University of South Dakota Athletics

Russell Soper was an outstanding offensive lineman for South Dakota football. Soper gained the distinction of captaining USD's first NCC team in 1922. A guard and tackle during his three-year Coyote career, Soper also earned all-state honors in 1920 and 1921. Born in Dell Rapids, SD, Soper lettered four-years at Sioux City (Iowa) Central High School, graduating in 1919, before attending USD. He served both World War I and World War II, being discharged as a lieutenant colonel after the second war. Soper served as general manager of Rob-Ross Foods Co. of Sioux City for 11 years before becoming president in 1957. He retired in 1964.