WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—University of South Dakota football and men's basketball announcer John Thayer has been named South Dakota Sportscaster of the Year by the state's National Sports Media Association. It is the first such honor for Thayer, a native of Eustis, Nebraska, and a Doane College graduate who has served on the Coyotes' broadcast team since 2013.
 
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to be given this award," said Thayer. "It is truly special to be recognized by peers from around the state. I can't thank Travis Lee, general manager of Coyote Sports Properties, enough for his support and the opportunity to work with the Coyote Sports Network. Thank you to all the Coyote fans and everyone who has listened to our broadcasts."
 
Thayer has been the play-by-play announcer for South Dakota football and men's basketball since the fall of 2020. Prior to that designation, he was play-by-play announcer for Coyote women's basketball for seven seasons and the sideline reporter for Coyote football for five seasons.
 
"We are so proud of John for this most deserving award," said Lee. "It is great to see him honored for his tireless research, efforts, professionalism and passion he provides to bring Coyote games to life for all of Coyote Nation! Congratulations, John!"
 
Thayer helped launched the Tiger Sports Network at Doane College and worked for stations in Colorado and Nebraska before arriving in Yankton in the summer of 2012. He served as sports director of KVHT/KVTK in Yankton where he hosted a weekday sports talk show. In 2019, he transitioned to Coyote Sports Properties, the multimedia rights holder and sports marketing arm for USD athletics. Thayer is also the host of YoteCast, the Coyotes' official podcast that debuted ahead of the 2019-20 academic year.
 
"We are incredibly excited for John," said USD Deputy Athletic Director Corey Jenkins. "This is an extremely well-deserved honor and one he has earned with relentless effort, passion and commitment to his profession. We are so proud to have John as the voice of Coyote athletics. Congratulations, John, on receiving this award!"