University of South Dakota Athletics

Jim Tays, a native of Gettysburg, SD, was a versatile two-sport performer. He earned all-North Central Conference basketball honors at forward during both the 1952-53 and 1953-54 seasons. He also captured the NCC outdoor high jump crown, leaping 6 feet 4 1/2 inches in 1954 to shatter a 22-year conference high jump mark. Tays also captured high jump championships at the USD Invitational, the Corn Palace Relays, the Dakota Relays, Aberdeen Relays, and Sioux City Relays. Known as "Slim Jim" during his playing days, Tays led the Coyote basketball team in scoring during both the 1952-53 and 1953-54 seasons. The 6-foot 4-inch guard was named co-captain of the 1953-54 basketball team, which was the last squad coached by legendary head coach Rube Hoy.