University of South Dakota Athletics

Steve Pelot, originally of Wisconsin Rapids, WI ranks as one of the most outstanding running backs to play football at South Dakota. He was a workhouse fullback for the Coyotes from 1968-1970. During the 1970 campaign, the 6-1, 210 pound Pelot reached the pinnacle of success when he earned first-team all-American honors by the Associated Press. He set 12 school rushing and scoring records, including yards in season (1,327) and points (122). Pelot rushed for more than 100 yards six times in 1970, including highs of 213 and 220 yards. Other records set by Pelot, including rushing attempts game (47), attempts season (308), attempts career (506), yards career (2,271), total offensive attempts game (48), attempts season (313), attempts career (688), points career (182), touchdowns season (20), and touchdowns career (30). Named the Most Valuable Back in the North Central Conference in 1970, Pelot was the dominant running back in the league pacing the conference with 822 yards rushing - exactly 200 more than his nearest competitor. He also grabbed the scoring title with 62 points. Pelot is currently teaching at the International School of Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya.