October 1, 2025

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STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

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STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Senators give residence halls a voice

TAYLOR TENNANT Assistant News Director

The Students’ Association approved the Residence Hall Association’s request for an ex-officio seat at Monday night’s meeting. The change would give RHA a formal voice in SA, said RHA vice president Noah Johnson, which would align with other campus organizations that already hold ex-officio seats.

Open Forum

Johnson answered questions from senators about the group’s role and the issues they address in residence halls.

Johnson highlighted RHA’s responsibility for representing students living on campus, coordinating events and working with university housing staff.

“We’re here to make sure students living on campus have a say in the decisions that affect their daily lives,” Johnson said.

Not all senators supported the request. Sen. Reagan Bollweg voted against the request, and senators Carter Howell and Lydia Stein abstained.

Bollweg said he opposed the resolution, noting that most students eventually move off campus and the position could be hard to fill again.

“I just don’t want this to be a full circle for that position,” Bollweg said. “There’s not a lot of people below us who care that much. I don’t want this to happen again.”

The rest of the senate voted in favor, officially granting RHA representation. New Business

The senate turned to new venture applications from the Robotics Club, The Institute of Transportation Engineers and Jack’s Agriculture, Engineering, and Technology Council. After a lengthy debate over funding procedures and budgeting philosophy, senators voted to postpone action on all three applications until Oct. 20.

Multiple senators apologized to student representatives for the confusion and extended meeting time.

“I’d first like to apologize to the representatives from the clubs,”

Sen. Ben Anderson said. “The finance committee was very clear in our discussion that we would zero fund these clubs … it would be a disservice to the representatives that are here today to delay them by two weeks.”

TAYLOR TENNANT / COLLEGIAN MEDIA

Others, like Sen. McKenzie Duncan, argued postponing was the wisest choice given the lack of clarity around the budget philosophy.

Three student organization constitutions were also reviewed and approved unanimously. The National Society of Black Engineers – SDSU Chapter was represented by Omeshamisu Anigla.

“Our mission is very simple, to ensure our neighbors excel academically, grow as leaders and help them have great careers,” Anigla said.

The Bison club, led by president Hunter Knight, also received approval. Knight emphasized the club’s focus on connecting students across the eastern part of the state and providing opportunities for tours and events.

The Art Club was also approved with president Elyse Seals representing. The club plans to connect students interested in visual arts, share ideas, hold critiques and work on creative projects.

In other news Monday

Caroline Srstka, director of the South

President Sophie Spier gives her report at the Students’ Association meeting on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 in the Lewis and Clark room in the Student Union.

Dakota Rural Attorney Recruitment Program, visited SDSU for the first time to speak with students about opportunities to practice law in rural areas.

“There are plenty of legal deserts all over the state, and we would love to have anybody interested in rural practice join the program,” she said, highlighting the program’s financial incentives and noting that 20 spots are currently available for future participants.

With Hobo Week approaching, Grand Pooba Claire Koenecke and members of the Hobo Day Committee shared details about the week’s upcoming events.

“We’re excited to bring fun and community spirit to campus with a variety of activities this week,” Koenecke said.

Next week's meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. time, due to Bum-A-Meal starting at 6 p.m.

Broadway in Brookings

Tony, Grammy winner performs with students

CLAIRE BOOTH Reporter

Last Friday, Woodbine Productions kicked off the beginning of their 2025-26 season with Heather Headley performing in the Larson Memorial Concert Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.

Broadway and television actress Heather Headley is known for her role of Nala in the Broadway musical ‘The Lion King.’ The Tony and Grammy award winning actress took center stage with a musical set. The SDSU Concert Choir, Choralia and The Statesmen joined her at the end of the concert for three songs.

Headley and the choirs sang ‘Make Them Hear You’ from the musical, Ragtime, ‘Amazing Grace’ by John Newton and ‘Your Song’ by Elton John.

During the performance, Headley sang many songs, ranging from musicals to movies. She cracked jokes with the audience and told small stories from her life between songs, too.

Junior music education major Steiger Manson got the chance to sing a duet during ‘Amazing Grace’ with Headley.

“I was very nervous, but it was a lot of fun,” Manson said. “She made it a very light, fun and easy to work with environment. Heather is such a good communicator. I feel like I could settle and feed from her energy while singing.”

Other students in the choir also said they had an amazing time singing with her.

“It was a cool experience because I feel like Broadway is so unattainable since we are in South Dakota,” said Isabel Blom, a junior theatre major. “She came from a different world and still made it to Broadway, so it makes me feel like I can make it to Broadway. It was cool to share that experience with her.”

Headley was originally born in Trinidad, but moved in the early ‘90s to the United States with her family.

After she graduated high school in Fort

“She came from a different world and still made it to Broadway, so it makes me feel like I can make it to Broadway. It was cool to share that experience with her.”

ISABEL

BLOM

JUNIOR THEATRE MAJOR

Wayne, Indiana, she attended Northwestern University to study musical theatre. She decided to leave school to be a part of the musical, Ragtime, and the rest is history.

Before the concert, the choirs rehearsed with Headley. She talked to them about how she wanted the song to sound and took her time with them.

“It was amazing, I loved being able to watch her and being able to feed off her and the choir’s energy. She had such kind words for us,” said Grace Fromknecht, a sophomore music education major. Afterwards, students got the chance to talk to Headley in a Q&A.

Headley talked about the difference between Broadway and TV.

“I like both for many reasons,” Headley said. “(With) Broadway, you get many chances to change things about your performance, so every night can be a little better and different. But TV, you don’t get that. It is easier to push through when sick though.”

One student asked Headley the best advice she’s gotten as a performer. Headley responded back, “When someone says ‘You can’t do that,’ it pushes me to do more and work to prove them wrong.”

Headley’s performance with both students and the public was outstanding. When talking to the students in the choir during her Q&A, making sure to give them as much advice and wise words as she could.

“Success of communication is not how you speak, it’s how you understand,” is something to seem to resonate with students.

New sports bar coming to Brookings

tial as a community gathering place.

A new destination for food, drinks and sports fans has opened in Brookings. The End Zone Sports Bar & Grill is taking over from the former Boss’ Pizzeria and Sports Bar inside the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites.

“We just wanted to create a space where people can come, have good food and watch their teams,” said Tracy DeJean, manager of the End Zone Sports Bar.

The End Zone is a simple sports bar serving classic favorites and a welcoming atmosphere, DeJean said. The menu features classic sports bar favorites such as burgers, wings, cheese curds, onion rings, chicken strips and sandwiches including pulled pork, patty melts and hot turkey or ham. The full bar offers beer, whiskey, seltzers and mixed drinks. DeJean said the menu was kept straightforward, offering popular dishes that appeal to a wide range of guests.

“We try to give people what they want without overcomplicating it,” she said. Even in its first few weeks, The End Zone has drawn a steady stream of customers. SDSU game days and construction crews staying at the hotel have contributed to consistent traffic. DeJean said they experienced a particularly busy day last weekend when SDSU hosted Mercyhurst, highlighting the bar’s poten-

“All of the tables were full, it was crazy,” she said. “It was exciting to see people enjoying the space.”

In addition to food and drinks, The End Zone offers recreational activities. Pool leagues take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while a dart league takes place on Thursdays. DeJean said she hopes the entertainment options will continue to grow as the bar gains popularity.

The End Zone also showcases local sports teams throughout the bar. Decorations support SDSU, the Brookings Bobcats and even local taekwondo groups. DeJean said she hopes the displays make fans feel connected to the community and the teams they follow.

“We try to support the local teams and give people a place to come cheer for them,” she said.

Opening the sports bar required weeks of preparation. DeJean and her business partner spent at least six weeks painting, cleaning and making minor renovations.

Equipment was cleaned; a back office was built along with the addition of a new restroom.

“It was a lot of work, but it was worth it to get everything ready and looking good,” DeJean said.

With seating for close to 80, the bar accommodates groups of all sizes. The End Zone features 14 TVs, ensuring that customers can watch multiple games

The End Zone Sports Bar & Grill,

at once, and a TouchTunes system that allows guests to select their own music.

DeJean said the casual atmosphere is a key part of the bar’s appeal.

“We want people to be comfortable here, whether they’re watching the game, grabbing dinner or just having a drink with friends,” she said.

The End Zone is open seven days a week with varying hours: Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until close, Friday from 5 p.m. until midnight (or 2 a.m. if business is busy), Saturday from 3 p.m. until midnight (or 2 a.m. if busy), and Sunday from noon until 9 p.m., with extended hours for football games.

The sports bar is currently hiring.

Interested applicants can pick up an application in person at the End Zone Sports Bar & Grill during business hours. DeJean said the team is looking for reliable staff to help with both the kitchen and front-of-house operations.

“We want people who are ready to work hard and help us make this a fun, welcoming place for everyone,” she said.

Since opening, The End Zone Sports Bar & Grill has become a central gathering space for the community, DeJean said, hosting recreational leagues, supporting local teams, and serving as a destination for both Brookings residents and hotel guests.

Q & A

Hobo Day ‘meant a lot to my family’

Grand Pooba Koenecke ‘buttons up’ for State’s homecoming

EMILY DECOCK

Editor-in-Chief

Hobo Week is just days away, with the big event, Hobo Day, on Oct. 11.

To mark South Dakota State University’s 113th homecoming, Collegian Media sat down with the Grand Pooba Claire Koenecke. Here’s a look at what she said:

Q: What is the Grand Pooba and what are your responsibilities?

A: So the Grand Pooba is technically the president of Hobo Day, which is our homecoming committee here at South Dakota State. Some of the duties that I am assigned is managing the budget, applying for funds early in the year, setting the committee structure and getting all of our committee members in place when they apply. I’m in charge of the Bummobile and kind of all of the administrative tasks of setting up meetings, making sure things run smoothly there. And then I always like to say I’m the firefighter. Any fires that may pop up throughout the year, typically, I deal with those.

Q: What made you interested in Hobo Day and being involved in the Hobo Day Committee?

A: Growing up, my parents took me to every single Hobo Day parade. We always made the drive from Pierre over to Brookings for the day. And so coming to campus, I kind of always knew that that was something I wanted to get involved with. It meant a lot to my family, and it was a lot of fun being able to celebrate it freshman year. And so when I saw that committee application open over Christmas break my freshman year, I took the chance and applied. This is my third year on the committee and it’s been a lot of fun so far.

Q: 2025’s Hobo Day theme is ‘Chase the Horizon.’ What inspired the community to choose that name, and what does it mean to you?

A: The tagline is something that’s kind of difficult to decide every year. The last 10 to 15 years, they’ve kind of done this traditional theme, the more broad, wandering ideas. But you don’t want to choose anything that’s too similar to what’s been done, especially the last couple years. And so, as you can imagine, they’re getting kind of down to words that we can use that haven’t been used before. And so we, as a committee, just sat down and bounced ideas off of each other, brainstormed, and we kind of pick

a lot of words that we like. And so this year, one of the words that came up was horizon. And so we played around a lot with taglines that we could use with the word horizon in it. So there were few variations of taglines with horizon in it, but ultimately we decided on ‘Chase the Horizon.’ For me, the horizon is always out there kind of representing any new adventure. But the best thing about a horizon is you can get to one and look around and maybe there’s another. They never go away, just like adventures never stop coming.

Q: Which event are you most looking forward to for the next coming week or two?

A: They all are a lot of fun. They all have a special place in my heart. I think Bum-A-Meal is a lot of fun, because I just know how much students look forward to it. It’s really fun to have an event that really brings community members into Hobo Day and gets them excited. So, I’d say Bum-A-Meal is probably one of the most exciting. It’s also the first one of the week, so energy is high at that point still. But I’m really looking forward to Bumfire this year. The last two years, it’s had to be moved inside. So weather’s looking good right now, so we’re hoping that it can be outside this year, which will be my first time helping with the outside, so we’ll see.

Q: How long is your reign as Grand Pooba?

A: The application for Grand Pooba actually opens the Monday after Hobo Day, which is kind of a quick turnaround, but it’s open for about three weeks and then you’re in place. I was in place by Veterans Day of last year. From there we open up the assistant applications, and those are typically in place by Christmas break. And then all of our committee members are in place by about February or so.

Q: Can you explain the difference between Hobo Day and Hobo Week, and why it’s not Hobo Days?

A: That is a commonly confused term, but we, unlike any other homecoming in the state, we do Hobo Day. It is one day that we celebrate Hobo Day on, but Hobo Week is that week of events before the big day. I honestly have no idea how this started, but it’s unique and perfect for our homecoming celebration.

Q: What is your favorite button on your vest?

A: Favorite button? That is a hard one … My dad is also a big fan of Hobo Day, but he collects buttons, so he has almost every single Hobo Day button ever. But he collects them and he found this one. It says “When you’re number one, there’s a reason: SDSU” on it. And I think it’s from ‘61 or something like that, pretty old. And he gave it to me my freshman year Hobo Week. He was in town for a meeting and we got lunch together, and he had this button, and he gave it to me and said, “You can wear it this week, but you have to give it back.” I never gave it back, so maybe eventually I will. But, that’s probably my favorite button.

Q: There’s some events - like Hobo Gear prep night - is this week already on Thursday. What would you say to students that want to join in on the fun?

A: Come to all of our events. The only one you have to sign up before is Bum-A-Meal. All the other ones you can show up, they’re all free of charge. We go into the freshman seminar classes, and I always tell them that we do a lot of work in planning and preparation, but it’s really for the students to be able to enjoy it. I hope they partake in all the fun. Hobo Week, I like to think it’s the best week of the semester, and it’s a lot more fun when students get involved with it too.

Q: How fast does Bum-A-Meal typically fill up?

A: Usually within a day I would say. We have spots for about 700 students to come and eat this year, and that ones a magical event. They all are super cool, but Bum-A-Meal, it’s really interesting to see community members sign up and say how many students they can feed. Then we get groups of students. So, kind of playing that Tetris to make sure that whoever signed up for 20 students is only getting 20 students, and that’s a really interesting game to play.

Q: Is there anything in particular we should look out for this year? Is there anything unique this year event-wise?

A: Honestly, I think we’re sticking with the tradition pretty well. We’ll see what each event day kind of brings. Sometimes there’s some unknown factors on the day of. But I think it should be pretty similar to last year’s, hopefully high attendance again this year.

Q: Hobo Day has a super rich history. There’s only been two times where it’s ever been cancelled, which is crazy. What does it mean to be able to be a part of that?

A: It’s a lot of fun, let me tell you. A lot of the committee alumni are still really involved. And so getting to be part of this network of like minded people that wanted to do something for SDSU is really exciting, and it’s fun to hear their stories.

It’s also really fun to talk to older alumni of the university, and when you tell them that you’re on the Hobo Day committee, they will probably tell you more than one story from their Hobo Week. And they’ll ask intricate questions about Hobo Day and if we still have traditions alive. A lot of the time, I don’t know what they’re talking about. And I say, you know, I’ll look into it. Maybe we can bring it back. But it’s really fun to see these alumni of SDSU’s faces just absolutely light up when they remember their time at

SDSU. Hobo Day is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. And so just knowing that we’re getting to put on these events for students in 50 years to talk about, from their time at SDSU is just something that’s so meaningful, and it really just makes the hard days worth it. The late nights, early mornings, it’s all worth it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was edited for length and clarity. The full interview is available on our YouTube channel, Collegian Media.

CHICK-FIL-A EXPANDS MENU OPTIONS

Mac and cheese, kale salad are among new options at Student Union eatery

ADDISON ZAVALA Reporter

Chick-fil-A in the Student Union has been rolling out new menu options this semester to keep up with student demands.

Recently, Chick-fil-A in the Student Union stirred excitement by adding new menu items, expanding choices for students. Already a popular dining spot known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, the restaurant is now branching out a variety of fresh new choices.

A fan favorite, Mac and Cheese has been permanently added to the menu, along with the Kale Crunch Side salad. Sodexo district manager Julia Neer said the changes were made “based on student requests.”

Along with the permanent menu items, a few new limited-time offers have also been added. Cherry Berry Sprite, Cherry Berry Lemonade, Cherry Berry Tea and Pretzel Sandwiches.

“Our dining team worked through Chick-fil-A’s approval process to bring Kale Crunch salad and Mac and Cheese to campus permanently,” Neer said.

This fall looks different for returning students at South Dakota State because, for the first time ever, they can experience a Chick-fil-A menu that goes beyond the basics. Sophomore Jaden VanPelt said she is happy about the changes. She said she appreciates the menu this year because she has more items to choose from when she is hungry.

“I am most excited for the new pretzel sandwiches,” VanPelt said.

She added that she appreciated the menu this year because she has more items to choose from when she is hungry.

With Chick-fil-A being as popular as it is, the lines and wait times are sometimes a stretch for students. Since the new menu additions, Jaden has noticed significantly longer lines than last year.

“I am most excited for the new pretzel sandwiches.”

Jaden

“Peak hour for lunch is right around 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.,” VanPelt said.

Freshman Nora Baustert is a frequent customer at Chick-fil-A. She said, “My favorite meal is the Chicken Nuggets, but when I am looking for a healthier option, I go for the Kale Crunch salad and Grilled Nuggets.”

As a first-year student, Nora appreciates the fuller menu, but hopes that even more options will be added in the future, she said.

Despite the effort put into menu expansions, Neer said that “so far there hasn’t been a large increase in students ordering these two new menu items.”

Career development resources available to students

MADISYN RAYMOND Reporter

Students have an opportunity for personal and career development at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Science’s annual two-day career fair today, Oct. 1 and Thursday, Oct. 2

Students can explore different industries related to agriculture, build relationships with employers and find an internship, part-time job or full- time job at the fair.

The event will host over 115 employers from across the country at Club 71 in the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Students at all levels and majors are encouraged to attend the fair. Becky Pistulka, assistant director of employer engagement in the Office of Career Development, said students should begin networking now. She added that employers look forward to meeting students as freshmen, so they can hire them as seniors.

Mary Christensen, a professional academic adviser for the CAFES, said students can prepare for when they are ready to start a serious job search by attending the career fair early in their college careers.

Students can develop professional skills essential to any career, such as interviewing, listening and communication, according to senior agricultural systems technology major Kyle Hagen. He got two internships through the career fair, with one leading to a full- time job after graduation.

Pistulka encouraged students to get their resumes reviewed before the career fair.

“(Recruiters) use (resumes) to take notes, review candidates at the end of the day, share with colleagues or determine who they’d like to interview afterward,” Christensen said.

Students can make appointments

with the Office of Career Development to review their resume. According to Pistulka, their career coaches are specially trained in reviewing resumes and keep up to date on current trends.

The Office of Career Development on Main Street in the Student Union, also offers online resume resources such as resume templates tailored to various programs, a resume checklist and a resume review platform called “VMock.” The platform gives students advice to improve their resumes, Pistulka said.

“Speaking with a recruiter is almost like an interview itself, so students should practice and get comfortable answering questions about themselves,” Pistulka said. She encourages students to either practice with a friend or come into the Office of Career Development to practice with a career coach.

Interviews can be discussed with recruiters at the fair. Several recruiters will be holding interviews on campus on Thursday and Friday.

Christensen said employers encourage students to dress professionally while attending the career fair because it better reflects their potential and makes a stronger first impression.

Students who need a professional dress outfit can use the Office of Career Development’s professional clothing closet at their office. The room contains professional dress clothing donated by community members. Students can come in, try on clothes and take a free outfit each year, Pistulka said.

To find resources on resumes, interview skills, professional dress and other career essentials, students can visit SDSU’s page on Handshake or the Office of Career Development.

Handshake also offers a preview of the event, including a list of participating businesses and which days they are attending.

“Log in to Handshake and explore the events section,” Christensen said. “Taking just a few minutes to learn about compa-

nies before the fair can help you make a lasting impression with informed, thoughtful questions.”

Pistulka also advises students to “Write down your top 10 [employers], and then kind of rank them. Who would be the company that you most want to talk to, and don’t talk to them first. Start with number five or six.”

Students can build confidence by talking to tables that aren’t their first choice, Christensen said.

Hagen encourages students to, “not let the thought of failure restrict you from trying something new. This career fair is one of several nerve-racking experiences you will face as a college student because you are truly paving your own path for the next four years.”

Shelby Brosh, a sophomore agronomy major, got a summer internship with StateLine Cooperative at the career fair.

She encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity the event offers.

“Don’t let your nerves hold you back,” Brosh said. “Show up, and give it your all. You might be surprised by what you gain. just by being there.”

Management, Economics & Communication Career Fair: Oct. 16 from 12-4 p.m.

Graduate School Fair: Oct. 29 from 1-3:30 p.m.

Psychology Career Fair: November 5 from 1-4 p.m.

Hitch Studio to take over Party Depot Nov. 1

JOSIE ANDERSEN Reporter

Party Depot, a downtown Brookings staple for 25 years, will close Nov. 1 as owner Cheryl Meyer retires, but the rental business will live on at Hitch Studio.

Meyer said the decision to retire came down to timing. With her lease set to expire, signing another five-year contract would have kept her in the business longer than she wanted. When Renee Bauman, owner of Hitch Studio, said she was interested in taking on the rental side of Party Depot, “at that point it worked for her, and it kind of all fell together,” Meyer said.

Meyer first opened the business with her family under the name Rental Depot, which offered everything from home improvement tools to party equipment. Over time, she shifted focus to balloons, costumes and décor, eventually building

the Party Depot name Brookings came to know.

As Party Depot grew, it became a place people relied on for life’s celebrations. From showers and birthdays to graduations and holidays, the store’s decorations helped Brookings families mark special moments together.

As the store heads into its final weeks, Meyer is optimistic. The Halloween season, one of Party Depot’s busiest times of year, is keeping customers coming through the doors. What she’ll miss most, she said, is the people.

Since the announcement of Meyer’s retirement one month ago, the mood inside Party Depot has been bittersweet, said store manager Amber Jensen.

“Everyone has been saying that they are very sad to see the store go and that they aren’t sure what they are going to do for their party supplies anymore,” she said. “However, they are very excited for

Cheryl to retire and move onto her next chapter.”

Jensen said the closing may be felt most by families and students who depend on Party Depot for last-minute supplies. Balloons, particularly helium-filled ones, may be one of the hardest items to replace.

“I think it is really going to affect the last-minute shoppers who need to come in and grab something real quick, especially when Amazon packages don’t come in time,” she said.

The rental side of the business will transition to Hitch Studio. Bauman said she hopes the change will be smooth for customers. The sale from Meyer to Bauman will become official Nov. 3, Bauman said.

“Any rental order that has already been placed, you’ll be honored, of course,” Bauman said. “I will probably reach out to each of them personally. I want to avoid them feeling uneasy about the change.”

Bauman plans to offer a showroom-style setup instead of retail shelves, but said she may continue balloon orders if no one else in Brookings steps in. She also plans to expand event balloon options like archways, garlands and towers.

Students at South Dakota State University are also feeling the change. Rylee Borstad, an interdisciplinary studies major from Sioux Falls, said she always turned to Party Depot for lastminute Halloween costumes.

“The opportunity to easily shop at the last minute will be missed by me and a lot of other students,” she said.

As Party Depot prepares for its final day on Nov. 1, the store is holding clearance sales throughout the building. Halloween costumes are 50% off and everything else is 25% off. Discounts will continue until closing day, giving customers one last chance to stock up before the doors close.

Jacks take down Mavs and hit road to face two Summit League opponents

CORDELL VITENSE

Sports Editor

The Jackrabbits against the Omaha Mavericks were in a tight battle that came down to the fifth set, with SDSU coming out with a 3-2 win.

The Jacks now move to 7-3 on the season and 1-0 in conference play, while the Mavericks fall to 3-7 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.

SDSU took the first set in a closefought battle, winning 25-23. Omaha tied the match up 1-1 by winning the second set 25-23 and followed it up by winning the third set 25-22. Down 2-1 with their back against the wall, SDSU responded in the fourth set, winning 25-20 to force a fifth game. In the fifth and final set, the Jackrabbits came out on top 15-12 to get the 3-2 win.

Some standouts for the Mavericks against SDSU included Faith Venable, who led the way with 25.5 points on 25 kills and one block assist.

Kali Jurgensmeier also had a great night, scoring 23 total points. The senior outside hitter tallied 20 kills, two block assists and two service aces.

“Omaha’s absolutely fantastic,” said head coach Dan Georgalas. “They scored relentlessly through two players and to beat a good team that we know is always in the top three in our conference and a recent champion in our league. That’s great for our confidence, that’s great for our momentum.”

On Thursday SDSU will travel to Denver to play the Denver Pioneers at 7 p.m.

Junior Sylvie Zgonc leads the Jacks in scoring with 168 points. Zgonc has been a double-double machine to start the season, stacking up 155 kills and 110 digs on the year.

Middle Blocker Madison Burr has started her sophomore season out strong with 86 kills and 52 blocks to give her 123 points.

Freshman Hannah Klein is third in scoring for SDSU. Klein is coming off a

breakout game against the Mavericks, where she had 19.5 points with 17 kills, which led the Jackrabbits in both categories. On the season, Klein has a total of 91 kills and 102 total points.

Fifth-year senior Annalee Ventling-Brown has been a key factor for the Jacks all season. Venlting-Brown has contributed on both sides of the ball this season with 49 kills and 29 blocks with a total of 64 points on the season.

Denver

On Thursday SDSU will travel to Denver to play the Denver Pioneers at 7 p.m.

The pioneers have gotten off to a good start in the 2025 season. Denver sits at 10-3 overall with a 2-0 conference record.

The Pioneers’ two conference wins

came against Oral Roberts, whom they beat 3-0 and Kansas City, whom they beat 3-1.

The leading scorer for Denver is sixfoot-six senior opposite hitter Genevieve Lewis. Lewis has tallied 151 points on the season with 138 kills and 21 blocks on the season.

Second leading scorer Ava Reynolds has also had a good start to her Senior season as she has racked up 149.5 points with 134 kills.

Sophomore Jamia Johnson is another scoring threat for the Pioneers. Johnson has 128.5 points on the season. Johnson is third on the team, not only scoring but also in kills with 113.

Oral Roberts

After SDSU travels to Denver on Thursday, they will head to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to take on Oral Roberts on Saturday, September 4, at noon.

Oral Roberts hasn’t had the start to the season they were looking for as they find themselves 2-12 with an 0-2 conference record.

Those two conference losses came to Denver and USD, with both of them being 3-0 sweeps.

Sophomore Hope Hickman leads the Golden Eagles in scoring with 114 points coming on 108 kills.

Freshman from Sneek, Netherlands, Suze Zijlstra is second on the team in scoring with 102.5 points with 89 kills.

SDSU will return home on Thursday, Oct. 9 to face Kansas City.

JACKS SHUTOUT TOMMIES

Jackrabbits will now host UND and NDSU

Jordan Raddatz Sports Reporter

South Dakota State soccer opened Summit League play at Fishback Soccer Park with a crushing 6-0 victory over St. Thomas last Thursday, earning their seventh win of the season.

ST. THOMAS

It took just two minutes for the Jacks to score their first goal. Sophomore Hailee Christensen opened the scoring for her fourth goal of the season. Mia Bosch shot one in during the 24th minute, followed by freshman MaKynlie Cade seven minutes later. Freshman Emma Brezenski wrapped up the first period scoring in minute 33.

SDSU put up two more goals in the second period. Ellie Gusman and Alexa Ruppert put in the last pair of goals of the night for the team’s sixth shutout this season.

Sophomore Mia Bosch led the Jacks in shots with six, plus two on goal and an assist. Lauren Walter put up four shots with one on goal while senior Lauren Eckerle had a pair of shots and assists. Emma Brezenski led the substitutes in shots with four, also racking up two shots on goal and an assist.

“It was a great performance, all across the board,” Head Coach Brock Thompson said. “I thought the focus that (the players) played with was tremendous.” St. Thomas put up just seven shots with four on goal the entire evening. Senior Sophia Barjesteh, the Tommies’ leading shooter, had two shots on goal while five other plays split the remaining total. The six goals are the highest allowed by the Tommies this season.

NORTH DAKOTA

SDSU will host both North Dakota schools this week. With a loss and a tie

to open their conference play, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks are sixth in the standings.

UND’s Jessica Machovec leads the Summit League in average shots per game at 3.11. At 29 total this season, she sits behind sophomore Charlie Basinet who has 34. She averages 3.09 shots per game which is second best in the conference and leads UND in goals with five on the season. Basinet had a three-goal game against Eastern Washington on Aug. 22.

“(UND is) a really hard team to score on,” Thompson said. “So I think our ability to really - when we recover the ball -

just attack quickly is really important.”

Game time is Thursday at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE

After SDSU plays the Fighting Hawks, they will stay home and host the North Dakota State Bison. After an 0-2 start in conference play the Bison will first travel to play USD before they face the Jacks. Sophomore forward Morgan Russmann has a team high 32 shots this season, scoring three times and assisting on four more goals. Her 19 shots on goal

are also a team high. The midfielder Isabel Garcia shares the team lead in goals, having put up 11 shots with six on goal. Juniors Kendall Stadden and Hannah Arnold are the other Bison players with multiple goals this season. Stadden has 18 shots with 10 on goal and three assists, while Arnold has eight shots with five on goal and three assists.

Game time is Sunday at 1 p.m. and will be streamed on the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus.

Equestrian to open season at home

GRACYN ELFELDT Reporter

The South Dakota State Equestrian team will start its season with a three-meet series Friday and Saturday. They will compete against Minnesota Crookston on Friday, then take on the University of Tennessee-Martin on Saturday. UT-Martin also will compete against Minnesota Crookston on Saturday. The competitions will be held at the Dehan Equestrian Center in Brookings.

SDSU’s team has gone through a few changes since last year, and that includes two new coaches. Claire McDowell and Kamerra Brown recently arrived at SDSU and are ready to get started with their Jackrabbit careers.

“Come cheer us on,” McDowell said. “We are right across the road from the football field and you can pet a horse if you show up. Student support means more than you know, and simply showing up throughout the day to cheer on your Jacks would make more of a difference than you know.”

College equestrian competitions feature two divisions: The English (jumping seat) discipline involves competitors riding horses and jumping over fences and flat riding.

The western discipline involves horsemanship (pattern riding) and reining (spins, tops and circles) riding. All riders compete on horses provided by the host university or show organizers – not their own. South Dakota State competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference, where the Jacks finished last season with a 4-9 record.

Elizabeth Wagner, a junior who competes in the jumping seat discipline, said that with the coaching changes over the years the team’s situation could feel inconsistent.

“This has shown the team’s adaptability and willingness to pivot. The many setbacks this team has experienced have pushed them to work harder,” Wagner said. While the disciplines on the team lost both graduating seniors and transfers going into this season, the fresh start gives them some key driving factors for success. McDowell spoke highly about some of the new additions.

“We have gained some amazing transfers and freshmen on both the jumping seats and western sides,” she said. “I think we are truly set up for success this year with the level of commitment and hard work we have on this team.”

Wagner said she is most excited about showing what

she and her teammates are made of and being able to represent the program at the highest level.

“We've put in the work, and now it’s time to show it,” she said.

With the number of athletes, scheduling can be difficult. McDowell said the team tries to practice every day for an hour.

“The only way to get better is to practice consistently,” she said.

Brighton McBride, a senior on the western riding equestrian team, said after the team fell short last year in the semifinals, the goal this year is to make it to the ECAC finals. The conference championship will take place this upcoming March 26-28 in Harrington, Delaware.

The team in total will attend five away meets this semester, along with hosting the three meet headers to start their season this weekend. Next semester, the Jacks will be hosting four meets and traveling to two away meets.

JACKS ROUT MERCYHURST; FACE RANKED OPPONENT

JACOB BRENDE Sports Editor

Jackrabbit football head coach Dan Jackson previously mentioned in a press conference how their game against Mercyhurst was a way to show what the Jacks had improved on during their bye week.

The 51-7 win over the Lakers proved to do the team well. All three phases of the team played well in what was the Jacks’ 32nd consecutive home win. They will need to keep up the momentum as they head to Ohio to play their third ranked team of the season, the No. 18 Youngstown State Penguins. The Penguins are 3-1 on the season, with their lone loss being to Michigan State in a 24-41 point game.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

The Jackrabbits went into their Mercyhurst game playing against a passing defense that had been holding quarterbacks to an average of under 150 passing yards per game. SDSU quarterback Chase Mason would have a career game against that same defense. He tied a career high with three passing touchdowns while throwing for a career high 321 passing yards. Mason threw for a season high 29 passes, completed 21 and also threw a season long 52-yard throw.

Graham Goehring led the receiving room in receptions and receiving yards. Despite not recording a touchdown, he hauled in a 52-yard bomb and had his best game of the season in receptions and receiving yards.

On the contrary, the Laker running defense that previously had let up an average of 204 yards a game, held the Jacks to 126. James Basinger led the Jacks in carries and rushing yards with 15 and 53 respectively, he also scored two touchdowns.

“You’ll see big leaps with him,” Jackson said. “Now that he’s gotten some of those

reps I would expect him to make a jump.”

Adam Urena is Mercyhurst’s starting quarterback and going into the game, his stats looked good. He threw for 1,144 passing yards and six passing touchdowns, albeit with five interceptions and -36 rushing yards on the season.

The Jackrabbit defense held him in line nearly the entire game, allowing a lone touchdown and 103 passing yards. They also recorded two interceptions and three sacks on Urena.

SDSU is now averaging 34.5 points per game while holding teams to 13.75. On offense, the rushing attack is averaging four yards per rush and has scored nine touchdowns. They have run the ball for a net yardage of 700, gaining 817 yards over the season but having lost 117.

South Dakota State’s opponents have run for 396 yards against the Jacks, an average of 99 a game. They have only let up three touchdowns on the year.

For the passing game, SDSU has thrown for 932 yards, which averages out to be 233 a game with each passing averaging a gain of 8.876 yards. Their defense has been equally as good, having only let up 548 yards over four games this season. Only two passing touchdowns have been let up by the Jacks.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

The Penguins are coming off of a close game against the then 2-1 Towson Tigers. Youngstown State won that game 31-28 after a 42 yard field goal won them the

JACKRABBITS

4-0 3-1

SDSU will travel to Ohio to face the Youngstown State Penguins this Saturday at 5 p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN STANDOUT

Beau Brungard is a bit of a one man offense. He has accounted for more than 70% of the teams offensive yardage.

JACKS STANDOUT

Chase Mason had one of the best games of his career against Mercyhurst. He threw for 321 yards while getting three passing touchdowns.

YOUNGSTOWN FACTS

• Brungard threw for 242 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against FBS Michigan State.

• During Hobo Day last year, the Jacks beat Youngstown State 6313. Mason ran for 161 yards and had two rushing touchdowns.

• Youngstown State has had an offensive, defensive and special teams player of the week this season.

SDSU returns to Brookings to host 2-2 Northern Iowa on Saturday at 2 p.m.

game at the buzzer. After Towson took a fourth quarter 28-17 lead, Youngstown State scored 14 unanswered points, a touchdown plus two point conversion and two field goals.

Quarterback Beau Brungard was a first team MVFC athlete last year, and has continued the level of play that earned him that honor throughout this season. He earned that honor not as a quarterback, but as an “all purpose player.” Brungard is not only a threat through the air but also as a runner, having 526 rushing yards alongside his 755 passing yards.

Earlier this season against now 1-3 Robert Morris, he ran for 264 yards and scored four touchdowns. The team has created 1,659 yards of offense this season, Brungard is responsible for 1,281 of those yards, that’s 77 percent.

“He’s uber competitive,” Jackson said. “Sometimes when certain people run the ball you can tell their desire to get every yard and every inch and what that means to them, and you can tell it means a lot to him.”

His primary passing target is Max Tomczak, he has 306 yards on the season with a single touchdown. He is also coming off an MVFC first team selection following his 904 yard season. Against the Jacks last year, he caught six passes for 78 yards. Behind him in total passing yards is Jaden Gilbert, he has 151. Gilbert isn’t even a wide receiver though, he is a running back and apart from Brungard has led the team in rushing yards. Last year he had 117 yards rushing and one touchdown through ten games. In his four games played this year, he has run for 192 and has scored two touchdowns.

Out of the four other opponents SDSU has faced this year, the only teams to allow more points than Youngstown State were Drake and Mercyhurst. This season, the Penguins have let up an average of 25.25 points a game. They have recorded five sacks this season while also letting up five. Redzone defense has been a huge struggle for them. Out of the 13 times they have let opponents in the redzone, nine times have resulted in a touchdown. In the same light, the Youngstown State offense has been stellar in the redzone, scoring on 18 of their 19 trips. It hasn’t been stopping the run that’s been a problem for them, but more

so the pass. They have only let up 439 rushing yards, and that’s on 109 attempts as well. Teams have been trying but most haven’t found much success. Michigan State is the exception however, they were able to rack up 174 rushing yards and scored four rushing touchdowns. Teams have averaged more than 260 yards through the air though, and have scored seven touchdowns.

Another area of struggle has been penalties, Youngstown State has averaged 53.5 penalty yards a contest. Over the season, they have committed 23 penalties for a total of 214 yards. Opponents have fared better with an average of 35.25.

It’ll be another ranked matchup for the No. 2 Jacks as they play No. 18 Youngstown State at 5 p.m. for their first MVFC contest. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and can be listened to on the Jackrabbit Sports Network.