University of South Dakota Athletics

Gary Kipling, a Vermillion, SD, native, ranks as one of the South Dakota's most outstanding offensive lineman. Kipling who played from 1968-72, was an important contributor in USD's 1972 North Central Conference championship team that finished 6-1, and 9-1 overall under head coach Joe Salem. The nine wins equaled the school record for wins in a season and the team was ranked No. 4 by United Press International and No. 6 by the Associated Press. It was USD's first NCC title since 1951. Kipling earned all-American and all-NCC honors in 1972 for a Coyote team that led the NCC in rushing offense with 285 yards per game and finished third in total offense with 377 yards per outing. Kipling was also voted the league's most valuable offensive lineman.