VERMILLION, S.D.—The eighth annual Calling All Coyotes Auction held Aug. 6 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center raised more than $308,000 which will help support the Howling Pack and the University of South Dakota student-athletes. The event serves as an evening of celebration dedicated to the achievements of USD student-athletes while recognizing a community that helps create opportunities for their success.
 
"We had to host this event virtually a year ago and it wasn't the same," said David Herbster, USD's director of athletics. "Although hosting this event in August brought new challenges, it was a great evening recognizing our student-athletes and celebrating the upcoming school year. The money raised to support scholarships speaks volumes about the staff, the dedicated volunteers and the Coyote community who come together to make this event more successful."
 
The evening included silent and live auctions with auctioneer Wayne Haines, drinks, hors d'oeuvres and dinner. More than 550 people attended the event, including numerous Coyote head coaches and student-athletes. John Thayer served as emcee as the event returned to in-person this year.
 
A weekend in New York, multiple exclusive hunting experiences and memorabilia signed by former Coyote standout Chris Streveler were among the many items sold during the auction. With this year's total of over $308,000, the Calling All Coyotes Auction has raised more than $2.3 million for the Howling Pack and student-athlete scholarships over the last eight years.
 
"It was great to see so many Coyotes that supported the event in person or virtually," said Jeff Seagren, South Dakota's assistant athletic director for development. "This event gets bigger every year and we know we needed a bigger space after selling out in previous years. With the new event space in the Sioux Falls Convention Center, we have the ability to grow even more in the future. I would like to thank our sponsors for their generosity and commitment to this event. Thank you to The Event Company, all Calling All Coyotes committee members, the Howling Pack board and all the volunteers who helped make this night something special."
 
Sponsors for the night included CorTrust Bank, Sanford Health, Cutler Law Firm, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, First Dakota National Bank, Eide Bailly, Daktronics, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, Maguire Iron, Schoeneman's, Coyote Sports Properties, and RBC Wealth Management – James Clement.