VERMILLION, S.D. – The prestigious Dan Lennon Invitational high school track meets return to the DakotaDome this spring after a three-year hiatus.
 
The Class A competition is on Monday while Class B will compete on Tuesday with both days beginning with field events at 11:30 a.m. and running events at noon on Hillenbrand Memorial Track.
 
Stenson to receive Dan Lennon Award
 
As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX which ensured women have equal access to sport in the high school and college level we want to recognize a pioneer of The University of South Dakota's women's track and cross country program, Kay Stenson.
 
"We are thrilled to be able to honor Kay and her family with the Dan Lennon Award," South Dakota director of track and field & cross country Lucky Huber said. "Kay was a pioneer for women's sports at the University of South Dakota and because of her there have been many opportunities for women to follow in her path of competing for the Coyotes."
 
Kay Stenson was an early standout in the South Dakota women's track and cross-country programs from 1973-77.
 
She became the first female athlete to win a major year-end award when she presented the Carl B. "Rue" Hoy Endowment Award for her contributions to women's athletics.
 
When she graduated in 1977, she held USD records in the 880-yard run, one-mile, two-mile, and three-mile runs. She also held the all-time South Dakota Collegiate mark for both the mile and two-mile runs. Stenson, who also participated in swimming, earned a total of nine letters.
 
Her track and cross country coach was Terry Weaver.
 
Stenson was inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
 
Stenson, originally from Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away September 4, 2021 at her home in Omaha.