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SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
August 26, 2026
THEY WERE THERE: WITNESSES FROM SEPTEMBER 11 South Dakota State University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences presents a public panel featuring firsthand accounts from that day.
Join us to reflect and remember.
Scan to register
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 10 a.m.
Larson Memorial Concert Hall
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota
Free and open to the public Registration required
August 26, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
Target gives more options for students, community
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BRITTEN SELNESS Multimedia Reporter Brookings residents have a new place to shop as Target officially opened on July 26. The grand opening marked a major addition to Brookings’ retail scene, and the store has seen a strong response from the community in its first few weeks. Brookings’ Target offers groceries, household essentials, clothing, electronics, beauty products and seasonal items, giving residents a wider variety of shopping options closer to home. The store has also brought lots of new jobs to the area, contributing to Brookings’ continued growth and local economy. LeeAnn Hokenson, Target executive team lead, said there was “never a dull moment” throughout the grand opening, as employees worked to welcome customers and learn what the community wanted from Target. The store also held a soft opening for President Barry Dunn and Mayor Ope Niemeyer before the official grand opening. The grand opening included entertainment and activities for the community, including a DJ and performances from members of the SDSU Pride of the Dakotas marching band. Since opening, Hokenson said the response from the Brookings community has been extremely positive and that was exactly her wish for the store. “I want to make things easy for the guests and be friendly and inspiring to bring joy to their everyday life,” Hokenson said. The store is attracting a wide range of customers, from college students to families. Hokenson said she has enjoyed seeing the excitement from younger shoppers, including children who are excited to have a Target in town. For SDSU students, the new store adds another option for shopping
HALEY CHAMPEAU / COLLEGIAN MEDIA A customer walks towards the entrance of the new Target in Brookings on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. The store, located inside the Brookings Marketplace at 801 Lefevre Drive on the east side of town, opened late last month.
during the school year. Many students previously had to travel 45 minutes to either Sioux Falls or Watertown or rely on online orders to purchase Target products. With a store located in Brookings, students can pick up dorm essentials, school supplies, groceries and other everyday items without needing to leave town. For SDSU student Macy Bryant, having a Target in Brookings has already made moving back to campus and preparing for the school year easier. “I absolutely love shopping at Target. The fact that we have one in Brookings now makes everything so much easier. They have everything I’ve needed,” Bryant said.
Parents of SDSU students also noticed the convenience of having a Target nearby, especially during the busy back-to-school season. Amanda Starzl, the mother of an incoming freshman, emphasizes this. “We were able to grab all the little things she needed without having to make another trip to Sioux Falls. It was really convenient having everything so close,” Starzl said. The new Target also provides employment opportunities for SDSU students and other members of the Brookings community. Hokenson said the store is currently looking for part-time employees and has a variety of positions available, including fulfillment,
WHAT TO KNOW What: Target Where: 801 Lefevre Drive Size: 129,000 square feet receiving, sales floor and Drive Up. Target is also prepared for the return of SDSU students this fall. The store features a “Game-Day Ready” section with SDSU apparel, giving students another option for finding Jackrabbit gear in town.
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NEWS
SDSUCollegian.com
NEW BEGINNINGS
August 26, 2026
A total of 826 volunteers helped new and returning students move into their residence halls this last weekend.
COLLEGIAN PHOTOS BY OWEN BOYD
SDSUCollegian.com
August 26, 2026
Hundreds of volunteers help thousands of students move back to campus RYANN DAVIS Editor-in-Chief Ryan Kruse was trying to keep his emotions in check Friday afternoon as he stood in front of Wagner Hall. It was a scene that likely played out hundreds of times this past move-in weekend as thousands of parents dropped off their students for the new school year at SDSU. “It’s our last one (daughter), so we will be empty nesters, and I’m trying to be strong,” Kruse said. A total of 826 volunteers helped first-year and returning students move into residence halls last Friday and Saturday. SDSU’s Meet State weekend reserves Friday for freshman move in and Saturday for returning students living on campus. When asked how many students moved into the dorms over the weekend, Rebecca Peterson, director of Housing & Residential Life, said that information is not available yet. Exact numbers on this will be available on the SDSU fall census day Sept. 3. Dean of Students Toby Uecker said an organized, campus-wide move-in process has existed at SDSU since 2008, while the actual “Meet State” process was established during the 2014 academic year. Volunteers drive golf carts carrying students’ belongings and deliver the items to dorm rooms. They also manage traffic flow. “They’re (volunteers) the ones who really make this happen,” Peterson said. “We just organize it, and it is (the) campus and our students who really extend the blue carpet and make this event work incredibly well. We couldn’t do it without them.” Blake Koehl, a senior animal science student, volunteered at Meet State for the third year in a row. He works in the admissions office during
RIGHT A volunteer carries a fridge on top of his head while walking into Binnewies Hall on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. BOTTOM Barry Dunn helps carry a student’s belongings on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.
the academic year, giving tours to prospective students and their parents. He said move-in is one of his favorite days of the year. “All throughout the year we’re getting ready to welcome the next year’s Jackrabbits, and so this is kind of a full-circle day seeing all those students last year that I was able to give tours to, moving in,” Koehl said. Freshman health studies major Callie Radigan moved into Brown Hall on Friday. She’s from Vermillion and said she enjoys the distance from Brookings to home. Radigan said she’s excited for “meeting new people and figuring out how to live on my own a little bit with friends and everything.” Kristen Kponyoh, assistant director of the Graduate School, has been volunteering for six years. She said this year’s effort went smoothly. “Last year it rained so it’s been very nice today that it hasn’t,” Kponyoh said. Peterson said this year was “on par” with other years’ move-in weekend and there were no significant challenges. “The team worked really, really hard this summer to prepare and get the halls ready,” she said. According to Peterson, Waneta Hall is receiving new furniture along with Hansen Hall. Hansen’s kitchen has been remodeled and now has parcel lockers for students’ packages. Events such as the New Jacks Kickoff and Picnic, the Welcome Back Bash and the New Jacks Class Photo all took place over the Meet State weekend as well.
NEWS
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SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS Shorty’s is at 1224 Sixth St.
August 26, 2026
JD’s at Trail Heads is at 1130 Main Ave. S.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHORTY’S BURGERS & BREW
EATERY OPTIONS EXPAND
Three new restaurants open; two more on the way
Mac’s Eastside Grill is at 601 32nd Ave.
August 26, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
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JACKSON HELLAND Reporter SDSU students returning from summer break have several new eateries across Brookings to look forward to this fall semester. Over the past few months, three restaurants have opened and two more are on the way. Newly opened restaurants are JD’s at Trails Head, Mac’s and Shorty’s Burgers & Brew. Mamacita’s is scheduled to open soon, and La Cantina, currently in the Brookings Inn hotel, will move to the former Applebee’s location. According to Mike Struck, the community development director for the City of Brookings, this summer’s openings represent a noticeable increase in establishments and he is excited about the additional cuisine options. “The nice thing about the eating establishments is hopefully there’s getting to be a variety, and maybe (in) a different location,” Struck said. “It’ll help spread out the population when they want to go out to eat so there’s not such long lines or waiting for seats.” The restaurants are located across town, from the growing south side to right off Interstate 29. Struck said restaurants off campus have a positive effect on students and prompt them to explore the city. “Restaurants maybe give them a little added incentive to (say), ‘Hey, I’d like to go try this place to eat,’ so they maybe will venture off a little further into the community,” Struck said. “And then all of a sudden, they start discovering other things.” Kim Dokken-Nelson, owner of Shorty’s Burgers & Brew is excited at the prospect of returning students because of her restaurant’s proximity to the university. Located at 1224 Sixth Street, it’s just two blocks from the SDSU campus. Shorty’s Burgers & Brew is familiar to many with SDSU ties because there was a location at Weary Wil’s in the Student Union in recent years. In addition to the convenient distance to the college, a new menu for students is currently in the works. “We are working on a secret ‘broke college student menu,’ and so you know we want to make that fun and
JACKSON HELLAND / COLLEGIAN MEDIA LEFT: This building, that once housed Applebee’s east of I-29 in Brookings, will soon beceome the location for La Cantina, according to the business’ website. RIGHT: Mamacita’s is expected to open soon along south main avenue.
inviting for them,” Dokken-Nelson said when interviewed this summer. “So, all they have to do is show their ID and we’ll hand them the secret menu.” The new location has one feature that the Union location didn’t: a tap wall featuring an assortment of beers. This allows patrons to fill up their glass and gives them the ability to try different brews more conveniently. Moving to the southside, the new restaurant on the block is JD’s at Trails Head, located at 1130 Main Ave. S. “There’s been a lot of excitement for us to open down there … a lot of that is stemmed from the fact that it is a desert for restaurants over in that part of town,” owner Jesse Davis said. Davis, who owns both JD’s at the Trails Head and Mac’s, hopes that the South Main location allows for an option in that part of town that attracts customers. As for future projects across the city, Struck said Brookings is always open to new businesses, including restaurants. Here’s a look at the new restaurants:
JD’s at Trails Head
• Address: 1130 Main Ave. S Suite D • Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Opened: June • Must Try Items/ Specialties: “The cheese curds are definitely the No. 1 item that people are falling in love with over there,” Davis said. “It’s a square cheese cube … It’s a Wisconsin cheese...they don’t have a traditional batter on them. They’re tossed in a very light coating of flour, and so they fry up a lot different than most normal cheese curds.” • DoorDash? No • Website: https://www.jdsattrailshead.com/
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Opened: April • Must Try Items/ Specialties: The menu includes six specialty burgers. A unique aspect is the monthly “Wild Side” burgers, a competition in which the kitchen creates two eccentric burgers that become menu items for a month. • DoorDash? Yes • Website: https://shortyshotbox. com/
Mac’s East Side Grill n Bar
La Cantina (New Location)
• Address: 601 32nd Ave. • Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Opened: March • Must Try Items/ Specialties: Mac’s menu focuses primarily on Midwestern comfort food, consisting of steak, fried chicken and several specialty burgers. • DoorDash? No • Website: https://www.macseastsidegrill.com/
Shorty’s Burgers & Brew •
Address: 1224 Sixth St.
COMING SOON • Address: 3001 Lefevre Drive (in the former Applebee’s location) • Opening: New location coming soon, according to business’s website • Website: https://lacantinaonline.com/lacantinabrookings Note: La Cantina is currently open at its location in the Brookings Inn.
Mamacita’s
• Address: 1300 Main Ave. S. • Opening: Coming soon, according to the business’s website • Website: https://mamacitasbrookings.com/
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SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
August 26, 2026
Tuition increases again
AMINA AIDARKHANOVA Multimedia Reporter
South Dakota State University students will see a 2.4% increase in tuition for the 2026-27 academic year as the South Dakota Board of Regents works to balance rising costs while keeping higher education affordable. The increase marks the second consistent year that SDSU tuition has risen. While the increase is smaller than some other tuition increases within the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) system, student leaders say even a relatively small increase can affect students’ budgets. SDSU Students’ Association President, Sophie Spier, said she was initially surprised by the increase. “I knew that because tuition was increased last year, there was a chance that it would go up again this year,” Spier said. “However, initially, I was surprised.” Spier said she understands why the Regents sought to keep the increase relatively low while accounting for expenses facing universities. “I know that they did their very best to keep it reasonable while also keeping in mind outside expenses and the competition of higher education,” she said. However, Spier said the increase still matters to students. “Any increase for students, whether it’s small or not, is important, and paying for college is always a financial worry for students,” she said. Michael Holbeck, vice president for Finance &
SOPHIE SPIER
MICHAEL HOLBECK
BETH VOLLAN
SDSU leaders discuss the tuition increase and its impact on students for the second year in a row. Budget, said the 2.4% increase is part of the broader financial picture facing the university and the Board of Regents. Holbeck provided data showing how tuition increases compared across South Dakota’s public universities. He cautioned that statewide cost-of-attendance data should not be interpreted as being specific to SDSU because the figures combine institutions across the state. According to Holbeck, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) increased tuition by 5% for fiscal year 2026, while SDSU increased tuition by 2.9% that year. The statewide average is also
affected by differences among institutions, including the higher tuition at SDSM&T. For fiscal year 2027, Holbeck provided a comparison of tuition costs among SDBOR universities and noted that the projected 2.4% increase for SDSU will vary depending on factors such as residency, academic program and course modality. While tuition is increasing, SDSU’s financial aid data shows that several forms of student assistance have also grown. Beth Vollan, director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at SDSU, said institutional scholarships and South Dakota Freedom Scholarships have increased over the past several years. “These increases will help students offset the cost of the tuition increase,” Vollan said. The average South Dakota Freedom Scholarship award increased from $3,571 in 2022-23 to $3,976 in 2025-26. SDSU had 565 students receive the needbased scholarship in 2025-26. For 2026-27, Vollan expects the average award to increase significantly because qualifying returning students saw their awards increase from $3,000 to $4,000. SDSU’s allocation from the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship program also increased from $2 million in 2025-26 to $2.6 million for 2026-27. Institutional scholarships funded by SDSU and the SDSU Foundation have also grown. The university awarded $16.6 million in 2021-22, compared with $22.7 million in 2024-25. In 2024-25, those scholarships went to 6,727 stu-
August 26, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
dents. Vollan said 98% of first-time, firstyear students received some form of financial aid in 2024-25, while 92% of those students received institutional scholarship funding. Across undergraduate and graduate students who used financial aid, the average financial aid amount was $11,882. At the same time, SDSU students have been borrowing less through federal student loans. According to data provided by Vollan, the average federal Title IV debt for SDSU graduates who began at the university and completed a four-year degree decreased from $26,164.73 in 2017-18 to $20,608.94 in 2024-25. The number of students borrowing Direct Loans also declined. In 2018-19, 72% of SDSU students were borrowing Direct Loans during their time at the university. By 2024-25, that figure had fallen to 63%. Still, Spier said students who depend on financial aid may be particularly concerned about rising costs. “I would say, just the general population of students that rely on financial aid would be the biggest thing,” she said. Spier said students need to know what financial resources are available and how to access them. “I think the biggest thing that students will have to work with is making sure that we all have access, and we’re all aware of the options to pay for our education,” she said. Spier also said Students’ Association should play a role in making sure students’ concerns reach university administrators. “I think the biggest goal that Students’ Association should play is to advocate for students,” Spier said. “Students are concerned about this, and are concerned about how they’re going to pay for their education. The association should be the ones at the table representing that voice.” Spier also said the university and Regents could improve communication about why tuition is increasing. “I think the university could do a better job explaining to students why this was increased,” she said. Spier said she raised the issue of communication with the Regents
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Collegian graphics by AMINA AIDARKHANOVA
ABOVE: The graphic shows the average award increase for the Freedom Scholarship. 565 students received this needbased reward. The scholarship increase allows students to offset the rising costs. BELOW: This shows the allocation increase from South Dakota Freedom Board each year. From this allocation is how they divide up the scholarships.
during a recent student federation meeting. For students struggling with the additional cost, Vollan said students should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss available options. SDSU also offers resources such as Jack’s Cupboard, emergency grants and the Essential Needs Hub. In 2025-26, 5,045 students received
Federal Direct Loans totaling $37.88 million. Of those borrowers, 2,379 students, or 47%, received need-based Subsidized Direct Loans totaling $9.38 million. Another 2,187 students received Federal Pell Grants totaling nearly $11 million, while 571 students received Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants totaling $532,747. At SDSU, 5,045
students received Federal Direct Loans totaling $37.88 million in 2025-26. Of those borrowers, 2,379 students, or 47%, received need-based Subsidized Direct Loans totaling $9.38 million. Another 2,187 SDSU students received Federal Pell Grants totaling nearly $11 million, while 571 received Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants totaling $532,747. Spier said students should not have to navigate rising costs alone. “I would just encourage students to reach out and know that they’re not alone in this,” she said. The 2.4% tuition increase will affect students differently depending on residency, program and other factors. While university officials point to increased financial assistance and declining student debt as indicators that students are receiving more support, the increase also leaves affordability and communication as continuing concerns for students.
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SDSUCollegian.com
Sports
August 26, 2026
Volleyball sets up for Summit title
AVCA-ranked Nebraska on Sept. 2. The Jacks will host the SDSU Invitational September 4 and 5. Those matches are against Western Illinois, Northern Arizona and Bradley. Jacks open up conference play at South Dakota on September 25. Home conference play begins with Kansas City on Oct. 8. The Summit League Tournament will take place Nov. 22 through the 24
ERIC HEGGESETH Multimedia Sports Reporter
The South Dakota State volleyball team is coming off the program’s first consecutive 20-win seasons since 2006-2007 but they have their eyes set on something they have also not done since then, which is win a Summit League Conference Championship. Seventh-year head coach Dan Georgalas and his Jacks have won the League’s regular season championship each of the last two seasons but took a loss in the tournament championship match both times. SDSU fell in four sets to rival South Dakota in 2024 after a 15-1 conference mark and again in 2025 to St. Thomas after sweeping conference play, going 16-0 and 23-5 overall. Despite no conference title to show for a great regular season, the Jackrabbits earned an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament last season, where they were knocked out in the first round in four sets by Arizona. The Jacks welcome back eight players from last year’s team, including back-to-back reigning Summit League Player of the Year Sylvie Zgonc. Zgonc tallied a team-leading and a program fourth-all-time mark of 451 kills. Also returning on the outside is sophomore Hannah Klein. Klein was named to the Summit League All-Freshman Team after averaging 2.24 kills for a total of 233, which was third for SDSU in 2025. Senior setter Rylee Martin also returns in 2026 after being named to the First Team All-Summit League last season. Madison Burr returns for her junior season. Burr was also a member of the First Team All-Summit in 2025. Burr ranked second on the team in kills, blocks, and hitting percentage. SDSU welcomes eight new faces. Former Jackrabbit basketball standout Brooklyn Meyer is one of those eight. Meyer put up 2,097 points as a Jackrabbit, climbing to third all-time in program history. She will use an NCAA-allowed fifth
Returning Seniors Sylvie Zgonc: Outside Hitter Joslyn Richardson: Defensive Specialist Rylee Martin: Setter EAN WETZEL/COLLEGIAN MEDIA Jackrabbit volleyball team celebrates against the UND Fighting Hawks on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 in a 3-0 victory. Joslyn Richardson (front left), Sylvie Zgonc (front middle) and Rylee Martin (front right) all return for their senior season at SDSU.
year of eligibility in a separate sport. Meyer may be new to collegiate volleyball, but she did play in high school. Claire Logeais comes to SDSU for her sophomore season after spending a year at Atlantic 10 conference champion Dayton. Anna Johannson comes in after a year at New Mexico, where she appeared in 19 matches. Johannson is an IMG Academy graduate. Patrycja Labucka is a NJCAA junior transfer. Labucka is a native of Poland. Four freshmen will also join the roster. SDSU has already had exhibition matches with Iowa State and Southwest Minnesota State and will start official play this weekend at the Pepperdine Tournament in Malibu. Matchups are set with Sacramento State, Pepperdine and Villanova. SDSU opens at home with top two
August 26, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
DYNASTY IN PROGRESS
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Jackrabbits 9-0 halfway through Summit League NATHAN THOMPSON Assistant Sports Director Brookings is alive. Even the most tardy of residents are completing their transition to their new homes. The campus is abuzz. This means, of course, the SDSU Cross Country team is preparing to begin their competitive season. This year, the men’s team hopes to add to their impressive streak of 10 straight Summit League titles, while the women hope to rise above their second place finish to UND last year. Fans of the running rabbits will certainly notice a few members who are missing from this year’s roster. CASHTON The men gradated JOHNSON two athletes. Most notably last year’s Summit League Cross Country athlete of the year, Cody Larson, who was the fastest runner last year. Not only did he lead the team in the 8k (23:15) and the 10k (29:34), but he was MEGHAN FORD also the winner of the 2025 Summit League Cross Country Championships, and the only member of last year’s squad to compete in the NCAA D1 National Championships in Missouri. The boys also lost Cormick Logue, who was ranked 35 in the summit league in the 8k, with a best time of 25:03. The women’s team graduated six members. Notable losses include Ashlyn Hillyard, who was ranked 12th in
MEET THE FRESHMEN Sam DeutzMarshall High School, Marshall, MN 5k PR: 15:15 Tate GrabowHill City High School, Hill City, SD 5k PR: 15:30 Griffin SmithHarrisburg High School, Harrisburg, SD 5k PR: 16:06 Owen StuweShakopee High School, Shakopee, MN 5k PR: 14:50 SDSU ATHLETICS The SDSU men’s cross country team celebrates their 10th straight Summit League championship at the 2025 league championship meet.
Summit League with a 6k time of 21:04. Emma Gonzalez, who was seventh on the team, 28th in the Summit League with a time of 21:33. They also lost Emma Ecker who was eighth on the team with a time of 21:44. The Jackrabbits are still returning a large portion of their core runners. With the men’s numbers two through eight runners returning this season. They are, respectively: Cashton Johnson, Dale Johnson, Will Lohr, Jared Lutmer, Luke Johnson, Cade Sanvik and Branden Kampsen. Every member of the returning core was ranked in the top 30 for the Summit League last year. The women are returning five of their top seven, missing just Hillyard and Gonzalez. Last year, Meghan Ford was second overall in the Summit League to UND senior Jadyn Keeler. With Keeler graduating, she has a serious shot at the number one spot. The rest of the returners were ranked in the
top 30 last year. All eyes will be on the SDSU men this year, as the boys hope to win their 11th straight Summit League title. Despite this impressive streak, and tight spread of returners, the boys will have their work cut out for them. They will face heavy competition in the league from, above all else, UND. The hawks of UND are returning five in the Summit League top 13, and could be the team to beat this year. The women’s team came in second to UND last year. However, the Hawks are graduating Summit League’s fastest woman, Jadyn Keeler. Losing their number one runner provides the Rabbits with a window of opportunity to take the championship this year. The Jackrabbits begin their competitive season on Sept 4, at the Augustana Twilight meet in Sioux Falls. Women’s 5k begins at 8:45, men’s 4 mile begins at 9:15.
Ella BoekelheideNorthWestern Area High School, Northville, SD 5k PR: 18:36 Izzy KramerRocori High School, Cold Springs, MN 5k PR: 19:29 Emery LarsonTF Riggs High School, Pierre,SD 5k PR: 17:36 Faith WieseFlandreau High School, Flandreau, SD 5k PR:17:08
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SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
August 26, 2026
Groundbreaking Progress
SDSU holds soccer stadium groundbreaking ceremony CORDELL VITENSE Sports Director On July 28, ground broke on SDSU’s Dakota Layers Stadium for the Jackrabbit soccer team. Many prominent figures at South Dakota State attended the event, including the Director of Athletics, Justin Sell, SDSU President Barry Dunn, soccer head coach Brock Thompson and student-athlete Mallorie Benhart. “I stand here today knowing President Dunn and I started on this journey with a soccer stadium about a decade ago and worked pretty hard to get to where we are today,” Sell said. “I am so thankful for the Ramsdell family, Dakota Layers; you have made a huge difference. Not only in what we’re doing today. I think of the old saying, ‘you’ve made dreams come true.’ But more importantly, you’ve given us a chance to reframe what those dreams can be as we move forward, thinking about what this soccer stadium will do.” “Given (their) accomplishments, it’s no surprise that others wanted to join us in creating this exceptional home field advantage that we’ll have here,” President Dunn said. “Scott and Lani Ramsdell, and Dakota Layers, thank you for believing in the program. Thank you for sharing our vision of SDSU Athletics to provide this premier experience for our student-athletes.” “We ask the players all the time to buy into the vision of what Jackrabbit soccer can be. This is a shining example of a family and a company that believes in the program and what it can be,” Thompson said. “I think the question I am left with and ponder a lot, ‘How do we honor your generosity and your gift?’ I think investing in others is the easiest way to do that. I think (the Ramsdell family) has led by example time and time again, in many ways, in investing in community, peo-
SDSU Athletics Rendering of Dakota Layers Stadium with a northwest veiw overlooking the stadium. This stadium will replace Fischbach Soccer Park as the permanent home for the SDSU soccer team.
ple and causes that are near and dear to you. So I thank you for that. I know our Jackrabbit team will honor that gift by our preparation, by how hard we work, but most importantly by a deep and enduring attitude of gratitude for this investment and what It means for our program.” Members of Dakota Layers Alison Ramsdell and Jason Ramsdell also gave speeches at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Our family has called this part of South Dakota home for seven generations, where we’ve raised our kids in Flandreau, South Dakota. Six of those generations have come to SDSU to pursue their calling. We have stuck around these parts and been drawn to this institution for similar reasons. Both are proud communities filled with people who look out for and sup-
port one another People who celebrate diversity and look for opportunities to unify. And people who are devoted to making their corners of the world a little bit better,” Alison Ramsdell said. “We’re looking forward to this gift enhancing the student experience here at SDSU, enhancing Jackrabbit soccer, and probably more exciting, expanding the possibilities for young women.” “Dakota Layers started as a vision in 1999 when a little over 100 family and community members decided to invest in something near Flandreau that would use local crops to help better the lives of the local farmers. In 2015, Dakota Layers was bought by our family from the rest of the investors. From there, we grew pretty significantly,” Jason Ramsdell said. ““If it wasn’t for the first investors, and all of our employees working hard for Dakota
Stadium Info Start: July 28, 2026 Completion: August 2027 Donors: Dakota Layers LLC Layers, we wouldn’t be able to do this generous gift and help out the future of the women’s soccer program here (at SDSU).” Dakota Layers Stadium will be located on campus, east of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, at the corner of Jackrabbit Avenue and North Campus Drive. The new stadium will feature a new scoreboard and lighting, permanent grandstands and a press box. August 2027 is the expected completion date.
August 26, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
Jacks Start Off 3-1
NEWS
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Jackrabbit Soccer Begins Season With Near Perfect Record JACOB BRENDE Multimedia Reporter The South Dakota State women’s soccer team kicked off its season with a strong start, securing three wins against the University of Manitoba, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Western Illinois with double-digit total goals scored across two of the games. The Jacks then took their first loss of the season against the Kansas State Wildcats with a score of 2-0. The Jacks currently sit at 3-1 following a pair of clean-sheet victories during opening weekend. The Jackrabbits opened the season with a 6-0 win over Manitoba. The six-goal difference was the program’s largest margin of victory in a season opener. Six different Jackrabbits scored in the game. Jenna Maloy, who was tied with Emma Brezenski for the most goals scored on the team with six, scored the first goal of the season for SDSU. She currently leads the team in goals with three. The Jacks managed 23 shots with 13 on goal, Manitoba put up two shots and two on goal. “I think the thing that most people notice, and certainly we as coaches notice is, we can score goals in a variety of ways from a variety of people,” head coach Brock Thompson said. “The attacking depth of our team is pretty special.” Later, they secured an 11-0 victory against MSU Moorhead. The 11 goals the Jackrabbits scored in the game topped the previous program record of 10 set against Si Tanka University in 2003. That match came in SDSU’s first match ever held at Fishback Soccer Park. Both Maloy and Peyton Held scored two goals in the match. SDSU put up 22 shots and 15 on goal. Across 180 minutes of play, SDSU’s attack generated 17 goals while the defensive unit allowed two goals on
OWEN BOYD/COLLEGIAN MEDIA Lauren Walter moves past an Omaha defender in game one of the 2025 Summit League tournement.
target, providing a strong baseline for head coach Thompson’s squad. “The number of goals we scored on, what is a limited number of shots, I thought was pretty special,” Thompson said. “I thought that reflected a high level of decision making and intelligence from our team in the attacking part of the field.” The Jacks had 46 shots combined against Manitoba and MSU Moorhead. SDSU’s winning streak continued with a 3-0 win over Washington State on Aug. 20. The first goal of the game came after head coach Brock Thompson challenged a no call on a potential penalty. A penalty kick was awarded to the Jacks, whom current point leader
with seven Mia Bosch took and scored on. Both teams had seven shots, the Jacks having four on-goal while Washington State managed two. The Jack’s streak would eventually come to an end though with a 2-0 loss to Kansas State University on Aug. 23. Around 20 minutes into the game a red card was shown to SDSU’s Mallorie Benhart, removing her for the duration of the game and setting the Jacks down to ten players. Kansas State would get their first goal of the game eight minutes after the red card. The Jacks managed five shots with one on goal, while the Wildcats put up 22 shots and eight on goal. Next, SDSU plays Western Illinois
at Fishback Soccer Park in Brookings Thursday, Aug. 27. Game time is set for seven p.m. The Leathernecks are currently 0-4 on the season.
UPCOMING: Aug. 27: vs. Western Illinois Sept. 3: vs. Colorado College Sept. 6: vs. Idaho Sept. 10: @ Weber State Sept. 13: @ Utah State Sept. 24: @ USD Sept. 27: vs. UND
SDSUCollegian.com
A14 SPORTS
August 26, 2026
Gameday changes at Dykhouse SDSU adds new food, concessions and easier ticket process
CORDELL VITENSE Sports Director South Dakota State Athletics has provided Jackrabbit fans with a new look and an enhanced gameday experience for SDSU football games starting Aug. 29.
Concessions
There will be several new food and beverage options at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium this season, including walking tacos, multiple mac and cheese options and cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites. Two new ice cream kiosks have been added, along with a new grab-and-go End Zone concession stand in the south concourse.
Parking
This fall, Jackrabbit Club Members will have parking lots divided into three zones: northwest, southwest and east. Every summer, Jackrabbit Club Members who have season tickets for football will have the opportunity to pick one of three zones for parking based on membership level and can park in any lot in that zone. There will be several pay lots south of North Campus Drive that are general parking areas. Parking is $10 per stall and transactions will be a cashless system.
Tickets
This year, season ticket holders will be able to opt for mobile tickets and receive an all-in-one mobile ticket that automatically updates in their Apple or Google Wallet instead of downloading separate tickets for every game. Only home games will be included and when the home game concludes, the ticket for the next home game will automatically update.
EAN WETZEL/COLLEGIAN MEDIA Jackrabbit fan cheers on the football team against Indiana State Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The Jacks went on to lose 25-12 to the Sycamores.
You can already buy single-game tickets for the Jackrabbits’ seven regular season home games at JackrabbitTickets.com. SDSU students can claim tickets for all home games for free. Students can claim their tickets at GoJacks.com/ StudentTickets. Ticket redemption sales and Jacks Pass sales open at 9 a.m. Tuesday of each week. Home games are first come, first serve until the student section is full. Students should claim their ticket early to guarantee a spot and make it easier for staff and the students themselves.
GAMEDAY THEMES
HOME OPPONENTS
Aug. 29: Blue
Aug. 29: vs Stetson
Sept. 12: Black
Sept. 12: vs New Haven
Sept. 19: Blue
Sept. 19: vs Youngstown
Sept. 26: Yellow and Blue
State
Oct. 24 : Yellow and Blue
Sept. 26: vs Eastern Illinois
(Hobo Day)
Oct. 24 : vs Murray State
Oct. 31: Blue
Oct. 31: vs South Dakota
Nov. 21: Dress Warm
Nov. 21: Indiana State
August 26, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
A15
Jacks start championship chase ERIC HEGGESETH Multimedia Sports Reporter After stumbling into last season’s FCS playoffs, South Dakota State’s football team is on more solid ground this fall in coach Dan Jackson’s second year. And while expectations this season are sky-high for the perennial power Jackrabbits, Jackson acknowledged last season’s performance didn’t meet the program’s standard. “When I reflect on a year ago, the successes, a lot of those came in ways that people may not have seen on Saturdays,” Jackson said at the annual Missouri Valley Football Conference Media Day in Sioux Falls last month. “In a lot of ways, it was the perfect foundational year. (But) Being honest with you, the football wasn’t good enough.” The Jackrabbits believe they have what it takes to improve on last year’s 9-5 mark, and many observers agree. SDSU was the preseason favorite to win the MVFC and earned 28 out of 36 possible first-place votes in a poll that involved the media, conference coaches and sports information directors. South Dakota State started last year 7-0, including a win over the eventual national champion Montana State on the road in Bozeman in September, and aspirations were high. But staying healthy proved a struggle. Quarterback Chase Mason was injured on the first drive of the Jacks’ 35-14 win at Murray State and missed five games. Receiver Lofton O’Groske, meanwhile, injured his leg as he made a leaping grab for SDSU’s only score of the game against NDSU in a 38-7 loss at home. That loss started a four-game skid that included setbacks to Indiana State, South Dakota, and Illinois State. But the Jacks rallied to pick up a 3431 overtime win at North Dakota in the regular-season finale to squeeze into the FCS playoffs for the 14th straight
FINN HOLSEN/SDSU ATHLETICS Graduate student quarterback Chase Mason hands the ball off to sophomore running back Josiah Johnson. Mason tallied 2005 total yards passing on the season and 15 touchdowns in four games. Johnson rushed for just under 400 yards on 78 attempt while finding the end zone six times.
time. Mason would return for a 41-3 victory over New Hampshire before the Jack’s season would end with a 50-29 loss at Montana. While last year’s roster was troubled by turmoil in the aftermath of former coach Jimmy Rogers’ exit to Washington State, this year’s looks loaded. For comparison, the Jacks had five returning starters (three offense, one defense, one special teams) last fall. They have 15 this year (eight offense, six defense, one special teams). Mason returns, along with seven other offensive starters including O’Groske. Five of those returners are on the offensive line – Kenyon Big Bow, Quentin Christensen, Willam Paepke and Shane Wilenbring. Greyton Gannon returns at tight end and Grahm Goering joins the receiving corps at wideout. On defense, the Jacks retain six starters from last season, including linebackers Cullen McShane, Joe Ollman and Chase Van Tol. Logan Green, Reis
Kirscherman and Dawson Ripperda return to a defensive line that looks stacked. Punter Max Pelham also comes back on special teams. Ollman (94 tackles) and McShane (84) were the top two tacklers last season, and Ripperda (43) was fifth. Ollmanand Ripperda tied for second in tackles for loss with 8.5 each. McShane had 7.5 and was fifth. Logan Green led the team with 10. Green also led the team with 5.5 sacks, while Ripperda had five and was second. Mason had just over 2,000 passing yards in nine starts last year. Returner Josiah Johnson had 320 rushing yards in eight games and 78 attempts as a non-starter. Johnson’s best performance was at North Dakota, where he had 19 rushes for 76 yards and three rushing scores. He finished second on the squad in rushing yards. Graham Goering was second on the team in receiving yards with 656 and 43 receptions, which also was second.
Goering had four receptions for 137 yards and a 95-yard touchdown in the first quarter in the Jacks season-ending loss in Missoula. SDSU lost its leading receiver and rusher to graduation in Alex Bullock and Julius Loughridge. Bullock led the team with 936 yards on 71 caught passes and five touchdowns. Loughridge got the ball 217 times on the ground for 1,020yards and seven touchdowns. Nationally, the Jacks are ranked third in both the coaches’ poll and the FCS Stats perform preseason poll behind the two Montana schools. Jackson addressed this on Media Day. “We do not have preseason national championship trophies in our building,” he said. “We do not have preseason All-American walls. We do not have preseason anything honored in our building.” He also talked about what this team’s identity will be. He wants the team to be disciplined and connected. “The vision is clear,” Jackson said. “We understand the goals and standards of this program.” The Jacks open the season with Stetson on Saturday at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m. Fans can watch the game on Midco Sports or KELO-TV, and the game will also stream on ESPN plus. South Dakota State travels to FBS Northwestern in week two for a 7 p.m. broadcast on The Big Ten Network. The Jacks have four preseason ranked opponents on the schedule. No. 4-ranked and national championship runner-up Illinois State on the road. No. 10 North Dakota and No. 26 Southern Illinois also on the road. The Jacks host No. 12 South Dakota in the Interstate Series on Halloween, which will be broadcast on an ESPN network to be determined at a later date. Hobo Day is Oct. 24, with Murray State coming to town.