University of South Dakota Athletics

A two-sport star, Mary Rist earned all-North Central Conference football honors at guard for South Dakota in 1950 and was the NCC's discus champion (139-10) during the 1951 track season. A native of Centerville, SD, Rist played on the Coyote football team in 1947, which tied with Northern Iowa for the League championship. He was one of the top linemen ever to play for the Coyotes. Rist lettered in football from 1947-50 and in track 1948-51. Following two years of military service, Rist returned to USD to help coach, while serving as a graduate assistant for Harry Gamage during 1953 and 1954. Rist returned to USD to become the head coach from 1963 to 1965 (6-21 record).