Bob Burns Dakota Bowl XLVII Program by Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 AT 7:00 PM

SENIOR CLASSES KNIGHTS LOAD UP WITH ONE OF THE

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Welcome to the 47th Annual Dakota Bowl!

To all the athletes, coaches, families, and fans –welcome!

Few events capture the spirit of Sioux Falls quite like the Dakota Bowl. This long-standing tradition isn’t just about football – it’s about community. It’s about pride, sportsmanship, and generations coming together under the Friday night lights.

Tonight, Brandon Valley Lynx take on the O’Gorman Knights at McEneaney Fi eld – two programs with deep roots and fierce heart. Whether you’re here to cheer on your team, catch the marching band performance, or stick around for fireworks over 41st Street at halftime, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks for being part of what makes Sioux Falls such an incred ible place to live and gather. Enjoy the food, the fellowship, and one heck of a football game.

Best regards,

Paul TenHaken Mayor

ME TO THE XLVII BOB BURNS DAKOTA BOWL

Welcome to the 47th annual Bob Burns Dakota Bowl! This long-standing fall classic continues to be successful because of the many people who work tirelessly each year to put together an evening of football and fun that is the proud tradition of the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl.

The Bob Burns Dakota Bowl Committee and the staff and administration of O’Gorman High School would like to thank the many volunteers and the generosity of the Sioux Falls business community for their continued support of this annual event.

Over the past forty-seven years, the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl has grown into much more than a football game. We are excited to offer an evening of fireworks, skydivers, the Marching Knights and most importantly, a football game!

Tonight’s game promises to be an exciting one as the Knights take on the Brandon Valley Lynx. We welcome the Brandon Valley team and fans to Dakota Bowl XLVII! Throughout the program, you will find many businesses that support O’Gorman High School and the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. Please support them as well!

THANK YOU FOR COMING AND ENJOY

in withrhythmnature

KNIGHTS LOOK TO RELOAD IN 2024 AFTER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE

KNIGHTS EXCITED FOR 2025 SEASON WITH STRONG SENIOR LEADERSIHP

After a state championship appearance last year, the Knights look to rebuild as they enter the 2024 season with only four returning starters and a small cadre of senior players. “Graduation left us with some big shoes to fill. The off-season has presented opportunities for lots of players to step-up,” according to head coach Jayson Poppinga. He appreciates the dedication and work ethic he has seen over these past few months.

After a challenging season last year, the Knights look to rebuild as they enter the 2025 season with eight returning starters (five on offense and three on defense). “This year’s team will look to build on some key returning skill players from last year’s team,” according to head coach Jayson Poppinga. He appreciates the dedication and work ethic he has seen over these past few months.

This year’s squad brings back three starters on defense, all lineback ers. Sullivan Schlimgen, an All-State selection last year, looks to bring leadership to this year’s team with two years of playing experience. Alex Carlson and Josh Woefel round out returning starters on defense with Nolan Vandel also playing significant downs during last year’s campaign.

This year’s squad includes returning two-way starter, Gavin Hammrich, who earned All-Metro honors at running back. He will run behind two key offensive linemen returning, Rip Siemonsma and Chase Haffeman. Defensively, graduation has left some holes to fill, but Logan Mebius and Hammerich will lead in the secondary with Rip Siemonsma up front.

Offensively the Knights return two starters from last year’s squad, Sullivan Schlimgen and John Lent. Dawson Bauer also saw signi playing time last season and looks to bring leadership and expe to an otherwise inexperienced offense.

Coach Poppinga is excited about this year’s senior class. “This year’s senior class is one of the largest classes ever to come through the football program and looks to bring depth at all positions as they gain experience through the course of the season.”

This year the Knights will face top competition to open the season as they face off against the four semifinal teams from last year.

This off-season has been competitive with players striving to improve each other and the team. This year the Knights will face top competition to open the sea son as they face off against Harrisburg, Lincoln, and Brandon Valley, the other three semifinal teams from last year. Coach Poppinga says, “We will need our young kids to step-up in order to contend week to week with the very competitive Metro AAA football teams.”

“

We will need our young kids to step-up in order to contend week to week with the very competitive Metro AAA football teams.

Jayson Poppinga

This year the Knights look to continue the program’s tradition of excellence on and off the field. The young Knights have worked hard during the off season to prepare for the chance to end the 2024 season with another championship run.

BISHOP O’GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Administration

PRESIDENT - KYLE GROOS

Kyle Groos, a Colman native, is president of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. Groos received both his bachelors and masters degrees from SDSU. He went on to get his educational administration degree from Drake University and completed his education specialist degree through the University of South Dakota. After teaching and coaching at both Groton High School and SDSU, Groos moved to West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic High School where he taught and coached for two years. Before coming to Sioux Falls, he also served as assistant principal, dean of students, and football coach at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City. He spent fourteen years as principal of O’Gorman High School. He and his wife Theresa have a son, Hayden, and daughters, Ainsley, Brinley, and Ridley.

COUNSELING DIRECTOR - KELLY JONES

Kelly Jones earned her bachelor of science degree in community psychology from St. Cloud State University in 2001 and completed her master of arts in school counseling in 2004 from The University of South Dakota. She started her career as a school counselor at Bridgewater-Emery School District then moved to Roosevelt High School before coming to O’Gorman High School in 2014. Her husband Vince is a grad from the O’G class of ’97. The Jones family have three children Vinny, Sydney, and Brooks.

PRINCIPAL - JOAN MAHONEY

this year. Mahoney received her bachelors degree from South Dakota State University and went on to receive her masters degree in educational administration from the University of South Dakota. She joined the O’Gorman staff in the fall of 1990 as an English teacher before moving to the assistant principal job in 2004. She has also served as the Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator for the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. Mahoney and her husband John have three children who are all graduates of O’Gorman High School: Jackie (2001), Joe (2003), Josh (2005) and four grandchildren: Owen, Nora, Soren, and Stella.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - ALEX ANDERSON

Alex Anderson is the assistant principal at O’Gorman High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Sioux Falls before going on to complete his masters degree in educational administration from South Dakota State University. He joined the O’Gorman staff in 2011 as the Academic Services Coordinator. Anderson is a native of Sioux Falls and a graduate of Roosevelt High School. His wife Paige is a school counselor at Holy Spirit Elementary. The Anderson’s have two sons, Owen and Warren.

BISHOP O’GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Administration

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - LIZ MYSCOFSKI

Liz Myscofski received her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University of Winona, MN. She joined the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools in 2020 after 10 years with the Rapid City Catholic Schools System Development office. Myscofski and her husband, Andrew, have two daughters, Emily and Lucy.

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR - STEVE KUETER

O’Gorman Catholic Schools. Kueter spent 38 years with the O’G football program as an assistant coach, defensive coordinator and head coach. He led the Knights to seven state championships including 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 2004, and 2005. The Knights were runners-up in the state title match in 1982, 1984, 1990, 1999, 2006, 2010, and 2015. Kueter broke the state record for wins and ended his career with a 289-921 win-loss record. A Humboldt, SD native, Kueter graduated from Dakota State College. He and his wife, Gloriann, have three children: Sam, Max, and Megan.

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ABOUT US

The Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota helps donors create a meaningful impact, now and forever. Through planned gifts and endowments, donors share their God-given gifts with others. This generosity helps support the ﬁnancial, spiritual, educational and social needs of your community and beyond.

OUR IMPACT

More than $100 million has been distributed to the Catholic ministries and other charities on behalf of donors and partners since 1986.

•Give back to God in gratitude for the blessings you’ve received.

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•Create a permanent legacy of donor-directed giving.

BISHOP O’GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Administration

JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETIC COORDINATORMIKE NEUFELD

Mike Neufeld is the athletic coordinator for O’Gorman Junior High. Mike graduated from USD in 1995 and teaches social studies at OGJH. He is married to Sarah Staebell, a 1994 O’Gorman graduate. They have two children, Julia and Joseph.

CHAPLAIN - FATHER TONY KLEIN

Fr. Tony Klein is a 2012 graduate of O’Gorman High School. He studied four years of college seminary (philosophy) at St. John Vianney seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He then went on to do four years of major seminary (theology) at the North American College in Rome. He was ordained a priest in 2020 and served as associate pastor at Holy Spirit for two years, and the Chaplain at OGJH for one year.

Expires 12-31-25

KNIGHTS BATTLE TOUGH OPENING SCHEDULE IN 2024

Class 11AA (AAA) state semi-final playoff appearances, the most of any Class 11AA (AAA) school since the South Dakota playoff system began in 1981.

Class 11AA (AAA) state championship games played in by the Knights since the playoff system began in 1981.

Class 11AA(AAA) state championships

2024 CLASS 11AAA ALL-STATE FOOTBALL SELECTIONS

w Sullivan Schlimgen – LB

w Nolan Vandel – Honorable Mention

The Knights started the 2024 season with three straight games against top ranked teams in the state. The season kicked off with a hard-fought loss against number one rated Harrisburg in the Dakota Bowl at McEneaney Field. The following week the Knights faced the defending state champion Lincoln Patriots coming out on the short end again, 36-19. They followed that performance with a road trip to Brandon where the Knights dropped a third straight game, 27-0. After a rough opening, the Knights found their footing winning five of their final six games of the regular season before falling to Jefferson in the first round of the playoffs.

Together, care for creation so all have a place to flourish.

Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth.

Laudato Sí 92

The photo below is from our Prairie Restoration area at Presentation Heights in Aberdeen where we are working to restore the land to its natural beauty. If you are in Aberdeen, we invite you to visit and walk the land and listen to its sacredness.

To discover more about the Sisters visit: Facebook: Presentation.Sisters.Aberdeen www.presentationsisters.org

KNIGHTS 2024 SEASON GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARY

KNIGHTS 2024 SEASON Game-by-Game Summary

WEEK 1: AUGUST 31

O’GORMAN 0 – HARRISBURG 14 (DAKOTA BOWL)

The season opener pitted the Knights against the Harrisburg Tigers in Dakota Bowl XLVI at McEneaney Field. In a defensive battle, the Knights came up short with Harrisburg scoring one touchdown each half. Gavin Hammerich led the Knights offensively with 15 carries for 69 yards. Talen Black completed 12 of 21 throws with two interceptions. Sullivan Schlimgen had 31 yards on four completions. Defensively Jack Stukel and Holden Hight led the knights with six tackles each.

WEEK 2: SEPTEMBER 6

O’GORMAN 19 – LINCOLN 36

The second week of the season brought another tough match-up for the Knights as they faced the defending state champion Lincoln Patriots in a homefield match-up. Schlimgen found the end-zone with just over ten minutes left in the second quarter on a 21-yard carry. Lincoln answered quickly to tie the game at 7-7. Another touchdown late in the second quarter put the Patriots up 15-7 at the half. Lincoln scored early in the third quarter to take a 22-7 lead, but the Knights answered on a 63-yard pass from Hunter Sayasavanh to Schlimgen closing the gap to 22-13. A late third quarter score put the Patriots up 29-13. Both teams would score once in the final quarter to lead to the Patriot win 36-19. Schlimgen led the Knights rushing attack with 79 yards on 13 carries. Sayasavanh completed 18 of 30 passes for 271 yards. Dawson Bauer had 123 yards on 8 completions for the Knights who fell to 0-2 with the loss.

WEEK 3: SEPTEMBER 13

O’GORMAN 0 – BRANDON VALLEY 27

The Knights traveled to Brandon for their first road game falling to the Lynx 27-0. Brandon scored a touchdown in each quarter while the Knights failed to find the endzone. Chase Hermanson had seven completions in fifteen at-

tempts before being injured. Hunter Sayasavanh went four for nine after replacing Hermanson. The Knights were held to just 103 total yards offensively. Alex Carlson led the Knights defensely with 11 tackles. After a brutal opening schedule, the Knights were 0-3 on the season.

WEEK 4: SEPTEMBER 20

O’GORMAN 46 – RAPID CITY CENTRAL 7

In week four, the Knights traveled to O’Harra Stadium in Rapid City to take on the Rapid City Central Cobblers. The Knights jumped out to an early lead and never looked back scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter on their way to a 26 - 0 halftime lead. Talen Black found Sullivan Schlimgen who scored with just over three minutes gone in the game. Gavin Hammrich carried the ball in from the one-yard-line, and Black connected with Dawson Bauer to round out the scoring for the first quarter. Black rushed for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Schlimgen added two more touchdowns in the third to put the Knights up 32-7 after three. The Knights would add a late score on a 10-yard pass from Hunter Sayasavanh to Carter Majeres to give OG their first win of the season.

WEEK 5: SEPTEMBER 27

O’GORMAN 14 – JEFFERSON 34 (HOMECOMING)

Week five saw the Cavaliers of Jefferson taking on the Knights on Homecoming at McEneaney Field. Jefferson scored early on a Talen Black fumble making the score 6-0. They would score twice more in the first half leading to a 20-0 halftime score. The Cavaliers added two more touchdowns in the third quarter to go up 34-0 at the end of three. Hunter Sayasavanh found Ryan Cody and Isaac Myers late in the game to prevent the shutout. The 34-14 loss moved the Knights to 1-4 on the season.

WEEK 6: OCTOBER 4

O’GORMAN 42 – PIERRE 14

The Knights went on the road to try to get back in the win column in week six as they traveled to Hollister Field in Pierre to take on the Governors. Sullivan Schlimgen put the Knights on his back as he

scored four touchdowns working intermittently as quarterback throughout the game. He rushed for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns and tallied 101 yards passing. Schlimgen, along with Hunter Cox, also led the Knights defensively. The Knights amassed 405 yards of offensive compared to just 204 for the Governors. Alex Carlson and Logan Mebius added touchdowns in the second half to lead to the 4214 win.

WEEK 7: OCTOBER 11 OGORMAN 35 – WASHINGTON 33

The Knights traveled to Howard Wood to take on the Warriors in week seven. Gavin Hammerich and Sullivan Schlimgen combined for four touchdowns to lead the Knights to victory. With just over four minutes left in the first, Hammerich carried the ball in from the six-yard line for the first score of the game. The point after attempt by Lawrence Hillman was good to give the Knights an early 7-0 lead. Still in the first quarter, Gavin Hammrich scored from four yards out and, with the Hillman extra point, the Knights moved ahead 14-0. With just 35 seconds left in the first quarter, Sullivan Schlimgen scored on a quarterback keeper to put the Knights up 21-7 at the half. Washington came roaring back scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter to take the lead 27-21. But the failed point after attempts would come back to haunt the Warriors. Schlimgen connected with Hammrich with just under three minutes left in the third to put the Knights back on top, 28-27. Midway through the fourth quarter, Schlimgen scored again on a quarterback keeper to put the Knights up 35-27. WHS would score with four minutes left, but the two-point conversion attempt failed leading to a Knights victory, 35-33. With the win the Knights improved to 3-4.

WEEK 8 – OCTOBER 18

O’GORMAN

48 – RAPID CITY STEVENS 0

The Knights took on the Rapid City Stevens Raiders at McEneaney Field in this late-season match-up. The Knights scored three touchdowns in the first quarter in route to a 48-0 win. Talen Black connected

with Dawson Bauer on a 41-yard pass to put the Knights on the board early. Gavin Hammrich and Sullivan Schlimgen added scores in the first quarter. Two more touchdowns by Schlimgen led to a running clock early in the third quarter. Hammrich added another score in the third, and, with under a minute left in the game, Hunter Sayasavanh scrambled into the endzone to round out the scoring. The Knights amassed just under 400 yards of offense to 107 yards for the Raiders. Jack Stukel led the defense for the Knights with ten tackles. This win brought the Knights to 4-4 for the season.

WEEK

9 – OCTOBER 24

O’GORMAN 42 – ROOSEVELT 0

The Knights closed out the regular season against the Roosevelt Rough Riders at Howard Wood Field. The Knights took the opening drive 9 plays for 69 yards capped off with Alex Carlson scoring on a 4-yard run. Talen Black found Sullivan Schlimgen on a 50-yard pass to put the Knights up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Black connected with Matt Steffen in the second quarter to put the Knights up 21-0 at the half. In the third quarter, Schlimgen completed a 57-yard touchdown pass to Dawson Bauer, and Gavin Hammrich scored on a one-yard run to open up a 35-0 lead. With a running clock throughout the fourth quarter, Alex Carlson carried for the final touchdown for the Knights leading to a 42-0 victory. Schlimgen led the Knights defensively with nine tackles. The Knights ended the regular season with a 5-4 record.

PLAYOFFS: QUARTERFINALS –OCTOBER 31

O’GORMAN 21 – JEFFERSON 31

In this first round playoff game, Jefferson held the Knights scoreless until the third quarter when Sullivan Schlimgen completed a 9-yard pass to Jase Muller for the Knights first score of the game. The Knights turned the ball over six times in route to this season-ending defeat. Schlimgen scored twice in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough as the Jefferson Cavaliers came away with the win 31-21. OG finished the season 5-5.

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BOOK ABOUT COACHING LEGEND BOB BURNS SET FOR 2026

A new book examining the life and career of legendary former O’Gorman football coach Bob Burns is coming in 2026.

Stu Whitney, a former sports reporter and columnist for the Argus Leader, has interviewed players, coaches and family members to bring to life the saga of one of the most colorful characters in South Dakota history.

Most O’Gorman fans know Bob Burns as the man who orchestrated the Dakota Bowl tradition and helped bring high school football playoffs to South Dakota, lifting the Knights to their 1981 championship at the DakotaDome.

Whitney’s book will explore that history through the eyes of those involved. It will also highlight Burns’ extraordinary achievements before that era, such as boxing against Joe Louis, parachuting into France on D-Day, luring the Minnesota Vikings to Sioux Falls for their first-ever NFL game and lifting Washington High School and Augustana College’s football programs to unprecedented heights in the 1950s.

Bob Burns was good for O’Gorman, and O’Gorman was good for Bob Burns.

” Kueter said of the legendary coach, who died in 2000.

Burns, who was raised in Sioux City and was a football standout at the University of South Dakota, made a triumphant return to coaching by taking the O’Gorman coaching job in 1976. His 1978 team won a mythical state title, and he guided the Knights to the first two championship games in state history in 1981 and ’82, splitting those games with Y

He handed the head coaching reins to Steve Kueter after the 1982 season and remained as offensive coordinator for two more seasons. Burns also served as athletic director and development director at the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools.

Whitney’s book will be published in 2026 and will be available for purchase as part of that year’s Bob Burns Dakota Bowl festivities. Stay tuned.

DAKOTA BOWL: Chairmen

Joe Hayes

Gay Haber

Thad

Dave

Aaron Severson

DAKOTA BOWL: Chairmen

Athletic Booster Pass

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*Booster pass does not grant admission to Dakota Bowl

Chris Filsinger 2021-2023

Brooke White 2022 - 2023

Dawn Thomas 2024 - 2025

Kim Burma 2015-2016

Nicki Ellerbroek 2016-2017

Adam Fahrendorf 2017-2018

Vince Jones 2018-2019

Troy Holt 2019-2020

Lucas Fiegen 2020-2021

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HVAC

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Air and hydronics balancing

Fumehood testing

DAKOTA BOWL: Committee

Back Row Left to Right: Brian Landry, Steve Kueter, Kyle Raasch, Jeff Oliver, Brandon McLellan, Bobbi Dibbern, David Landry Front Row Left to Right: Dawn Thomas, Sara Siemonsma, Patricia Raasch, Liz Myscofski, Brooke White, & Fr. Chuck Cimpl

Not pictured: Shane Weber, Aaron Severson, Chris Filsinger, Rochelle Nolte, Aaron Canfield

DAKOTA BOWL GAMES:

47 Years of Highlights

DAKOTA BOWL I

O’Gorman 35 Fargo-Shanley 12

For the first ever Dakota Bowl game, Head Coach Bob Burns chose a team from neighboring North Dakota that had won 32 games straight and 15 state football titles. But it was soon clear that this Dakota Bowl idea was going to be special for the Knights. They scored on three of their first four possessions enroute to winning 35-12. Knight fullback Steve Lukens scored three touchdowns. Jamie Kiley carried the ball 13 times, gaining 81 yards and scoring one touchdown. Quarterback Dave Viger completed 7 of 8 passes for 93 yards as a crowd of 7,113 looked on.

DAKOTA BOWL II

O’Gorman 6 Washington 13

DAKOTA BOWL X

O’Gorman 42 Brookings 6

The Knights rode four first-half touchdowns to victory over Brookings in the Bobcats’ first Dakota Bowl appearance. Chris Sitzmann scored three touchdowns in the game, Jay Hollenback scored another and quarterback Chad McConnell added another. Sitzmann had 126 yards rushing in the game. O’Gorman completed the school’s only undefeated season that year, capping it off with another state title.

DAKOTA BOWL XI

O’Gorman 14 Lincoln 12

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In one of the more controversial Dakota Bowl contests, Washington scored on its first and second possessions and held on to win. The first score came out of what O’Gorman coaches thought was an illegal formation. No flag was thrown, however and the touchdown stood. O’Gorman’s only score came after Dave Flicek knocked down a Warrior punt. John Weisensee picked up the ball and ran it to the Washington 25. Tim Rooney passed to Doug Brown for the touchdown two plays later.

DAKOTA BOWL III

O’Gorman 10 Lincoln 14

Pat Weisensee did all of the Knights’ scoring, kicking a field goal and running for a touchdown as O’Gorman lost its second straight Dakota Bowl contest. Weisensee ended the night with 142 yards on 24 carries. Two other O’Gorman drives ended without scores inside the Patriots’ 15-yard line. The Knights went on to win the Class 11 AA state championship later that year.

DAKOTA BOWL IV

O’Gorman 12 Washington 13 (OT)

In this overtime game, Washington stopped Knight quarterback Scott Jones short of the goal-line on a two-point conversion to seal the win. A crowd of 7,684 watched the low-scoring contest. Fullback Tim Lorang scored the Knight’s only touchdown in regulation. In the overtime, Jones hit wide receiver Jeff Spriggs for a touchdown to pull within one of Washington, but the Knights failed on the two-point attempt.

DAKOTA BOWL V

O’Gorman 14 Lincoln 13

Steve Kueter’s first Dakota Bowl as head coach proved to be one of the most memorable as the Knights’ Jeff Meinen stopped the Patriots’ fake extrapoint attempt at the one-yard line for the win. Tim Jurgens led the charge, scoring both of O’Gorman’s touchdowns. But Meinen’s hit on Lincoln’s Jon Peterson at the one-yard line preserved the victory with less than 5 minutes to play in the game.

DAKOTA BOWL VI

O’Gorman 7 Washington 6

For the third straight year, the Dakota Bowl game was decided by one point as the Knights prevailed over Washington. Tim Jurgens scored on the first play on the fourth quarter, then kicked the extra point to give O’Gorman the advantage. A crowd of 8,021 watched the game which was scoreless at halftime. Jon Harris scored Washington’s touchdown in the third period.

DAKOTA BOWL VII

O’Gorman 14 Lincoln 0

The Knights’ defense smothered the Patriots enroute to a 14-0 O’Gorman victory. Gene Elrod and Tom Schnetter scored for the Knights. Troy Soldatke and Todd Lamberty led the defense. The Knights went on to win the state Class AA football crown later that year.

DAKOTA BOWL VIII

O’Gorman 21 Washington 0

The Knights completed their second straight Dakota Bowl shutout by topping Washington before a crowd of 9,081 at Howard Wood Field. Steve Mislinski, who finished with 124 rushing yards on 26 attempts, scored the first O’Gorman touchdown. Quarterback Jon Olson scored the second and Jim Dougherty added a third touchdown on a 38-yard run. O’Gorman held the Warriors to just 46 yards of offense in the game. The Knights went on to win their second straight Class AA title.

DAKOTA BOWL IX

O’Gorman 40 Lincoln 14

Brad Salem led the O’Gorman offense passing for 156 yards and one touchdown as the Knights trounced the Patriots. Ryan Cahalan returned a second-half interception for a touchdown and scored another on a 19-yard catch. Rob Lowe scored the game’s first touchdown. The Knights led 26-6 at halftime.

The Knights won their seventh straight Dakota Bowl game, but it wasn’t easy as they held on to top the Patriots. A crowd of 8,929 attended. Senior quarterback Scott Bickett ran for one touchdown and hit Scott Honner for another to tally O’Gorman’s scoring. Lincoln had taken the lead in the game 6-0. Ryan Folsom had three sacks to lead the defense.

DAKOTA BOWL XII

O’Gorman 35 Brookings 17

O’Gorman took a 21-0 first half lead in the game before a crowd of 9,190. Steve Molohon intercepted a pass and Tom Jackson blocked a punt – both turning into touchdowns for the Knights. Mike Bunkers hit Chris Moran on a 13-yd. pass for another score. Matt Hart added a one-yard run. Steve Stalzer carried the ball 21 times for 129 yards.

DAKOTA BOWL XIII

O’Gorman 35 Lincoln 6

Before a record crowd of 10,954, O’Gorman rolled to its ninth straight Dakota Bowl victory. Josh Lien rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns for the Knights. O’Gorman had 259 yards rushing by halftime. Matt Hart also scored on a 4-yard run. The Knights won the school’s fifth state title later that season.

DAKOTA BOWL XIV

O’Gorman 29 Brookings 6

Led by an 85-yd. punt return by Dennis Schoenwald and a 74-yd. interception return for a touchdown by Tony Breck, O’Gorman upped its Dakota Bowl record to 11-3. Josh Pierce scored on a 4-yard run and Jason Green on a one-yard run in the game.

DAKOTA BOWL XV

O’Gorman 49 Lincoln 0

The game he founded started bearing his name this year as the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl unfolded before a crowd of 8,843. The Knights blanked the Patriots for their 11th straight Dakota Bowl victory. Jason Green gained 121 yards and scored three touchdowns. Matt Carlson scored twice; and Jeremy Butterfield once in the game. O’Gorman went on to win the State Class AA title that year.

DAKOTA BOWL XVI

O’Gorman 20 Brandon Valley 7

The Knights spoiled Brandon Valley’s first appearance in the Dakota Bowl. Kevin Klempka got into the end zone three times as O’Gorman won another Dakota Bowl contest. Klempka ended the game with 91 yards and quarterback Pat Burke added another 44 yards on the ground. Ed Schumann rushed eight times for 60 yards.

DAKOTA BOWL XVII

O’Gorman 16 Lincoln 8

Alex Butterfield took the opening kickoff and rambled 95 yards to launch the Knights into the lead in the Dakota Bowl. But Lincoln played tough and O’Gorman lost three first-half fumbles to keep the game close. Pat Burke scored for the Knights on a 3-yard run after completing a 31-yard pass to Jack Oliver earlier in the drive.

DAKOTA BOWL XVIII

O’Gorman 9 Brandon Valley 19

The Knights’ 13-game winning streak in Dakota Bowls came to an end as the visiting Lynx topped the Knights. O’Gorman set up the Lynx first score on a botched punt giving Brandon Valley possession on the Knights 4 yard line. Casey Hillman scored O’Gorman’s only touchdown on a reverse and Ross Winkels added a field goal. The Knights led 9-6 at halftime.

DAKOTA BOWL XIX

O’Gorman 38 Lincoln 6

The Knights returned to their traditional Dakota Bowl form, beating the Patriots in the 1997 Dakota Bowl contest. Nate Vogel rushed for 174 yards and the Knights scored 24 points in the third quarter to seal the win before 9,750. Vogel also scored two touchdowns in the game. Neil Stoll and Mike Ormseth also scored in the game and T.J. Rolfing added a field goal. The game was also the first to be televised live.

DAKOTA BOWL XX

O’Gorman 31 Washington 38 (OT)

A wild game entertained fans at the 20th anniversary game. Washington won in overtime. The Warriors were able to score on their overtime possession. The Knights were moving toward the endzone when a fumble led to a scramble for possession in the endzone. Washington came up with the ball and the victory before a near capacity crowd at Howard Wood Field.

DAKOTA BOWL XXI

O’Gorman 20 Roosevelt 14

The Rough Riders started their first appearance in the Dakota Bowl with a touchdown on the first play of the game. But behind quarterback Seth Harrer and running backs Eric Stoll and Ryan Corcoran, the Knights came back from a 7-7 halftime tie to win the game.

DAKOTA BOWL XXII

O’Gorman 28 Lincoln 13

O’Gorman rolled to a 28-0 halftime lead and held on to beat the Lincoln Patriots for the 21st consecutive time in Dakota Bowl 22. A crowd of about 9,700 watched Jimmy Nasser score two rushing touchdowns and then throw to Matt Wiederrich for another. The Patriots mounted a late comeback but fell short. Corey Powell also scored on a 12-yard run.

DAKOTA BOWL XXIII

O’Gorman 41 Roosevelt 14

The O’Gorman Knights continued their winning record against Roosevelt, beating the Rough Riders 41-14. Chase Ohme had two touchdowns and Matt Wiederrich two in the game. Quarterback Matt Kayser also scored. Luke Biondi added two field goals to round out the scoring.

DAKOTA BOWL XXIV

O’Gorman 15 Washington 27

Washington beat O’Gorman in the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl, the first loss by the Knights in their signature game since 1998. John Bull scored three touchdowns for the Warriors. John Lyons scored for O’Gorman on a 1-yard run and later on a 7-yard run, but the Knights couldn’t stop the Warriors.

DAKOTA BOWL XXV

O’Gorman 7 Roosevelt 14

Sioux Falls Roosevelt got its first ever victory over the Knights, snapping an 0-15 streak. Tom Hill threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Sean Powell for O’Gorman’s only score in the game.

DAKOTA BOWL XXVI

O’Gorman 38 Lincoln 0

A crowd of 9,000 watched O’Gorman capture its 25th straight victory over the Lincoln Patriots with a 38-0 victory. O’Gorman led 24-0 at halftime and added two more scores in the second half to give O’Gorman a 20-7 career record in the event. Dusty Coleman scored twice, and Chris Isaacson and Tom Jarding each scored once to lead the Knights. Matt Leedom returned an interception for a touchdown, and Ryan Grossman added a field goal in the game.

DAKOTA BOWL XXVII

O’Gorman 24 Roosevelt 14

The Knights won the 2004 state championship rematch with a gutsy effort in front of 9,500 people at Howard Wood Field. Dusty Coleman rushed for 77 yards and scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Senior Ryan Isaacson scored two TDs in the first half to pace the Knights. Senior Tom Ronan added a 38-yard field goal in the game. O’Gorman moves to 21-7 in the annual contest.

DAKOTA BOWL XXVIII

O’Gorman 28 Washington 6

The Knights used their trademark rushing attack to wear down the Warrior defense in the second half en route to their third straight win in the fall classic. As a team, the Knights amassed 412 yards rushing, including 223 from Danny Isaacson. He had a 79-yard touchdown run right before half to put the Knights up 14-6. Josh Sweets added two touchdowns and 93 yards rushing in the effort. It was O’Gorman’s 29th consecutive victory in Class 11AA.

DAKOTA BOWL XXIX

O’Gorman 14 Roosevelt 7

A rematch of the 2006 state championship game was delayed nearly an hour as a thunderstorm forced the evacuation of 10,000 fans from the grandstands. When the game finally started, the Knights used a half-back pass thrown from junior Will Powell to senior Matt Greenfield and an 11-yard touchdown run from senior Dillon Lebrun in the first half to hold off the Riders. Senior Danny Isaacson

DAKOTA BOWL GAMES: 47 Years of Highlights

led all backs with 78 yards on the ground. With the win, O’Gorman moves to 23-7 all-time in the annual event.

DAKOTA BOWL XXX

O’Gorman 22 Washington 14

The Knights led the number-two ranked Warriors 9-0 at halftime. Phil Wright opened the second half with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Junior quarterback Tony Viger paced the Knights with two rushing touchdowns and 4-4 in passing completions. O’Gorman moved its record against rival Washington to 7-0 in the last seven games.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXI

O’Gorman 40 Sioux Falls Lincoln 0

The Knights capitalized on six Lincoln turnovers and the absence of Lincoln’s starting quarterback to claim the shut-out win in front of 7,500 people at Howard Wood Field. Senior Greg Billion caught six passes for 80 yards and three touchdowns from senior quarterback Tony Viger. Viger added two rushing TDs in the game. With the win, O’Gorman moved its record to 24-7 in the annual contest, including victories in the last six games. The victory marked the 30th consecutive win against Sioux Falls Lincoln.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXII

O’Gorman 9 Roosevelt 12

The Riders scored with 46 seconds left in the game to give them the win in front of 8,200 fans at Howard Wood Field. The Knights outgained the Riders 261210 and dominated the third quarter after the game was tied 6-6 at halftime. O’Gorman drove deep into Rider territory twice in the third quarter but only ended up with a field goal to go up 9-6 at the end of the quarter. Kelby Tague had 104 rushing yards and Sam Steffl rushed for 102 for the Knights. It was only the third win in 27 tries for the Riders against the Knights.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXIII

O’Gorman 24 Washington 7

The Knights blocked three kicks on special teams in route to a 24-7 win over the defending state champion Washington Warriors in the 33rd Annual Dakota Bowl at Howard Wood Field. Sam Steffl carried the ball 33 times for 149 yards to lead the Knights who did not complete a pass. While the Warriors scored first, the Knights defense owned the evening holding Washington scoreless after the first drive of the game. With the score tied 7-7, Nic Steffl blocked a punt and Austin Pharis scooped up the ball and ran it in to give the Knights a 14-7 lead. Flynn Donelan scored from nine yards out to make the score 21-7 at the half. The Warriors moved the ball well throughout the second half but were never able to find the end zone.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXIV

O’Gorman 7 Roosevelt 19

In a defensive battle, Roosevelt clung to a 9-7 lead at half and went on to add the only points in the second half to pull out the victory. After losing quarterback Tanner Schulte in the first quarter to injury, the Knights struggled with a limited offense. The Riders had their own problems offensively, and mistakes set up the scoring opportunities for both squads in the first half. Nic Steffl rushed for 65 yards on 18 carries. Blake Hilmoe hit Austin Pharis with a 16 yard touchdown pass for the only Knights touchdown.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXV

O’Gorman 28 Sioux Falls Washington 10

The Knights got back on track with a win over last season’s state champion Washington Warriors. Luke Fritsch led the Knights offense scoring three touchdowns on runs of 52, 47, and 12 yards. Matt White scored first on a Washington fumble taking the ball in from 1-yard out late in the first quarter. Fritsch scored to put the Knights up 14-3, but the Warriors answered to keep the game close with a 14-10 halftime score. The third quarter saw neither team score, but Fritsch broke the drought early in the fourth quarter with his 47 yard run which put the Knights up 21-10. After a Washington turnover, Fritsch added the final touchdown with a little over four minutes left in the game. O’G had 266 total yards of offense and made the Warriors pay for their five fumbles.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXVI

O’Gorman 29 Lincoln 34

Lincoln returned the opening kick-off 92 yards for a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead in Dakota Bowl XXXVI, but the Knights fought back with a touchdown run by Dodi Makwinja. Early in the second quarter, Colin Zimprich added a field goal to give

the Knights a 9-7 lead. The Patriots managed to add another score late in the first half to take a 14-9 lead into halftime. Both teams came to life in the second half with the Knights scoring three times in the fourth quarter. Fritsch went 8 of 13 for 163 yards and three touchdowns hitting Jack Peery twice and Ben Johnson once to cut the lead to 34-29 with 1:29 to play in the game. Lincoln recovered the onside kick and hung on to take the win.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXVII

O’Gorman 14 Roosevelt 24 Roosevelt got on the board first in Dakota Bowl XXXVII, but the Knights fought back with a 65-yard drive capped off with Luke Fritsch taking the ball in for the score. Roosevelt went on to lead 21-7 at the half and hung on to win 24-14. Fritsch found Jack Peery late in the fourth quarter, but two interceptions and two fumbles were too much for the Knights to overcome in this Dakota Bowl loss. Peery led the Knights with 104 yards, five catches and a score. Makwinja had 17 carries for 65 yards.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXVIII

O’Gorman 34 Brandon Valley 22

The Knights marched to a victory in Dakota Bowl XXXVIII largely by combining the talents of Hunter Thompson at quarterback and sophomore Canyon Bauer at wide receiver. Bauer ended the night with 234 receiving yards on nine catches with three touchdowns. His scoring started early when he caught a short pass in the first quarter and went 73 yards for the touchdown. More was to follow as Thompson ended the night with 352 yards through the air and one touchdown run. Bauer scored on a catch followed by a 29-yard run in the third. Andrew Reuter followed with a reception and a 65- yard run to put the Knights ahead for the first time. With just over three minutes left in the game, Bauer caught a 28-yard pass to seal the victory. Kristin Jakowicz was 4-4 on extra point attempts.

DAKOTA BOWL XXXIX

O’Gorman 35 Harrisburg 26 Harrisburg’s inaugural performance in Dakota Bowl XXXIX saw a talented Tiger squad giving the Knights all they could handle for four quarters. The Tigers jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter and led 14-7 at the half. Sporting their new grey uniforms, the Knights staged a comeback in the third quarter with Isaac Struck finding Canyon Bauer for an 81-yard touchdown pass 48 seconds into the second half. Bauer finished with three catches for 175 yards. Harrisburg refused to go away as they quickly retook the lead on the next possession. The back and forth scoring continued when Struck threw to Nick Billion for a 47-yard touchdown regaining the lead 21-20. The Tigers scored with a little over nine minutes to play coming within two points of the Knights (28-26), but the two-point conversion attempt failed.

DAKOTA BOWL XL

O’Gorman 42 Washington 33

Dakota Bowl saw No. 2 O’Gorman taking on No. 3 Washington in a rematch of last year’s semifinal game. The Knights scored on their first play from scrimmage with Zach Norton finding Canyon Bauer with a 73-yard touchdown pass. The Warriors turned the ball over on the kickoff allowing the Knights to score their second touchdown less than a minute into the game. After stopping Washington on the next drive, OG took the ball 69-yards with Bauer scoring. Norton found Evan Wittry just before half to push the lead to 28-7 at the half. The Warriors mounted a comeback in the second half scoring on an interception to pull within two points. The twopoint-conversion attempt failed, and the Knights drove the field for a final score making it 42-33 with under five minutes to play. Norton completed 18 of 27 passes for 294-yards with three touchdowns. Bauer led the Knights scoring with 9 catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Alex Kowalczyk led the defensive effort with 10 tackles and assists.

DAKOTA BOWL XLI

The second game of the season saw the Knights taking on the returning 11AAA state champion Brandon Valley Lynx. The Knights opened the game on a scoring drive capped off by Tate Wishard’s touchdown run. Tied 7-7 midway through the second quarter, the Lynx capitalized on a Knights’ fumble and went 99 yards to take the lead 13-7. An interception on the next Knights’ possession led to another Brandon Valley touchdown to put the Lynx up 19-7 with a minute left in the half. Connor Pavelko’s 49-yard field goal at the end of the first half led to a 19-10 score at the break. The Lynx scored on the opening drive of the third quarter to go up 26-10 followed by an 81-yard punt return to lead 33-10 late

in the third quarter. Both teams traded touchdowns in the fourth to lead to the 40-16 final.

DAKOTA BOWL XLVII

O’Gorman 0 Roosevelt 48

With restricted attendance due to the pandemic the Dakota Bowl moved to McEneaney Field for the first time in history. The No. 4 ranked Knights were outsized and overrun by the No. 1 Riders in this lopsided battle. O’Gorman was held to 121 yards of offense and failed to score. Anders Mattecheck led the defense with six tackles on the night. Roosevelt remained top-ranked throughout the season before falling to Harrisburg in the semi-final game of the playoffs.

DAKOTA BOWL XLVIII

O’Gorman 14 Roosevelt 12

The season opener Dakota Bowl lived up to the hype taking a full three nights to conclude. After the Knights took the field to a packed crowd on Saturday, the skies darkened, and the teams were forced to wait out a rain delay that eventually led to a postponement of the game. Monday, August 30, the teams took the field again in front of a healthy crowd for round two. The game never made it to the second half after yet another weather event led to a second postponement. But, not before Dave Alpers made a heroic one-handed catch that would become the No 1 play on ESPN Sports Center’s top 10 plays. Alpers’ play set up a touchdown run by James Lichty. The score gave the Knights a 7-6 halftime lead before the lightening delay pushed the game to a third evening. On the third day, the Knights finally pulled off the victory on a touchdown pass from Bennett Dannenbring to Emmanuel Struck at the end of the third quarter. Knights 14 Riders 12 in one for the ages.

DAKOTA BOWL XLIV

O’Gorman 62 Roosevelt 27

The Knights scored early and often in this Dakota Bowl match-up with their west side rival Roosevelt. Bennett Dannenbring completed two touchdown passes to Jack Hove, and Hayden Groos intercepted two passes returning them for touchdowns to give the Knights all the early momentum they needed. A touchdown pass from Dannenbring to Peyton Hage put the Knights up 35-7 at the end of the first quarter. Maverick Jones added two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter to give the Knight a 49-14 lead at the half. Hage turned an interception into a touchdown early in the third quarter, and Jones added another rushing touchdown to round out the scoring for the Knights. Nate Ratzlaff led the Knights defensively with six tackles while Sam Jacobson and Gabe Tschetter each added five. With 425 yards of offense, the Knights dominated this one from start to finish.

DAKOTA BOWL XLV

O’Gorman 24 Brandon Valley 21

The season opener pitted the Knights against the Brandon Valley Lynx in Dakota Bowl XLV at McEneaney Field. Late in the first quarter, the Knights scored on a 28-yard field goal by Lawrence Hillman to go up 3-0. The Lynx found the end-zone midway through the second quarter and took a 7-3 lead into half. Sullivan Schlimgen took a pass from Hayden Groos nine yards to score with just over six minutes left in the third quarter putting the Knights back on top 10-7, but Brandon Valley retaliated with a touchdown of their own with 13 seconds remaining in the quarter to regain the lead. With just over five minutes left in the game Groos connected with Maverick Jones to once again give the Knights the lead, 17-14. But the Lynx would not go away, scoring a touchdown with only 1:39 left in the game to pull ahead 21-17. With only four seconds left in the game, Groos found Ryland Satter who took the ball 12 yards for the score in an unbelievable ending to a tight game that saw the lead change hands numerous times.

DAKOTA BOWL XLVI

O’Gorman 0 Harrisburg 14

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GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM WINS BACK-TO-BACK

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH SECOND UNDEFEATED SEASON AND FIFTY GAME WIN STREAK

The O’Gorman Lady Knights basketball team finished the season with another perfect 24-0 record. The Knights entered the season with a target on their backs after finishing the 2023-24 season undefeated. Even with key losses to graduation, the Knights stepped up meeting every challenge earning the city championship and the Metro Conference Championship before entering the state tournament with a 21-0 record. They fought their way through three tough teams including a miraculous come-from-behind win over Brandon Valley in the championship game to secure back-to-back state championships. This championship was the fifth state championship for the program and the fourth for Coach Kent Kolsrud.

It was a season that saw numerous records fall behind the play of Sydney Terveen, Ruby Moore, and Julia Eggert who earned All-Metro Conference, All-State, and All-Tournament Team honors. Ruby broke the record for the most steals in a season with 94 while Julia entered the 300 point club with 571 points.

Even more impressive was the team performance throughout the year. Coach Kolsrud credits the team’s success to the unity and teamwork of the entire group. According to Kolsrud, “This team played extremely hard and unselfish basketball and truly had great chemistry. I was so proud of the way they represented OG Girls basketball and played for the name on the front of their jersey.” The Knights averaged 64.2 points per game while holding their opponents to an average of 38.9 points. The scoring was a balanced effort with the team’s field goal percentage for the season 50.0%. The team set a record for the most three-point field goals in a season with 164 and the most steals in a season with 385. The team also continued the winning streak that started with the last two

games of the 2022-23 season setting a record for the longest winning streak with 50 consecutive wins

As the statistics show, the 2024-25 Lady Knights were an exciting team to watch play. Kolsrud attributes this to the team being a great pressing team and a team that ran in transition extremely well. He says, “These girls played an excellent schedule and withstood all of the challenges of teams wanting to knock them off and end their winning streak. They stepped up big time and made huge plays in the second half of the championship game to beat an excellent Brandon Valley team.” It is an incredible accomplishment to go undefeated in back-to-back years. Coach Kolsrud summed it up by saying, “This was just a great group of girls who represented the O’Gorman community with a tremendous season and played their hearts out each and every night.”

Congratulations to Coach Kolsrud and the Lady Knights basketball team for once again rewriting the record books and bringing home back-to-back state championships!

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Coaches

HEAD VARSITY COACH - CALE HECHT

Cale Hecht will coach varsity volleyball this fall. He is from Sioux Falls, SD and graduated from Augustana University in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Exercise Science and Fitness and Administration. Cale is currently working on his Master of Arts in Sports Administration and Leadership at Augie. Cale also coaches AAU National Volleyball teams with Kairos Elite Volleyball Club.

COACH - JAIDYN FEICKERT

Jaidyn Feickert was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD and just recently graduated from Aberdeen Roncalli. She loves spending time with her three siblings, her boyfriend Abe, and both of their families. Feickert played volleyball in high school and will be coaching the freshmen volleyball teams at OGHS. She is currently studying biology at the University of Sioux Falls

JUNIOR VARSITY COACH - JIM ABBOTT

Jim Abbott, junior varsity volleyball coach for the Knights, grew up in White Bear Lake, MN. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota. Abbott and his wife Beth have four children: Emma (Michael), Sydney, Eli and Sam. He was a Microsoft certified network engineer and ran his own consulting company for almost fifteen years in the Twin Cities before relocating to Sioux Falls in 2019. He is currently a licensed health insurance representative assisting current and new retirees in the transition to Medicare. Abbott was the head volleyball coach at St. Paul Academy and Summit School in St. Paul for five seasons prior to moving and currently coach for Kairos Elite Volleyball Club in Sioux Falls.

FRESHMAN

VOLLEYBALL - VARSITY:

Team Members

VOLLEYBALL - JUNIOR VARSITY: Team Members

Back Row Left to Right: Qynn Hight, Katie McKay, Londyn Smith, Lily Wuebben, Makenzie Walsh, Ruthie Robinson, Lauren Venenga, Reese Venenga, Makenzi Reisch

Front Row Left to Right: Libby Stoll, Samantha Moberg, Ali Jones, Lola Schoenwald, Meygan Mausbach, Cali Roemen, Emily Ideker

Back Row Left to Right: Qynn Hight, Meygan Mausbach, Reese Venenga, Alex Cody, Samantha Moberg, Lola Schoenwald Front Row Left to Right: Morgan Manthey, London Backes

Team Members

Back Row Left to Right: Amelia Eggert, Raena Cox, Lily Siegling, Alex Cody

Middle Row Left to Right: Chloe Hammrich, Claire Sohre

Front Row Left to Right: Kinsley Sheridan, Lauren Drake

Back Row Left to Right: Addi Greble, Lily Siegling, Jaylyn Stark, Amelia Eggert, Reagan Cox

Front Row Left to Right: Paxtyn Peterson, Averie Howe, Artizain Ordonez, Josie Simon

Back Row Left to Right: Ellie Roose, Olivia Abbott, Ella Allex, Addie Brower, Camryn Groen

Front Row Left to Right: Briana Eastman, Artizain Ordonez, Hannah Branaugh, Macy Newsome

SOCCER - BOYS: Coaches

BOYS VARSITY HEAD COACH - MIKE OLSON

Mike Olson comes to O’Gorman High School with 25 years of experience in the Sioux Falls youth soccer community. He is also an assistant coach with the 2007 Boys competitive soccer team at the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club. In years past, Mike was the varsity and junior varsity boys soccer coach at Sioux Falls Washington High School. Mike retired from the Sioux Falls Police Department in 2020 after 25 years of service with the department, and he currently works as an investigator for the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mike’s wife, Jill (Wynthein), is a 1989 graduate of O’Gorman High School. Mike and Jill have two sons, Colin and Caden.

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BOYS ASSISTANT COACH - GARY GLISSENDORF

Gary Glissendorf will assist with the boys soccer team this year. Gary has worked at SDN Communications for 16 years along with coaching competitive soccer for Dakota Alliance for the past seven years. Gary and his wife Susie, who works at Avera Health, have two children: Kendall and Ethan.

BOYS ASSISTANT COACH - DEVIN KIRSCHMAN

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Devin Kirschman will be a volunteer coach with the boys’ soccer program this year. Devin has two sons Cedrick and Chris.

Sheila Diercks will be the varsity girls’ soccer coach this year. Diercks, a 2009 O’Gorman graduate. Diercks played soccer at Augustana College where she graduated with a degree in elementary education in 2014. Sheila is a third grade teacher at St. Mary Elementary. She is pictured with her husband, David and their children Flynn, Declan, and Sloane.

Connor Bergh graduated from O’Gorman in 2014. He went on to major in art at Augustana University graduating in 2018. Bergh is a member of the Air National Guard in Sioux Falls and is currently working on his elementary education degree through Dakota State University. He also coaches for Dakota Alliance and has been part of Soccer Sprouts.

BOYS SOCCER - VARSITY: Team Members

Back Row Left to Right: Coach Gary Glissendorf, Garrison Schowenwald, Paxton Sohn, Jacob Hogue,

Back Row Left to Right: Coach Ethan Glissendorf, Coach Gary Glissendorf, Owen Wilkins, Burke Boos, Landon Mueller, Charlie Nelson, Coach Olson Middle Row Left to Right: Aiden Sage, Jayce Larson, Liam Schons, Tejas Mahesh, Andrew Ellenz, Dominic Dobbs Front Row Left to Right: Brooks Marshall, Andrew Castellio, Kaden Norman, Gage Rolfing, Zidan Elliott

Team Members

Back Row Left to Right: Sydney Terveen, Hadley Kerkvliet, Brinley Groos, Loretta Hillman, Hadley Wagner Middle Row Left to Right: Margaret Althoff, Payton Thomas, Capri Connelly, Ainsley Groos, Sophie DeMore, Lyndy Bortnem Front Row Left to Right: Halle Watson, Charlee VanWyhe, Lander Bell, Marty Blauwe, Addison Dougherty

Back Row Left to Right: Makaylah Vandel, Sabrina Benson, Reese Terveen, Zoey McEneaney, Bergen Lemon, Ella Koch Middle Row Left to Right: Charlotte Hanson, Madeline Dowling, Katherine Meek, Leah Nielsen, Quinn Frankman Front Row Left to Right: Sarah Lewison, Mallie George, Emily Thomas, Ellie Nichols, Giuliana DeGrange, Kenzi Watson

2025-2026

DEACON ROB RYSAVY ‘86

FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE:

Deacon Rob often says, “Catholic education changed the trajectory of my life,” and “‘deacon’ means ‘servant.’” His parents, Bob and Carol, sacrificed to provide Catholic schooling for him and his sister Kim ’83, shaping his faith and future. Active in St. Therese Parish and serving at Mass, he learned the values of hard work, faithfulness, and compassion—along with encouragement to pursue his dream of serving in the Air Force.

At O’Gorman, he excelled in academics and activities, including football (state championship), wrestling, NHS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boys State, and National Merit Finalist honors—earning an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. As a cadet, he stayed rooted in faith through the Catholic Choir and led a 35-instructor survival training program.

Serving 24 years on active duty, Rob was an Air Battle Manager on the E-3 AWACS, deploying worldwide and earning the peer-voted “Top Gun” award. He later commanded a Space Aggressor Squadron, trained U.S. forces against space-capable adversaries, and concluded his career as a Colonel directing air and space operations in Korea.

After retiring, he led the Vitae Foundation, the world’s largest pro-life research nonprofit, then became president of St. Mary’s High School, guiding it through COVID-19, growing its foundation fivefold, and achieving top SAT scores in the city. Ordained a permanent deacon in 2020, he now serves as diocesan Chief of Staff, overseeing $300M in properties and serving on multiple diocesan boards.

Rob has served on numerous parish, school, and nonprofit boards, taught religious education, led retreats, and is a 30+ year Knight of Columbus.

He is married to Michelle, with six children—Alexandra (Mark), Robert, Mark, Elizabeth, Mary, and Katharine—and three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way. Rob credits his commitment to service to God, his family, and the Catholic schools that shaped his life.

Hall of Fame Inductees

CHANDLER (NIELSEN) JANSEN - CLASS OF 2012 FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS:

Chandler graduated from O’Gorman High School in 2012 after an extraordinary multi-sport career, earning 15 varsity letters across five sports. She began competing at the varsity level in seventh grade with the track team, lettering all six years. She medaled in the 400m dash at the state meet every season and in the 800m run from 7th–11th grade, capturing the AA state title and all-class gold in the 800m as a freshman. Her track accolades include Academic AllConference, All-State, and the 2012 Captain Award.

In tennis, Chandler was part of two state championship teams as an eighth and ninth grader, winning the flight five singles title both years and a flight three doubles title in 2008. She also earned All-State honors in cross country after placing 14th at the 2007 state meet when called in to replace an injured teammate. During her junior and senior years, she lettered in sideline cheer.

Basketball was her greatest passion. Over four varsity seasons, Chandler played on three state tournament teams, including a runner-up finish in 2011. She earned All-Conference honors three times, Second Team All-State in 2009–10, and First Team All-State in 2010–11 and 2011–12, along with AllTournament recognition in her final two state appearances. She graduated as the second-leading scorer in O’Gorman girls basketball history and was a South Dakota Miss Basketball Finalist. Additional honors include the Margaret Lynch Award and FCA Honor Athlete (2012).

Chandler went on to play basketball at Augustana University on a full scholarship, contributing to a Final Four team before an injury ended her playing career. She remained a student assistant coach, earned NSIC All-Academic honors, graduated summa cum laude, and later completed medical school at USD and dermatology training at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Iowa.

Today, Chandler is a Mohs surgeon and dermatologist at Avera Medical Group. She and her husband, Daniel—an OGHS teacher and boys basketball coach—are excited to welcome their first child in September.

TARYN KLOTH - CLASS OF 2015

FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS:

A proud 2015 graduate of O’Gorman High School, Taryn is a shining example of excellence on and off the court. At O’Gorman, she was a standout in volleyball, leading the Knights to back-to-back state championships, earning 2014 South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year, Under Armour Second Team All-American honors, and a club volleyball national championship. Active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, she demonstrated leadership, dedication, and faith.

Taryn continued her career at Creighton University, earning a finance degree in just three and a half years while playing four seasons of indoor volleyball. She was named Big East Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Big East Championship MVP, First Team All-Big East, First Team AVCA All-East Region, and a Senior CLASS Award

In 2019, she transferred to Louisiana State University to compete in beach volleyball and pursue graduate studies. She earned First Team All-American honors, Breakthrough Player of the Year, and Pair of the Year with Kristen Nuss. Taryn completed her MBA, then a second master’s degree in Data Analytics. Her passion for service led to founding a nonprofit in 2024, providing underprivileged youth with elite volley-

ball training, mentorship, and resources.

As a professional beach volleyball athlete, Taryn has earned six AVP titles and multiple awards, including AVP MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Blocker of the Year, Co-Rookie of the Year, and Team of the Year (twice). Internationally, she is a two-time Pro Tour Final Champion, 2023 World Championships bronze medalist, and proudly represented the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Now living in Baton Rouge with her husband, LSU alumnus Eric Brasher, Taryn continues to compete at the highest level while inspiring young athletes. From O’Gorman Knight to Olympian, she embodies commitment, courage, and compassion—making her a worthy Hall of Fame inductee.

BENJAMIN SIEVERDING

- CLASS OF 2005

FOR EXCELLENCE IN

ARTS:

Born to Gary and Deb Sieverding and raised in Sioux Falls, Ben attended Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools with his siblings, Katie (’00) and Michael (’07). He began singing in the Cathedral of St. Joseph’s choir, where his love of music took root. At Christ the King School, he studied piano, saxophone, and sang at school Masses.

At O’Gorman, Ben was deeply involved in music and theatre. He played multiple saxophones in band, served as drum major, and earned All-State and Honor Choir recognition. He studied voice privately with Alan Stanga and discovered a passion for classical singing and stage performance through O’Gorman plays and musicals, participating in 13 productions, in-

Ben earned his B.A. in Music at South Dakota State University, where he shifted his focus from choral conducting to classical vocal performance. He continued to perform in choirs, operas, and competitions, including a summer program in France. He later completed his Master of Music and post-graduate studies at the University of Michigan, receiving the Earl V. Moore Award.

Professionally, Ben has performed with Opera Colorado, Minnesota Opera, and The Santa Fe Opera, among others. He debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2018 and with the Metropolitan Opera in 2022 in Hamlet, returning in 2025 for Tosca. His credits include world premieres and performances with major U.S. orchestras and opera companies.

Ben has also appeared internationally in France, Germany, Canada, and at the U.S. embassy in Paris. He is a multiple-time district winner and regional finalist of the Met Opera auditions and winner of several national voice competitions.

Ben lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Kelsey, and their dog, Maya. He enjoys composing, traveling, hiking, and time at Lake Superior.

BEN SOLOMON - CLASS OF 1999

FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS:

Ben Solomon was born and raised in Sioux Falls, attending Christ the King, St. Mary Elementary and Junior High, and graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1999. He found his passion in the performing arts, singing in concert choir and Madrigals under Hall of Fame director Ron Schallenkamp, competing nationally in speech, and starring in productions such as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Damn Yankees, and The Pirates of Penzance. Inspired by science teachers Scott Leitheiser and Doug Peterson, Ben pursued pre-medicine at South Dakota State University. He was part of the first Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College class and later named a Distinguished Alumnus. While excelling academically, he stayed active in theatre and choir—where he met his wife, Tricia. Leadership roles included Vice President of the Students’ Association, helping transition SDSU to NCAA Division I Athletics. His Honors capstone created an MCAT study group curriculum still used by students. He graduated with honors in 2003.

Ben earned his medical degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2007, researching robotic surgery and joining Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic, serving as Chief Fellow.

Since 2013, Dr. Solomon has been a leader at the Avera Cancer Institute, focusing on thoracic, head and neck, and skin cancers. As Medical Information Officer and Oncology Clinical Research Officer, he advances clinical trials and health record optimization. He is an Associate Professor at USD Sanford School of Medicine, a published researcher, and a dedicated educator.

Ben and Tricia’s four children—Isaac ’25, Luke, Maggie, and Michael— attend Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. They enjoy family activities, travel, and time at Lake Poinsett. Ben thanks his parents for their support and Tricia for her steadfast love.

FR. MIKE KELLY FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE:

Born on St. Patrick’s Day in Aberdeen, SD, Father Mike Kelly is the second oldest of nine children. He attended St. Mary Grade School, Assumption Abbey Prep (ND), St. Mary College (MN), St. Paul Theology Seminary, the University of Notre Dame, and Catholic Theological Union (Chicago), earning degrees in philosophy, secondary education, coaching, a Master of Divinity (1976), Liturgical Studies (1991), and Theological Studies (2001).

Before ordination in 1976, Fr. Kelly taught social studies and coached freshmen football and varsity wrestling at O’Gorman. Over his priesthood, he was assigned three separate times as teacher, chaplain, and campus minister at O’Gorman High School, in addition to parish, college, and chaplaincy roles across the diocese. He also taught at Roncalli High School, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Ordained with the “Magnificent Seven” by Bishop Lambert Hoch, Fr. Kelly served in multiple parishes, on

1986 O’GORMAN KNIGHTS GIRLS’ CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM

FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS:

The 1986 Knights Girls Cross Country Team, comprised of a strong returning team and bolstered by a solid addition of new but inexperienced participants, came together and ran to the first Girls State Cross Country Championship in the school’s history. O’Gorman Girls Cross Country got its start in the fall of 1978 when they fielded their first organized competitive team. They were unable to qualify a team for the SD State Meet that fall, but O’Gorman Girls Cross Country was off and running. South Dakota girls Cross Country competed at a distance of 3000 meters at this time. A change in the racing distance took place in the fall of 1988, where the distance was increased to 4000 meters. The SDHSAA finally adjusted the distance to 5000 meters in 2015 to bring South Dakota in line with the nationally accepted distance for high school girls cross country competitions.

The O’Gorman Girls Cross Country team enjoyed success in its early years of competing. They were able to win Region and Conference Championships but could not win the ultimate title of a State Championship - until the fall of 1986. Coming off a 6th place finish in 1985, the O’Gorman girls came into the fall cross country season believing that this could be their year. They started their championship season with a victory in the Brandon Invitational by defeating Brandon Valley and area Sioux Falls high schools. Their next big challenge was the Yankton Invitational where they placed first, competing against schools from Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. The Lennox Invitational, considered in the 1980’s and 1990’s as the “Pre-State Meet”, was their first big show down against all Class AA high school competition. The O’Gorman girls placed first, with a one-point win over city rival Lincoln High School. They finished their regular season schedule in Sioux City, IA by running to a first-place finish in

college campuses, as diocesan Worship Office director, and as a VA Medical Center chaplain. Wherever assigned, he brought energy, joy, and a deep love for liturgy and community.

Retiring in 2019, Fr. Kelly returned to Sioux Falls, remaining active as part of the Bishop O’Gorman Foundation and a regular substitute at parishes and in the school system. Known affectionately as O’Gorman’s “spiritual athletic psychologist,” he rarely misses a sporting event—home or away—supporting studentathletes with prayer, encouragement, and genuine enthusiasm.

Fr. Kelly describes Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools as a “gift from God” and calls his ministry here “joyful service to the Lord.” His greatest loves are the Catholic liturgy, his family, and the sporting world—followed closely by “you people.”

On October 3, 2025, Fr. Kelly is inducted into the Bishop O’Gorman High School Hall of Fame—a humbling honor he deeply treasures. In his words: “Thank you for you!”

the Sioux Interstate Conference Cross Country Championship. Again, defeating Lincoln by one point. All that was left for the girls cross country team to complete their perfect season was the State Class AA Cross Country race to be held on Saturday November 1st in Mitchell, SD.

Finally, in the fall of 1986, delivering probably the best team performance of the season, the O’Gorman girls ran to their first State Championship in Mitchell, SD. In the sport of cross country, the team’s score is determined by scoring the place finishes of your top five runners. As was the case throughout this season, they battled with Lincoln High School for the title. The O’Gorman team ran tightly together placing 6 girls between 10th place and 25th place. A mere 24 seconds separated O’Gorman’s first runner at 10th place, and their 6th girl placing 25th. They edged Lincoln for the title by 16 points. A true team effort. O’Gorman girls cross country then followed in 1987 with a close second place finish in the State Meet. In the fall of 1988, they ran to their 2nd State Championship in 3 years.

Members of O’Gorman Knights 1986 State Cross Country Team were: Teresa Lyons (Hohn) ‘87; Lisa Gillen ’89; Chris Wallraf (Rowe) ‘88; Joann Jablonic (Harnden) ‘87; Karla Brien (Hay) ‘88; Tara DeBoer (Kendle) ‘89; Alyce O’Brien ‘89. Winning Top 25 All State Awards for the Knights on that day were, Chris Rowe 10th, Lisa Gillen 14th, Karla Hay 15th, Teresa Hohn 16th, Tara Kendle 24th, and Joann Harnden 25th.

As they finished out their OGHS careers, the following girls were awarded multiple “All State Awards” for Cross Country. Teresa Hohn, winning awards in 1985 and 1986; Chris Rowe, winning awards in 1985, 1986, 1987; Karla Hay winning awards in 1986 and winning the individual State Championship in 1987; Lisa Gillen, winning awards in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988.

O’Gorman High School - Bob Burns Dakota Bowl XLVII

LYNX - VS - KNIGHTS

Student Trainers: Dylan Ochoa and Atley Stephens

O’GORMAN

FOOTBALL: Team Members

CHEERLEADERS - FOOTBALL CHEER: Team Members

Payten Terrell Hadley Holte Ackley Barch

Brooklyn Winkles Delaney Berg Elizabeth Benz

Ella Luttman Ella Adamiak

Gianna Geraets Isabella Hosek Jada Mauney

Madelyn Marshall Josie Stewart

Olivia Miner Raynie Scholten Shay Boetel

HEAD COACH - JAYSON POPPINGA

Jayson Poppinga enters his ninth year as head coach of the O’Gorman Knights. Before joining the Knights, Poppinga spent 15 years coach ing in several states. He coached the Pierre Governors to a state championship in 2013 and a runner-up finish in 2015. The Governors were 23-10 under Poppinga. Poppinga, a graduate of Harrisburg High School, the University of Sioux Falls (BS), and North Dakota State University (MS), coached in Kansas City and North Dakota before re turning to South Dakota in 2011. He and his wife, Nicole, have two

Shannon Poppinga is the defensive coordinator for the Knights. A Harrisburg native, Shannon brings extensive experience playing football at both the collegiate and professional levels. His number was retired by the Sioux Falls Storm. He also played in the Division II AllStar game and was awarded All-American accolades. He is a member of the Augustana Hall of Fame. Shannon was defensive coordinator for the Pierre Governors before coming to Sioux Falls. An Augustana College graduate, Poppinga teaches Social Studies at OG. He and his wife Sharee have a daughter, Quinlee Hunter.

Vinnie Olson, son of Vincent and Betty Olson, will be coaching the offensive line and defensive line for the Knights this fall. A Pierre native, Olson attended the University of South Dakotaball, wrestling, and track. He achieved college All-American honors multiple times for both football and track, and he was the National College Shot Put Champion in 2004. Vinnie was also named Male Athlete of the Year at USF in 2004-05. He has played professional football in both the Arena and Indooring for both football and track. Vinnie and his wife, Samatha,

Shane Van Diest is originally from Helena, MT where he attended Helena High School. He went on to play football at Carroll College where he was a linebacker for the two-time national champions. After graduating with majors in mathematics and biology, Shane earned a master’s degree in theology from Augustine Instititute and a master’s in philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. His prior coaching experience includes one year at Helena High School, two years at Duchesne High School in St. Charles, MO, and two years at the University of South Dakota where he worked with defensive backs. Shane and his wife Marah have four children: Cecilia, Augustine, Dominic, and Chiara.

FOOTBALL - VARSITY: Coaches

ASSISTANT COACH - AARON BEAVERS

Let’s Go KNIGHTS

ASSISTANT COACH - MARK BLACKBURN

Mark Blackburn, a native of Los An geles, California, will be assisting with the Knights football program this fall. Blackburn played seven seasons for the Sioux Falls Storm from 2003-2010 and holds the teams career record in tackles (715.5). The University of South Dakota alum was instrumental in Storm’s first championship run, playing LB in the organization’s first four cham pionship wins. His legendary number 14 was retired, and he was inducted in the IFL Hall of Fame in 2016. Blackburn is a 5-Time IFL AllLeague selection, a 4-time Indoor Football Champion and a United Bowl MVP. When Mark is not coaching, he serves as an executive coach and strategic consultant for MBJ Innovations. Mark and his wife Nicole have two children, Jadaya and Isaiah.

Prior to coming to OG, Beavers coached for 27 years. After graduating from Sioux Falls College in 1989, he accepted a position with SFC as a wide receiver’s coach. He went on to be the head coach at Gregory for four years before returning to Sioux Falls Lincoln where he was head coach from 2002-2016. He carries a 143-58 record as a head coach. Beavers is a native of Hemet, CA. He and his wife, Jessica, have two sons, Beau and Easton.

Isaac Struck, a 2018 OG graduate, teaches 5th Grade at Holy Spirit Elementary. He and his wife Danielle have a daughter, Collins.

DONNIE HILSENROTH

FOOTBALL - FRESHMAN: Coaches

JOE KUNZMAN

Joe Kunzman is a freshman football coach and powerlifting referee. He is employed by United Fire Group as a Senior Claims Representative. He and his wife Bobbie have twin boys, Jarad and Jory, and are 2010 O’Gorman graduates.

Brian Stai is the Coordinator of Campus Ministries at OGHS. Previously he coached at the junior varsity level, and he is now the freshman football head coach. Brian also coaches hurdles for varsity track. He and his wife Kathryn have three children: Mary Caroline, Gemma, and Frank.

GENE GERMAIN

Gene Germain graduated from Durango High School in Las Vegas and continued his collegiate football career at Phoenix College and Southwest State University in Marshall, MN where he earned a degree in Sports Management. He currently works as a traveling aide for Converida.

BRIAN STAI

Front Row Left to Right: Caiden Hermanson, Ben Sundvold, Thomas Theobald, Chris Van Bochove, Krew Becker, Everett Hanson, Corbin Hage. Middle Row Left to Right: Jacob Pitzl, Liam Fitzpatrick, Evan Ebbesen, Cole Houser, Harrison Odenbach, Jack Fredrickson, Jett Howe, Keanu Lee Back Row Left to Right: Kelemente Pio, Finn Steffen, Bryson Wittry, Cooper Dowling, Nolan Dexter, Griffin Howard, Kayen Hammer

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Hustle and Health

From the field to the sidelines, Avera’s got you covered. Whether it’s tackling injuries or promoting wellness, our experts keep local athletes healthy and game-ready all season long. Avera is proud to team up with the O’Gorman High School in health, spirit and support.

PERFORMING ARTS: Directors

BAND DIRECTOR: BEN KOCH

DEBATE COACH: MADDIE HAGEN

A 2004 graduate of OG, Ben Koch is happy to be “back home” at O’Gorman High School. After high school, Ben attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, receiving both his Bachelor of Music Education and Masters in Music Degrees. He currently teaches Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz I and II, and AP Music Theory. Additionally he directs the Marching Knights, Pep Band, Brass Choir, and the Musical Pit Orchestra. Beyond his duties at OG, Ben attempts to stay active musically, accompanying and conducting regularly at Holy Spirit Parish, subbing with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, and performing with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band.

CHOIR DIRECTOR: NICK ENGBERS

Nick Engbers joined O’Gorman High School as choral director in December of 2021. He earned a degree in business administration from Dordt University in 2009 but returned to school in 2019 to study K-12 Music Education at the University of South Dakota. He and his wife, Sarah, have three little girls, Winnie, Lila, and Birdie.

munication studies in 1998.

Charlie Solomon is a 2012 O’Gorman High School gradu ate. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in psychology and biochemistry. He went on to receive his Mas ter’s in Education from Black Hills State University. Solomon joined the O’Gorman staff as a science teacher in 2020, and he is now the head oral interp coach.

ORAL INTERP: CHARLIE SOLOMON

CORAL GROUP: Members

CHAMBER CHOIR

OVATION!

CORAL GROUP: Members

MIXED CHORUS

CONCERT CHOIR

TREBLE CHOIR

HEAD COACH: AUSTIN NOLDNER

Austin Noldner will coach the boys and girls varsity tennis teams this year. A Sioux Falls native, Noldner graduated from Lincoln High School. He went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in English from Augustana University.

TENNIS - BOYS & GIRLS: Coach Staff

ASSISTANT COACH: KELSIE MOSIER

Kelsie Mosier is originally from Charleston, IL. Before joining the O’Gorman High School staff full-time as registrar, Kelsie worked in the employee well-being space supporting individuals through coaching, program management, and marketing. She has been a part of the O’Gorman staff since 2023 serving as the assistant boys and girls tennis coach. Married with two children and two dogs, Kelsie enjoys playing tennis, teaching yoga, and spending time outside with her family.

E-SPORTS: Head Coach

Mark DiMaria, is the new E-sports Head Coach at O’Gorman High School. He grew up in Rapid City, SD and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2014 and is married to Jenna King. He is the Marketing Manager at DCI Solution.

BOYS TENNIS: Team Members

GIRLS TENNIS: Team Members

Front Row Left to Right: Parisa Chakravarty, Stella Sanchez, Libby Fritz, Maddie Jones, Ava Donelan, Anna Kestel Middle Row Left to Right: Lucy Winter, Anna Baloun, Avery Holm, Noelle Miller, Ellie Van Wyhe, Emma Anderson, Anna Oliver Back Row Left to Right: Assistant Coach Kelsie Mosier, Miriam Dobbs, Wilnel Farhat, Sarah Jamous, Ruby Bender, Jude Houck, Lucy Winter, Hadley Garry, Vivien Johnson, Charlotte Kayser, Edda Schulze Esking, Student Manager Noah Dobbs, Head Coach Austin Noldner Not pictured: Lydia Elmen

School - Bob Burns Dakota Bowl XLVII

SOFTBALL: Coaching Staff

HEAD COACH: RYAN SOUKUP

Ryan Soukup, an OG and University of Missouri graduate, served as an assistant softball coach for both the University of Missouri and Creighton. He is currently lead softball instructor at DBat. The Soukups have one child, Alaina Grace.

SARAH K. SARBACKER, MD

KELLY M. JERSTAD, MD

CARMEN M. SCHWARTZ, MD

KENDRA D. WATSON, MD

CHERYLE L. BRANDT, PA-C

KATHERINE A. JIBBEN, PA-C

RACHEL R. HOTVET, PA-C

STEPHANIE J. STELTON, PA-C

HEIDI M. FURTH, CNP

Back Row L-R: Ryan Soukup, Michael Hight, Kenzie Koenig, Claire Kunz, Ava Donelan, Addi Greble, Lucy Kappel, Mary Koch, Allie Hermsen, Zoey McEneaney, Maddie Jones, Bella Godshall, Jersey Hight, Beth Kanable, Gabbi Holbert

Front row L-R: Kira Mentele, Vada Ellerbusch, Ellie Van Wyhe, Laila Noonan, Zoey Bathke, Kinsley Sheridan, Ryann Winterboer, Sonia Deckert, Ali Delvaux, Lindsey Gammeter

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Team Members

CROSS COUNTRY & TRACK: Coaching Staff

HEAD COACH: AARON STRAND

Aaron Strand, a 1997 O’Gorman High School graduate, completed his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Augustana in 2002 and completed his masters degree in Education from the University of Sioux Falls. Strand is head track and cross country coach at O’Gorman. He currently works as the activities coordinator for the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools and the Lorang Theatre Coordinator. Aaron and his wife Lauren have three daughters, Jersey, Laiklyn, and Jada.

ASSISTANT COACH: ALEX BUTTERFIELD

Alex Butterfield, a 1997 O’Gorman graduate, has been an assistant track coach since 2004. Butterfield graduated from Augustana College in 2001, and he currently works for Wells Fargo Bank.

ASSISTANT COACH: ABI RIPPERDA

Abi was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD and attended O’Gorman High School graduating in 2017. She went on to the University of South Dakota where she competed on the cross country and track and field teams until she graduated with her doctorate in physical therapy in 2024. She is now a physical therapist at Avera Fitness Center and volunteers with the O’Gorman cross country and track programs.

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ASSISTANT COACH: STEVE KRIER

Steve Krier is an assistant cross-country and track coach for the Knights. After graduating from Yankton High School, Krier went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Augustana University. Krier teaches social studies at O’Gorman High School. He and his wife Ann have one son, Trey and three grandchildren.

ASSISTANT COACH: ALEX ROBEY

SCAN THE QR-CODE TO PURCHASE YOUR KNIGHTS TICKETS

Alex Robey, an OG graduate, will be an assistant track coach this year. Robey majored in art education at the University of Sioux Falls. He coached varsity girls basketball and was an assistant track coach at Elkton High School before moving to Roosevelt High School where he was an assistant girls basketball coach. Robey teaches art at St. Mary and Christ the King elementaries. Alex’s wife, Morgan, is a counselor at OGHS. The Robeys have four children, Decorah, Sylfan, Roshni, and Navi.

TRACK AND FIELD: Team Members

1st Row Left to Right: Hazel Hillman, Elise Johnson, Lia Tiangco, Alaina Frankman, Katie Weisensee, Alice Gundvaldson, Paige Schweitzer, Norah Barnett, Grace Massarello, Lilly Anderson

2nd Row Left to Right: Logan Nelson, Owen Reker, Ryan Heldenbrand, Gavin Greenfield, Jackson Schema, Will Sorenson, Drew Pociask, Henry Smith, Howie Anderson, Dawson VandenBos, Hugh Patterson

GYMNASTICS: Team Members

GYMNASTICS: Coaching Staff

GYMNASTICS HEAD COACH: JOSIE GASPAR

Josie Gaspar is a 2012 O’Gorman graduate who competed in gymnastics throughout high school. She was a member of two gymnastics teams that placed third in state competition. While attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Josie coached at the Nebraska School of Gymnastics. Gaspar has a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She and her husband, James, a 2012 OG grad, have a son Mikey, and two daughters, Annie and Gracie.

GYMNASTICS ASSISTANT COACH: LANA BAUER-WHITE

Lana Bauer-White served as the head coach for the Knights Gymnastics Team from 1994-2006, and is now an assistant coach. Lana, who teaches physical education at St. Michael and St. Katharine Drexel Elementaries, married Darren White in 2013. She has three sons, Boston (Caitlyn) and grandsons Cashton, Bronx and granddaughter Maddox, Canyon (Abigale), and Dawson. Darren has a son Tanner (Kaity) and granddaughter Rilyn, and daughter Haley (Dylan) and granddaughter Cora.

Front Row (L-R): Ashlyn Christianson, Kierra Rotert, Camryn Groen, Ally Hurley, Grace Illikman

Middle Row (L-R): Coach Miller, Emily Farah, Kristi Beacom, Casey Riedmann, Emily Pellicotte, Emily Thomas, Coach Strutz

Back Row (L-R): Coach Porter, Charlotte Eich, Teagan Lynch, Shannon Heiman, Katy Pellicotte, Klaire Oehlke, Madelyn Marshall, Coach Gaspar

Not Pictured: Coach Bauer-White

ASSISTANT COACH: TAYLOR HOLTE

COMPETITION DANCE: Coaching Staff

Taylor Holte graduated from O’Gorman in 2023 and is currently attending the University of South Dakota majoring in business admin istration. Taylor danced for Cham pion Legacy for thirteen years win ning one gold medal and two bronze medals at Dance Worlds. She will be assisting with the competition dance team this year.

Anna Hericks, Atley Herold-Stephens, Jersey Hight, Alexa Robbins, Delaney Berg, Gianna Geraets, Josie Stewart, Emerie Jensen, Brenna K, Remi Byrd, Brylee Weber, Charli DiazFreed, Hadley Holte, Ackley Barch Harper Simonson, Ella Luttman, Mady Marshall, Shay Boetel, Parker Luttman, Katie Dumdie,

HEAD COACH: MCKENZIE KOCK

McKenzie Kock, head coach, began dancing at the age of three and has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz & contemporary styles. She is a current member of the LiRa Dance Company. She holds a BA in exercise science and a minor in dance from MSU Mankato and currently teaches at Balleraena Dance Studio & works as an Exercise Physiologist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers with the dance medicine program. She also co-owns RDK Designs LLC, a custom dance costume design company.

Kaydence Hagebock,

Front Row Left to Right: Kalley VanMeveren, Rebecca Haupt, Maggie Solomon, Quinn Tschetter, Carys Haber, Brielle Reed, Olivia Miner

Alyssia Gilberts is the assis tant coach for the competi tive cheer team. She has been coaching competitive cheerleading for over fif teen years and has worked the past twelve years at Power & Grace Gymnastics coaching cheer, tumbling, gymnastics, and more.

Back Row Left to Right: Moxie Barch, Kaisley Dummer, Charlize Diaz-Freed, Brylee Weber, Hadley Holte, Ackley Barch Middle Row Left to Right: Quinn Tschetter, Kinsley Tolley, Addison Koch, Kenlee Burke, Madelyn Marshall Front Row Left to Right: Jada Mauney, Lily Birkeland, Ella Luttman, Hadley Wagner

Coach Robey, a Mitchell native and NSU graduate, is currently entering his 18th year as the head coach of the O’Gorman Knights. This season actually marks the 38th season Coach Robey has been a head coach in SD! Coach Robey feels extremely honored to have helped lead the Knights to six State AA Titles, as well as a State AA Runner-up finish the last three Tour naments. The Knights won back-to-back titles in 2006, 2007 and won a three-peat in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and won again in 2017. Coach Robey currently teaches social studies at O’Gorman. Derek and his wife Kim are proud grandparents. Their son Alex and his wife Morgan have four chil dren: Decorah, Sylvan, Roshni, and Navi.

HEAD COACH: DEREK ROBEY

ASSISTANT COACH: DAN JANSEN

Back Row Left to Right: Fr. Tony Klein, Derek Robey, Alex Robey, Sam Jacobsen, Austin Terveen, Caleb Terveen, Matthew Mead, Kamden Cisse, Pat Kraning, Lisa Kraning Middle Row Left to Right: Christopher Lee, Kai Good, Nate Hardie, Taten Mauney, Mason Clark, Logan Mebius, Sarah Eichacker, Tiffany Otto and Fr. Zach Schaefbauer Front Row Left to Right: Jaxson Weeldreyer, Alex Christian, Nyun Dut, Jackson Bjorkman, John Lent, Jase Muller, Will Koziara, John Salter

ASSISTANT COACH: PATRICK KRANING

BASKETBALL - VARSITY GIRLS: Team Members

BASKETBALL - GIRLS: Coaching Staff

ASSISTANT COACH: BARRY MATTHIES

Barry Matthies, a West Central High School graduate, will be an assistant coach with the Lady Knights Basketball team this winter. Matthies graduated from Dakota State University in 1991 with a major in elementary education. He currently teaches at West Central High School.

Melanie Carpenter / Shareholder

BASKETBALL - GIRLS: Coaching Staff

ASSISTANT COACH: CRYSTAL RICHTER

Crystal Richter is a 2001 OG graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in math education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Richter teaches math at OGHS and is an assistant girls basketball coach.

ASSISTANT COACH: DAN HUGHES

Dan Hughes, a 2009 OG graduate, returns this fall as the sophomore girls basketball coach. Hughes is an education assistant at Christ the King. Hughes, who received his bachelors’ degree from the University of Sioux Falls with a major in secondary education and history, will also coach junior high football this fall and baseball for the Knights.

Wealth Mangement

WRESTLING: Team Members

First Row Left to Right: Brooklyn Kenry, Hayden Sealey, Luke Minor, Easton Scheidt, William O’Connor and Natalie Buckmiller Second Row Left to Right: Elizabeth Kanable, Keanu Lee, Slaton Jones, Kayen Hammer, Zachary, Schuler, Collin Heeney and Will Norman Third Row Left to Right: Nicholas Giese, Sterne Pankratz, Barron Jones, Keenan Sheridan, Tyler Oines and Gavin Boyle

Fourth Row Left to Right: Ryan O’Connor, Qynn Hight, Lilly O’Connor, Tim Hoback, Rip Siemonsma, Holden Hight, Evan Erhardt, Daniel Vazquez, Ed Fink, Caleb Brink, Eli Kadoun and Lincoln Pankratz

WRESTLING:

where he was a four- time state placer and two time state champion in wrestling. After high school, Ryan attended SDSU and wrestled for the Jackrabbits. He graduated in 2001 with a mechanical engineering degree and became an NCAA All-American in wrestling. Ryan has lead the O’Gorman Youth Wrestling Club since 2018 and is entering his second season as the O’Gorman High School head wrestling coach. Ryan is the president of the O’Connor Company, a major supplier of Commercial HVAC Equipment. He lives in Sioux Falls with his wife Katie and their five children.

Originally from Rapid City, Bubba is a graduate of Rapid City Stevens High School. He attended the University of Sioux Falls where he received a bachelor of arts degree in business administration. Brink was a state finalist in wrestling and a two-time place winner. He will be assisting with the wrestling program this year.

Eli is a Sioux Falls native and a graduate of Roosevelt High School. He attended Augustana University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Kadoun was a twotime state wrestling champion and a five-time state placewinner. He will be assisting with the wrestling program this year.

HEAD COACH: RYAN O’CONNOR

ASSISTANT COACH: CALEB “BUBBA” BRINK

ASSISTANT COACH: ELI KADOUN

Tiffany Otto, from Ortonville, MN, is the Head Athletic Trainer at O’Gorman High School. Tiffany attended North Dakota State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sciencewith a Psychology Minor and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training. Prior to moving to Sioux Falls, Tiffany spent four years in Aberdeen, SD working as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Presentation College.

Sarah Eichacker, a Sioux Falls native and OG graduate, completed her bachelor’s degree in athletic training at Augustana University. She went on to complete her master’s degree in organizational management sports and recreation at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. Sarah has been with Avera since 2014 and is in her second year at O’Gorman. In her free time she enjoys being outside, biking, watching sports, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Finn.

GOLF - BOYS: Team Members

GOLF - GOYS & GIRLS: Coaching Staff

Peter Schmidt received his bachelor’s degree from Dakota State University. He went on to earn a master’s degree from South Dakota State University. He taught in Iowa for 38 years before retir ing. He currently works as a substitute teacher for Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, and is the assistant boys golf coach.

www.geotekeng.com

Tom Jansa, a 1980 graduate of OG, will be coaching the girls & boys golf teams this year. While at OG, Jansa was a four year letter winner in golf. He went on to gain membership in the PGA (Professional Golfer’s Association) while managing three golf courses for the City of Sioux Falls from 1987 to today. Tom and his wife Liz (Education Assistant at Terry Redlin Elementary) have two daughters, Claire (OG 2013 and member of three state champion girls golf teams) and Sophie (OG 2020).

Back Row Left to Right: Henry Billion, Mason Ellefson, Carson Edwards, Drew Simon, Nick Simon, Zach Greble Front Row Left to Right: Henry Schmitz, Jeff Hurley, Beckett Rothrock, Taten Mauney, Jack Canfield, Jayden Antonen

Not Pictured: Cain Roghair, Barron Jones

GOLF - GIRLS: Team Members

Left to Right: Karyne Zdorovtsov, Libby Fritz, Brenna Kestel, Erin Hurd, Karley Dumdie, Geneva Fredrickson, Sasha Anel, Sophia Santos, Sachi Santos

BASEBALL - VARSITY: Team Members

Front Row (L to R): Bennett Duncan, Alex Jaspers, Joe Neufeld, Brogan Moffitt, Zach Sprenkle, Jack Stukel, Jack Sundvold, Patrick Barnett, Lawrence Hillman, Sam Donohoe Back Row (L to R): Zach Barr, Andrew Bloom, Hugh Barnes, Jackson Bjorkman, John Lent, Paxton Sohn, Landon Nohrenberg, Isaac Tobin, Sully Schlimgen, Rylan Arbogast, Parker Scheidt

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Dan Morrison Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management daniel_morrison@ml.com www.fa.ml.com/nelson_wealth 605.335.0524

Investing involves risk.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

Bank of America Corporation.

OUR SPONSORS!

TEAMMATE LEVEL SPONSORS:

Benedictine Sisters

Canfield Business Interior, Inc.

Cornerstone Bank

Cutler Law Firm, LLP

Eide Bailly, LLP

Roto-Rooter

Climate Systems, Inc.

Culligan Water

Dakota Riggers & Tool Supply, Inc.

Driscoll Construction, Inc.

Falls Dental

Farm Bureau Financial Services

George Boom Funeral Home

Godshall Accounting

Gourley Real Estate/

Showplace Cabinetry

Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln/ Luxury Auto Mall

Sky Zone

Specialized Caulking Sealants Inc

The Lourdes Center

Pioneer Property Management

Hillman Plumbing & Heating

Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.

Montgomery Furniture, Inc.

Pride Neon Signs

Rogers Appraisal Service, Inc.

South Dakota Trust Company, LLC

Stan Houston

ABC Rentals 22

Alpha Graphics ............................... 15

Autoland ......................................... 63

Avera 45, 56

Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home ......... 53

Billion Automotive ... 44, Inside Cover

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation ...... 86

Boen & Associates, Inc .................. 68

Boulder Creek Custom Homes 13

Bounce Around Inflatables ............. 62

Boyce Law Firm, LLP 58

CarrierNet Group Financial, Inc ........ 2

Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota (CCFESD) 12 Central Bank ................................... 77 Century Business Products ............ 43

Children’s Dental Center

Orthodontics .................. 16

Coca-Cola Bottling Co44, Back Cover CorTrust Bank 51

Surfaces, Inc .................... 50 Culver’s ........................................... 77 Dakota Bowl Teammate & Fan Sponsors .......... 87 Dakota Dental 15

......................

Advertisers Index:

Fahrendorf Family Chiropractic + Wellness .................................... 22

Fiegen Construction .................. 3, 45

When our community thrives, we all prosper.

Prosperity is about so much more than money. It’s about living well in a community that is healthy and stable. At Morgan Stanley, we feel fortunate to live in a place that is supported by so many worthy service organizations. Their good deeds make everyone’s life richer.

We are proud to support the continued success of the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

The SilverArc Group at Morgan Stanley Thaddeus Barnes CFP®

Portfolio Management Director

Financial Planning Specialist

Senior Vice President

Financial Advisor thaddeus.barnes@morganstanley.com

Andrew DeMore

Senior Portfolio Management Director

Senior Vice President

Wealth Advisor andrew.demore@morganstanley.com

Robert J. Hall CFP®

Senior Portfolio Management Director

Senior Vice President

Financial Advisor rob.hall@morganstanley.com

300 Cherapa Place, Suite 503 Sioux Falls, SD 57103 605-338-6500 • 800-869-6565

advisor.morganstanley.com/the-silverarc-group

COCA-COLA® NEVER MISSES A GAME

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE BOB BURNS DAKOTA BOWL