USF Vessel October November 2023

03 WRITERS AND EDITORS 04 MEN’S WRESTLING 05 USF ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE 06 FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES 08 BLAST FROM THE PAST 09 USF VS AUGIE TAILGATE 10 KEY TO THE CITY 14 BIKE SHARE PROGRAM Cover photo and background photo of writers and editors page taken by Dustin VanHunnik

15 WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? 18 COUGAR DAYS; HOMECOMING 2023

Connor Aldrich

Lydia Kline

Rae Voss

Ryan Otto

Teeba Rauuf

Abigail Whittington

Aidan DeBoer

Benjamin Mandel

Tessa Haag

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explained that there are several areas he and Coach Collin The University of Sioux Falls Purinton pinpointed, “our hand fighting, we just need to be Men’s Wrestling team kicked more urgent in clearing ties and not wrestling in bad positions, off their inaugural season on and on bottom getting to our feet and earning our points.”

November 4 in Rochester, Both coaches believe that the team needs to get better in Minnesota. The Cougars those areas in order to see more wins throughout a weekend of competed in the Yellowjacket competition.

Open at the Rochester Regional Sports Center, along with several other Northern Sun Beau Klingensmith, a transfer from the University of Northern Iowa, was named an NSIC Wrestler of the Week following his Intercollegiate Conference performance at the Yellowjacket Open. Klingensmith began (NSIC) teams. The NSIC has 10 men’s wrestling teams: St. Cloud his USF wrestling career with the program’s first-ever ranked win, State, Augustana, UW-Parkside, taking down #8 Caleb Meekins of St. Cloud State University.

He ended the day 3-0, claiming the 133 pound title at the University of Mary, Northern Yellowjacket Open. When asked his favorite moment of the State, MSU-Mankato, Minot season so far, Klingensmith shared that “it’s been almost a State, Southwest Minnesota year since I’ve even stepped on a mat, let alone wrestled State, and MSU-Moorhead. in an actual tournament, so for me it was about competing for the first time and also getting to see all my teammates USF announced the hiring of compete.” Klingensmith is one of just six guys on the team Head Coach Matt Meuleners September 16, 2022. Meuleners who aren’t true freshmen, and therefore has stepped into a is no stranger to NSIC wrestling, leadership role, both on and off the mats.

“Day one of kids moving on campus as he was a four-time NCAA All-American for Northern State my goal was to break every single one of the freshmen out of their shells,” University. He was selected as Klingensmith shared. Now, over three NSIC Wrestler of the Year in months after move-in, Klingensmith 2012, and won two NCAA DII shared that the team is closer than National Championships (2011 ever. Between lifting, study hours, and 2012). Throughout the and spontaneous trips to Great past year Coach Meuleners Shots, the team does everything has recruited a team of 22 together. “That’s what makes this wrestlers to Sioux Falls. The team special compared to a lot USF Men’s Wrestling team made a splash in their first ever of other teams in the conference, and just wrestling teams in general,” competition, the Yellowjacket Klingensmith said, “there’s not Open, “I thought it was pretty many that are outdoing what good,” Coach Meulnuers we’re doing.” shared, “it was great to have two champions, four guys place, and a lot of guys did positive things. We obviously learned a lot being a young team but it was good seeing the guys compete.” Meulners

BY ABBY WHITTINGTON

Pictured: Beau Klingensmith photo by Brooke Klingensmith

prevent any issues during the donation. There can be many factors that can eliminate someone from donating blood.

There are permanent deferrals and temporary deferrals. The permanent ones are, “Blood cancers such as Leukemia, Melanoma, Lymphoma, blood diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV and AIDS, and taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (for as long as you are on medication),” explained Lauri Hoffmann, the program coordinator of the Blood Drive. When it comes to temporary deferrals, some examples include, “Having a cold, Covid or the flu, being on antibiotics for an infection, other medications like Accutane or Propecia, surgery (three to four weeks post), pregnancy/childbirth (six weeks postpartum), blood transfusion (three months post), travel to malaria-endemic countries (three months post).

These are just a few examples,” said Hoffmann.

The University of Sioux Falls has hosted an Annual Blood Drive for the past 23 years. This year the Blood Drive was held on October 17 in a Bloodmobile that was set up in the Stewart Center Parking Lot. Donating blood benefits many people who are ill and undergoing surgery. One blood donation can help up to three lives and it is rewarding to know that someone can make a difference just by contributing.

The Bloodmobile takes many precautions to ensure the safety of the staff and donors. Hoffmann said, “We sanitize the chairs and surfaces between donations; we ask that people – donors AND staff – do not attempt to donate (or work) if they are not feeling well, or, if they have a cold, to wear a mask. Staff wear gloves during any processes involving blood (finger poke, etc). If a donor has a reaction, the supervisor will attend to that donor until they are feeling better, and fill out a report for our files.”

There are many faces working behind and on scene to make blood drives safe, effective, and easy for anyone who wants to donate and save lives. “It takes a village,” says Hoffmann.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to the staff who work tirelessly to make this possible for the University of Sioux Falls.

Sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes but a USF t-shirt. There were about thirty-four USF students who donated blood during the drive this year.

When it comes to donating blood it is essential to make sure to eat healthy food and drink plenty of water before the donation. This will help

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Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) was founded in 1954 and is a non-denominational Christian sports ministry that focuses on Coaches, Campus, Camp, and Community ministry. Their mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

FCA’s vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Key values include: Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, and Excellence.

At the University of Sioux Falls, FCA meetings take place every Monday night at 8 p.m. in the library’s basement classroom. Each meeting starts with snacks and a fun ice breaker game. This is then followed by a speaker sharing a personal testimony, or a message they have prepared to share with the student-athletes in attendance.

Beginning this year, USF FCA with be combining once a month with Augustana University’s FCA program. Monday, September 25 kicked off this new tradition with a worshipfilled bonfire and social event. Student-athletes from both USF and Augie came together for a night of snacks and songs. Lindsey Eastman is the Area Director for Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls FCA programs.

She has been with Augie for five years, and four with USF. In past years, FCA has put on an Augie vs USF dodgeball game. Eastman shared that this year “is the first time we have consistently combined the two programs.” Eastman explained that “both leadership teams from both schools wanted to do it once a month together.”

Kelsey Oswald is a student-athlete at the University of Sioux Falls, and an FCA Student Leader. Oswald has been a leader for three years. She shared that last year they experimented combining with Augie through a worship group and “it went really well so after that one experience we were just like we should do this more often. It’s so great to get everyone together.” Oswald shared that it’s been very special “being able to grow connections, since our campuses are so close, even though there is that rivalry.”

September 25, the first of many USF and Augie FCA events, was held in Brandon by a young couple. They provided drinks, snacks, and a large fire, which everyone gathered around. “It might be different every month,” explained Eastman, “this first semester the USF leadership team is in charge of planning, and second semester Augie is in charge of planning it. So it might look different from time to time.” Eastman shared that as the temperature drops and it is too cold to be outside, Tre Ministries may host the combined FCA meetings.

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In celebration of Cougar heritage, the University of Sioux Falls embarked on a historic tour during this year’s Cougar Days September 29 through October 1, captivating attendees with a mesmerizing journey through time. From the halls of Sullivan dorm to the vibrant heat of campus life, the tour highlighted the University’s remarkable evolution and enduring legacy.

Visitors were led throughout the campus

by Jon Hiatt, Senior Major Gifts Officer and 1997 USF graduate. Throughout this tour, stories were told of what USF once was and how it has turned into what it is today. It’s crazy to think that the parking lot behind the McDonald Center was once home to USF football. Or that the Cougar bookstore was once home to

the USF basketball team. Remnants of this history can still be found on the floor of the bookstore.

Some on the tour were 1970’s graduates of USF or Sioux Falls College as it was known back then. They said it’s nice to see how the campus has evolved with the times, but also kept remnants of its original self. Along the way, stories of campus memories were shared. From stories of when new buildings broke ground to student shenanigans, visitors shared a little bit of everything. The University of Sioux Falls has very deep and rich roots and it’s tours like this that will keep these stories going for years to come.

The USF versus Augie football game served a lot of excitement and entertainment for past alumni, current students, and soon to be Coo. Although the Cougars didn’t quite get the W as the game ended, the USF tailgate won over the fans and on-goers of this “pregame party.”

There were numerous inflatables for young children to bounce around in, accompanied by food trucks lined up all the way down the sidewalk for hungry stomachs, and capped off with fun backyard games like corn hole.

There were even raffles to take part in, which included winning old Coo helmets for die hard football fans. The tailgate has come about with the startup of a new and local fundraising company, Coo Football Legacy Association.

The association is run by former players who have teamed together to raise money in regards to purchasing new equipment for the USF Football Team.

The CFLA has had great success with the tailgates at every home game, but the one that took place against Augustana was the most fun and had the most fan and alumni turnout compared to the past tailgates. “This is what it is all about! Look at all these folks out here having a good time with good people,” said former USF football player and alumni Cam Alfaro. “The kids are having fun and the food trucks are out cooking, not much more you can ask for!” The tailgates start at 10:00 am and go until 1:00 pm, which is in time for the kickoff of the games.

If you’re ever going to a USF home game be sure to get there a couple hours early to indulge in large amounts of laughter and joy. At the USF Tailgate, all are welcome!

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This year’s homecoming football game was the “Key to the City” matchup with crosstown rival, Augustana. In recent years, the Cougars have had a tight hold on the four-foot-tall wooden key introduced as a trophy for the winning team in 2012 when the rivalry was renewed for the first time in 26 years, beating the Vikings eight of the last ten times they have met. Fans from both sides packed Bob Young Field in anticipation of a heated clash but were forced to wait nearly an hour for the game to begin due to a lightning delay. Augustana won the coin flip conducted by USF alumni and active Sioux Falls Mayor, Paul Tenhaken, and deferred their choice to the second half.

The Cougars’ offense took the field first and marched straight down the field with little problem before redshirt junior runningback, Dylan Rudningen, punched in the game’s opening score from two yards out just over four minutes into the game. USF wasn’t settling for just seven, however. They attempted the two-point conversion and converted, taking an 8-0 lead. That was the last glimmer of hope the Cougars had for a while. Augustana quarterback, Casey Bauman, a graduate transfer, led the Vikings down the field on their opening drive and found wide-open tight end Mitchell Goodbary for a 26-yard touchdown catch.

The point after was good, and the Cougar lead was cut to one. Not much good transpired from the following two USF offensive drives, and Augustana was rolling. Bauman found wideout and Sioux Falls native, Canyon Bauer, for another 26-yard touchdown and soon after connected with receiver Devon Jones for a 13-yard score. The Vikings’ lead was 21-8 and the USF crowd was silent. Just when things looked bleak for the Cougars, their own quarterback, sophomore Camden Dean, broke loose going left, scrambling 59 yards to cut the deficit to six. 21-15 Vikings.

Cougar defensive back Garret Hoffman makes the tackle on a Vikings receiver

Two plays later, Bauman found Jones again, this time for a 73-yard strike, putting Augustana back up two scores with a little over six minutes left in the half.

The Cougars took back over, but Dean tossed an interception, handing the Vikings the ball and great field position. This time, Bauman connected with another Sioux Falls native, wideout Logan Uttecht, for a 17-yard touchdown, extending the Viking lead to 35-15 with just under five minutes left in the first half. USF took their time, needing points before the break. With just 6 seconds left on the clock, Dean found redshirt sophomore running back, Matt Grzybowski, who fought

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his way through a sea of Viking defenders the last few yards before reaching out and giving the Cougars the much-needed score. Going into halftime, the Vikings led 35-22.

The second half was much more quiet, with the third quarter only having one score. Bauman led the Augustana offense down the field on a seven-minute, 80-yard drive, and took it up the middle himself for the 2-yard score, extending the lead to 20 with three minutes left in the quarter. The Cougars could not get anything going, and the Vikings were focused on running out the clock as time ticked by in the fourth.

With just over four minutes left in the game, Bauman threw his sixth touchdown of the game, finding Bauer for 21 yards and his second score of the afternoon.

The Cougars took the ball one last time, marching down the field in nine plays and taking just about three minutes off the clock before the game ended the way it started. Another two-yard Rudningen touchdown to finish off the scoring. Vikings took the game 49-29 and will hold onto control of the “Key to the City” until at least the next time these two rivals meet up.

Receiver Carter Slykhuis breaks a tackle Quarterback Camden Dean scrambles up the sideline on a 59-yard touchdown run

QB Camden Dean prepares to take the snap

Quarterback Camden Dean scrambles up the sideline on a 59-yard touchdown run

Tight end Mark Leonard hauls in a pass for a short gain

RB Dylan Rudningen cuts outside on the game’s opening drive

Running back Dylan Rudningen punches in a 2-yard touchdown for the Cougars

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On a lovely afternoon, there is nothing quite like exploring the city of Sioux Falls. With all the things that are available for students to do in and around Sioux Falls, there is almost always something going on. Students who do not have cars are going to have a more challenging time compared to students who have cars, who have an easier time getting around town and exploring the area.

Fortunately, there is another solution for students seeking transportation or alternative means of transportation.

New to the University of Sioux Falls this year is the option for students to check out bikes at the library via Student Life’s Bike Share Program. Mears Library currently has four bicycles that students are able to check out. Kristin Kotas answered some questions that students may have regarding the program. When asked how she came up with the idea of the bike sharing program she said, “The idea came last school year when I was researching or looking around at student resources offered at other colleges and stumbled upon an article about DSU’s bike program. I talked on the phone with the director of that program and thought it was something we could definitely implement to help our students who do not have cars, don’t have reliable transportation, want to bike as an activity, or want to drive their car less. The Bike Share Program also has helped our students get more involved in the Sioux Falls community, which has been great.” Kristin wants to be able to get more bikes for students to be able to use both now and in the future along; with offering a greater variety of bikes for students. She would like to be able to add bikes that are beginner friendly, adding drink holders for the existing bikes, as well as having a bike that students are able to use for grocery shopping. Kristin doesn’t want to stop there though, as she has plans for the future about what she would like to add next.

Kristin says that, “Specifically building on the bike program, I’ve heard from a few people that they like the program but they never learned how to ride a bike. I think it would be special to teach any interested students how to ride a bike. In regard to other Student Life programs to add in the future, we would like to have a permanent location for Cooper’s Career Closet and increase our off-campus partnerships, like connecting with some local gyms and community events.” For students that want to contribute and help expand student life programs Kristin says, “Students can help contribute to student life programs by attending events and letting us know what they want to see. Students can also apply to be an IMPACT student leader to help us carry out programs and connect with students!” Students are able to check out the bikes for 24 hours at a time, but students who want to check out bikes for extended periods of time should talk to student life in person or by emailing student life at student.life@usiouxfalls.edu.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash

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DAWNS

BY: ZACH BRYAN

“He’s slay. It is chill music to sit and be cozy in front of a fire.”

- Cierra O’Malley, Junior

BOYS OF FAITH EP BY: ZACH BRYAN

“Zach Bryan is awesome, and his music is a vibe.”

- Abby Whittington, Junior

BROKEN CLOCKS

BY: SZA

“I love her voice and I like R&B music. She composes her songs well.”

- Savannah Vincent, Junior

THE MARIO CLICHE BY: BEAR GHOST

“I like the band because they have an interesting sound, and they like to incorporate brass. They have fun songs in general.”

- Nathan Elias, Sophomore

PSYCHO

BY: POST MALONE

“I like his songs and his style of music.”

- Tristan Hoppe, Junior

RAIN WHEN I DIE BY: ALICE IN CHAINS

“It is my go-to song because it is very good, and I could listen to it in any mood.”

- Caleb Scott, Junior

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HOMECOMING KING, COOPER DIXON, AND QUEEN, KHOT JUAC

photo taken by Dustin VanHunnik

HOMECOMING COURT

Pictured from left to right Noah Puetz, Denver Decker, Evan Wibben, Isaiah Henderson, Court Anderson, Elijah Hamilton, Elliot Dallmann, Cooper Dixon

Pictured from left to right Dome Solano-Ocampo, Addison Brenner, Rachel Spenst, Khot Juac, Tessa Geurink, Kennedy Goblirsch, Kat Steffen, Abby Ford

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