University of South Dakota Athletics

Wayne "Moose" Merrigan, was a successful farmer and rancher in Vermillion, was a standout student athlete and one of South Dakota's most loyal supporters/contributors. Merrigan who played on Vermillion High School's undefeated squad in 1945, went out for football at USD in 1946 and immediately achieved stardom as a hard hitting freshmen tackle for Coach Harry Gamage's team that included the likes of Howard Blumhardt and Jack Van Arsdale. His career ended early due to an injury and he returned to farming and continued his association with USD. He has been an avid supporter and backer of Coyote Athletics, and served an instrumental role in the development of the DakotaDome.