Roncalli's Derek Larson selected as girls prep coach of the year by SD sportswriters

A silver medal performance by University of South Dakota graduate Chris Nilsen earned him a spot as the South Dakota Sports Celebrity of the Year for 2021 as chosen by the South Dakota Sportswriters Association.

Nilsen, a two-time NCAA champion, earned his first U.S. Olympic Trials championship in 2020, resulting in his first Olympic berth. In the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in summer 2021, Nilsen finished second to longtime rival Armand Duplantis of Sweden.

Duplantis, who competed collegiately at Louisiana State, cleared 6.02 meters (19-9), beating Nilsen’s 5.97 meters (19-7).

The award was one of several decided by the sportswriters association. The complete list follows.

Prep Girls’ Coach

Derek Larson, Aberdeen Roncalli

Larson guided the Cavaliers to their first Class A girls’ basketball state championship last season. Known for his defensive style of coaching, Roncalli won its three matchups in the state tourney without allowing more than 35 points in any game.

Now in his 12th year at the helm, Larson has never had a losing season with the Cavaliers.

He is quick to credit his assistant coaches and his players for winning the coaching honor.

“We’ve had the same assistants (Rich Dix and Amanda Bain) for the past six years now. We’ve had a lot of kids that have put in a lot of time, starting for the last several years in a row,” Larson said. “All of those things just lead to awards in coaching. You don’t win anything like that if you don’t have quality kids who are willing to put in the time and effort.”

Independent Male Athlete

Gavin Weir, Sioux Falls Little League

Gavin Weir became a household name during the summer of 2021 when he produced one of the best pitching performances the Little League World Series has ever seen.

In his two outings, Weir threw two no-hitters (one combined with Cason Mediger) and 29 strikeouts in both games. In fact, all through district, state, regional and the LLWS, Weir only allowed one hit.

Weir's throwing motion and dominance led many on Twitter to compare him to MLB standout Chris Sale, and his three-run homer to break a 0-0 stalemate against Oregon led to Shohei Ohtani mentions.

Because of pitch counts, Weir was unable to pitch in the semifinal loss to Ohio (5-2) and also wouldn't have been able to play in the championship game had the team advanced that far.

By then, his place in the LLWS history books had already been cemented.

Independent Female Athlete

Dakotah Lindwurm

This former Northern State runner had a memorable year. She won the legendary Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn., and then was the third American woman to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon this past fall clocking, a time of 2:31:04.

Lindwurm became the first Minnesota woman to win Grandma’s since 1987.

She was a five-time NCAA Division II national qualifier while running for Northern and earned first team All-American honors in 2017 in outdoor track, and second team honors in cross country.

“Being at Northern State in Aberdeen is the reason that I’m able to continue to be a professional runner,” Lindwurm said. “It’s really what shaped me and set me up for success in my career now.”

She currently has her sights set on qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Independent Team

Sioux Falls Little League

Prior to the 2021 Little League World Series, the teams representing South Dakota had earned just one win at the tournament (1-11).

But the 2021 crew from Sioux Falls, led by left-handed pitcher Gavin Weir, advanced to the semifinals and caught nationwide attention in the process.

Weir threw two no-hitters (one a combined no-hitter with Cason Mediger) and hit a game-winning three-run home run against Oregon. Maddux Munson threw a one-hitter in that game.

The storybook run ended when Ohio beat South Dakota 5-2 in the semifinals.

Sioux Falls played Hawaii in the consolation championship, and South Dakota players visited the team before that game and offered them gifts from the Mount Rushmore State. They then played wiffle ball.

On their return to Sioux Falls, players were given a raucous welcome at the airport and a celebration party at the Sanford Pentagon to honor their incredible run.

That same week, they went back to middle school as kings of the campus.

College Male Athlete

Pierre Strong, South Dakota State football

It was just the second game of the fall season when SDSU’s spring rushing leader Isaiah Davis left the game with an injury that would keep him sidelined for over two months. If there was concern this might hamper the Jacks running game, though, Pierre Strong made it clear there was no need to worry when he rushed for 150 yards the following week at Indiana State, his third straight 100-yard game. Four times this season Strong would best his own season-high from that day, amassing a career-high season total before the playoffs had even started.

Strong has consistently been one of the nation’s best rushers, with this year’s 1,686 yards good enough to make him tops in the FCS. His season-best game —185 yards — helped lead the Jacks to a decisive victory in the opening round of the playoffs against UC Davis and marked his ninth 100-yard game this year.

Strong also established himself as an efficient and timely passer, completing four passes this season, all for touchdowns. For his career, he is nine-for-nine with six touchdowns. It’s no wonder that Strong is one of the top FCS prospects for the NFL Draft.

College Men’s Coach

John Stiegelmeier, SDSU coach

John Stiegelmeier has seen a lot in his 25 years as South Dakota State’s head football coach, but nothing could have prepared him for what 2021 had in store. Coming off a 2019 season in which the Jackrabbits were done in by injures, the 2020 campaign was pushed back multiple times by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the NCAA finally made the decision to try to play FCS football in the spring, not everyone was up for it. Some teams opted out, some teams quit halfway through, and others seemed to go through the motions.

The Selby native's Jacks, however, embraced the opportunity to play a season amidst the pandemic. The coach and his staff successfully navigated the necessary protocols to get through the season and went 5-1 to earn the top seed in the playoffs. From there, they reeled off three straight wins to reach their first-ever national championship game in Frisco. They came up just short, falling 23-21 to Sam Houston.

The Jacks came back in the fall, just three months later, determined to finish the job. Though they ultimately fell short of that goal, the Jacks would play a school-record 15 games, going 11-4 and advancing to the semifinals. Along the way, they picked up a win over FBS Colorado State, a second consecutive win in the Dakota Marker series against North Dakota State, and three playoff wins including two road wins over seeded teams. Overall the Jacks would play a college football record 25 games in 2021, going 19-6. Near the end of their playoff run, the Jackrabbits all-time winningest coach was given a two-year contract extension that will keep him in charge of his alma mater through 2025.

College Men’s Team

South Dakota State football

For South Dakota State football, 2021 was a year unlike any other. And not just in program history, but all of college football.

They played more games in 2021 than any team in college football ever has, thanks to a first-ever spring season amid an ongoing pandemic. They made their first national championship appearance in program history. They were the only unseeded team to play in the semifinals of this fall’s FCS playoffs.

The unprecedented feats didn’t come without adversity along the way. Quarterback Mark Gronowski’s debut season ended with a year-ending injury—the abbreviated break in seasons meant he’d never be ready to play by the fall. It was barely September when Isiah Davis suffered a shoulder injury that would impact the rest of his season, leaving the Jacks absent two players that were indispensable to the success they had in the spring run-up to Frisco.

Even so, the Jacks made it clear their goal was to return to Frisco and finish what they started last May, where they fell just short of the title. The fall season started with an impressive win at Colorado State and saw the Jacks remain undefeated into October, before suffering the first of three losses that ultimately cost them a seed in post-season play and meant the path to Texas would require much more of them if they wanted to get back—they’d end up playing four games in four different time zones before the season would end.

Despite that crushing end to the season at Montana State, the Jacks are still the obvious pick for team of the year. They played 25 games (and won 19). They battled back to the semis despite the punishing travel schedule of the past few weeks. They made program history.

College Female Athlete

Ady Dwight, Dakota Wesleyan

Dwight helped lead the Dakota Wesleyan volleyball team with its best season in more than three decades and success at the NAIA national tournament for the first time in school history. A sophomore from Langford, Dwight earned NAIA All-American first-team honors in DWU’s breakthrough 25-10 season. She had 473 kills and 136 blocks during the Tigers' breakthrough season and averaged 3.88 kills per set with an attacking percentage of .308.

The 6-foot middle blocker led the Tigers in kills, hitting percentage, total blocks, and blocks per set. Dwight was ranked eighth in the nation for kills and 14th for total blocks, as the Tigers earned a pair of wins in national tournament play, advanced to the 24-team final site tournament in Sioux City, Iowa and recorded its best national top-25 ranking in school history at No. 13 at midseason and finishing No. 14.

College Women’s Coach

Leanne Williamson, USD Volleyball

Leanne Williamson led Coyote volleyball to not one, but two NCAA tournaments in 2021. South Dakota used a reverse sweep (lost first two sets, won next three) to beat Denver inside the Sanford Pentagon to win the Summit League Tournament in April. The Coyotes beat South Dakota State and Omaha on back-to-back nights over Thanksgiving weekend in Vermillion to win their third tournament title in four seasons.

Williamson is 163-76 (.682) in eight seasons as South Dakota’s head coach and has been on staff at USD since 2009. The Coyotes have made three NCAA tournament appearances, won two Summit League regular season titles and posted four 20-win seasons in the last six years. She has twice been named Summit League Coach of the Year.

College Women’s Team

South Dakota State softball

The 2021 season was the best in South Dakota State softball history. The Jackrabbits went 43-8 en route to Summit League regular season and conference tournament championships. SDSU qualified for the NCAA Tournament as an auto bid and in their first NCAA Tournament game ever, they beat Stanford 7-1.

The Jackrabbits lost their next two games to the Cardinal to fall short of advancing to the Super Regional round of the NCAA Tournament, but SDSU still made an impressive mark in their first NCAA Tournament appearance.

SDSU’s hitters led the Summit League in runs (321), hits (449), doubles (76), triples (25), home runs (73), slugging percentage (.560) and batting average (.317). The Jackrabbits’ pitchers led the Summit League in earned run average (1.87), shutouts (15) and strikeouts (308).

Prep Male Athlete

Matthew Mors, Yankton

In a career that was defined by amazing numbers, Yankton’s Matthew Mors saved the best for last.

The six-year varsity player — and four-time first-team All-Stater —posted career bests in scoring average (24.2 ppg), rebounds (195), steals (60) and blocked shots (46) in leading the Bucks basketball team to a third place finish.

Mors, who is redshirting at the University of Wisconsin this season, finished his career as the top scorer in Class AA history (2,707 points), ranking fourth overall in state history. He also left YHS as the career leader in steals (219), assists (315), blocked shots (159) and made three-pointers (254). His career was also capped with the 2021 ‘Spirit of Su’ Award for Class AA.

Prep Boys’ Coach

Tom McGough, Miller

McGough led the Miller boys to their first ever Class B state cross country championship this fall. McGough is currently in his 47th year of coaching, 40 of them at Miller, including 36 with the cross country program. Miller had three runners among the top 24 places and won the title by 23 points.

McGough was inducted in the South Dakota Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame this past year.

McGough, who also led the Rustlers to the 1989 state track and field title, reflected on some of his former coaches who helped to shape him, and he tries in turn to pass those lessons on to those he coaches.

He quoted the late Don Meyer, former Northern State men’s basketball, coach by saying, “We all have a gift, but we’ve got to share it. If we don’t give it away, it means nothing.”

Prep Boys’ Team

Canton wrestling

Canton wrestling has been a dynasty for years, and last season’s state title team was one of the best ones yet. Of the 13 grapplers who qualified for state competition this year, all 13 reached the podium. The C-Hawks, who had challengers in the 2020-21 season in Winner and Phillip Area, dominated the state meet to win its fourth-consecutive Class B State Championship.

Canton had champions at 120 (Ayson Rice) and 220 (Marshall Baldwin), and runner-ups at 138 (Braden Sehr), 152 (Seth Peterson), 160 (Jaden Dominisse) and 170 (Luke Richardson).

The C-Hawks also defended their state duals title with some strong scores on the girls side, as well. Carlee Laubach claimed the 185-pound title and the Class B most pins award (4), while teammates Rachel Mastalir (140), Carly Ballinger (160) and Kiara King (275) all finished runner-up.

Prep Female Athlete

Caelyn Valandra-Prue, White River

Caelyn Valandra-Prue powered White River to its first-ever Class B state girls basketball championship in March. Valandra-Prue, who was the Class B player of the year, recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds in White River’s 57-37 win over Castlewood in the championship game. For the season, she averaged 27.4 points, 8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, while finishing with 73 steals and 48 blocked shots.

A multiple-time all-stater, Valandra-Prue finished eighth on the state’s all-time scoring list with 2,536 career points. Valandra-Prue, who won multiple state track titles, is currently competing for the University of South Dakota women’s track and field team.

Prep Girls’ Team

Sioux Falls Washington girls basketball

The Warriors were loaded in the 2020-21 girls basketball season. Their star forward Sydni Schetnan was just the start. Washington also had a star in waiting in Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda and several other pieces that rounded the team out. The Warriors went 20-2 on their way to a Class AA state title crown.

Schetnan posted 15.3 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game, blocking a total of 81 shots. That would give the Warriors enough star power, but Mwenentanda added 14.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game with 37 steals and 10 blocks. Schetnan is at Louisville now, Mwenentanda is headed to Texas — perhaps two of the biggest recruits in South Dakota in some time playing on the same team.

Rapid City Stevens was their championship competitor, and the Warriors let them score just 26 points all game en route to a 43-26 win.

Past winners

Sports Celebrity

1964, Billy Mills; 1965, Pete Retzlaff; 1966, Ordell Braase; 1967, Les Josephson; 1968, Carroll Hardy; 1969, Garney Henley; 1970, Sparky Anderson; 1971, Dick Green; 1972, Jim Langer; 1973, Lyle Alzado; 1974, Dick Green; 1975, Sparky Anderson; 1976, John Dutton; 1977, Paul Roach; 1978, Joe Robbie; 1979, Dave Collins; 1980, Paul Tierney; 1981, Joe Salem; 1982, Dick Beardsley; 1983, Doug Wolfgang; 1984, Sparky Anderson; 1985, Brian Hanson; 1986, Curt and Tom Byrum; 1987, Paul Christen; 1988, Olympians Bill and Jim Scherr, and Dennis and Duane Koslowski; 1989, Doug Wolfgang; 1990, Pat O’Brien; 1991, Tanya Crevier; 1992, Kris Tschetter; 1993, Sparky Anderson; 1994, Eric Piatkowski; 1995, Marvin Garrett; 1996, Bill Mott; 1997, Adam Vinatieri; 1998, Mike Miller; 1999, Josh Heupel; 2000, Mike Miller and Josh Heupel; 2001, Rod DeHaven; 2002, Adam Vinatieri; 2003, Mark Ellis; 2004, Derek Miles; 2005, Becky Hammon; 2006, Ben Leber; 2007, Mark Ellis; 2008, Derek Miles; 2009, Chad Greenway; 2010, Stefan Logan; 2011, Chad Greenway; 2012, Mike Miller; 2013, Nate Wolters; 2014, Becky Hammon; 2015, Becky Hammon; 2016, Chad Greenway; 2017, Riley Reiff; 2018, Adam Vinatieri; 2019, Chris Streveler; 2020, Blake Treinen; 2021, Chris Nilsen.

Independent Male Athlete

1958, Carl Hertz, Menno, baseball; 1959, John Enright, Sioux Falls, golf; 1960, Vern McKee, Yankton, baseball; 1961, Phil Donohue, Sioux Falls, golf; 1962, Indy Titterington, Yankton, women’s golf; 1963, Bob Marske, Andover, basketball; 1964, Alan Cooke, Sioux Falls, golf; 1965, Kathy Kober, Rapid City, women’s golf; 1966, Dave Danielson, Yankton, bowling; 1967, George Meyers, Rapid City, golf; 1968, Dave Weber, Sioux Falls, tennis; 1969, Stan Opp, Aberdeen, wrestling; 1970, Jim Ahern, Yankton, golf; 1971, Lee Goldammer, Canova, baseball; 1972, Doug Stanford, Rapid City, basketball and baseball; 1973, Pat Jefferson, Rapid City, boxing; 1974, Rick Crain, Rapid City, weightlifting; 1975, Leigh Dunker, Warner, horseshoe pitching; 1976, Dave Hanten, Sioux Falls, golf; 1977, Curt Fredrickson, Aberdeen, baseball; 1978, Larry Slupe, Sioux Falls, Wheelchair Games, swimming; 1979, Randy Lewis, Rapid City, wrestling; 1980, Scott Swisher, Aberdeen, swimming; 1981, Curt Byrum, Onida, golf; 1982, Greg Haydenluck, USD, decathalon; 1983, Dennis Koslowski, Doland, wrestling; 1984, Randy Lewis, Rapid City, wrestling; 1985, Bob Beattie, Aberdeen, amateur baseball; 1986, Bill and Jim Scherr, Mobridge, wrestling; 1987, Chuck Richards, Rapid City, boxing; 1988, Dan Stier, Aberdeen, baseball; 1989, Mark Mortenson, Sioux Falls, wheelchair athletics; 1990, Mike Brummer, Rapid City, golf; 1991, Chad McConnell, Sioux Falls, baseball; 1992, Dennis Koslowski, St. Louis Park, Minn., Greco-Roman wrestling; 1993, Lincoln McIlravy, Iowa State, wrestling; 1994, Ben Thomas, Rapid City, baseball; 1995, Ryan Jansa, New Mexico State, golf; 1996, Greg Jimmerson, Stanford, cross country; 1997, Lincoln McIlravy, Iowa, wrestling; 1998, Kevin Leighton, Madison, amateur baseball; 1999, Brock Lesnar, Minnesota, wrestling; 2000, Lincoln McIlravy, Philip, wrestling; 2001, Billy Etbauer, Ree Heights, rodeo; 2002, Paul Schock, Sioux Falls, golf; 2003, Scott Rislov, San Jose State, football; 2004, Chad Greenway, Iowa, football; 2005, Jeff Willert, Belvidere, rodeo; 2006, Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, rodeo; 2007, Taylor Mehlhaff, Aberdeen (Wisconsin), football; 2008, Joe Krabbenhoft, Sioux Falls (Wisconsin), basketball; 2009, Kevin Leighton, Madison, baseball; 2010, Bill Hardcastle, Mobridge (Purdue), track; 2011, Riley Reiff, Parkston (Iowa), football; 2012, Shane Van Boening, Rapid City, billiards; 2013, Colton Iverson, Yankton (Colorado State), basketball; 2014, Robert Kokesh, Wagner (Nebraska), wrestling; 2015, Robert Kokesh, Wagner (Nebraska), wrestling; 2016, Nate Gerry, Sioux Falls (Nebraska), football; 2017, Tony Smoragiewicz, Rapid City, triathlon; 2018, Peyton Zabel, Pierre, baseball; Miles Krajewski, Yankton; 2020, Chase Mason, Viborg; 2021, Gavin Weir, Sioux Falls Little League.

Independent Female Athlete

1970, Sally Plihal, Tyndall, track; 1971, Gretchen Idema, Sioux Falls, golf; 1972, Lavonne Opitz, Redfield, track; 1973, Peggy (Schock) Kirby, Sioux Falls, golf; 1974, Patty Dobratz, Sioux Falls, (S.D. State) basketball; 1975, Lu Holwerda, Brookings, tennis; 1976, Tanya Crevier, Jefferson, basketball; 1977, Joan Brockhaus, Rosholt, track, 1978, Lynae Larson, Brookings, distance running; 1979, Becky Larson, Watertown, golf; 1980, Jane Wipf, Freeman, distance running; 1981, Lisa Van Goor, Yankton, basketball; 1982, Sue Thomas, Rapid City, distance running; 1983, Kris Tschetter, Sioux Falls, golf; 1984, Lynae Larson, Brookings, distance running; 1985, Chris Dummermuth, Sioux Falls, tennis; 1986, Michelle Scarborough, Hayes, target shooting; 1987, Julie Krauth, Lyons, softball; 1988, Cindy Greiner, Boise, Idaho, heptathlon; 1989, Jane Egan, Sioux Falls, golf; 1990, Jane Egan, Sioux Falls, golf; 1991, Michelle Scarborough, Hayes, target shooting; 1992, Paulette Simonson, S.D. State, rodeo; 1993, Janel Birrenkott, Rapid City, basketball; 1994, Amy Burnett, Wyoming, basketball; 1995, Kristie Price, S.D. State, rodeo; 1996, Becky Hammon, Colorado State, basketball; 1997, Monica Meendering, Sioux Falls, softball; 1998, Lisa Griebel, Iowa State, track; 1999, Becky Hammon, Colorado State, basketball; 2000, Jayne Even, N.D. State, basketball; 2001, Erin Miller, Nebraska, soccer; 2002, Jill Theeler, N.D. State, track; 2003, Megan Mahoney, Kansas State, basketball; 2004, Ashley Pederson, Penn State, volleyball; 2005, Katie Budahl, Mitchell, swimming; 2006, Jana Lindsey, freestyling skiing; 2007, Jill Moody, Letcher, rodeo; 2008, Ashley Nord, Rapid City, swimming; 2009, Kimmy Kaufman, Clark, Golf; 2010, Jill Moody, Letcher, rodeo; 2011, Abby Plucker, Parker (N.D. State), basketball; 2012, Kim Kaufman, Clark (Texas Tech), golf; 2013, Sam Ostarello, Fort Pierre (Purdue), basketball; 2014, Kim Kaufman, Clark, golf; 2015, Tevyn Waddell, Mitchell, swimming; 2016, Taryn Kloth, Sioux Falls (Creighton), volleyball; 2017, Tevyn Waddell, Mitchell, swimming; 2018, Taryn Kloth, Sioux Falls (Creighton); 2019, Ali Lindner, Sioux Falls (Minnesota) softball; 2020, Tessa Stoltenburg, Watertown, marathon; 2021, Dakotah Lindwurm, Northern State, marathon.

Independent Team

1954, Mitchell Kernels baseball; 1955, Huron Elks baseball; 1956, Huron Stahl’s baseball; 1957, Aberdeen Pred’s baseball; 1958, Huron Stahl’s baseball, 1959, Sioux Falls American Legion baseball; 1960, Huron Indians baseball; 1961, Humboldt baseball; 1962, Rapid City American Legion baseball; 1963, Renner baseball; 1964, Aberdeen American Legion baseball; 1965, Brookings Harold’s Printers basket- ball; 1966, Yankton Press and Dakotan track club; 1967, Rapid City boxing; 1968, Southern Track Club; 1969, Rapid City YMCA swim team; 1970, Aberdeen Depot baseball; 1971, Sioux Falls Traub Silo basketball; 1972, Rapid City Macy’s All- Stars basketball; 1973, Brookings Spies slowpitch; 1974, Aberdeen Elks diving; 1975, Rapid City American Legion baseball. 1976, Aberdeen Dahme’s Slowpitch; 1977, Sioux Falls FOP boxing; 1978, Sioux Falls Palmer Construction basketball; 1979, Canova baseball; 1980, Lyman County basketball; 1981, Madison amateur baseball; 1982, Great Plains Indians amateur basketball; 1983, Rapid City Indian boxing team; 1984, Rapid City American Legion baseball; 1985, Claremont amateur baseball; 1986, Aberdeen Braun Trucking basketball; 1987, S.D. Special Olympics Basketball; 1988, South Dakota Over-30 Baseball; 1989, Sioux Falls Shenanigan’s basketball; 1990, Sioux Falls Silver Bullets amateur baseball; 1991, South Dakota Nike All-Stars; 1992, Circus Sports Bar, South Dakota Over-40 baseball; 1993, Rapid City American Legion baseball; 1994, Rapid City Gregs amateur baseball; 1995, Aberdeen Pheasants, minor league baseball; 1996, Sioux Falls Skyforce, CBA basketball; 1997, Brookings Cubs, amateur baseball; 1998, Brookings Rangers, hockey; 1999, Brookings Cubs, amateur baseball; 2000, Redfield, amateur baseball; 2001, Dell Rapids Pabst Blue Ribbon and Dell Rapids Mudcats, amateur baseball; 2002, Rapid City Post 22 American Legion baseball; 2003, Yankton Riverbats, amateur baseball; 2004, Sioux Falls Storm, semi-pro football; 2005, Sioux Falls Skyforce, semi-pro basketball; 2006, Sioux Falls Storm, semi-pro football; 2007, Sioux Falls Stampede, semi-pro hockey; 2008, Canyon Lake (Rapid City), little league baseball; 2009, Northern State rugby; 2010, Rapid City Rush, minor league hockey; 2011, Harney (Rapid City), little league baseball; 2012, Brookings Bandits American Legion baseball; 2013, Alexandria Angels amateur baseball; 2014, Aberdeen Swim Club; 2015, Parkston Mudcats amateur baseball; 2016, Alexandria Angels amateur baseball; 2017, Sioux Falls Little League baseball; 2018, Canova Gang amateur baseball; 2019, Aberdeen Wings hockey; 2020, Rapid City Post 22 baseball; 2021, Sioux Falls Little League baseball.

College Male Athlete

1958, Jim Daniels, South Dakota; 1959, Garney Henley, Huron; 1960, Jim Luce and John Simko, Augustana; 1961, Don Jacobsen, S.D. State; 1962, Jim Kampen, Northern State; 1963, Wayne Rasmussen, S.D. State; 1964, Jerry Schlekeway, Northern State; 1965, Tom White, Yankton; 1966, Roger Heirigs, Yankton; 1967, Gary Sandbo, Augustana; 1968, Doug Neuharth, Northern State; 1969, Mike Savoy, Black Hills State; 1970, Don Trapp, S.D. State; 1971, Gary Evjen, Northern State; 1972, Rich Andrezejewski, Northern State; 1973, Garry Bentley, S.D. State; 1974, Doug Schlepp, S.D. Tech; 1975, Chris Miller, Dakota Wesleyan; 1976, Rick Jensen, S.D. State; 1977, DeeJay Donlin, Augustana; 1978, Steve Brown, S.D. State; 1979, Jeff Lamb, Black Hills State; 1980, Terry DuPris, Huron; 1981, Scott Bosanko, Northern State; 1982, Darryl James, Yankton; 1983, Dan Freidel, Augustana; 1984, Jeff Gross, Augustana; 1985, Alan Miller, Dakota Wesleyan; 1986, Koln Knight, Augustana; 1987, Rod DeHaven, S.D. State; 1988, Pat Dorn, S.D. State; 1989, Jason Landmark, Northern State; 1990, Tim Hatchett, South Dakota; 1991, Brett Schwartz, Dakota State; 1992, Scott Morgan, Dakota Wesleyan; 1993, Brian Loeffler, S.D. State; 1994, Bryan Schwartz, Augustana; 1995, Eric Kline, Northern State; 1996, Chad Lamer, S.D. State; 1997, Jason Sempsrott, S.D. State; 1998, Travis King, S.D. State; 1999, Josh Ranek, S.D. State; 2000, Paul Konechne, S.D. State; 2001, Josh Ranek, S.D. State; 2002, Tom Green, South Dakota; 2003, Eric Longhenry, Northern State; 2004, Brad Lowery, S.D. State; 2005, Wesley Beschorner, South Dakota; 2006, Turner Trofholz, South Dakota; 2007, Chad Cavender, Sioux Falls; 2008, Ryan Berry, S.D. State; 2009, Lorenzo Brown, Sioux Falls; 2010, Jon Ryan, Sioux Falls; 2011, Nate Wolters, S.D. State; 2012, Nate Wolters, S.D. State; 2013, Layne Somsen, S.D. State; 2014, Zach Zenner, S.D. State; 2015, Jake Wieneke, S.D. State; 2016, Dallas Goedert, S.D. State; 2017, Chris Nilsen, South Dakota; 2018, Seth Gross, S.D. State; 2019, Chris Nilsen, South Dakota; 2020, Chris Nilsen, South Dakota; 2021, Pierre Strong, Jr., South Dakota State.

College Men’s Coach

1954, Jim Emmerich, S.D. State track; 1955, Clark Swisher, Northern football; 1956, Bob Burns, Augustana football; 1957, Ralph Ginn, S.D. State football; 1958, Jim Long, Huron football; 1959, Jim Iverson, S.D. State basketball; 1960, Bob Wachs, Northern basketball; 1961, Ralph Ginn, S.D. State football; 1962, Clark Swisher, Northern football; 1963, Dan Lennon, South Dakota track; 1964, Gil Peterson, Huron football; 1965, Gordon Zapp, Dakota Wesleyan football; 1966, Warren Williamson, S.D. State wrestling; 1967, Gordon Fosness, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1968, Joe Salem, South Dakota football; 1969, Don Birmingham, Yankton football; 1970, Jim Marking, S.D. State basketball; 1971, Don Baker, USD-Springfield track; 1972, Bob Mulcahy, South Dakota basketball; 1973, Vern Tate, Huron football; 1974, Jay Dirksen, S.D. State track; 1975, Erv Huether, S.D. State baseball; 1976, Mike Durfee, USD-Springfield wrestling; 1977, Paul Kendle, Augustana wrestling. 1978, Dave Little Black Hills track; 1979, Gordon Fosness, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1980, Bruce Carrier, Huron basketball; 1981, Gary Boner, S.D. Tech football; 1982, Scott Underwood, S.D. State track; 1983, Bruce Carrier, Huron basketball; 1984, Bob Wachs, Northern basketball; 1985, Fran Hummel, Northern State wrestling; 1986, Dave Triplett, South Dakota football; 1987, Duane Ticknor, National College basketball; 1988, Jim Heinitz, Augustana football, and Bob Young, Sioux Falls College football; 1989, Fred Paulsen, Huron College basketball; 1990, Doug Martin, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1991, Jim Thorson, S.D. State basketball; 1992, Jim Heinitz, Augustana football; 1993, Dave Boots, South Dakota basketball; 1994, Mark Ekeland, S.D. State baseball; 1995, Bob Tereshinski, Mount Marty baseball; 1996, Scott Nagy, S.D. State; 1997, Bob Young, University of Sioux Falls football; 1998, Bob Olson, Northern State basketball; 1999, Jason Liles, S.D. State wrestling; 2000, Dave Gottsleben, South Dakota track; 2001, Scott Walkinshaw, Black Hills State cross country-track; 2002, Shane Murphy, University of Sioux Falls basketball; 2003, Don Meyer, Northern State basketball; 2004, Bob Young, University of Sioux Falls football; 2005, Ed Meierkort, South Dakota football; 2006, Kalen DeBoer, University of Sioux Falls football; 2007, John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State football; 2008, Kalen DeBoer, University of Sioux Falls football; 2009, Don Meyer, Northern State basketball; 2010, Mike Aldrich, Augustana football; 2011, Tom Billeter, Augustana basketball; 2012, John Stiegelmeier, S.D. State football; 2013, Tracy Hellman, Augustana cross country; 2014, Dave Gottsleben, University of South Dakota track; 2015, Matt Wilber, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2016, Tom Billeter, Augustana basketball; 2017, Bob Nielsen, University of South Dakota football; 2018, Paul Sather, Northern State basketball; 2019, Jerry Olszewski, Augustana football; 2020, Eric Henderson, South Dakota State basketball; 2021, John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State football.

College Men’s Team

1954, S.D. track; 1955, S.D. State football; 1956, Augustana football; 1957, South Dakota basketball; 1958, South Dakota basketball; 1959, Northern basketball; 1960, S.D. State track; 1961, Northern football; 1962, S.D. State football; 1963, S.D. State basketball; 1964, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1965, Black Hills State basketball; 1966, South Dakota track; 1967, Northern State football; 1968, Northern State football; 1969, S.D. State basketball; 1970, Yankton football; 1971, Northern football; 1972, South Dakota football; 1973, S.D. Tech basketball; 1974, Huron basketball; 1975, S.D. State track; 1976, Dakota Wesleyan football; 1977, Dakota State football; 1978, Augustana basketball; 1979, S.D. State football; 1980, Huron College wrestling; 1981, Black Hills State track and cross country; 1982, S.D. tech football; 1983, Huron College basketball; 1984, S.D. State baseball; 1985, S.D. State basketball; 1986, Huron football; 1987, S.D. State cross country; 1988, National College basketball; 1989, S.D. State cross country; 1990, South Dakota basketball; 1991, South Dakota baseball; 1992, S.D. State basketball; 1993, Northern basketball; 1994, South Dakota basketball; 1995, Sioux Falls football; 1996, Sioux Falls football; 1997, S.D. State basketball; 1998, South Dakota cross country; 1999, Mount Marty baseball; 2000, Black Hills cross country; 2001, S.D. State wrestling; 2002, University of Sioux Falls football; 2003, University of Sioux Falls football; 2004, University of Sioux Falls basketball; 2005, University of South Dakota football; 2006, Northern State basketball; 2007, Sioux Falls football; 2008, Dakota Wesleyan football; 2009, Sioux Falls football; 2010, Mount Marty baseball; 2011, Augustana baseball; 2012, S.D. State basketball; 2013, S.D. State basketball; 2014, Augustana baseball; 2015, Augustana basketball; 2016, Augustana basketball; 2017, S.D. State football; 2018, Augustana baseball; 2019, Northern State basketball; 2020, Northern State basketball; 2021, South Dakota State football.

College Female Athlete

1979, Yvette Greer, South Dakota; 1980, Cindy Heyden, Augustana; 1981, Elaine Kempf, S.D. State; 1982, Cathy Coyle, Northern; 1983, Carin Doyle, S.D. State; 1984, Kristin Asp, S.D. State; 1985, Jenny Johnson, S.D. State; 1986, Amy Jorgenson, Augustana; 1987, Karla Stevenson, S.D. State; 1988, Renate Sluys, Mount Marty; 1989, Diana Burkard, Mount Marty; 1990, Linda Gdowski, South Dakota; 1991, Julie Krauth, Augustana; 1992, Heather Andrews, South Dakota; 1993, Amy Von Wald, Northern; 1994, Ann Westby, S.D. State; 1995, Julie Jensen, Northern State; 1996, Janna Austin Aslesen, Sioux Falls; 1997, Debby Volkers, Augustana; 1998, Elena Swan, South Dakota; 1999, Lisa Bomengen, Black Hills State; 2000, Jami Barraclough, S.D. Tech; 2001, Sara Deckert, South Dakota; 2002, Randi Morgan, Dakota Wesleyan; 2003, Mandy Koupal, South Dakota; 2004, Mandy Koupal, South Dakota; 2005, Shannon Schlagel, S.D. State; 2006, Melissa Gamble, Northern State; 2007, Megan Vogel, South Dakota State; 2008, Emma Erickson, South Dakota; 2009, Jennifer Warkenthien, South Dakota State; 2010, Amanda Madden, Northern State; 2011, Bethany Buell, South Dakota; 2012, Amber Hegge, South Dakota; 2013, Bethany (Buell) Firsick, South Dakota; 2014, Emily Grove, South Dakota; 2015, Nicole Seekamp, South Dakota; 2016, Macy Miller, S.D. State; 2017, Hannah Kastigar, Northern State; 2018, Macy Miller, S.D. State; 2019, Kamberlyn Lamer, Dakota Wesleyan; 2020, Ciara Duffy, South Dakota; 2021, Ady Dwight, Dakota Wesleyan.

College Women’s Coach

1981, Curt Fredrickson, Northern basketball; 1982, Curt Fredrickson, Northern basketball; 1983, Judy Dittman, Dakota State basketball; 1984, Scott Underwood, S.D. State cross country; 1985, Chad Lavin, South Dakota basketball; 1986, Mike Peiper, Northern cross country; 1987, Pam Olerich, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1988, Nancy Neiber, S.D. State basketball; 1989, Greg Willey, South Dakota track and field; 1990, Scott Underwood, S.D. State cross country; 1991, Barb Felderman, S.D. Tech basketball. 1993, Curt Fredrickson, Northern basketball; 1994, Dave Krauth, Augustana basketball; 1995. Shane Warwick, Huron basketball; 1996, Robin Schamber, Black Hills State basketball; 1997, Kim Sudbeck, Augustana volleyball; 1998, Sandy Jerstad, Augustana volleyball; 1999, Barb Felderman, S.D. Tech basketball; 2000, Jeff Dittman, Dakota State basketball; 2001, Kevin Lein, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2002, Todd Lowery, National American University volleyball; 2003, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2004, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2005, Curt Fredrickson, Northern State basketball; 2006, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2007, Chad Lavin, South Dakota basketball; 2008, Lang Wedemeyer, S.D. State soccer; 2009, Dale Roden, Dakota Wesleyan soccer; 2010, Tracy Hellman, Augustana cross country; 2011, Adam Anderson, Dakota Wesleyan golf; 2012, Curt Fredrickson, Northern State basketball; 2013, Brent Aldridge, Northern State volleyball; 2014, Amy Williams, South Dakota basketball; 2015, Brent Aldridge, Northern State volleyball; 2016, Amy Williams, South Dakota basketball; 2017, Dan Fitzsimmons, South Dakota cross country; 2018, Jason Christensen, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2019, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2020, Dawn Plitzuweit, South Dakota basketball; 2021, Leanne Williamson, South Dakota volleyball.

College Women’s Team

1980, S.D. State cross country; 1981, S.D. State cross country; 1982, S.D. State golf; 1983, S.D. State track; 1984, South Dakota basketball; 1985, South Dakota swimming; 1986, Mount Marty basketball; 1987, South Dakota Tech volleyball; 1988, Northern basketball; 1989, Dakota Wesleyan volleyball; 1990, Augustana softball; 1991, S.D. cross country; 1992, Northern basketball; 1993, Augustana basketball; 1994, Northern basketball; 1995, S.D. State basketball; 1996, Huron University basketball; 1997, Black Hills State basketball; 1998, S.D. Tech basketball; 1999, National American University soccer; 2000, Augustana College volleyball; 2001, S.D. State volleyball; 2002, S.D. State basketball; 2003, S.D. State basketball; 2004, S.D. State basketball; 2005, S.D. State basketball; 2006, National American University volleyball; 2007, S.D. State basketball; 2008, South Dakota basketball; 2009, S.D. State basketball; 2010, Dakota Wesleyan Golf; 2011, Augustana cross country; 2012, S.D. State basketball; 2013, Augustana Women’s Basketball; 2014, S.D. State soccer; 2015, Augustana softball; 2016, S.D. State basketball.; 2017, South Dakota cross country; 2018, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2019, South Dakota volleyball; 2020, South Dakota basketball; 2021, South Dakota State softball.

High School Boys Athlete

1958, Rex Swett, Huron; 1959, Tom McGrann, Watertown; 1960, Jack Price, Milbank; 1961, Gary Schwartz, Wessington Springs; 1962, (tie) Jim Nixon, Milbank, and Doug Barth, Mitchell; 1963, Roger Heirigs, Irene; 1964, John Thomas, Alexandria; 1965, Dan Wicks, Watertown; 1966, Bruce Bushong, Huron; 1967, Terry Durnil, Aberdeen; 1968, George Amundson, Aberdeen; 1969, (tie) George Amundson, Aberdeen, and John Dutton, Rapid City; 1970, Randy Jencks, De Smet; 1971, Dave Collins, R.C. Stevens; 1972, Jim Rinehart, S.F. Lincoln; 1973, Chad Nelson, Yankton; 1974, Tom Murphy, Watertown; 1975, Jeff Lamb, Sully Buttes; 1976, Curt Byrum, Sully Buttes; 1977, Randy Lewis, R.C. Stevens; 1978, Dennis Tiefenthaler, Armour; 1979, Kevin Seibel, Vermillion; 1980, Keith Larson, Beresford; 1981, Dan Olson, De Smet; 1982, Troy Schaefer, Pierre; 1983, Tim Manning, Vermillion; 1984, Rodney DeHaven, Huron; 1985, Wade Lager, Miller; 1986, Brody Berkhout, Vermillion; 1987, Kirk Wallman, Freeman; 1988, Kirk Wallman, Freeman; 1989, Travis Martin, Scotland; 1990, Brad Kruse, De Smet; 1991, Eric Kline, Aberdeen Central; 1992, Jason Sutherland, Watertown; 1993, Lance Wipf, Yankton; 1994, Chuck Welke, Warner; 1995, Josh Ranek, Bon Homme; 1996, Jesse Haines, White Lake; 1997, Mike Miller, Mitchell; 1998, Hannon Hisek, Bon Homme; 1999, George Mollner, De Smet; 2000, Justin Noteboom, Corsica; 2001, Erik Grumstrup, R.C. Stevens; 2002, Tyg Long, Custer; 2003, Matt Martin, Spearfish; 2004, Nick Smith, Yankton; 2005, Quincy Christie, Pierre; 2006, Mitch Boeck, Arlington; 2007, Louie Krogman, White River; 2008, Kiko Mendoza, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte; 2009, Logan Storley, Webster; 2010, Matt Hermansen, Sioux Falls; 2011, Tony Smoragiewicz, Rapid City; 2012, Alex Kocer, Wagner; 2013, Lane Severyn, Pierre; 2014, Luke Loudenburg, Howard; 2015, Matt Farniok, S.F. Washington; 2016, Spencer Neugebauer, Mitchell; 2017, Derick Peters, West Central; 2018, Nash Hutmacher, Chamberlain; 2019, Nash Hutmacher, Chamberlain; 2020, Nash Hutmacher, Chamberlain; 2021, Matthew Mors, Yankton.

High School Boys Coach

1954, Lars Overskei, Yankton football; 1955, Wally Diehl, S.F. Washington basketball; 1956, Ron Freemole, Mitchell track; 1957, Lou Graslie, Belle Fourche basketball; 1958, Rollie Greeno, Milbank football; 1959, Gus Kolb, Cheyenne basketball; 1960, Gene Peters, Huron football; 1961, John DeWitt, Watertown football; 1962, Dennis Bies, Tabor football; 1963, Burdell Coplan, Canton football; 1964, Jim Cordes, Howard basketball; 1965, Mel Minton, Rapid City track; 1966, Howard Taplett, Tyndall track; 1967, Bob Schroeder, Miller football; 1968, Arne Bauer, S.F. Lincoln track; 1969, Dave Strain, Rapid City basketball; 1970, Rich Greeno, S.F. Lincoln track; 1971, Max Hawk, Yankton football; 1972, Dale McElhany, Watertown football. 1973, Marv Sherrill, Watertown wrestling; 1974, Larry Ireland, Hot Springs football; 1975, Francis Zacher, Aberdeen Roncalli basketball; 1976, Tom Long, R.C. Stevens wrestling; 1977, Gene Breemes, R.C. Stevens track; 1978, Bob Winter, Yankton basketball; 1979, Burnell Glanzer, Armour basketball; 1980, Dave Strain, R.C. Central basketball; 1981, Bob Burns, S.F. O’Gorman football; 1982, Bob Judson, Pierre basketball; 1983, John Odney, S.F. Washington basketball; 1984, Steve Entringer, Tripp football; 1985, Lyle Claussen, Brandon Valley track and cross country; 1986, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 1987, Jesse Mendoza, Pine Ridge basketball; 1988, Steve Kueter, S.F. O’Gorman football; 1989, Jay Hennies, Vermillion basketball; 1990, Mike Klinedinst, Brandon Valley football; 1991, Fran Esser, Redfield wrestling; 1992, Larry Luitjens, Custer basketball; 1993, Steve Keuter, S.F. O’Gorman football; 1994, Max Hawk, Yankton football; 1995, Jim Miner, Yankton football; 1996, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 1997, Jim Uttecht, West Central football; 1998, Gary Maffett, Brookings football; 1999, Jim Aisenbrey, Freeman football; 2000, Myron Steffen, Stickney-Mount Vernon football; 2001, Doug Schooley, Watertown football; 2002, Larry Luitjens, Custer boys basketball; 2003, Marv Sherrill, Watertown wrestling; 2004, Steve Gilbertson, Arlington football; 2005, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 2006, Brent DeBoer, Sioux Falls Roosevelt football; 2007, Bob Graham, Scotland football; 2008, Brian Norberg, Watertown basketball; 2009, Brian Hermansen, S.F. Washington football; 2010, Michael Ricke, Madison basketball; 2011, Wade Rausch, Webster wrestling; 2012, Adolph Shepardson, Deubrook football; 2013, Jayson Poppinga, Pierre football; 2014, Larry Luitjens, Custer basketball; 2015, Arlin Likness, Yankton football; 2106, Dan Aaker, Winner football; 2017, Scott Schultz, Bridgewater-Emery basketball; 2018, Shawn Lewis, Pierre wrestling; 2019, Jeff Van Leur, Bridgewater-Emery-Ethan football; 2020, Steve Steele, Pierre football; 2021, Tom McGough, Miller cross country.

High School Boys Team

1954, Hayti basketball; 1955, Sioux Falls Washington basketball; 1956, S.F. Washington football; 1957, Cresbard basketball; 1958, Huron basketball; 1959, Watertown basketball; 1960, Rapid City basketball; 1961, Aberdeen basketball; 1962, Milbank football; 1963, Sisseton basketball; 1964, Mitchell basketball; 1965, Vermillion football; 1966, Webster basketball; 1967, Milbank basketball and Mitchell football; 1968, Brookings basketball; 1969, Sioux Falls Lincoln football; 1970, Yankton football; 1971, Mitchell football; 1972, Miller basketball; 1973, S.F. Lincoln track; 1974, Yankton basketball; 1975, Freeman basketball; 1976, Yankton football; 1977, Clear Lake girls basketball; 1978, Armour basketball; 1979, Jefferson girls’ basketball; 1980, Mobridge wrestling; 1981, Winner football; 1982, Geddes football; 1983, Brookings football; 1984, Yankton golf; 1985, Mitchell basketball; 1986, Canton football; 1987, Spearfish track; 1988, Aberdeen basketball; 1989, Brandon Valley football; 1990, Garretson football; 1991, Hamlin football; 1992, Vermillion football; 1993, Custer basketball; 1994, Watertown tennis; 1995, Bon Homme football; 1996, Mitchell wrestling; 1997, Freeman football; 1998, R.C. Stevens golf; 1999, R.C. Stevens cross country; 2000, Viborg football; 2001, Castlewood basketball; 2002, Yankton football; 2003, De Smet football; 2004, Arlington football; 2005, Milbank basketball; 2006, Aberdeen Roncalli football; 2007, Sturgis wrestling; 2008, Hanson football; 2009, S.F. Lincoln basketball; 2010, Canistota football; 2011, Waverly-South Shore football; 2012, Pierre wrestling; 2013, Pierre boys’ basketball; 2014, Aberdeen Central wrestling; 2015, Winner football; 2016, Winner football; 2017, Bridgewater-Emery basketball; 2018, Colome football; 2019, Pierre football; 2020, Pierre football; 2021, Canton wrestling.

High School Girls Athlete

1974, Joan Light, Yankton; 1975, Jane Wipf, Freeman; 1976, Kay Stormo, Watertown; 1977, Tara Batcheller, Mobridge; 1978, Kay Stormo, Watertown; 1979, Nancy Rost, S.F. O’Gorman; 1980, Kris Holwerda, Brookings; 1981, Robin Lewis, R.C. Stevens; 1982, Julie Pederson, S.F. O’Gorman; 1983, Tara Tessier, Pierre; 1984, Holly Wanner, Eureka; 1985, Renae Sallquist, Brookings; 1986, Steph Schueler, S.F. Lincoln; 1987, Rochelle Heirigs, S.F. Washington; 1988, Nikki Jones, Viborg; 1989, Ann Westby, Brookings; 1990, Ericka Bakke, McCook Central; 1991, Becky Flynn, Wakonda; 1992, Amy Hatch, Brookings; 1993, Anne Vollmer, Rapid City; 1994, Julie Cooper, Vermillion; 1995, Jaime Pauli, Milbank; 1996, Jill Theeler, Mitchell; 1997, Jill Theeler, Mitchell; 1998, Taylor Baker, R.C. Stevens; 1999, Wendy O’Neill, Bennett County; 2000, Megan Mahoney, Sturgis; 2001, Liz Donohue, S.F. O’Gorman; 2002, Heather Sieler, Huron; 2003, Ramsey Kavan, Yankton; 2004, Ramsey Kavan, Yankton; 2005, Ramsey Kavan, Yankton; 2006, Jill Young, Mitchell Christian; 2007, Amber Wollschlager, Milbank; 2008, Leslie Brost, Watertown; 2009, Jilanne Doom, Wagner; 2010, Jasmyne King, Rapid City; 2011, Kelsey Barrett, Britton-Hecla; 2012, Kari Heck, Sioux Falls; 2013, Hannah Kastigar, Aberdeen; 2014, Macy Miller, Mitchell; 2015, Macy Heinz, Ipswich; 2016, Myah Selland, Letcher (Sanborn Central-Woonsocket); 2017, Myah Selland, Letcher (Sanborn Central-Woonsocket); 2018, Paiton Burckhard, Aberdeen; 2019, Sophie Tietz, Watertown; 2020, Bergen Reilly, O’Gorman; 2021, Caelyn Valandra-Prue, White River.

High School Girls Coach

1980, Fred Tibbetts, Jefferson basketball; 1981, Joe Lockwood, S.F. Washington basketball; 1982, Russ Strande, Brookings track; 1983, Jerry Altenburg, Armour basketball; 1984, Jim Holwerda, Brookings basketball; 1985, Fred Tibbetts, Jefferson basketball; 1986, Bob Hopkins, Bennett County basketball and golf; 1987, Ron Weber, Armour basketball; 1988, Bob Winter, Yankton basketball; 1989, Kathy Hunt, S.F. O’Gorman volleyball; 1990, Ron Flynn, Wakonda basketball; 1991, John Houska, R.C. Central track; 1992, Charlie Sizer, Miller basketball; 1993, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 1994, Forry Flaagan, R.C. Stevens cross country; 1995, Marcelle Herman, Belle Fourche basketball; 1996, Phil Hunt, R.C. Stevens golf; 1997, Darlene Hauck, Avon volleyball; 1998, Neil Goter, Wagner basketball; 1999, Kathy Graves, Northwestern volleyball; 2000, Fred Tibbetts, S.F. Roosevelt basketball; 2001, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball: 2002, Greg Murley, Aberdeen Central volleyball; 2003, Dan Fitzsimmons, Yankton cross country; 2004, Dan Fitzsimmons, Yankton cross country; 2005, Dan Fitzsimmons, Yankton cross country; 2006, Mark Bellum, Watertown gymnastics; 2007, Mark Senftner, Sully Buttes basketball; 2008, Paul Hendry, R.C. Stevens Track; 2009, Mark Amdahl, Summit basketball; 2010, Anita Boeck, Arlington volleyball; 2011, Rob Van Laecken, Parkston basketball; 2012, Todd Thorson, Ipswich cross country; 2013, Lyle Pearson, Sioux Falls; 2014, Rob Van Laecken, Parkston basketball; 2015, Dennis Northrup, Aberdeen Central volleyball; 2016, Dawn Seiler, Aberdeen Central basketball; 2017, Nora Groft, Northwestern volleyball; 2018, Darci Wassenaar, S.F. Christian volleyball; Larry Aaker, Winner basketball; 2020, Nora Groft, Northwestern volleyball; 2021, Derek Larson, Aberdeen Roncalli basketball.

High School Girls Team

1980, S.F. Washington basketball; 1981, Huron cross country; 1982, Yankton track; 1983, Brookings cross country; 1984, Armour basketball; 1985, Brookings basketball; 1986, Milbank cross country; 1987, S.F. O’Gorman golf; 1988, Brookings gymnastics; 1989, Wakonda basketball; 1990, Lennox cross country; 1991, Brookings tennis; 1992, R.C. Central cross country; 1993, Miller basketball; 1994, Mitchell basketball; 1995, S.F. O’Gorman tennis; 1996, R.C. Stevens cross country; 1997, Hot Springs track; 1998, Brookings golf; 1999, S.F.Roosevelt basketball; 2000, Ipswich cross country; 2001, S.F. Roosevelt basketball; 2002, R.C. Stevens cross country; 2003, S.F. O’Gorman gymnastics; 2004, Sisseton basketball; 2005, Yankton cross country; 2006, James Valley Christian track; 2007, R.C. Stevens track; 2008, Wagner volleyball; 2009, Clark-Willow Lake golf; 2010, Sturgis cross country; 2011, Deuel gymnastics; 2012, Warner volleyball; 2013, Ipswich Cross Country; 2014, Warner volleyball; 2015, St. Thomas More basketball; 2016, Ipswich Cross Country; 2017, St. Thomas More basketball; 2018, St. Thomas More basketball; 2019, Northwestern volleyball; 2020, O’Gorman volleyball; 2021, S.F. Washington basketball.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Aberdeen Roncalli Derek Larson SD Sportswriter Awards