Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
"In the early history of South Dakota State College, administrative support for varsity athletics was minimal. This reflected a broader trend among land-grant institutions, where college administrators often viewed competitive athletics as unnecessary, potentially hazardous, and inconsistent with the academic mission of higher education. As a result, the organization and administration of early athletic programs were primarily led by students.
Football was first organized in the fall of 1885. Like baseball and track and field, early athletic activities were generally intramural, with competition occurring between classes or campus divisions. Prior to the 20th century, intercollegiate athletic competitions included a range of events such as baseball, football, track and field, tennis, bicycle races, and oratorical contests. It is believed that intercollegiate athletic events may have originated from state oratorical competitions, where participants sought to broaden the appeal of their gatherings by including athletic contests.
One challenge in the development of early athletics at South Dakota State was the absence of professional coaching staff. Early teams were often coached by senior students or faculty members volunteering their time.
A significant development occurred in 1922 with the formation of the North Central Conference (NCC). Dr. Harry Severin, Professor of Zoology at South Dakota State, was instrumental in the founding and long-term administration of the conference, serving as its secretary for 40 years. South Dakota State College won the first championship held under the NCC.
Since the 1920s, South Dakota State University has been actively involved in intercollegiate athletics. In addition to its strong participation in the North Central Conference, the university has also played a role in introducing and supporting new sports, including wrestling, gymnastics, field hockey, swimming, and a variety of sports clubs. South Dakota State University transitioned to NCAA Division I status beginning with the 2008–09 academic year.