University of South Dakota Athletics

Julie Tolstedt-LaFleur, originally of Burke, S.D., had an outstanding track and field/cross country career at South Dakota, including setting the all-time state record in the 1,500 meters at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays. An AIAW champion in the 1,500 meters, she anchored the 3,200-meter relay to an all-time state record. When she left USD, she held school records in cross country and indoor and outdoor track records in the 800, 1,000, 1,500, 1,600, 3,000 and 5,000 meter events, as well as a member of the record-setting 3200 meter relay. Tolstedt-LaFleur was the first USD women's cross country runner to compete in nationals (1981), taking 77th in 22:24. She set a school record in the 1,500-meter run with a clocking of 4:51.7 in 1981. In 1980, Tolstedt set USD's 3,000-meter record with a 10:26.36 clocking. Julie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education (physical education) from South Dakota in 1983. She runs a daycare in Rapid City, S.D.