VERMILLION, S.D. -- Community service is an important aspect of the learning process for Coyote football student-athletes, according to South Dakota Head Football Coach John Austin. He believes service is a key aspect of developing a whole student-athlete which is his primary goal in the teaching and mentoring of student-athletes.

On Saturday morning (May 3), the Coyote football team will participate in Vermillion Pride Day in which they will chip in to help clean up the community. The entire football squad will help clean up Vermillion on Saturday morning.

"It is important that we instill in our student-athletes the importance of community service," said Coyote Head Football Coach John Austin. "The total education experience is not just a matter of learning in the classroom and on the field. We tell our student-athletes that they have God-given abilities that others may not have and therefore they can assist those in need and being contributing members of the community."

During the past few years, South Dakota football team members were involved in a series of community service activities including Vermillion Pride Day, Children's Miracle Network, Multiple Sclerosis Walk in Sioux Falls, and Walk for Cancer at the DakotaDome.

"We stress the importance of taking pride in the community and helping others," said Austin.