University of South Dakota Athletics

A.A. "Joe" Quintal was a standout student athlete and later became one of South Dakota's top high school athletic adminstrators and coaches. "Joe" is legendary for his 100 yards fumble return for a touchdown against South Dakota State in 1922. The long-time Mitchell resident was a four-year veteran in football and a three-time lettter winner in baseball at USD. Originally of Elk Point, he coached at Vermillion High School briefly before moving to Mitchell in 1926. He has been a fixture in the Corn Palace City's athletic programs ever since, serving as coach, athletic director and founder of the Corn Palace Relays. A former state legislator, Quintal also served as Commissioner of the South Dakota Inter-collegiate Conference (SDIC) and as a member  of the S.D. Sports Writers' Hall of Fame.