2010-11 south dakota athletics annual report

2010–2011 AnnuAl RepoRtuniveRsity of south DAkotA • DepARtment of Athletics

2010 –2011 AnnuAl RepoRt

tAble of contents

Leadership Message .........................................................1

USD’s Reclassification Timeline ......................................2

Division I Directional Statement .....................................3

Student-Athlete Academic Accomplishments ..................4

Acaademic Honor Roll ....................................................5

Student-Athlete Academic Accomplishments ..............6–7

2010 –11 Athletic Highlights ....................................8–11

Coyotes in the Community ...........................................12

Budget ..........................................................................13

Supporting the Coyotes .................................................14

Corporate Sponsors .......................................................15

The 2010–11 year marked another unforgettable chapter in the history of South Dakota athletics. The accomplishments of our student-athletes in competition and in the classroom are reminders of how special it is to be a Coyote.

South Dakota completed its second year in the Great West Conference in 2010–11 and continued to prosper. The Coyote football team’s win over Big Ten foe Minnesota, 41–38, on Sept. 11, 2010, was only the start

of a tremendous year of achievements for the South Dakota athletic program. South Dakota sophomore Bethany Buell became the first Coyote to advance to a Division I national competition when she qualified for the NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in June. Buell earned All-American status at the event.

The Coyote men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams each won their third straight Great West Conference titles, with Lucky Huber and Dave Gottsleben each earning his third straight Coach of the Year honor. The South Dakota women’s basketball team earned its first-ever postseason berth—and win— as a Division I program when it beat Idaho, 62–47 in the opening round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational tournament.

The Coyote men’s basketball team earned an 80–70 win over Mountain West Conference foe Wyoming on Dec. 1, 2010, which was another landmark victory for Coach Dave Boots’ squad. The Coyote men’s basketball and volleyball teams each advanced to the finals of their respective Great West Conference tournaments.

Off the field, South Dakota’s student-athletes received national recognition through winning prestigious awards. Sophomore Alexa Duling, a women’s track and field standout, was named the Great West Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the highest honor an athlete can attain from the conference. Junior swimmer Thad Stoddard was one of eight individuals nationally to earn the Wilma Rudolph Award, which honors athletes who have overcome great personal odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics.

South Dakota student-athletes continued to earn high marks in the classroom as well. In the fall 2010 semester, 10 of South Dakota’s teams earned GPAs of

3.0 or higher as the Coyote student-athletes posted a 3.102 collective GPA. In the spring, South Dakota’s student-athletes attained a 3.195 GPA, with 14 teams earning GPAs of 3.0 or higher.

Fans also can see first-hand the changes at the DakotaDome, which are part of a new athletics master plan. The changes include new red seats on the east side of the DakotaDome, replacing the multi-colored seats which had existed since the facility opened in 1979. A new basketball floor is ready and in place for the 2011–12 season. The South Dakota Board of Regents also gave approval to move forward with new basketball/volleyball arena and facility plans. Detailed plans are being developed for a 6,000-seat arena, which is included in Phase 1 of the plan. Phase 2 includes renovations to the DakotaDome, which will include expanding seating capacity, an expanded football locker room, new suites, concession stands and restrooms. Also included is a nine-lane, 400-meter outdoor track and new soccer competition field.

It is no secret that that our success, in large part, is in the hands of all those who support the program. Whether through our corporate partners, Howling Pack, Great Expectations Scholarships, season ticket holders and the fans that come to any and all of our events — they are fueling our engine. While we have seen significant growth in all the areas over the last year, more will continue to be needed to keep pace with rising costs. We will continue to be aggressive, innovative and responsive as we look to enhance and create new sources of revenue.

In closing, we thank our student-athletes, coaches and athletics department staff for their long hours of hard work and dedication. Hearty thanks also go out to the university administration, faculty and staff for their invaluable support, and to our alumni, donors, friends, fans and volunteers who strengthen our program with their generosity and their support. That is the team behind our team, working together to create the legacy that is South Dakota Athletics.

Here’s to another great year ahead.

Go Yotes!

David SaylerDirector of Athletics

leADeRship messAge

David SaylerDirector of Athletics

Welcome to our review of the 2010–2011 season of South Dakota Athletics.

2010–2011 Annual Report 1

usD’s ReclAssificAtion timeline

The University of South Dakota’s transition to NCAA Division I is a five-year reclassification process. The NCAA sets forth a series of standards and benchmarks that must be addressed and achieved each year to progress through the Division I reclassification process.

ACADEMIC YEAR RECLASSIFICATION YEAR NCAA COMPETITION STATUS:

2007–08COMPLETED

Exploratory Year • USD remained eligible for NCAA Division II post-season competition during its Exploratory Year

• 2007-08 was the last year of North Central Conference (NCC) competition

2008 –09 COMPLETED

YEAR ONE of Reclassification • Not eligible for Division I post-season competition in all sports

• Not a Division I “counter” for scheduling purposes

• Not a Division I RPI institution

• Not required to meet Division I minimum scheduling standards

2009–10COMPLETED

YEAR TWO of Reclassification • Not eligible for Division I post-season competition in all sports

• Division I “counter” for scheduling purposes as of 2009-10 (and thereafter)

• Division I RPI institution as of 2009-10 (and thereafter)

• Division I minimum scheduling requirements must be met as of 2009–10 (and thereafter)

2010–11COMPLETED

YEAR THREE of Reclassification • Not eligible for Division I post-season competition, with the exception of Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

2011–12 YEAR FOUR of Reclassification • Not eligible for Division I post-season competition, with the exception of Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

• Full membership to Summit League for all sports but football

2012–13 NCAA DIVISION I MEMBER • Eligible for Division I post-season competition in ALL SPORTS

• Full football membership to Missouri Valley Football Conference

• USD annually submits a Strategic Plan to the NCAA to put forth its philosophies and directives for the reclassification process.

• USD submits an Annual Report to the NCAA, which includes established criteria on scheduling, financial aid, eligibility and other NCAA requirements.

• USD campus and athletic administrators annually attend the NCAA Convention and NCAA Compliance Seminars in order to gain valuable perspectives on NCAA Division I regulations.

• USD completes a Compliance Rules Review conducted by the NCAA National Office (Year Two).

• USD completes the NCAA Division I Athletics Certification process (Year Three and Year Four), which is the final review to determine approval for active Division I status for USD Coyote Athletics.

2 Department of Athletics

Division I Institutional Positioning

Competitive Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Achievement

Student-Athlete Experience

Equity and Diversity Fiscal Responsibility & Resource Generation

GOALS Gain membership in an established Division I confer-ence with access to Automatic Qualification in DI post-season competition in all sports

Produce highly competitive Division I Intercollegiate Athletic Programs

Maintain high expectations of academic achievement for individual student- athletes and each team

Create an environment to enhance each student- athlete’s mental, physical and social well-being

Maintain an inclusive environment built upon the principles of equity and diversity

Make sound financial decisions and operate within our resource base

OBJECTIVES – Continue to pursue membership in The Summit League— membership will include all USD sponsored sports, excluding football.

COMPLETED

– Evaluate Great West Conference for football membership.

– Secured membership for football in Missouri Valley Football Conference.

COMPLETED

– Schedule institutions in markets/states that have been targeted by the university for the recruitment of new students as well as proximity of alumni.

– Achieve competitive excellence in all sports by winning conference championships.

– Participate and advance in NCAA postseason championships (when eligible), and benchmark our Directors Cup standing as we strive to become one of the top-10 Division I FCS programs in the country.

– Develop a scheduling plan that focuses on regional games as a priority and national games that coordinate with institutional positioning goals.

– Provide student-athletes with quality support personnel to achieve academic success.

– Add physical space and personnel for student- athlete academic support services.

– Monitor and reinforce the expectations of Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and Academic Progress Rate (APR) to the coaches and student-athletes.

– Provide sports medicine and strength training in a quality manner.

– Provide educational work-shops/seminars to all student-athletes on critical issues.

– Provide career development and counseling to assist in the transition from college to professional work environment.

– Provide counseling to any student-athlete for alcohol/ substance abuse or psychological-emotional needs.

– Develop programs to promote character development in student-athletes including teamwork, leadership, group loyalty and moral character.

– Facilitate and encourage involvement in community service.

– Continue to monitor Title IX compliance plan, to include roster management goals.

– Continue to engage with the USD Gender Equity Oversight Committee addressing any immediate or long-range concerns.

– Promote an environment in which cultural diversity is respected and appreciated, while addressing the specific needs of diverse communities.

– Budget realistically and create an ongoing three-year forecasting budget plan.

– Emphasize Great Expectations, a comprehensive major gift program that manages the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of key prospects.

– Achieve unprecedented annual giving revenue and overall membership to the Howling Pack.

– Increase ticket and corporate sponsorship revenue.

– Grow student attendance and participation.

– Improve the “Gameday” atmosphere and experience.

The University of South Dakota Intercollegiate Athletics

Division I Directional Statement: 2009–13

Division I Directional Statement: In the transition to Division I, the University of South Dakota’s Intercollegiate Athletics department seeks to strengthen its strong, well-recognized commitment to the development of the complete student-athlete. Academic achievement of every individual student-athlete and each team will be emphasized, while striving to maintain highly competitive programs. Successful resource generation and strategic institutional position planning are critical components of this plan. The university and athletic program are well positioned for the challenges and opportunities of Division I membership.

The six areas listed below will provide a consistent direction and form the basis for decision-making. Additionally, these measures play an integral role in advancing “Building an Extraordinary University,” the university’s own strategic plan.

Division i DiRectionAl stAtement


stuDent-Athlete AcADemic Accomplishments

South Dakota swimmer Thad Stoddard was named a Wilma Rudolph Award Winner by the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A). The N4A Wilma Rudolph Student Achievement Award honors student-athletes who have overcome great personal, academic and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics.

Thad Stoddard (Douglas, Wyo.) has overcome adversity to become one of the top swimmers in the South Dakota men’s swimming and diving program. Thad, an only child, endured the death of his father in 2004 and his mother in 2009 to have

a successful athletic and academic career at South Dakota. He is the school’s record holder in the 100-yard backstroke (50.34) and is also part of the 200-yard medley relay team that holds the school record (1:31.64). Thad also holds the USD pool record in the 100 backstroke and in the 200 freestyle relay.

He has earned two All-Summit League honors in his career – including one this past winter as part of South Dakota’s 200 medley relay team which placed third. He has recorded 26 event wins over the past two seasons.

In the classroom, Thad has maintained a 3.8 GPA and is majoring in Earth Sciences. In 2009–10, he was named to the Summit League Academic All-League team and to the Summit League’s Commissioner’s List of Academic Excellence.

“It’s an award that embodies exactly who Thad is -- strong, mentally tough and with perseverance,” South Dakota swimming and diving head coach Jason Mahowald said. “He is one of the most outstanding and remarkable young men I’ve ever coached.”

Rudolph, for whom the award is named, overcame several serious illnesses as a child—including polio—to become one of the great Olympic athletes of her era. She qualified for her first Olympic games in 1956 and became the first American woman to win three gold medals at the Olympics. The first awards were given in 1991.

South Dakota track and field standout Alexa Duling was named the 2010–11 Great West Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is the single-highest individual honor awarded by the Great West, and recognizes outstanding academic achievement, athletic achievement, attitude and leadership of one male and one female student-athlete. Alexa Duling (Gregory, S.D.) has thrived both in athletic and academic endeavors at South Dakota and also has been instrumental in implementing a “Girls on the Run” program on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Alexa just completed her third season in the Coyote track and field program and had an outstanding campaign. In the outdoor season, she qualified for the NCAA West Preliminaries in the 400-meter hurdles and finished 30th at the event in Eugene, Ore. She won the 400-meter dash at the Great West Outdoor Championships and added wins in the 400 meters and 200 meters at the Great West Indoor Championships, finishing with four All-GWC honors overall. Alexa also set the new school outdoor record in the 400-meter hurdles at 1:00.15.

Alexa, a biology major with a 4.0 GPA, was named first-team academic all-district and also was named to the Great West Academic All-Conference team for the second straight year.

With a desire to help provide positive activities for young girls on the Rosebud Reservation, Alexa also has spearheaded the starting of the “Girls on the Run,” which has taken place every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer months. She received the maximum 15 commitments for the program in just the first year and also helped form a 5K race which allowed families to come and watch.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be a junior or senior who has completed two seasons of athletic competition in a conference-sponsored sport and have a minimum grade point average of 3.2. The student-athlete must display an exemplary mental attitude toward his or her peers and academic and athletic mentors, including leadership, maturity, integrity and contributions to the community.



AcADemic honoR Roll

4.0 CUMULATIVE GPA as of the end of spring 2011 Beare, Nicholas E Track/Cross Country – MenCichos, Kyle Howard FootballDuling, Alexa Track/Cross Country – WomenMettler, Jeffrey Howard Track/Cross Country – MenMeyer, Megan Nicole Track – WomenMurtha, Marcus G FootballRobb, Kevin Sean FootballSchiernbeck, Crystal M Track – WomenSteffen, Kristin Ann Track/Cross Country – Women

3.50 – 3.99 CUMULATIVE GPA Aas, Eric David FootballAnderson, Mariah Lynn Swimming – WomenBello, Erin Kathleen Soccer – WomenBoyd, Lindsey Marie SoftballBrandli, Jessica Marie Track/Cross Country – WomenBrenner, Travis Track/Cross Country – MenBroders, Christine Jo SoftballBuckley, Raynee Lynn Swimming – WomenBuell, Bethany Leeann Track – WomenBuschbacher, Rita Marie Swimming – WomenClarke, Tansha Tamara Track – WomenClement, Jared Isaac Track – MenCollins, Sallie Sophia Swimming – WomenCunningham, Robert Earl FootballDehmer, Sara Elizabeth Soccer – WomenDeragisch, Kaitlyn Rose Tennis – WomenEdwards, Katelyn Rachelle Basketball – WomenErickson, Emma Octavia Track/Cross Country – WomenEstes, Jill Allison Track/Cross Country – WomenFerguson, Katie Jo Track – WomenFitzsimmons, Shannon Kathleen Track/Cross Country – WomenFoley, John Patrick Basketball – MenFunck, Nicole Jolynn Golf – WomenGanious, Christopher G FootballGeorgas, Christena Pauline Track – WomenGiese, Ashleigh Danielle Track/Cross Country – WomenGress, Ali Kearstin Track/Cross Country – WomenGullett, F Broc FootballHagen, Janea Tennis – WomenHegge, Amber Basketball/Track – WomenHiebert, Jacqueline Lynn Basketball – WomenHoffman, Elizabeth Lee Swimming – WomenHohenthaner, Alex Michael Track – MenHohl, Kasey Lynn Track/Cross Country – WomenHuether, Hannah Ruth Track/Cross Country – WomenHyronimus, Anna Marie Track/Cross Country – Women

Jefferson, Kaitlyn Noelle Swimming – WomenJohnson, Brent FootballJohnson, Melissa Marie SoftballKahnke, Jackie R Swimming – WomenKayvan, Morgan Diana Track/Soccer – WomenKeiser, Afton Marie Soccer – WomenKjelden, Stacie Helene Swimming – WomenKlug, Alexis Marie Swimming – WomenKovash, Brandon John Track - MenKrysl, Ryan Gary Swimming – MenLussman, Jessica Christina SoftballMarlette, Tim Charles FootballMarshall, Michelle Catherine Soccer – WomenMenning, Erika Ashley Soccer – WomenMiller, Carol Ann Track/Cross Country – WomenNeilson, Michael Keith FootballNewman, Natalie Marie Track/Cross Country – WomenOwens, Tane A Track – MenPeterson, Haley Marie Track – WomenPeterson, Haley Marie Track – WomenPfefferle, Sigornie Jean Track/Cross Country – WomenPharis, Michael T FootballPinkelman, Chad Track – MenPolicky, Paige Kathleen SoftballPowell, William FootballQuinones, Catherine V Soccer – WomenRoberts, Christina Lynn Track – WomenRoche, Annie I Basketball – WomenRoetzel, Hannah Lesle Swimming – WomenRudeen, Alexa Kaye SoftballSchmidt, Nolan Dean Golf – MenSchretenthaler, Leah Marie Swimming – WomenStoddard, Thad Michael Swimming – MenWaller, Britni Morgan Track/Cross Country – WomenWheeler, Sarah Ann Soccer – WomenWheeler, Whitney Maria Golf – WomenWhisonant, Betsey J Track – WomenWillard, Tanner J Track – MenWilliams, Shea Irving Gladwin FootballYackley, Alexis Basketball – WomenYaggie, Mitchell Thomas Track/Cross Country – Men

3.00 to 3.49 CUMULATIVE GPA as of the end of spring 2011 Acox-Bouie, Mitchell Monroe Basketball – MenAlitz, Emily Marlene Swimming – WomenAlves Fortes, Donald Calazans FootballAndreotti Bodra, Ricardo Basketball – MenArchambeau, Earvin L FootballAschoff, Amber Lynn Volleyball

Bartling, Jared Michael Basketball – MenBenedict, Katie Golf – WomenBlackburn, Melissa Mae SoftballBoss, Jodie Lynn Basketball – WomenBroders, Adam Ronald FootballBrown, Alicia A Basketball – WomenBurns, Jay Michael FootballCahalan, Andrew J Swimming – MenChallgren, Nicholas Fenton Swimming – MenChristianson, Marcus A Swimming – MenCutler, Kendall B Basketball – MenDe Jongh, Joel R FootballDee, Tessa Elizabeth Track – WomenDoorn, Abby Jayne Golf – WomenDuba, Andrew Track/Cross Country – MenEaton, Jordan Myles FootballErickson, Kadie Ann Golf – WomenFlanagan, Thomas R FootballFoster, Kelsi Lynn Tennis – WomenFuglestad, Jordan David Track – MenGarvey, Mike Robert FootballGreene, Rachel Blair Soccer – WomenGrossenburg, Jeffrey Curtiss Track/Cross Country – MenGuinan, Drew T Swimming – MenHaeckel, Jordan James Golf – MenHelland, Erik John FootballHilson, Megan Elizabeth Track/Cross Country – WomenHorton, Cody Swimming – MenJames, Janine Nicole Swimming – WomenJanuary, Pamela Diane Basketball – WomenJohnson, Ashlea Priscilla Track – WomenJuhnke, Haley Suzanne Track – WomenKeane, Sean Patrick Track – MenKerswill, Matthew Wayne Football/TrackKetcham, Lauren Elizabeth Swimming – WomenKiefer, Marina Gabrielle Tennis – WomenKnudson, McKayla Basketball – WomenKranda, Ashley Lynn Swimming – WomenKritenbrink, Kristin Ann VolleyballKrogman, Louie Donald Basketball – MenKroll, Victoria Rae VolleyballKrull, Erica Lynn Track – WomenKuehl, Cory Nathan FootballLaber, Alena Diann Track/Cross Country – WomenLokkesmoe, Savanna Ashton Soccer – WomenLuedke, Angela Track/Cross Country- WomenMaas, Emily Ann Soccer – WomenMaier, Lukas Michael Swimming – MenMakashov, Veronika Tennis – WomenMaxwell, Tyler Donald Track – Men

McCrady, Linay Kristine Swimming – WomenMehr, Samantha Nadine Basketball – WomenMeier, Andrew Thomas FootballMikkelsen, Adam James Track – MenMiller, Bridger Scott Swimming – MenMoore, Taylor Demetrius FootballMosley, Jasmine Cheree Track – WomenMunneke, Tyler Robert Golf – MenNiyonizigiye, Eliazeri Cross Country – MenNowotny, Dustin J Football/TrackOgren, Jennifer Anne Soccer – WomenPhillips, Michael Swimming – MenPotter, Shane Daniel FootballRobertson, Stacia Anne Basketball – WomenRodenburg, Kristopher Clay Basketball – MenRolfe, Terry Clinton Swimming – MenSawyer, Samuel Richard FootballSchofield, Andrew David FootballSchrum, Michael Paul Track/Cross Country – MenSchumacher, Jordan Alan Track – MenSebern, Jeffrey Michael Track – MenShade, Casey Matthew Track – MenShanker, Kyle Thomas FootballSheldahl, Hailey Anne Golf – WomenShroyer, McKenzie Anne Swimming – WomenSlotten, Scott Russell FootballSmith, Jordan Michael Track – MenSmith, Kayla Ann Swimming/Track – WomenSnow, Kathryn Elizabeth SoftballSpokas, Samantha Jane Soccer – WomenSteinberg, Jason David Track – MenStephens, Denton Glenn Track – MenSveum, Ashley Ann Track/Cross Country – WomenSwanson, Sean Warren Swimming – MenTecker, Steven Yateka Basketball – MenTurner, Lucas Edward Golf – MenVan Arkel, Dane Hans Swimming – MenVander Maten, Josh W FootballVining, John Thomas Golf – MenWarder, Madison Tennis – WomenWeisbrod, Jesse C FootballWheeler, Megan Elisabeth Golf – WomenWilhelm, Tyler Wayne FootballWilliams, Monique Ornella Track – WomenWilson, Zack Randall FootballWudel, Katelyn R SoftballYoungstrom, Darci Jean Track – WomenZavilla, Stephanie Michelle Golf – WomenZmolek, Breanna Hope Softball

Coyote student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom as shown below in the South Dakota Student-Athlete Honor Roll.

stuDent-Athlete AcADemic Accomplishments

Team Academic Awards

Four University of South Dakota athletic teams have been honored by the NCAA with APR Public Recognition Awards for the 2009–10 academic year. The awards are given each year to teams scoring in the top 10 percent in each sport, based on their most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rates (APR). South Dakota teams earning the award include volleyball, women’s tennis, women’s golf and men’s golf. South Dakota’s four teams were the most honored by any school in the Summit League. The APR provides a real-time look at a team’s academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team’s academic performance.

South Dakota women’s soccer team earned the 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association/Adidas Women’s Team Academic Award. It was the second straight year the Coyotes have earned the honor. Coach Mandy Green’s squad had a GPA of 3.35 in the academic year of 2010–11 to earn the honor. To be considered, a team must have a composite GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all team members who appear on the official NCAA roster. All players on the roster must be included in the calculation of the team’s GPA.

The South Dakota women’s basketball team was named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Top 25 Honor Roll for a third straight year. The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Divisions I, II and III; NAIA; and junior college/community college teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point averages (GPAs) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. South Dakota finished 18th in the Division I category with a GPA of 3.393.

Both Coyote men’s and women’s track and field teams earned the prestigious honor of being named to the 2011 Division I United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic honors. The Coyote women’s team was one of 164 schools named to the team, while the men’s team was one of 90 institutions honored. On the women’s side, the Coyotes were one of five Great West Conference schools named to the team. South Dakota had the best cumulative team grade-point average of any GWC school with a 3.39 grade point average. On the men’s side, the Coyotes were one of four teams named to the All-Academic Team from the Great West with a 3.132 grade point average.

5 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winners in 2008. Since the 2001–02 academic year, USD has been in the top 10 of all 1,200 NCAA institutions (Div. I, II and III) in receiving postgraduate scholarships.

14 of South Dakota’s 17 teams have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) above 3.0 and posted a collective 3.198 GPA in the classroom during the 2010-11 academic year. Women’s basketball has the highest GPA with a 3.393 followed closely by women’s track & field with a 3.385 and women’s swimming


and diving with a 3.353. Coyote men’s sports were highlighted by men’s swimming with a 3.134 team cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the year followed by men’s track and field at 3.132 and men’s basketball with a 3.015.

45 South Dakota student-athletes received their diplomas during the 2011 Spring Commencement including four earning a master’s degree, one juris doctor and one doctor of medicine. Women’s soccer graduated eight, the football team graduated seven individuals, women’s swimming and diving team graduated seven, women’s and men’s track and field programs each graduated four individuals, while the softball team and women’s basketball team each graduated three. Coyote men’s basketball, women’s tennis and women’s golf each graduated two. One men’s swimmer and one men’s golfer also earned their diplomas.

86 Coyote student-athletes had a 3.5 or above GPA, including nine who had a 4.0 mark after the spring semester of 2010.

101 Coyote student-athletes earned academic all-conference honors in 2010–11. That included the 34 Coyote swimmers and divers honored by the Summit League, 74 Coyotes who earned All-Great West honors and three who earned America Sky All-Academic honors in men’s golf. To qualify for the academic all-conference team, athletes must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and have participated in 50 percent of their respective team’s contests.

191 student-athletes had a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above as of the end of spring semester 2010.

Individual Academic AwardsFor the second consecutive year, South Dakota’s Chris Ganious was named to the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star Team. Ganious was one of just 52 student-athletes in the FCS to earn the honor in 2010. Ganious, a junior psychology major, posted a 3.78 cumulative grade-point average through the 2010 fall semester. A running back on the field, Ganious has led the Coyotes in rushing yards the last three seasons and claimed first-team All-Great West Conference honors for the second consecutive season. Nominees for the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team were required to have a minimum GPA of 3.20 in undergraduate studies and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year

at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.

South Dakota junior Amber Hegge was named to the 2010–11 Capital One Academic All-District Women’s Basketball Team by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). Hegge was selected to the all-district second team with a GPA of 3.76 and is a math education major. It is the first district academic honor for Hegge. On the court, she was a All-Great West first team selection for the second straight year, leading the Coyotes in scoring (16.9 points per game), rebounding (8.0) and steals (32). Hegge was also named to the Great West all-tournament team.

Four members of the South Dakota women’s track and field team were selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District 7 Women’s Track/Cross Country team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). To earn consideration for the CoSIDA award, a student-athlete must have reached sophomore status athletically and academically, participate in half of the team’s scheduled contests and possess at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA. Junior Emma Erickson (Gayville, S.D.) and sophomore Alexa Duling (Gregory, S.D.) each earned District 7 first-team honors, while senior Crystal Schiernbeck (Ida Grove, Iowa) and sophomore Bethany Buell (St. Louis, Mo.) garnered second-team honors.

Six members of the South Dakota softball team were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Scholar Athletes. Named to the team were pitcher Mel Johnson (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and utility player Jessica Lussman (Storm Lake, Iowa), who were seniors on the 2011 team. Also receiving honors were catcher Bre Zmolek (Brookings, S.D.), third baseman Lindsey Boyd (Westminster, Colo.), shortstop Christine Broders (Yankton, S.D.) and pitcher Paige Policky (Lincoln, Neb.).The award is given to the players who achieved a 3.50 grade point average or higher during the 2010–11 academic year. The South Dakota softball team was also recognized as an NFCA All-Academic team after posting a term GPA of 3.435, which was 13th in all of Division I.

Two members of the South Dakota women’s tennis team, Janea Hagen and Kaitlyn Deragisch, were named Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athletes. It was the fourth straight year Hagen has earned the award, while it is the second time Deragisch has earned the honor. In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status a player must be a varsity letterwinner, have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year, and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters (including freshman thorough senior year).

8

Bethany BuellWomen’s Outdoor Track and Field2nd-Team All-AmericanFirst Coyote to Advance to NCAA Division I National Meet

Tom ComptonFootball2010 PhilSteele.com All-AmericanOffensive Line

Jodie BossWomen’s Basketball2010–11 Great West Conference Defensive Player of the Year

Elizabeth HoffmanWomen’s Swimming and DivingEarned six All-Summit League honors and won two championships; first Coyote to win SummitLeague individual title

Jasmine MosleyWomen’s Outdoor Track and FieldMost Outstanding Performance – Great West Outdoor Track and Field

Cole ZwiefelhoferFootball2010 Great West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year; PhilSteele.com All-American

stuDent-Athlete Athletic highlights

usD fAll 2010 Athletic Review

Coyote Football

South Dakota enjoyed a historic win on Sept. 11, 2010, when the Coyotes upset Big Ten Conference foe Minnesota, 41–38 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. The win, which was the 100th career victory for Coach Ed Meierkort, helped the Coyotes receive publicity from nationwide media outlets. The Coyotes, with a young roster that featured only five seniors, finished the 2010 campaign 4–7, with wins over Northern Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota and Northwestern Oklahoma State. The Coyotes had 15 players receive All-Great West Conference honors as well, led by first-team all conference selections Tom Compton, Chris Ganious, Adam Broders and Cole Zwiefelhofer.

Coyote Cross Country

With just three seniors on the 2010 roster, the South Dakota men’s and women’s cross country teams faced some challenges during the season but peaked at the right time. USD’s season was highlighted by fourth-places finishes from both squads at the Great West Conference (GWC) Championships on Oct. 30 in Edinburg, Texas. The Coyote men were paced by sophomore Ethan Marquardt who claimed his second-straight, second-team All-GWC honor by finishing 12th in 24:47 (8k). Freshman Jeff Mettler (Eureka, S.D.) finished 13th to earn GWC Male Freshman of the Year. Sophomore Carol Miller (Mead, Neb.) led the USD women at the GWC Championships by running a 17:23 (6k) for ninth and second-team All-GWC accolades.

Coyote Volleyball

The Coyote volleyball team capped off a late-season run with a second place finish at the Great West Conference tournament in Chicago on Nov. 21. The Coyotes opened with a four-set win over NJIT, and then followed with a 3–2, come-from-behind win over Utah Valley. The Coyotes were down 2-0 in the match but came back to win the next three sets – including a 38–36 win in the fourth set where they weathered nine match points—to record the semifinal win. The Coyotes’ run ended with a loss to North Dakota in the championship. South Dakota was 12–4 over its final 16 matches, keyed by the play of first-team All-Great West selection Kristin Kritenbrink.

Coyote Soccer

South Dakota soccer underwent changes in 2010, starting with the addition of new head coach Mandy Green. The Coyotes, with a large group of freshmen, battled to a 4–12–2 mark, but did record wins over future Summit League foes Western Illinois and Missouri-Kansas City. South Dakota’s Jen Ogren became the all-time leader in career saves during the season. With a talented recruiting class coming in, the future is looking bright for the Coyotes.


Tom ComptonFootball2010 PhilSteele.com All-AmericanOffensive Line


usD winteR 2010 –11 Athletic Review

Coyote Men’s Basketball

The Coyote men’s basketball team capped off a late-season surge with a second-place finish at the Great West Championships in March, losing a heartbreaking game to North Dakota in the finals. South Dakota finished 18–15—the 23rd straight winning season under Coach Dave Boots—despite having three new starters and several new faces on its roster. South Dakota recorded a historic 80–70 win over Wyoming in Dec. 2010 to earn its most decorated victory since making the jump to Division I. The Coyotes also were the only team to beat GWC champion Utah Valley during season, beating the Wolverines during the regular season and in the GWC semifinals. South Dakota was led by All-GWC honorees Charlie Westbrook (first team) and Louie Krogman (second team).

Coyote Women’s Basketball

The South Dakota women’s basketball team capped off its most successful campaign in the transition to Division I status by earning a berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitational postseason tournament. The Coyotes, who finished 20–12 for their first 20-win season under Coach Ryun Williams, played host to Idaho in the first round of the WBI and earned a 62–47 win over the Vandals for their first-ever postseason win. South Dakota also finished 10–2 in the Great West Conference and was the only league team to defeat conference champion Chicago State during the regular season. Junior Amber Hegge earned All-Great West first team honors for a second straight year while five Coyotes earned league recognition overall. Junior Jodie Boss set the single-season blocked shots record and also set a new single-game blocked shots record during the regular season.

Coyote Swimming and Diving

The South Dakota swimming and diving teams continued to progress during their transition to Division I. The Coyote women, led by two first-place finishes from junior standout Elizabeth Hoff man, finished in third, while the men finished fifth. Hoffman won the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle events at the Summit League Championships and is the only Coyote to win an individual championship in the two years South Dakota has competed. The women’s team was led by Hoff man, Sallie Collins and freshman Mariah Anderson while the men’s team was led by juniors Terry Rolfe, Dane Van Arkel and Thad Stoddard. South Dakota placed 34 student-athletes on the Summit League Academic All-League team.

usD spRing 2011 Athletic Review

Coyote Track and Field

It was another successful year for the South Dakota track and field teams, highlighted by Bethany Buell’s trip to the NCAA National Championships. Buell, a redshirt freshman in outdoor track, became the first Coyote athlete to qualify for the Division I championship by advancing out of the NCAA West Preliminaries in the pole vault. Buell, who set the school record in the pole vault at the Howard Wood Relays in May, finished 13th at nationals to earn All-America Second Team honors. Seven Coyotes participated in

the NCAA West Preliminaries in the teams’ first year of postseason eligibility. The Coyotes made it a three-peat at the Great West Conference Indoor Championships on Feb. 28 as both Coyote teams won titles for the third straight year. The Coyote women recorded the victory with a score of 222 points, while the men won with 170.5 points. South Dakota head coaches Lucky Huber and Dave Gottsleben each earned GWC Coach of the Year honors for the women and men, respectively, for the third consecutive year. Freshman Tansha Clarke was named the GWC Women’s Freshman of the Year while sophomore Buell received the award for the top women’s performance after a record-shattering effort in the pole vault. The Coyote women’s team won eight events overall while the Coyote men won three events. At the GWC Outdoor in May, both Coyote teams took second. Senior Jasmine Mosley earned the Outstanding Performance Award for the women after winning three events.


Coyote Women’s Tennis

The Coyote women’s tennis team continues to progress under Coach Malcolm Gilreath in 2010–11. With three new starters in the lineup, the Coyotes finished 8–13 on the year through April 10 but earned wins over Division I foes St. Joseph’s and Robert Morris along the way. The Coyotes continue to play a rugged schedule as they prepare themselves for Summit League play in 2011–12. At the Great West Championships the Coyotes finished fifth, improving one position from 2009–10. Junior Shadi Soleymani earned second-team all-conference honors.

Coyote Softball

The Coyote softball team finished 21–30, reaching the 20-win plateau for the third straight season under Coach Amy Klyse. South Dakota, with seven new starters in the lineup, opened the year 9–8, including going 8–4 on its annual trip to Florida. South Dakota rebounded from a tough midseason stretch to go 9–5 over its final 14 games. Senior Mel Johnson earned All-Great West Conference first team honors for a second straight year, while freshman Lindsey Boyd was also a first-team selection, while juniors Alexa Rudeen and Stephanie Hall were both second-team honorees.

Coyote Golf

The South Dakota men’s and women’s golf teams are under the direction of first-year Coach Nick Hovden and showed signs of improvement. The men’s team has been led by senior Kyle Scanlon and sophomore Ty Munneke while sophomore Nicole Funck has led the women. The Coyote women finished sixth at the Great West Championship in April, while the Coyote men finished eighth at the America Sky Championship in May, improving one position from 2009–10.


coyotes in the community

South Dakota joined with nearly 6,000 athletes from 124

collegiate, high school and club teams across the nation to

participate in the “Hour of Power,” honoring those who are

fighting or have succumbed to cancer. The event, held in

each team’s home pool, is a one-hour, all-out, leave-it-in-

the-pool practice consisting of continuous relays, using any

stroke. Wherever possible participating teams begin and

finish the “Hour of Power” workout at the same time, using

their respective and corresponding time zones from the East

Coast to the West Coast. Since the event began four years ago,

participants raised more than $190,000 for the Ted Mullin Fund

for Pediatric Sarcoma Research at the University of Chicago

Comer Children’s Hospital, where former collegiate swimmer

Ted Mullin received treatment.

USD soccer players Rebecca Pederson and Jenny Teslow

were among several Coyote student-athletes to help

with freshman Move-In Day. More than 70 student-

athletes and athletic staff volunteered to help with USD’s

annual Move-In Day for incoming students. USD had

several athletic staff members participate in helping

students move in, along with student-athletes from the

USD football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s

soccer, men’s and women’s track and field/cross country

and men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs.

More than a 150 student-athletes and coaches from the South Dakota athletic department assisted

with the flood preparation efforts in the Dakota Dunes, S.D., and Yankton, S.D., areas as the two

communities battled the flooding on the Missouri River. Student-athletes, coaches and staff

helped in the ongoing sandbagging and evacuation efforts and were part of a larger effort from

the University of South Dakota as a whole who sent volunteers in shifts to the two areas for weeks.

Each academic year, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee spearheads the

involvement of all student-athletes in community service projects, which have

included support for Special Olympics South Dakota and Make-a-Wish Foundation,

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and more. Student-athletes conduct youth

“field days” for elementary students, gather toiletry items for a local women’s shelter,

collect goods for the Vermillion Schools’ Backpack Program and conduct a shoe drive

for South Dakota Indian reservations.

USD women’s soccer players Rebecca Pederson, left, and Jenny Teslow haul in a box during Move-In Day.

South Dakota football players Brent Johnson, left, and Quintin McMartin were among the volunteers.

Division I-level coaching, staffing, scholarships, services and travel requires a significant investment. USD athletics is committed to being careful stewards of the funds we receive from fans, corporate sponsors and donors. The support received from the State of South Dakota and from the university is important to our continued success and integral to our future growth.

buDget

USD Total Athletic Income FY11 = $8,278,271

EXTERNAL REVENUE$3,851,640 UNIVERSITY SUPPORT

$3,414,948

External Revenue Includes: Ticket Sales, Sponsorships, Fundraising, Donations and Camps

STUDENT SUPPORT$1,011,683

USD Total Athletic Expenses FY11 = $8,278,271

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

$3,398,325

SALARIES AND BENEFITS

$2,519,065

SCHOLARSHIPS$2,360,881

Other Operating Expenses Include: Travel, Team Apparel, Supplies and Camps

The commitment to Division I requires an upgrade in our scholarship offerings throughout our 17 sports. USD has put together a plan to increase our annual scholarship offerings from 105 to 181 while maintaining our Title IX compliance. This increase in scholarship offerings has created the need to generate significantly more revenue. Two areas have been identified to be the vehicles to assist in financially funding the increased scholarship offerings—the annual fund and major gifts. The Howling Pack serves as the annual fund and Great Expectations serves as the major gift component of the equation. The Great Expectations scholarship campaign is designed to fill the immediate needs of our transition to Division I until our annual fundraising, The Howling Pack, matures to fund the increased expenses of Division I.

WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIPS

2007– 08 2008–09 2009–10 2010 –11 2011–12 2012–13

Basketball 10 13 15 15 15 15

Golf 2.5 3 3 4 5 5

Soccer 8 10 10 12 12 13

Softball 7 8 8 12 12 12

Swimming 5.5 6.5 6.5 9.5 10.5 12.5

Tennis 2.5 3 3 5.5 6.5 6.5

Track & Field 12 14 14 18 18 18

Volleyball 8 10 10 12 12 12

Women’s Total 55.5 67.5 69.5 88.0 91 94

MEN’S SCHOLARSHIPS

2007– 08 2008–09 2009–10 2010 –11 2011–12 2012–13

Basketball 10 13 13 13 13 13

Football 36 54 60 63 63 63

Swimming 1 1 1 1 1 1

Track & Field 3 3 3 4 8 10

Men’s Total 50 71 77 81 85 87

GRAND TOTAL 105.5 138.5 146.5 169 176 181


Howling Pack

The Howling Pack’s mission is to promote and financially support the University of South Dakota athletic department and all of the individual athletic teams while encouraging the development of the student-athlete. Membership to the Howling Pack increased by 20 percent during the 2010 –11 year to 706 members and saw a 26 percent increase in revenue generated to $422,809.

The Howling Pack is overseen by a strong and knowledgeable board of directors that has helped increase fundraising and promotion of the Howling Pack. This great leadership is comprised of USD alumni and long-time supporters.

Scott Fiedler — president Tom Holland Torrey Sundall — vice president Dave HultgrenRoss Wright — secretary Sheila ProsserJeff Nelson – past president Dan RadiganKevin Brown Jesse WittBob Christenson David ZimbeckBill Gassen David HerbsterJackie Haggar-Tuschen David Sayler

Great Expectations

Great Expectations Scholarships have been key to our successful transition to Division I. Starting in 2010, the value of each new scholarship pledged rose to $15,000/year over 4 years, as the cost of each scholarship has risen above what the initial year could cover and will continue to rise after that. Donors who pledge $60,000 or more over four years have the opportunity to name their scholarship and designate preference for a sport. Since its inception, over $2 million has been generated through Great Expectations.

suppoRting the coyotes

Supporting the Team Behind the Team


Since South Dakota’s move to Division I was announced in 2007, a comprehensive fundraising program was established to provide significant revenue for the increased scholarship commitment necessary to be competitive. Since that time, South Dakota has generated more than $4 million through the Howling Pack, Great Expectation Scholarships, Endowments and Special Events.

The support provided by our donors, alumni and fans have provided the scholarships needed to attract the top student-athletes and provide them the necessary resources to be successful. Success in athletic competition is a long-standing tradition at USD and we will continue this tradition as we enter our final year of the transition to Division I and beyond.

Full Scholarship Donors:

John L. Thomson John & Karla HouseJim & Joyce HoutzPaul & Linda LewisJohn & Linda LillibridgeRich & Sharon Cutler

Alli & Steve GarryDennis HageleJim HarrengaJerad & Peggy HigmanMike & Bunny HowesDave & Paula Hultgren

Scott & Lisa JonesPhil & Marge OdeenGeorge ShanardDick & Kathy Sweetman Lyle & June WagnerDick and Jeanne Wold

Scholarship Supporters:

AES HoldingsCharles & Mary BurkeDon & Cara Lee Davis Dyer Family FoundationChet GrosecloseTom & Jane HeinzDan & Melissa Radigan

First National Bank– Sioux FallsBill & Jan Marlette James & Shirley AhrendtDebra BollingerKent & Peggy BruggerDavid & Nancy Gienapp

Jack & Linda KeilmanDr. Keith & Cheryl LillemoeWilliam O’NeillMark MoellerGodfrey & Henrietta RobertsJoseph & Kathy VillaEdd Storey

EndowmentsThe Department of Athletics generated nearly $102,000 from its 39 endowments in 2010–11. As of June 30, 2011, the value of the total athletic endowment was $2,091,650.

Special EventsEach year the Howling Pack sponsors events to raise money, generate interest and engage alumni, all in support of student-athletes. The Howling Pack generated over $70,000 through the Coyote Golf Tour, Coyote Kick-Off Dinner & Auction, Jersey Auctions and sponsored events like the Henry Heider Memorial Hall of Fame Ceremony, Student-Athlete Awards Ceremony, Away Game Hospitality Socials Coaches Corner, and also continued to deliver its newsletter, Coyote Tracks.

coyote spoRts pRopeRties/leARfielD spoRts

founDing pARtneRs

spoRts meDicine pARtneR

Ag UnitedAlkota Cleaning SystemsAmerican AirlinesArmy ROTCAvery BrothersBank of the WestBarnes & Noble at USDBierschbach EquipmentBurger KingCarolan Rental and Fun CompanyCherry Street GrillCallaways

Coffee Cup Fuel StopComfort InnDakota PC WarehouseDakota RealtyEpic MultimediaFast Auto Glass First Bank & TrustFirst Dakota National BankHoliday Inn ExpressHy-VeeJensen Auto BodyJones Food Center

Leo’s Sports Bar & GrillLittle Italy’sMain Street PubNew York Life InsurancePedersen Machine, Inc.Pizza HutPremier BankcardPremier Real EstatePro’s Bar & GrillQuality MotorsRasmussen MotorsRDL (formerly Aaladin/Rugged Gear)

Results Radio Cumulus MediaRiverfront BroadcastingRobinson MotorsRobinson’s Pro CleaningRooster’s Harley DavidsonSanford HealthSanford Vermillion Medical CenterSchoeneman’s Building Materials CenterSedgwick PublishingSlumberlandSouth Dakota Army National GuardState Farm Insurance

StreamSubaru of Sioux FallsThe Roadhouse The USD FoundationVermillion FordYankton Press & Dakotan/ Missouri Valley ShopperVermillion Plain Talk/BroadcasterWellmark Blue Cross and Blue ShieldWhimps

coRpoRAte pARtneRs

The University of South Dakota partnered with prominent collegiate sports marketer Learfield Sports to serve as its multimedia rights holder and exclusive athletics marketing partner beginning with the 2011–12 athletic season. Learfield Sports established a locally-based entity known as “Coyote Sports Properties” to handle all related aspects of the multi-year rights partnership that went into effect July 1, 2011, and includes signage and sponsorship at all athletic venues, certain radio and television programming and management of the Coyote Radio Network, as well as corporate hospitality, print sponsorships, event marketing and advertising for USDCoyotes.com. For nearly 40 years, Learfield Sports has been dedicated to representing collegiate institutions, conferences and associations. Currently it has relationships with such powerhouse athletic programs as Alabama, North Carolina, Penn State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Oklahoma and represents the Big Ten Conference, Missouri Valley Conference and the Western Athletic Conference.


mission stAtement The University of South Dakota is the comprehensive University within the South Dakota System of Higher Education. The University’s mission is to provide graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and in professional education; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support research, scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service to the State of South Dakota and the region.

The University of South Dakota’s Intercollegiate Athletic Department, as an integral part of the University’s educational mission, is committed to cultivate academic and athletic excellence in our student-athletes. The following points serve as a roadmap on this path to excellence.

· Academic Integrity and Leadership: Dedication to the principles of academic excellence, the encouragement of degree completion, the development of the whole person, and support in securing a productive place in society for all student-athletes.

· Athletic Achievement: Dedication to maximum athletic performance.

· Fiscal Integrity: Development and maintenance of comprehensive fiscal policies and practices to ensure control and accountability throughout the program.

· Governance: Compliance with Federal, State, University, NCAA, and conference regulations.

· Personal Development: Encourage all personnel and student-athletes toward personal and professional growth.

· Quality Support: Dedication to providing the finest staff, facilities, services, and equipment to ensure that all student-athletes have the opportunity to train and compete in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Department of AthleticsDakotaDome

414 East Clark Street • Vermillion, SD 57069-2390605-677-5309 • www.usdcoyotes.com

2010-11 south dakota athletics annual report

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