University of South Dakota Athletics

History

This endowment was established to honor the memory of Fred Tibbetts. Fred was born on June 19, 1949, in Volga, S.D. He grew up in DeSmet, S.D., and graduated from DeSmet High School in 1967. Fred received his undergraduate degree from Dakota State College and his master's degree from the University of South Dakota.

Though Fred's passion for sports and competition started at a young age, Fred's impact on area athletes started in 1972. Fred was the women's basketball coach for Jefferson, S.D., where he led the Hawkettes to a then state record winning streak of 67 games from 1978-80. His Jefferson teams were state champs in 1975 (the first year of sanctioned state tourneys), '78, '79, '80 and '85 and were twice runners-up.

Fred then took his coaching talents to the collegiate level where he was the women's head basketball coach at the University of South Dakota from 1986-90. His teams went 66-47. In 1989, when the Coyotes were 22-7, Fred was named the South Dakota College Women's Coach of the Year. It was also this year that Fred led his team to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Fred finished up his coaching career in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he coached the girls' Roosevelt Rough Riders to a state-record winning streak of 111 games and six Class AA titles, including five in a row (1997-01). His teams were known for a fast-paced style that relied on pressure and rapid-fire rotation of players. His frank, often humorous and sometimes brazen manner made him a favorite of the media, if not always opposing coaches. "You love Fred or you hate him," said Roosevelt activities director Dian Janssen. "Nobody is more competitive than Fred on the basketball court, but off the court he'd give you the shirt off his back."

He was 551-101 in 29 seasons at the high school level (18 at Jefferson, 11 at Roosevelt). His teams qualified for the state tourney 19 times and reached the state finals an outstanding 15 times. Seven times, his teams had unbeaten seasons. In all, Tibbetts coached teams to 16 state titles - his girls track teams at Jefferson were state Class A champs five years in a rose (1981-85). Fred is the only coach to win state basketball titles in all three classes (Class B and A at Jefferson and AA at Roosevelt). In 1999, he was named National Coach of the Year in girls basketball.

Fred has a love for life that was contagious. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, coach and friend. It is such an honor to remember Fred through this scholarship, and more touching that it's through a University that means so much to the family. The Tibbetts family ties to the University of South Dakota run deep. Both Fred and his wife, Micki, received degrees from USD; Fred his master's in physical education and Micki her undergraduate and master's degree in communication disorders. Not only did Fred coach women's Coyote basketball for four years, but both his sons attended the school and played on the men's basketball team. Nate played point guard, where he led his team to three consecutive North Central Conference titles. Luke, also the point guard for the Coyotes, had the most wins in a one season and reached the NCAA regional finals his senior year. Both Luke and his wife, Bobbie, are graduates of the USD business school.

Fund Notes

Starting in 2012, earnings are to be used to provide undergraduate scholarships for students enrolled in or accepted by USD who meet all requirements to be students in good standing. Recipients shall meet all the eligibility requirements of the athletics department and the men's or women's basketball program. A student who is a recipient one year is eligible for consideration in any other year.