VERMILLION, S.D. – The University of South Dakota is proud to announce a new award for track and field and cross country athletes named the Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence Award.
 
The Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence Award, also known as The Coach Kinnunen Excellence Award, is a new prestigious award honoring the remarkable legacy of Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen, whose dedication to academic and athletic excellence left an indelible mark on the college track and field and cross country communities.
 
The award aims to recognize outstanding student-athletes who exemplify the values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship championed by Coach Kinnunen. The award will honor student-athletes who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while excelling in athletic performance, continuing the legacy of holistic development that Coach Kinnunen embodied.
 
The Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence Award celebrates the legacy of Coach Kinnunen by honoring student-athletes who exemplify the values he instilled in his teams. Recipients will demonstrate excellence in both academic and athletic endeavors, embodying Coach Kinnunen's belief in the importance of hard work integrity, and holistic growth.
 
The award is a lasting tribute to all of Coach Kinnunen's contributions to USD Athletics and his profound impact on the lives of countless student-athletes. By recognizing individuals who excel both in the classroom and in their sport, USD continues to foster a culture of excellence, leadership, and perseverance in its track and field and cross country programs.
 
About Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen
Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen competed for the Coyotes from 1976-1981 and was an exceptional athlete for the Yotes. Following graduation, Kinnunen served two stints as USD's head cross country coach, first from 1982-1984 and then returned from 2002-2008. Kinnunen's leadership led to four consecutive North Central Conference women's cross country titles and 14 combined NCAA Championship appearances. This September, he was inducted posthumously into the Henry Heider Coyote Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as an athlete and coach.
 
Support the Award
To support the Rob 'Kip' Kinnunen Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence Award, please to go the USD Foundation website, www.usdalumni.com/give-back/give-now and under designation, select other and type in Coach Kinnunen Excellence Award.