University of South Dakota Athletics

One of the greatest football coaches ever at South Dakota, Dave Triplett recorded the second most wins (70) by a head coach in school history. During a tenure that lasted from 1979 to 1988, Triplett compiled a 70-45 record (.608 winning pct.) and had a 50-27 mark in the North Central Conference. He led the Coyotes to consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1985 and 1986. His 1985 team advanced to the semifinals, while the 1986 team progressed to the NCAA Division II title game (27-7 loss) and had a school-record 11 wins. During his tenure, eight players were named All-American, four were picked NCC MVPs, 33 were named Academic All-NCC, and 34 were chosen All-NCC. Twice in three years (1985-87), the Coyotes enjoyed a five-week stay atop the NCAA D-II football poll as the nation's number one team. The 1985 team was ranked number one for the initial five weeks of the season and finished fourth. The 1987 team was ranked No. 1 after a 6-0 start of open the season. Triplett's seven consecutive winning seasons (1982-88) marked the first time since 1904-1912 that feat has been achieved at South Dakota. For the only time in school history, Triplett led USD to six straight seven-plus win seasons. His two consecutive 10-win campaigns (1985 and 1986) also was a first in Coyote football history. Three of his sons, Rory, Sean and Tim (currently) played at USD. An all-state performer at Dowling High School in Des Moines, Iowa (1967), he now serves as assistant vice president for gift planning at the University of Iowa Foundation in Iowa City, Iowa. In 22 years as either a player or coach, he has been associated with 13 winning teams, two league champions, a state high school champion and he has participated in four different post-season college bowl games. An all-state performer at Dowling High School in Des Moines, Iowa (1967), he went to the University of Iowa. As a senior, he led the Hawkeyes in receptions and earned All-Big Ten honors. He was an All-Big Ten Academic first-team selection and winner of the Big Ten Medal of Honor. Triplett succeeded former Coyote head football coach Beanie Cooper at Sioux City (Iowa) Heelan High School in 1975. Named to the Heelan job in 1975, he guided the Crusaders to a 19-2 record in two seasons, including the Iowa Class-4A State Championship in 1975. In addition, he served as offensive tackles and tight ends coach at Iowa State in 1977-78.