University of South Dakota Athletics

Jerry Groves, originally of Vermillion, South Dakota, was one of the great early football players for South Dakota. Groves who earned All-North Central Conference honors in 1933, played in every Coyote game during the 1931, 1932, and 1933 season.

In fact, Groves missed just 25 minutes of playing time - all in the Michigan State game in 1931 when he was kicked in the shins. Groves' picture appeared in the 1932 Illustrated Football Annual, a national publication. In the caption, it read, "Jerry Groves, South Dakota end, brilliant under a speeding forward pass."

In an All-Conference story by Kester Harris of the Sioux City Journal (1933), it was written on Groves: "Gerald (Jerry) Groves, playing his last year at end on the third place University of South Dakota eleven, has been one of the most consistent football men in the conference (NCC) and this fact is strongest claim to fame."

Appearing in the papers again following a loss to Nebraska-Lincoln, "Groves started and played excellent ball. He had to block Nebraska All-American Hugh Rhea and most of USD's gains were over Groves." And later after a game with North Dakota (UND), "The most consistent player on the field was Groves, who overshadowed North Dakota All-American Fred Felbers."

He retired in 1976 after working for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad for 37 years and moved back to Vermillion.

Photo from USD Athletics Archives. Year photo was taken is unknown.