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NEWS
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Senators talk new updates in Jack’s Dining WILLEM LIM News Director The Students’ Association (SA) voted unanimously to approve two new commemorations during Monday night’s meeting. Commemoration 26-1-C, primarily sponsored by Diversity Liaison Brenda Khatthanam, seeks to commemorate Sept. 15 to Oct.15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage month “to encourage students to engage with related events.” Khatthanam also primarily sponsored Commemoration 26-2-C, where SA will commemorate the entire month of Sept. 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Month. SA also swore in three new senators at-large Grace Sundt, Brooke Wright and Madisen Younie. OPEN FORUM The Sodexo general manager at SDSU, Emily O’Connor, addressed the senate during the open forum to talk about changes in Jack’s Dining this year. O’Connor mentioned a change in the meal plan, where students can use a “guest pass” for when they bring someone to Larson Commons. “Something to encourage you to bring people in, but not having to use your own blocks for that,” O’Connor said. She also gave an update about what else Larson Commons has to offer this year. Instead of just having three meal periods, Larson Commons will now have continuous service throughout each day, with “light meals” in-between the main meal times. Larson Commons also offers brunch during the weekend. O’Connor brought up the new “UCOOK” kitchen, where students can use cookware and ingredients offered by Larson Commons to make their own meals. She also said that Larson Commons has reusable to-go containers that
WILLEM LIM/COLLEGIAN MEDIA SA president Sophie Spier adresses her senators on September 14, 2026.
students can have with a one-time purchase of six dollars. For other dining options on campus, Jack’s Junction will now close at 10 p.m. so students can have late night options for dining. There is also a new Mediterranean Grille located next to the Larson Commons convenience store. Slices also rebranded into 1881 Pizzeria, where it now serves pasta and breadsticks, along with pizza. At the end of O’Connor’s address, the ex-officio for the International Relations Council, Roniem Kaul, asked what happened to the Starship robots that delivered food throughout campus. “They told us in July that they were pulling out of American universities. So, that was not a Sodexo decision, that was not a campus decision,” replied O’Connor. “...But we do have some plans of bringing back some sort of robotic delivery system.”
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September 16, 2026
SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
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‘The whole world is different today’
SDSU, panelists remember 25th anniversary of 9/11 ELI WIESE Reporter A solemn atmosphere hung over the crowd in the Larson Memorial Concert Hall last Friday as retired FBI Special Agent John Richards recalled speeding towards lower Manhattan on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. “We were about ten blocks away when the South tower collapsed right in front of us,” Richards said. “...We were heading straight towards it.” As Americans across the nation reflected on a quarter century of life after the Sept. 11 attacks, SDSU students, faculty and community members gathered to hear eyewitness testimony from three men who responded to the tragedy in real time. The panel, titled “They Were There: Witnesses from September 11th,” was hosted by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. Dr. Christi Garst-Santos, director of the School of American & Global Studies, moderated the panel. “9/11 was a failure of imagination on our part, in terms of stopping this from happening,” remarked Brigadier General Jeffery R. Johnson (ret.), echoing the same sense of disbelief many Americans had on that day. Johnson was a U.S. Air Force officer who defended the airspace over the capital in the days after the attack. He shared a vivid memory of looking down at the “black hole” in the Pentagon while 20,000 feet in the air. “Everytime I think about 9/11, I think about that… even when I was overseas for the war, I would think about that picture,” Johnson said. JJ Sutherland, who was working for National Public Radio and produced the real time coverage of the attack, recalled the confusion and tension on the ground in Washington. “I saw troops in the streets of D.C. for
ELI WIESE / COLLEGIAN MEDIA Panelists converse on stage during SDSU’s “They Were There: Witnesses from September 11th” event held in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center on September 11, 2026.
the first time in my life… it’s not just my world that’s different,” Sutherland said. “The whole world is different today.” David Earnest, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, commented on the importance of SDSU hosting this panel. “...Firsthand accounts can tell us something that history books cannot—what the chaos in New York and Washington felt like, the worry, shock, horror wondering what would come next. Such memories, although painful, can help us understand in greater depth the significance of that day,” Earnest said. Richards helped organize the command center for the emergency response in New York immediately after the attack. The Office of Emergency Management command center was supposed to be based in the World
Trade Center (WTC) Tower 7 but the building collapsed after sustaining damage from falling debris. The command center was set up three miles from the towers, with 1,000 agents filled into a parking garage. “It wasn’t just the FBI, it was ‘oh my gosh, we have to establish a joint operation center for everyone,’” Richards said. Sutherland’s decisions on the day of the attack as well as the days and weeks after helped transform National Public Radio into a round-the-clock news operation. “We knew we had to just keep on going ...there was a whole team of people who realized something was different. I said we’re going to 24-hour coverage, which we’d never done,” Sutherland said. He said his next six weeks would
almost exclusively focus on covering the aftermath of the tragedy. “I was there basically 24 hours a day. I would go home and sleep for an hour or two,” Sutherland said. The three panelists concluded by giving some words of wisdom on leadership in crisis situations. “Don’t freeze, act.” Sutherland advised students to lend a hand in demanding scenarios. “In any kind of situation, do something… the times I’ve seen bad things happen is when people froze.” Johnson said Americans act better in crises when they’re not divided. “The closer we are the better we react to these things,” Johnson said. He remembered how motivated people were to try and help in the days afterward. “We had people showing up to the gates of the Air Force base wanting to help us... that kind of mentality was very prevalent,” Johnson said. While the event was a somber hour of reflection, Gen. Johnson gave some final words of encouragement. “We got 330 million wingmen in this country, right? If we come together as one big flight, we’re going to get through it,” Johnson said.
“Such memories, although painful, can help us understand in greater depth the significance of that day.” David Earnest Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
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NEWS
September 16, 2026
New visa rules bring changes for international students AMINA AIDARKHANOVA Multimedia Reporter This story was written for South Dakota News Watch in August during Amina Aidarkhanova’s internship. International enrollment at South Dakota’s public universities has grown steadily in recent years, but university leaders expect fewer international students this fall as visa uncertainty and changing federal immigration policies create concerns among prospective students. At the same time, employers in tourism, health care, education and agriculture rely on international workers amid persistent labor shortages. Immigration attorneys, university advisers and employers said uncertainty has increased as federal processing times grow longer and immigration rules change. “Things that used to take much less time are now taking two years or more,” said Casey Eekhoff, an immigration attorney with Eekhoff Law in Sioux Falls. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security finalized a regulatory overhaul July 17 that changes how international students maintain legal status in the United States. For decades, F-1 student visas – the primary visa category for international students attending U.S. colleges and universities – allowed students to remain in the country as long as they maintained full-time enrollment and followed academic requirements. Beginning Sept. 15, students will generally receive fixed admission periods tied to their academic programs, replacing the previous “Duration of Status” system. Students who need additional time for research, degree changes or advanced programs may need to request extensions through
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency responsible for immigration benefits and work authorization. Higher education advocates said that additional paperwork, fees and a shorter post-graduation grace period could discourage international students from choosing U.S. universities. Less worry about getting admitted South Dakota State University’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) said students increasingly ask about immigration rules rather than only traditional questions about tuition, housing and campus life. “We’re hearing lots of questions about what U.S. visa regulations look like,” said Kirsten Linke, director of the office. SDSU has since changed its policy for Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, following guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) Program and direction from the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR). Effective immediately, CPT can be authorized only when it is required to complete a student’s degree or major and is clearly identified as a required component of the established curriculum for all students in the course catalog. The university also warns F-1 students that those who leave the United States and return on or after Sept. 15 will have their post-completion grace period reduced from 60 days to 30 days, giving them less time to take action on their SEVIS records after completing their programs. OIA encourages you to visit International Student and Scholar Federal Regulatory Change website for FAQs or their office in Briggs Library for other questions that concern you. According to South Dakota Board of
GRAPHICS BY AMINA AIDARKHANOVA
Regents data, international enrollment increased at all six public universities between 2021 and fall 2025. South Dakota State University grew from 615 international students in 2021 to 865 in 2025. Eekhoff said many students misunderstand how strict immigration rules are. “In reality, they’re very unforgiving,” she said. Eekhoff advises students to begin
planning early if they hope to continue working through an employer-sponsored visa. The most common high-skilled work visa is the H-1B visa, which allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations requiring a college degree. State labor data highlights growing demand Some South Dakota employers
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SDSUCollegian.com
depend on international workers in industries facing workforce shortages. In May, the state’s non-farm workforce increased by 9,400 workers to 475,200, with major gains in leisure and hospitality and construction, according to Dawn Dovre, communications director for the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). Wall Drug, a major South Dakota tourism employer, hires about 115 seasonal workers each summer, many through international visa programs. “We have to have that many workers,” said Amanda Frink, HR director at Wall Drug. “The American database of people that are available to work is very slim.” Many seasonal workers arrive through the H-2B visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers temporarily for non-agricultural seasonal jobs. Frink said some international employees arrived a month late because of visa delays. “This year was the highest visa denial rate I’ve ever seen in the last four years,” she said. Agricultural employers use a similar program, the H-2A visa, which allows temporary foreign workers to perform agricultural labor.
Another program, the J-1 exchange visitor visa, allows foreign students and participants to work and train temporarily in the United States, including summer work opportunities. Federal data shows international workers also support South Dakota’s universities and health care systems. According to USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, 220 South Dakota employers accounted for 5,089 approved high-skilled visa beneficiaries through early 2026. High-skilled visa pipelines also faced uncertainty after a September 2025 presidential proclamation attempted to impose an additional $100,000 filing fee on new H-1B petitions for workers hired from abroad. A federal district court in Massachusetts struck down the fee on June 8, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals denied a federal request to reinstate the fee on July 24 while litigation continues, according to official USCIS guidance. While financial services lead to overall raw volume, high-skilled visas are heavily concentrated in public education and medical infrastructure. South Dakota State University ranks fourth statewide with 236 approved beneficiaries, underscoring the land-
NEWS
grant university’s reliance on global scholars to drive research and instructional demands. At SDSU, those high-skilled visa holders primarily consist of faculty members, while the remaining positions are filled by postdoctoral fellows and research scholars, according to Jill Fier, SDSU’s digital news and media relations coordinator. Fier explained that the university opens its recruitment to all qualified candidates regardless of national origin, prioritizing hiring the most qualified candidate for every role. “All SDSU faculty, including international faculty, researchers and specialized professionals, bring expertise and knowledge that supports the university’s research and academic mission and goals,” Fier said, highlighting that international scholars are a crucial part of any university’s educational programs and research endeavors. She noted that SDSU closely monitors and complies with evolving federal requirements regarding the H-1B process and broader immigration policies. Communication matters Eekhoff and Linke said many immigration problems can be avoided by
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asking questions early. “Please don’t take advice from your friend unless they say, ‘Go talk to the international adviser,’” Linke said. “Make sure you’re always in compliance with the expectations and requirements of your status.” Eekhoff said.
CASEY EEKHOFF
KIRSTEN LINKE
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NEWS
September 16, 2026
NEW HOME FOR FRATERNITY
PHOTOS BY WILLEM LIM AND RYANN DAVIS / COLLEGIAN MEDIA (Left) The new Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house pictured on Sept. 15, 2026. (Right) The new fraternity pictured on Aug. 10, 2026.
Alpha Gamma Rho could move in by March
JACKSON HELLAND Reporter
Construction on the soon-to-be new home for the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity is going well, according to former AGR president Caden Bottum. The previous house that held AGR was built in the 1970s and was razed in May with construction underway on the new building ever since. Bottum said it is set to be complete in March. The fraternity’s current President or Noble Ruler, Brett Schiefelbein, said he is looking forward to the new house because of some issues and limitations with the previous one. “It took on a lot of damage and wasn’t quite as nice as you’d like it to be,” Schiefelbein said. “There were things becoming outdated. The carpet was starting to rip, and the downstairs dining room was much too small for the amount of people we could be having.” Conrad Stockinger is head of the New House Committee and serves as
UNDER CONSTRUCTION What: New Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house Where: 1929 Eighth St. Details: Study rooms will be available with common space on the lower level and bedrooms upstaris. the Vice Noble Ruler and insurance manager. He is excited about the house’s new features. “We have all-new kitchen appliances, a whole new bathroom setup…the lower level is all community space, and then the upper level is all living areas, with some hangout areas,” Stockinger said. “I’m really excited about the kitchen and the new dining room, and just kind of [a] new, fresh look to it.” The new house also includes improved study rooms.
“There will be more dedicated areas for people to study quietly, to take exams, to have professional meetings [and] interviews,” Bottum said. Fraternity leaders said that the new facility will help them host events. Bottum is hoping the new house will attract outsiders, whether Brookings’ residents or aspiring members. “The old house kind of dissuaded outsiders from wanting to come in just because of its dilapidated look,” Bottom said. “I think that a lot more outside individuals will be motivated to come to the house.” The fraternity is looking forward to hosting events like an ice fishing tournament and a pancake feed that the chapter holds with sister sorority Sigma Alpha. According to fraternity leaders, the project’s total cost is about $3.5 million. Schiefelbein said that the national AGR supplied a grant of about $10,000, while the majority of donations came from private alumni. “Everybody’s been awesome to work with [and] without our alumni backing
us on this and helping us with it I don’t think this would ever even a possibility,” Stockinger said. Currently, Stockinger said that construction has framed out the house, and is focusing on plumbing. Schiefelbein also said that members of the fraternity have been living in the Southeast Apartments on campus while waiting for the house to finish. Professor Warren Rusche, adviser to Alpha Gamma Rho, has been helping the chapter with the move. “One of the things I’m trying to help them with is navigating through that [and] keep a cohesive group together with the idea that…in a few short months…we’re going to be in this whole new chapter,” Rusche said. Fraternity and sorority life advisor Alexis Truskolawski notes the groups anticipation for the completion of the house. “There has been a lot of planning to get this project off the ground, and I am excited for this chapter to be able to enjoy a brand-new house for many years to come,” Truskolawski said.
September 16, 2026
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NEWS
SDSU Art Museum welcomes new exhibits
MADISON WOLLMAN Reporter
The South Dakota Art Museum has endeavored to host a variety of artists and their works since the founding in 1970. This year marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For the event, art museum staff wanted to design an exhibit to commemorate American culture. “It’s titled ‘America in Art’” Museum Director Donna Merkt says. The task of capturing the nature of America proved to be difficult. Early internal conversations about themes were vague, Merkt noted. Each staff member held differing beliefs about pieces to select for the collection. Then, a public survey was proposed. A set of questions were posted across campus, on social media, and in the paper for people to answer. An influx of responses, all varying, surprised the staff members. “People didn’t want to shy away from difficult conversations. That they realized the history of America and its current place is a very layered, complicated situation,” Merkt said. The America in Art sign reflects this awareness. The mixture of classical and pop-culture font means to represent the community perspectives within the installation. Staff reached out to Indigenous, African-American and local artists to feature. Three smaller sections comprise the American in Art exhibit, all of which are titled from the Preamble of the Constitution. The first section is named “We the People.” It highlights the perspectives, voices, and identities of the American people. A large wooden figure stands in the corner of the section. It depicts a face,
nails driven into the head and cords of ceramic beads trailing from the crown. Bey is an African-American artist hailing from Pennsylvania. His works often feature influence from traditional African arts, and women within domestic scenarios during and after the institution of slavery. The aforementioned piece, titled Domestic Commoner, recognizes power in identity. Merkt said that despite not all coming from the same roots, every one of us starts from a beginning. The second section, “Of the United States,” comments on land as well as place and power. Pieces range from commentaries on the displacement of indigenous and enslaved people, to nostalgic Americana images. The intersection of these themes prompts visitors to reflect on their beliefs and ideals. There is no single message that museum staff hope to be understood. “Secure the Blessings of Liberty” contains works of conflicting themes and ideals. The third and final section of “America in Art” considers promises of the nation that have fallen short for many. “People have died for these ideals, that don’t extend equally to everyone,” She continued on to state that the most valuable part of the exhibition was the conversations it inspires. The Art Museum’s goal has always been to be a host for diversity. Both Merkt and Museum Education Curator Abigail Ramsbottom hope that visitors come away with a sense of empathy. Out of the current four exhibitions within the Art Museum, “America in Art” is joined by “Flyover,” “Marghab Linens” and “New Arrivals.” Flyover features artists Susan Turn-
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Collegian photo by: IVAN NAVARRETE This piece titled: Follow Your Bliss, was created in 1994 by Willem Volkersz. In 2015 Volkersz added some 3D components.
bill, Kenny Putnam, Dale Lampere and Roger Broer. The South Dakota natives all have established careers of their own, but wanted to stretch their limits with a collaborative effort. Marghab Linens is a permanent installation within the museum. Selected by SDSU Alumn Sharon van Riper, the displays feature a variety of embroidered works. Van Riper worked for 30 years in order to complete the selection, and often works on the museum Archives. “New Arrivals” is a collection that has been acquired over the last five years Some works were purchased by the museum or acquired through collectors like the Art Bridges Foundation. “It’s not a show where you just look at one piece and expect to have one message. It’s about the conversations that are happening between the artworks and how people reflect on that.” Merkt said.
MUSEUM EVENTS September 24: Flyover Reception and Artist Talk @ 5:30-7:30 pm October 1: “Black Histories of the Midwest” America in Art Lecture by Dr. Ashley Howard presentation @ 5:30-7:30 pm October 17: Sharif Bey Inspired Clay Day @ 10:001:00 pm December 5: Community Art Day (activity TBD) @ 10:00-1:00 pm
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NEWS
September 16, 2026
SDSU Alumni & Foundation celebrates 10 years of One Day For STATE KATHERINE MARSHALL Reporter Sept. 10 marked the 10th anniversary of SDSU’s annual 24-hour day of giving, One Day For STATE (ODFS). The event raised more than $3.4 million for the Jackrabbit community. The official amount will be released on Friday, Sept. 18. As the first giving day in South Dakota, ODFS has come a long way since it began 10 years ago. Erin Glidden, vice president for creative and data strategies at the SDSU Foundation, reflected on what it was like to lead the inaugural event in 2017. “When we started it was really about pushing the event from the Foundation on social media, with the goal of
getting a couple hundred donors. Now we have over 6,000 donors, supporting all areas of SDSU,” Glidden said. Students and staff of different organizations and groups on campus raise awareness for ODFS by posting on social media and reaching out to potential donors. This year, the SDSU Alumni & Foundation had a goal of 5,000 donors in 24 hours. They ended up having over 6,000 donors, 128% over their goal. According to a press release from SDSU, last year’s ODFS raised more than $3.2 million from 7,824 gifts. Donors can decide where to put their money and how their donations are used throughout campus. The money can go to scholarships, research and student clubs.
The Catholic Jacks president, Dominic Delahoyde shared how they use their donations to put on events. “We use the money raised to help put on events at the Newman center like, Pizza and a Priest, our bible study kickoff and other events that we host,” Delahoyde said. Other club sport teams use the money raised for equipment. “We are replacing our jerseys this season, so some of our money will go to that. The rest of it will go to other club expenses like travel costs, facility rental time and our game officials,” Jacks Club Hockey President David Brink said. A large part of ODFS is connecting SDSU with the town of Brookings. “From Jack’s Journey to the Yellow
& Blue Block Party at the Foundation, there are many opportunities for community members to get involved with SDSU, without being a donor,” Glidden said. “ODFS has caused the campus to think differently about being a Jackrabbit and supporting the whole university. It is a celebration of what it means to be a part of SDSU and Brookings.” While fundraising remains at the center of ODFS, the event has also grown into an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between SDSU, its students, and the community. “The Newman Center isn’t just for Catholics. Everyone is encouraged to join us at our Bible studies, and events,” Delahoyde said.
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COLLEGIAN PHOTOS BY AMINA AIDARKHANOVA This year’s One Day for STATE marked the annual fundraiser’s 10th anniversary. The day was celebrated on the Sylvan Green with a Yellow & Blue Block Party with performances from The Pride of the Dakotas and the cheer and dance teams.
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SDSUCollegian.com
September 16, 2026
Research leader prepares to retire Scholl plays key role in university’s R1 journey
SARA SCHOENFELDER Assistant News Director Daniel Scholl, the Vice President of Research and Economics at South Dakota State University, is retiring this December. President Barry Dunn said that Scholl has been “very committed to the core values and the mission of the university” throughout his career. Scholl came to SDSU in 2011 as the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station director and the College of Agriculture and Biological Science’s associate dean of research. In 2016, Scholl was the interim dean for the College of Agriculture and Biological Science when Dunn became president of the university. In July 2017, Scholl became the vice president of research and economics. Scholl said that it has been satisfying to be a part of the university’s growth and service to students, alumni and stakeholders for fifteen years. Through Scholl’s nine years as vice president of research and economics, he said he valued teamwork. “For teams to be at their best, they need to align their goals together,” Scholl said. Dunn said that Scholl has “played a key part in building and keeping strong relationships” with the university’s partners. Mark Luecke is the managing director and CEO for South Dakota Innovation Partners, a company that works closely with SDSU. Luecke said that Scholl considers the needs of “the
Photo courtesy of UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Vice President of Research and Economics, Daniel Scholl pictured in a South Dakota corn field.
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SDSUCollegian.com
NEWS
Photo courtesy of UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS President Barry Dunn and Vice President Scholl at a South Dakota State University commencement ceremony. The two have worked closely together for the past 15 years. Dunn said that Scholl has been a “direct report” the whole time Scholl has been at SDSU.
partner that he is working with” and works to make sure there is a “mutual benefit for both the partner and for the university.” He explained that Scholl’s collaborative approach made the university “easy to do business with.” Scholl said that SDSU has the goal of becoming a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) university. To reach this goal of becoming R1, the university needs to meet the criteria of at least 70 doctoral research degrees per year and at least $50 million spent on research expenditures. SDSU has met the goal of research expenditures. SDSU’s website said that in the last fiscal year, the total research expenditure was a “record-breaking $94 million,” which surpassed the $50 million threshold. To reach the 70 doctoral degree threshold, Scholl said the total doctoral enrollment will need to increase, and “we’ve made tremendous headway.” This fall, the doctoral degree enrollment increased by 10% according to SDSU’s website, with 290 graduate
students. Dunn said that since 2018, he has worked with Scholl to increase bioprocessing research on campus. Bioprocessing is when you take an organic material and use fermentation or another process to make it more valuable, Dunn explained. This accomplishment supports the university’s innovation and economic growth. “The way that the entrepreneurial ecosystem is performed together under his leadership, I think that’s a legacy that he’ll always have here at South Dakota State University,” said Luecke. Scholl has a background in epidemiology, which is the study of disease and how it spreads. Dunn said that this played a role in protecting the university from the spread of COVID through developing a testing center to keep faculty, staff, and students safe during the 2020 pandemic. In his retirement, Scholl plans to go cross-country skiing, spend time with his grandchildren, and write poetry.
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SPORTS
September 16, 2026
Soccer splits in Utah SDSU soccer goes 1-1 over the weekend
NATHAN THOMPSON Assistant Sports Director
Weekend Numbers
The SDSU soccer team now sits at an overall record of 5-2-1 after going 1-1 in their last two games. They beat Weber State 3-2, and lost to Utah State 0-3. Weber State: In the Weber State game, both teams went 17 minutes and 21 seconds without scoring. SDSU’s Gentry Williams was the one to break the scoring silence, with assists going to Emma Brezenski and Ellie Gusman. SDSU wasn’t content to stop there. Less than two minutes later, Gentry Williams would find herself in the middle of another score, as she, along with teammate Mia Bosch would record an assist to teammate Jenna Maloy, who would find the net to score her 5th goal of the season. SDSU would record three more shots in the next five minutes, but wouldn’t connect on any of them. They would connect again in the 32nd minute. Xehlia Salanoa fired a shot that missed off the crossbar. Fortunately, her teammate Emma Brezenski was in position to recover the ball, and fire it into the net for the Jackrabbit’s third goal. Jackrabbit goalkeeper Mallorie Benhart’s time may have been better spent counting the turf in her goalie box, as she wouldn’t see any action until late into the first half. With just two minutes left in the period, Weber’s Lily Blum would be awarded a penalty kick. Blum would capitalize on WSU’s one shot of the half, as the ball connected with the net to cut Weber’s deficit to 3-1. Blum would waste no time getting back to work in the second half, with a shot attempt coming 27 seconds into the first half, although Benhart would record a save on this attempt. Blum would get the best of her roughly 90 seconds later, as she scored the only goal of the second half.
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Number of goals SDSU scored over the weekend
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Number of goals scored against SDSU over the weekend
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Number of shots taken by SDSU over the weekend.
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Total number of saves made by Mallorie Benhart between the two games OWEN BOYD/COLLEGIAN MEDIA SDSU defender Stella Braddock outjumps Idaho’s Mirabella Bickham during the Sept. 6 match.
Benhart would record all five of her saves in the second half. WSU’s Lauren Butorac would only record four saves, as SDSU won 3-2. Utah State: Utah entered the game coming off a win over No.13 BYU. Both teams would trade shots early into the game. Not until the 32nd minute would Utah first connect for the first and only goal of the half. SDSU’s MaKynlie Cade would record the first shot of the second half, but it would be stopped by a Utah defender. It would be the Aggies who scored less than four minutes later, as they would put the ball in the goal to lead 2-0. While the Jackrabbits were unable to find the goal for the game, they stopped Utah from scoring for the next
30 minutes. Utah’s Kei Yoneda would score the final goal of the game 79 minutes into the game, as the Jackrabbit’s would drop to the 5-2-1 record where they currently reside. Benhart stayed far busier in this game, as her 10 saves are the most by an SDSU keeper since 2019. Looking Ahead: The soccer team will take an 11 day pause from games, before they head to Vermillion to take on USD on Sept. 24. The Coyotes are 3-3-2, although they are on a one game win streak after their 2-0 victory against Drake. The Coyotes are led by Klarissa Vega, who currently resides in first this season for goals (2), assists (2) and points (6), and as well as second for shots on goal. They have recorded 5 yellow cards against their opponent’s four.
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Shortest amount of time between SDSU goals over the weekend.
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Jenna Maloy’s 2026 point total, which leads the team
After the USD game, the Jackrabbits will return home to play the UND Fighting Hawks. UND is currently 0-2-1 on the road. They are led in goals Assists by Charlie Basinet in points (7), assists (3), and shots on goal (15). They are led by Hunter Borgel in goals (3). They have recorded 13 yellow cards against their opponent’s four.
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SPORTS
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RYANN DAVIS / COLLEGIAN MEDIA (From left to right) Brooke Larsen, Joslyn Richardson, Hannah Klein and Sylvie Zgonc prepare to receive a serve against Northern Arizona on Friday Sept. 4.
SDSU EYES A REBOUND IN SIOUX FALLS ERIC HEGGESETH Multimedia Sports Reporter The SDSU volleyball team dropped a pair in Lawrence over the weekend falling to 4-5 on the season.
Kansas
Not much was going for the Jacks as their host No. 22 University of Kansas brought out the brooms for a 3-0 sweep on Friday afternoon. SDSU lost the first and third set by a score of 25-20, and the second set 25-19. Sylvie Zgonc, who is searching for her third straight Summit League player of the year award, racked up 12 kills in the match along with five digs. Hannah Klein totaled 10 kills and a block. She also led the Jacks in hitting percentage for the match. Brooke Larsen added five kills and Claire Logeais added three. Larsen assisted on 13 of the 32 Jackrabbit kills all with seven digs. Rylee Martin had 12 of her own alongside an ace.
Kansas opened on a 3-0 streak in both the first and second sets. In the third set The Jackrabbits were able to battle to tie the score 15-15, before Kansas railed to lead 23-18 and closed the door with two straight out of a timeout.
Tulsa
South Dakota State battled to five sets against Tulsa but it was not enough as they dropped their final match of the weekend invitational to the Golden Hurricane. Larsen led the way for the Jackrabbits putting up a triple double with 11 kills, 23 assists and 11 digs. Zgonc led the Jacks in kills with 22. SDSU was able to rally to take the first set 25-19 off the momentum of a 3-0 run that pulled them away 14-10 after a back and forth affair early in the set. Set two went the way of the Golden Hurricane as they drew distance early after a Marissa Michaelis kill and a Tulsa service error had the match knot-
ted at two. Tulsa went on a 3-0 run and led 5-2 and they did not lead by less than two from there. Tulsa closed out the set 25-20 to even the match at one Tulsa used that momentum to quickly draw away from the Jackrabbits. The Golden Hurricane used runs of 6-2 and 5-0 to help them to take the set 25-17 and a 2-1 match lead The Jacks came out much better in set four with a 25-22 victory coming from behind early and battling until a 22-22 tie where they pulled away with a Kennedy Whitford ace and kills from Zgonc and Klein to force a fifth set 25-23. The Golden Hurricanes would not look back in the fifth as a 11-5 start would be too much for SDSU and Tulsa took the final set 15-8. Other contributors for the Jacks were Klein with 10 kills and Joslyn Richardson who had 21 digs to lead the squad. Martin also added in 18 assists of her own. Tulsa, who received votes in the
recent AVCA coaches poll remains unbeaten at 8-0 with the victory. “I am really proud of how we played on the court, We battled great, We represented our program well” Seventh year head coach Dan Georglaas said.
Up Next
South Dakota State heads to the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls this weekend where they will participate in the South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic. The Jacks will play Washington on Friday with first serve set for 4 p.m. and will play against No. 13 Minnesota Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. SDSU last played at the Sanford Pentagon in 2024. That year the SDSU Invitational was played in Sioux Falls while campus arena renovations were being completed. South Dakota will also participate rounding out the field at four. The Jacks will open up Summit League play in Vermillion on Sept. 25.
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SPORTS
JACKS STORM CHARGERS
HALEY CHAMPEAU / COLLEGIAN MEDIA Sophomore Jack Smith goes to make a catch against New Haven on Saturday Sept.12 at Dana J Dykhouse. Smith went for 36 yards on three catches against the Chargers to help the Jacks get a 57-14 win.
SDSU dominates New Haven 57-14 JACOB BRENDE Multimedia Reporter South Dakota State’s first matchup against New Haven ended with a 57-14 win over the Chargers. A former D2 powerhouse, the Chargers won eight titles between 2010 and 2024 before joining D1 in 2025 as a member of the Northeast Conference. The Jacks have faced four other Northeast Conference foes since 2004 and have dominated each game, their smallest margin of victory being 24 points. SDSU started the game with the ball and quickly set the tone of the game through the ground. The Jacks picked up most of their yardage through the rush, with Chase Mason throwing two completions on the drive. New Haven let up some big runs, a 16-yard run from Josiah Johnson and a 17-yard run
from Mason, but the Chargers defense held its own and forced a 31-yard field goal. When it was the Chargers’ turn to get the ball, they showed that they weren’t afraid of the moment. New Haven picked up two chunk plays on the drive with an 11 and 22-yard run and marched their way to SDSU’s 40-yard line. After letting up those big plays, the Jacks defense locked down the Chargers, forcing a turnover on downs. The Jacks found themselves in two fourth-down situations on their subsequent offensive drive. A 21-yard pass to Jack Smith and a 15-yard run by Corey Blair had the Jacks knocking on the door. Three consecutive running plays put the Jacks on the precipice of another failed red zone drive after trouble in the red zone last week against Northwestern. The Jacks offense called up another run play that
Josiah Johnson would convert on. Blair rain the ball and scored a touchdown before video review would deem him short. On third and one, Blair got stood up again to force another fourth down. Mason took the snap on fourth down and barely made his way over the goal line to make it a 10-0 game. A dramatic second quarter of the game featured many highlight reels for the Jacks. Brayden Delahoyde, on second and 17, made an incredible one-handed catch running across the middle of the field with the ball thrown behind him to convert the long conversion. On the 22-yard line, Ramon McKinney Jr. scored the Jacks’ second touchdown of the game, a 22-yard run where he stiff-armed a defender on his way to the end zone. After the touchdown, an excellent kick by Ryan Harrington would put the Chargers on the four-
September 16, 2026
When: Sept. 19 6 p.m. Where: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium TV: Midco Sports | ESPN+ Radio: Jackrabbit Sports Network WNAX 570 AM (Yankton) KJJQ 910 AM (Volga) KSDJ 90.7 FM (Brookings) Records: Youngstown State 2-1, SDSU 2-1. Last meeting: Oct. 4 2025 35-30 SDSU. Series: 18-4 SDSU; Seven game win streak. Last week: Youngstown 70-13 W; SDSU 57-14 W. Youngstown on offense: The Penguins average 464 yards per game while scoring 42 points per game. Youngstown quarterback Beau Brungard has thrown for 765 yards in three games while throwing 10 touchdowns and just one interception. Brungard is also the teams leading rusher with 259 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Jacks on offense: SDSU averages 524 yards per game and scores 48.33 points per game. The Jacks are headlined by a running back trio that average over 50 yards per game. James Basinger has 198 yards and three touchdowns. Josiah Johnson has a 190 yards while adding another three touchdowns. Corey Blair rounds out the backfield with 177 total yards and has found the endzone twice. Youngstown on defense: 330.3 yards allowed per game; 22.67 points allowed per game. The Penguins leading tackler is Carston Marshall with 17 tackles including two tfls. Jacks on defense: 332.7 yards allowed per game; 18.33 points allowed per game. Chase Van Tol is one of SDSU’s key defensive peices as he has recorded 11 tackles and recovered two fumbles on the year. Quick facts: The Jacks recorded their first saftey since 2019 last weekend agaisnt New Haven. Brungard set the Youngstown first half record with six passing touchdowns last week.
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SDSUCollegian.com
yard line. A couple of run stuffs and a penalty would put New Haven on the one-yard line. Defensive lineman Carter Sitzman would penetrate the offensive line on the next play and tackle running back Zaon Laney for a safety. After a slow first quarter, SDSU’s offense exploded and scored 33 points, creating a 36-0 lead. The Jacks’ third quarter started off strong; New Haven started the half out with the ball and punted after three plays. SDSU, on the other hand, added to their lead after a 29-yard touchdown pass to Greyton Gannon. Two plays into New Haven’s following drive, Max Stanard forced a fumble on the Chargers 25 yard line. The Jacks only needed one play to capitalize on it, with James Basinger running in a 27-yard touchdown. SDSU scored one more touchdown in the fourth quarter, a 55-yard run from Basinger for his second touchdown of the game. New Haven added two touchdowns in the fourth, their only two scores for the Chargers, bringing the final score to 57-14. The Chargers recorded most of their yardage through the ground, getting 150 rushing yards while recording 86 through the air. SDSU had over 500 yards combined through the air and on the ground. Chase Mason threw 12/18 for 255 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, SDSU recorded 256 yards, with James Basinger leading the team with 88 rushing yards on six carries. SDSU plays Youngstown State Penguins next Saturday at home at 6 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The Penguins are 2-1 on the season and are coming off a 70-13 win over the Duquesne Dukes.
Youngstown State
Next, SDSU will face off against Missouri Valley Football Conference opponent Youngstown State. SDSU’s matchup against the Penguins will be at home at 6 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 19. The Penguins are 2-1 on the season and are led offensively by quarterback Beau Brungard. SDSU Football Head Coach Dan Jackson said that the expectation of the team going into the game is to be
SPORTS
HALEY CHAMPEAU / COLLEGIAN MEDIA
Senior tight end Coleman Kuntz celebrates a touchdown against New Haven on Sept. 12 at Dana J Dykhouse. Kuntz helped the Jacks get a 57-14 win over the Chargers.
physical and violent. “The expectation for us is that our offensive line knocks them off the ball and tries to tap them out at some point and our defensive line can rotate in waves and just continue to strike and be physical,” Jackson said. “The physicality ramps up because the teams we are playing against in the conference happen to be a little more physical than what you see in non-conference.” Brungard is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he won the Walter Payton Award and was MVFC Offensive Player of the Year. In his award-winning season, he led the MVFC in passing with 3234 passing yards and was second in the conference in rushing. He had 1468 rushing yards and the most rushing touchdowns with 27. While Youngstown State’s offense was one of the best in the conference, their defense left something to be desired at times. The team averaged 31 points allowed through the season and ranked in the bottom five in interceptions and fumbles forced. Despite some of last year’s difficulties, Jackson says that he sees a
new and improved defensive effort
from the Penguins. “I see a very good defense… They’ve upgraded at some positions in the transfer portal and development and so I see a really talented, athletic, physical defense and we’ll see what they want to do and it’s our job to have answers,” said Jackson. So far this season, the Penguins have scored 126 points across their three games, the majority of which came from a 70-13 win over Duquesne. Against Mercyhurst, who SDSU beat 51-7 last season, the Penguins won 43-10. The team’s only loss this season came to the University of Kentucky, where they lost 45-13. The last meeting between the two teams came last year, when the Jacks overcame a 14-point deficit and won the game 35-30. SDSU achieved most of their yardage through the ground, with former Jackrabbit Julius Loughridge scoring four touchdowns and 179 rushing yards. Brungard threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns on 29/44 passing attempts. He also gained 164 yards on the ground and scored a rushing touchdown.
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