent drug trafficking. He also has the goal of heavily uplifting South Dakota’s agricultural sector by significantly reducing federal regulations as well as aiming to curate a fair market, while firmly defending Second Amendment rights and supporting President Trump’s “America-first” agenda. According to the Federal Election Commission, Jackley’s campaign has raised $1,737,520.15 between July 1, 2025, and Oct. 14, 2026. During the same period of time, Jackley’s campaign has spent $687,379.37, with $1,050,140.78 left to spend. NIKKI GRONLI • Democrat • Small business owner in South Dakota with nearly 30 years of marketing and leadership experience • Directed the USDA Rural Development Investments across South Dakota from 2022 - 2025 • Served on Dakota State University’s Cyber Security Industry Advisory Board a • Served as President of the Department of Defense STARBASE board Gronli’s congressional campaign focuses on lowering everyday costs for South Dakota families while keeping the market in check, as well as having hopes of expanding access to healthcare and EMS to smaller, more rural areas of South Dakota. She also favors supporting family farms against corporate entities, as she believes it keeps prices lower while supporting her constituents on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, she emphasizes fully funding public and special education, expanding disability access, and honoring Native tribal sovereignty, while addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. According to the Federal Election Commission, Gronli’s campaign has raised a total of $421,803.07 between Aug. 26, 2025 and Oct. 14, 2026. During the same time period, Gronli’s campaign has spent $399,312.34 and has $22,490.73 left to spend as of Oct. 26
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SDSUCollegian.com
October 28, 2026
PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Zhiguang (Gerald) Wang, DuBois Professor of Business Finance and Investments in the Ness School of Management and Economics, teaches a finance class at the Ness School earlier this year. The school will make the change on July 1st, 2027.
SDSU TO GAIN NEW COLLEGE
Ness School of Management and Economics to make switch in July As of Fall 2026, the school also has a student headcount of 1,342, a number that has “nearly doubled” in the past seven years. According to David Earnest, The Ness School of ManDean of the CAHSS, this rapid agement and Economics will growth has made it challenging no longer be part of the Colto invest in the other schools. lege of Arts, Humanities and Earnest also said that the Social Sciences (CAHSS), and growing school has “maxed will become its own college on out Harding Hall,” which is the July 1, 2027. DAVID EARNEST current building that the Ness The Ness College of ManSchool resides in. agement and Economics will become “We really just don’t have much the eighth academic college at SDSU. more room to add faculty,” Earnest According to a press release sent out said. by University Marketing and CommuAccording to Earnest, this reorganinications on Tuesday, October 27, the zation will allow the CAHSS to focus Ness School has “expanded its acaon other priorities in regard to their demic program portfolio to meet the academic programs and student expeworkforce needs of the state of South riences, while also being able to serve Dakota.” SARA SCHOENFELDER AND WILLEM LIM News Directors
the unique needs of this new college. “Ness College will be very focused on professional skills and workforce development. It’s really focused on economic impact, and it has different teaching priorities and different teaching methods…” said Earnest. “And so, I think becoming a standalone unit allows the Ness School to really thrive in those ways.” Senior entrepreneur studies major Catherine Klein is an ambassador for the Ness School and said that this new transition will open paths for students. “It’ll allow us to kind of continue growing into, like adding more things and adding more opportunities for students,” Klein said. In recent years, the Ness School has added two new majors - accounting in 2024 and finance in 2025.
“As soon as they would add the major, it’s like all of a sudden, now there’s visits every day for someone within those majors,” Klein said when asked about her experience being a student ambassador during the Ness School’s growth. Another student ambassador, senior Ethan James, an agricultural business major, said that he hopes to see more focus on research for graduate assistants, and more opportunities for Masters’ programs. “I think that’s a huge thing to hopefully draw students to want to stay at SDSU, instead of going to another college that has the program that we don’t have,” James said.
October 28, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
SDSU LAUNCHES STUDENT ESSENTIAL NEEDS HUB
JENNIFER DELATORRE-QUEZADA Reporter
It is now easier for students to connect with resources for food, financial aid, transportation and other basic needs. South Dakota State University has officially soft-launched a Student Essentials Needs Hub website. The initiative is aimed to face challenges outside of the classroom that likely affect students’ ability to confidently complete their degrees. The university is currently working towards hiring dedicated staff members and hope to bring all services all under one roof, if possible, Michaela Willis, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management said. “If you can’t afford to pay your rent for a month because you had your car break down, or you can’t afford transportation to get to Walmart to get some of the things that you might need to live,” Willis said, “how can you then focus on being successful in the classroom?” The student-centered initiative aims to strengthen and build existing support programs at SDSU, and reach a goal established in 2018 to address food insecurity. That endeavor led to Jack’s Cupboard, SDSU’s student food pantry, along with the COVID-19 pandemic later demanding emergency aid programs. Willis said she wanted to develop a broader approach that addressed more than just food insecurity and grants. The current website links students to Jackrabbit Clothing Closet, Jack’s Cupboard, emergency aid, financial wellness and Swipe Out Hunger, a program where students can apply for meal blocks at Larson Commons. “I believe that putting all the
resources in one place makes it a lot simpler for us students to know where to go when we need help. I know a lot of students who have no idea SDSU offers so many resources to them, especially being a freshman on campus,” Jamie Diaz, a sophomore early childhood education major said. Willis emphasized that the project has received positive feedback from university leadership, faculty, staff and students, along with Jack’s Cupboard and the Students’ Association. The initiative received more than $7,000 from about 26 donors at One Day for STATE during a fundraising challenge organized by Willis and her husband. The next step for the hub is hiring a staff member who can take on the leadership position of developing and keeping up with its services. Plans could include a proposed partnership with academic programs, like a Jack’s Test Kitchen with the dietetics program, where students are taught to cook healthy meals with ingredients from Jack’s Cupboard. “Having a place where students can easily find help with basic needs takes away a lot of stress they may feel from classes. I also find myself getting distracted from school because I’m so worried about school or sleep… it’s comforting to hear SDSU plans and making it even easier for students,” Yarely Frias, a senior Human Development and Family Studies major said. SDSU eventually plans to move all resources under one physical location where services and programs can work together. However, Willis said the initiative currently depends on fundraising, and additional support will be needed to reach the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management’s goal of expanding the project.
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COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO
Jack’s Cupboard is located at Ben Reifel Hall on the southern side of campus.
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NEWS
October 28, 2026
PHOTO COURTESY HOBO DAY COMMITTEE
SUSANNA SCHAEFER / COLLEGIAN MEDIA An SDSU student poses with a sign that says “Where We Belong”, the theme of 2026’s Hobo Week.
HALEY CHAMPEAU / COLLEGIAN MEDIA A girl gets her face painted by an SDSU student at Rally at the Rails on Oct. 21, 2026.
HOBO WEEK 2026
ISABELLE PERSONS Multimedia Reporter
This year marked the 114th annual Hobo Week celebration. Chief of Police Michael Drake, said Hobo Day exceeded expectations and everything went well. Drake said a group of people met to talk about and plan for Hobo Day about a year in advance, and noted that there was nothing out of the ordinary about this year’s homecoming. There were still a number of calls for service and arrests as well throughout the weekend. The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office booked 46 arrests between Friday
Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. The Brookings Police Department (BPD) booked 14 arrests and the University Police Department (UPD) made six. BPD reported 100 calls for service between Friday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. This was an increase compared to last year’s 83 calls. 16 of those calls were for parking enforcements, 13 for possible fake ids and 11 for noise complaints. The sheriff’s department saw an increase this year in DUI arrests. In 2025 there were 12 DUI arrests and this year there were 21. Hobo Week kicked off with Bum-AMeal, an event where students sign up
to visit host homes on campus and in the greater Brookings community. As of Oct. 15, 999 students were served at a total of 75 host homes. Tuesday was Jacks Got Talent where students competed in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center in a talent show for cash prizes. The first place prize went to sophomore English education major Mira Bry, winning $500 for her vocal performance of Aretha Franklin’s ‘Ain’t No Way’. Wednesday was Rally at the Rails, a tradition that began with the very first Hobo Day in 1912 where students would run to the train station and greet the opposing football team as they arrived in Brookings.
Nowadays, the event sees the community gathering in downtown Brookings with vendors, live music, and food trucks. BumFire and the University Program Council’s (UPC) Mulligan Stew Feed was on Thursday. During the Oct. 26 Students’ Association Meeting, UPC Social Awareness Coordinator Erica Endorf said their Mulligan Stew was completely gone within 30 minutes. 19,302 people were in attendance at the homecoming football game against Murray State. To read more on how the game went visit pages 14 and 15. Next year’s Hobo Day is set for Oct. 23, 2027.
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COLLEGIAN PHOTOS BY RYANN DAVIS Above: The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band parades through the streets during a rainy Hobo Day Parade on Oct. 24, 2026. SDSU’s marching band has been performing in the Hobo Day parade since 1912. Below: SDSU community members walk down Main Avenue during the Hobo Day Parade.
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NEWS
October 28, 2026
90-credit degree in the works
HAILEY ORR Reporter
SDSU is proposing a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management (HTEM), although the proposal is still in the early stages of the approval process. Teresa Seedfelt, vice provost for undergraduate education, said the proposal is intended to address workforce needs in South Dakota’s hospitality industry. The program allows students to complete their degrees in three years while gaining industry experience. “So we’re trying to address a need of our industry partners in a unique environment, a unique industry, and trying to match those two,” Seedfelt said. The proposed Bachelor of Applied Science degree would emphasize applied learning, combining online coursework with internship or apprenticeship credits throughout the three-year program. Students would gain experience working with industry partners in hospitality-related settings. Students would still need to meet general education requirements, but some hospitality coursework and electives would be condensed, according to Jessica Meendering, academic director and professor. “Our program is accredited,” Meendering said. “So, as we’ve developed the plan, we’ve had to think about making sure that we’re still upholding all of our accreditation standards.” Kendra Hybertson, an academic advisor at SDSU, said the proposed curriculum would remove elective credits and supporting coursework that are no longer required for the major. If approved, the proposed program would eventually replace the current 120-credit HTEM degree, Meendering said. SDSU has developed a plan to continue offering face-to-face classes under the existing curriculum until current students graduate while gradually introducing the new online curriculum. During the transition, the university would offer both programs.
Meendering said SDSU has begun vetting industry partners across South Dakota. The program initially plans to establish hubs in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Brookings, where the tourism industry is strong. Meendering said the university anticipates that internships will continue to be paid, as they typically are in the industry. SDSU is also working with the Department of Labor to explore establishing a formal apprenticeship model. “It may be eligible for some supplemental apprenticeship funding, which means the state can provide funding to work sites for taking students in to work in their sites,” Meendering said. Junior SDSU student Zoey Popowski likes the idea of finishing a degree sooner and potentially avoiding scheduling problems when courses are offered only during certain semesters. However, she worries that online classes could make it harder for students to build the sense of community she has experienced in the current program. “You lose the community aspect of the major and the size of the major,” Popowski said. The biggest benefit of the proposed three-year degree, Popowski said, would be the additional hands-on experience. As a hands-on learner, Popowski believes spending more time working in the industry could help students apply what they learn in class. “You’re working for three years, probably for different kinds of companies, different people, learning all of the skills that you’re being taught in lecture form, but it’s hands-on,” Popowski said. The program is still in the early approval process, Meendering said. The program was passed at the Oct. 27 Faculty Senate meeting but still needs approval from the Board of Regents. SDSU hopes to launch the program in fall 2027. If the process takes longer, the start date could be pushed to fall 2028.
HAILEY ORR / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
A photo of a poster for the Hospitality Management Club in Wagner Hall.
Oct. 28, 2026
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SPORTS
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Hockey splits against Crookston Jackrabbits win 3-1 before taking 4-0 loss
NATHAN THOMPSON Assistant Sports Director On Oct. 23, the Jackrabbit club ice hockey team laced up their skates as they geared up to play the Golden Eagles of Minnesota Crookston. The Jackrabbits entered the game off the road, where they had just beaten the University of Jamestown in a 10-5 shootout on the 10th. In the first period, UMC wasted no time on sending a player to the penalty box, as a boarding penalty call gave Hawks defenseman Landon Siemens two minutes to sit and think about his actions for just two minutes and 58 seconds into the period. The Jackrabbits used their newfound outnumbering to control the puck, and eventually score a power play goal. The goal was scored by Breck Hirrschoff, off an assist by Trent Anfinson. With 12:51 left in the first period, the Jacks had their second shot on goal, which resulted in their second goal. This time it was Anfison’s turn to score, as he got the assist off a pass from teammate David Brink. It wasn’t until 8:15 remaining that the Jackrabbits had their first shot that didn’t result in a goal. At the start of the second period the two teams were tied at 10 in the number of shots taken, but the Jacks still maintained the 2-0 lead. However, eight minutes and 38 seconds into the second period, the Jackrabbits upped their lead to 3-0, compliments of Preston Karelitz, with Hirrschoff getting the assist. With 2:50 left to play in the second period, the Hawks scored their first and only goal of the game. The goal was scored by Hawks Ben Hines. With 29 seconds remaining in the period, SDSU’s Dawson Wirth went to the penalty box for cross checking.
OWEN BOYD / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Forward No. 24 Maxwell Mohr begins to topple after running into a Minnesota player off the glass.
Neither team managed to score another goal in the third period, as the Jacks went on to win 3-0. The teams rematched the next night, and this time it would be the Hawks getting the best of the Jacks in a 4-0 victory. The Jack’s next matchup is against Creighton on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 both at the Larson Ice Center. Creighton is currently 4-3 after starting the year 3-0. Creighton is outscoring opponents 27-20.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE vs. Creighton-Nov. 7 vs. Creighton-Nov. 8 vs. Augustana-Nov. 11 @ Augustana-Nov. 17
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SPORTS
Oct. 28, 2026
Now this is ‘Pod-racing’ SDSU moves atop Summit Pod A after defeating Coyotes
NATHAN THOMPSON Assistant Sports Director The SDSU soccer team played top ranked USD on Oct. 22. The Jackrabbits entered the game 8-4-3 (3-2-2 in conference), and the Coyotes 6-4-5 (3-13 in conference). The Summit League is composed of two “pods.” Pod A consists of SDSU, USD, NDSU and UND. Pod B holds ORU, UNO, UST, UKC. Going into the game, USD sat atop of Pod A, while the Jackrabbits trailed behind in second place. This would be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the first time resulting in a 0-0 tie. The game opened relatively slowly, as the 303 attendees watched as SDSU keeper Mallorie Benhart and USD keeper Cambell Fischer thwarted all attempts at scoring. Both keepers recorded two saves early in the first half. Neither keeper had allowed a goal in the interstate series since a Nov. 1 playoff meeting between the two teams in 2024. The game remained deadlocked at zero until Stella Bradock’s header off a 32nd minute corner kick set up a pass from Katelyn Beulke to Taryn Hettich. Hettich’s shot ruined Fischer’s 719 day streak of not being scored on by a Jackrabbit. This was Hettich’s first goal since 2023, and second career goal. Five minutes before half, the Rabbits would find the net yet again, with Jenna Maloy scoring an unassisted goal to give the Jackrabbits a 2-0 lead at halftime. USD would get to work early in the second half. After just 70 seconds of play, Klarissa Vega, who already had four shot attempts, would score on attempt number five to cut SDSU’s lead to just one. This was Benhart’s first time allowing a Coyote goal in over 273 minutes of playtime between the two teams.
Benhart got her revenge about five minutes later in the form of her first career assist. As she cleared the ball from the box, it soared past the Coyote defenders, where Mia Bosch was able to make a play on the ball- a play that put the ball in the goal to put SDSU up by two yet again. USD would take advantage of a corner kick late into the second half, as Gabbie Ryan scored with 20 minutes to play to cut the lead to one. SDSU was able to maintain the lead over those 20 minutes, winning the game 3-2. USD managed just one more shot on goal, and Benhart used the opportunity to record her fifth save of the night. After the win, SDSU sits at 4-2-2 in conference play, at the top of Pod A, and is second to only Oral Roberts in the Summit League. The Jackrabbits have two games left in the regular season, playing UND in Grand Forks on Oct. 29 before returning home to play NDSU in the last game of the season on Nov. 1. The Jackrabbits beat UND in their matchup earlier this season, and tied NDSU These two teams are at the bottom of Pod A. NDSU is third of four, and UND sits last. The two teams have struggled in the past, with UND not making it out of the bottom two teams since 2022. NDSU has been right alongside them, at the bottom five, with the exception of when they were atop the Summit League in 2024. On the other hand, the Jackrabbits have been one of the top three teams in the Summit League for around a decade. The last time they were outside the top of the top three was 2016, when they were ranked fourth. After the NDSU game, the Summit League tournament begins on Nov. 6.
OWEN BOYD / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Sophomore midfielder Jenna Maloy concentrates on her kick, which would find its way to the goal to give SDSU a 2-0 lead before halftime on Oct. 22, 2026 at Fishback Soccer Park.
SDSU RECORDS Assists: 1. Nicole Hatcher (23) 2. Diana Potterveld (21) 3. Mia Bosch (20) Wins (Keeper): 1. Maggie Smither (44) 2. Jocelyn Tanner (36) 3. Nicole Inskeep (31) 4. Nicole Lograsso (29) 5. Brittany Frazier (26) 6. Elisa Stamatakis(21) 7. Malorie Benhart (19)
BOX A
SDSU: 9-4-3 I 4-2-2 (Summit) 30 Points USD: 6-5-5 I 3-2-3 (Summit) 23 Points NDSU: 5-6-6 I 3-3-2 (Summit) 21 Points UND: 5-8-2 I 2-5-1 (Summit) 17 Points
October 28, 2026
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Jacks sit second in Summit
KIMBERLY MILLER / COLLEGIAN MEDIA The South Dakota State volleyball team stand during lineup announcements on Friday, Oct. 24 before playing the University of South Dakota. SDSU went on to lose 3-2 to USD falling to 6-2 in conferene play.
CORDELL VITENSE Sports Director The Jackrabbit volleyball team fell to 6-2 in conference play after a five-set loss to USD at home on Friday night. Even with the loss, senior Sylvie Zgonc had a big night with 18 kills and nine digs. Zgonc now moves up to third on the all-time kill list for SDSU, passing Crystal Burk. The Jacks took a close opening set, 25-22. USD jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, but SDSU soon tied it at 5-5. The set continued to go back and forth, with the two teams tied at 21-21. But down the stretch, the Jacks outscored the Yotes 4-1 to take an early 1-0 lead. In the second set, the Jacks jumped out in front early, leading 3-1, but USD stormed back on a 5-0 run. The Jacks managed a comeback, tying the set at 8-8, but never regained the lead as USD won the set 25-17. The match continued the back-andforth rhythm as SDSU opened with
a dominant 4-0 start that eventually became a 7-6 USD lead. The set remained close as the two rivals found themselves knotted at 10 apiece. From this point on the Jacks turned on the jets as they outscored USD 15-6 to win the set. The fourth set started much like the others with more back-and-forth. USD gained a slight advantage, though, as they put themselves up 9-6. The Yotes eventually extended that lead to 13-8 before pulling within one down 14-13. After the Jackrabbit push, USD pulled away and the gap didn’t close back down as the Coyotes won 25-20. In the fifth and final set, both teams went score for score, leading to a 6-6 tie. USD then gained a slight edge, leading 8-7, before a 5-0 run put them at 13-7. The Yotes went on to win 15-9 and take the match 15-9.
ST. THOMAS
The Jacks will now host St. Thomas on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in First
Bank & Trust Arena. The Tommies are currently 6-3 in conference play but are currently riding a five-match winning streak, with their last loss coming to SDSU on Oct. 3. When the Jacks traveled to St. Paul earlier in the month, SDSU came out with a 3-2 win after a comeback. Part of the reason the Jacks were able to come out on top was 39.5 combined points from Zgonc and Hannah Klein. Zgonc contributed 20 and Klein 19.5. The star of the show for St. Thomas is sophomore Anya Schmidt, who is coming off a Summit League Freshman of the Year award in 2025. So far in the 2026 season, Schmidt has a team-high 260 kills, which is 100 more than second on the team. During her freshman season, Schmidt was averaging a solid 2.97 kills per set, but this season it has jumped all the way up to 3.71 kills per set, good enough for third in the Summit League this season.
OMAHA
After playing St. Thomas, SDSU will get to stay at home when they host Omaha on Saturday, Oct. 31, or better known as Halloween. The Jacks will look to get some revenge on Omaha, who beat them earlier in the season in Nebraska 3-2. In the matchup, Omaha had a three-headed scoring monster, with Faith Venable scoring 22.5 points, Lara Maric scoring 20.5 and Dara Obeid scoring 19.5. This year, those three are the top scorers for the Mavs, with all three scoring 220-plus points. Maric is the leading scorer with 273.5 points, Obeid is second with 247 and Venable is third with 221 points. Omaha is 6-3 in conference play, good enough for fourth only behind USD, SDSU and St. Thomas. Opening serve is scheduled for 11 a.m. for the Halloween matchup.
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October 28, 2026
ERIC HEGGESETH Sports Reporter The fifth-ranked Jacks had a sour taste in their mouth after a disappointing trip to Grand Forks last weekend, where they fell 21-10 to the No. 11 Fighting Hawks. But the Jacks bounced back on Hobo Day as they blew out the Murray State Racers 42-9. The Murray State defense came out big to start their fourth straight game facing a ranked FCS opponent, stuffing Josiah Johnson for a loss of one on 3rd down to force a Jackrabbit three-andout. Racer’s cornerback Tay Cline was ejected for targeting and Josiah Johnson took in his team’s leading eighth rushing touchdown from nine yards on the play following the penalty, giving the Jacks a 7-0 Lead with just under five minutes to go in the first quarter. Later on, Chase Mason found his tight end Greyton Gannon wide open and he took it for 25 yards. The Jacks were given 15 more on top as the Racers were called for hands to the face on the play. In the first quarter, Murray State was called for five penalties for 55 yards. Mason found Graham Goering with a second to go in the first quarter to put SDSU up 14-0 on a play in which he was interfered with. After being stopped on third down for the third straight time to start the game, Murray State was forced to Punt. Jack Smith muffed the punt and the Racers recovered at the SDSU 19yard line. Though Murray State was only able to get three out of the turnover. Freshman kicker Tyler Dorn banked in the 33-yard kick off the left upright and in for the team’s first made field goal of the season. Tristan Alvano followed up with his fifth field goal and longest in a Jackrabbit Uniform from 45 yards out before Wayne State transfer Jes Kricil recovered a Logan Green forced strip sack at the Murray State 22-yard line.
JACKS FLEX THEIR MUSCLE OWEN BOYD / COLLEGIAN MEDIA Jackrabbit defenders from left to right Cullen McShane, Carter Sitzman, Jes Krcil and Jace Sifore celebrate a play against Murray State on Hobo Day in the teams 42-9 victory.
Alvano came back out for his second field goal of the game from 23 yards, giving SDSU a 20-3 lead. SDSU took just over a minute to go seven plays and 57 yards, capped off by James Basinger scoring from four yards out, his eighth of the year, matching him back up with Josiah Johnson for the lead in rushing touchdowns and giving themselves a 27-9 lead. Dorn knocked in three field goals in the first 30 minutes, including a 51-yarder to end the half. The first field goal made from 50 or more yards away since 2024 for Murray State. The SDSU defense quickly forced a three-and-out to start the second half. A 14-yard sack of Mason on third down forced the Jacks to punt on their first possession as well. Murray State ended the game two-for-14 on thirddown attempts while the Jacks were
10 of 15. The Racers took just under four minutes to go 66 yards on nine plays but came out with nothing as Dorn missed a 32-yard attempt to the right. SDSU followed up by going 14 plays and 80 yards in just over six minutes. Josiah Johnson took his second rushing score of the game into the checkerboard from three yards out. The Jacks successfully converted a two-point attempt and led 35-9 after three. Following a Murray State turnover on downs. The day would be done for Chase Mason. Josh Holst found “Goose” Andrew Gustad for a 12-yard touchdown that gave SDSU a 42-9 lead, which ended up being the final score. Chase Mason completed 18 of his passes on 26 attempts for 197 yards and a touchdown. Murray State Quarterback Baxter Wright completed 21 of
When: Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. Where: Brookings, South Dakota TV: ESPNU/ESPN+ Radio: Jackrabbit Sports Network Records: USD 7-2, SDSU 6-2 Last meeting: Oct. 18, 2025 at MSU Series: 58-53-7 SDSU Last week: USD 26-23 W; SDSU 49-6 W USD on offense: The Coyotes average 409.8 yards per game while scoring 37.67 points per game. The Yotes are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Austyn Modzrewski. Modzrewski has thrown for 1893 yards and 24 touchdowns in nine games this season. His favorite target is another redshirt freshman Brayden white who has a team high in catches with 41, yards with 569 and touchdowns with eight. Jacks on offense: SDSU averages 472.8 yards per game and score 37.12 points per game. The Jacks are headlined by a running game that averages 263.4 yards per game. Josiah Johsnon leads the team with 826 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. James Basinger is second on the team with 564 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging a team high 11.6 yards per carry. USD on defense: 371.2 yards allowed per game while allwoing 24.22 points per game. USD give up an average of 167.3 rushing yards per game and 203.89 yards pass per game. Jacks on defense: 295.2 yards allowed per game and and 15.75 points per game. Jes Krcil leads the Jacks with 51 tackles and is third with 3.5 tackles for loss this season. Quick facts: After the game last weekend USD redshirt senior linebacker Wade Abrams now is tied for the MVFC lead in tackles. After the SDSU win over Murray State they now have 199 wins since moving up to Division I. The total record is 199-89 which is a winning percentage of 69.1%.
October 28, 2026 SDSUCollegian.com his 33 attempts for 174 yards. Josiah Johnson led the way for the Jacks with 92 yards on 16 attempts and two touchdowns. The Jacks’ leading receiver was Jack Smith, who caught six passes for 66 yards. SDSU improves to 6-2 while Murray State drops to 1-7 overall.
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For fans who want to attend the game the following regulations for the game listed to the right.
USD
The Coyotes will come into Brookings on Halloween at 7-2 and ranked No. 6 following a 26-23 overtime victory over North Dakota in Vermillion. USD is coached in his first year by Matt Vitzhum, who spent the previous two seasons as an assistant at South Dakota under Bob Neilson, who retired following the 2024 season, and Travis Johansen, who was hired to be the Defensive Coordinator at Rutgers. Redshirt freshman quarterback Austyn Modrzewski has thrown for 1893 yards and 24 touchdowns to six interceptions while completing 66% of his passes (138 for 207). Redshirt freshman Brayden White leads the Yotes receivers, having hauled in eight touchdowns with 569 receiving yards on 41 catches. Senior Tennel Wright has 408 yards on 19 receptions with four touchdowns. Redshirt senior Charles Pierre Junior has taken 111 rushing attempts for 732 yards and seven touchdowns. Transfer from Iowa State Carson Fletcher has taken 52 handoffs for 298 yards and found the end zone twice. Defensively, the Coyotes allow 25 points a contest and 371 yards per game. Wade Abrams leads the Coyotes with 75 total tackles, 40 of those solo. Harrison Brun has the next highest with 48. South Dakota State leads the alltime series with a record of 58-53-7 and is 7-3 in the last 10 matchups, with the last meeting coming last year in a game USD won 24-17 at the Dakota Dome. Last time the two met in Brookings, it was a thriller with South Dakota State coming away with a 20-17 win in Overtime. Kickoff is 3 P.M. Saturday and can be watched on ESPNU and can be heard across all Jackrabbit Sports Networks or the Varsity Sports Network app.
OWEN BOYD / COLLEGIAN MEDIA Junior receiver Lofton O’Groske goes up with one hand to try and make a catch on Saturday, Oct. 24. O’Groske finished with six catches for 46 yards.
Halloween Rules For safety and security purposes, masks or face coverings that conceal identity are not permitted Costume props, toy weapons, or any item that could be mistaken for a weapon are prohibited. Costumes should not obstruct aisles, block views, or interfere with the comfort and safety of other guests Costumes that impersonate law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, security staff, or other emergency responders are prohibited. Costumes that are threatening, disruptive, or that violate university policies may result in denied entry or removal from the football stadium or First Bank & Trust Arena
SPORTS
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OCTOBER 28, 2026
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JACKS SCORE CONVINCING WIN; RIVAL COYOTES UP NEXT
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