SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—South Dakota topped South Dakota State 14-13 in the annual South Dakota Showdown Series, a point-based athletic and academic competition between the two in-state university rivals. The official announcement was made by South Dakota Corn Utilization officials Thursday.
The Coyotes outscored the Jacks 11-10 in athletic competitions to bring the traveling trophy to Vermillion for the first time. Those points were decided in head-to-head competitions and Summit League Championship finishes in 17 men's and women's sports. Both programs scored the maximum three points allotted for academic achievement for compiling a student-athlete grade point average above 3.0.
"The South Dakota Showdown Series shines a light on the exceptional student-athletes that represent our great state," said South Dakota Athletics Director David Herbster. "We are thankful and proud to partner with the South Dakota Corn Council in recognizing the academic and athletic achievements of our athletic programs as well as the philanthropic efforts to feed many South Dakotans."
A crucial element to the Showdown Series is the focused effort demonstrated by both universities all year long to assist Feeding South Dakota, the competition's designated non-profit organization. Showdown Series title sponsor South Dakota Corn presented a check to Feeding South Dakota totaling $21,000 for the 2014-15 year. South Dakota Corn matched the funds raised in the head-to-head contests to benefit Feeding South Dakota, providing more than 100,000 meals to those in need throughout the state.
Throughout the academic year, fans were able to visit www.sdcornshowdown.com to track progress and see point totals for their favorite program. That site now displays the final point totals and itemizes each program's points earned.
"This rivalry has flourished since these universities made the move to Division I and it's been nice to see the great show of sportsmanship from both schools," said Corn Council President Reno Brueggeman. "What's really impressive is that these athletes are also leaders in the classroom. And although the universities are rivals, they're partners when it comes to fighting hunger through their commitment to Feeding South Dakota. We can all be proud of them for that."
"We continue to be blessed by our partnership with the South Dakota Showdown Series and South Dakota Corn," said Matt Gassen, Executive Director of Feeding South Dakota. "The support of these two great universities, their administrations, alumni, fans and student-athletes is so amazing. It is so rare that in the midst of athletic competition there are so many caring people who are willing to provide assistance to those who are facing life's greatest challenges."
Leading the charge for this initiative with South Dakota Corn and the two universities are Coyote Sports Properties and Jackrabbit Sports Properties, the multimedia right holders for USD and SDSU athletics, respectively. Both are properties of Learfield Sports.
For additional information, visit Learfield Sports (www.learfieldsports.com); South Dakota Corn Utilization Council (www.sdcorn.org) or Feeding South Dakota (www.feedingsouthdakota.org).
A breakdown of the scoring follows:
South Dakota (14)
3 – cumulative GPA above 3.0
2 – volleyball sweeps Summit series 2-0
2 – men's and women's indoor track and field
2 – men's and women's outdoor track and field
1 – women's cross country
1 – men's basketball splits Summit series 1-1
1 – women's basketball splits Summit series 1-1
1 – softball sweeps Summit series 3-0
1 – men's golf
South Dakota State (13)
3 – cumulative GPA above 3.0
2 – football
2 – men's and women's swimming and diving
1 – men's basketball splits Summit series 1-1
1 – women's basketball splits Summit series 1-1
1 – men's cross country
1 – women's tennis
1 – women's golf
1 – women's soccer
Showdown Series Results
2013 – SDSU wins 14-13
2014 – SDSU wins 18-9
2015 – USD wins 14-13
