University of South Dakota Athletics

Ray Brooks ranks as one of the all-time greats of South Dakota football. As a freshman, he was a key contributor on the 1912 Coyote squad generally regarded as one of the best ever in the history of South Dakota football. South Dakota's 1912 team is considered one of the best South Dakota football teams ever. The team lost only to Michigan, 7-6 and shut out Minnesota, 10-0. Born on a ranch near Aberdeen, Brooks played 4 more years as guard and tackle for the Coyotes and was mentioned on the All-American team in 1914 selected by Chicago sportswriter Walter Eckersoll. Brooks founded a packing company and later became a livestock dealer and feeder in Sioux Falls. He was the first mayor of South Sioux Falls, served four years on the city council and was active in many civic organizations. He was named Sioux Falls Kiwanian of the Year in 1972 and Horseman of the Year in 1969 by the National Rodeo Association.