Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1901-2023 (Creation)
Extent
20.05 linear feet (19 records boxes, 2 document cases, 1 document case-half), photographs, digital images, DVDs, CD-Rs
Name of creator
Administrative 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.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Jackrabbit Athletics Records document the history, administration, and activities of South Dakota State University's athletics programs. The materials cover a wide range of sports and administrative functions from the early years of athletic participation to the university's transition to NCAA Division I status.
The collection includes administrative files related to academic advising, compliance, development, equipment, facilities, marketing and promotion, operations, the Jackrabbit Sports Network, and the ticket office. These are represented through annual reports, brochures, event programs, handbooks, newsletters, photographs, mascot design materials, and promotional mailers. Physical artifacts include banners, jerseys, t-shirts, and caps.
Records of the Athletics Committee consist of extensive meeting minutes and budget files. These documents provide insight into the financial and policy decisions guiding SDSU athletics.
Sport-specific files include materials on baseball, men's and women's basketball, cross country, equestrian, football, gymnastics, rodeo, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. These records contain media guides, fact books, programs, clippings, record books, and photographs. Cross country and track and field are especially well represented, with detailed documentation of results, workout plans, training strategies, and performance research.
The publications series features long-running serials such as the Rabbit Report (1978 to 2014) and The Bum (1956 to 2017). While incomplete, these publications offer a chronological narrative of SDSU athletics, including coverage of team performance, individual athletes, and university sports culture.
Other notable contents include materials related to special events such as the Beef Bowl, Festival of Champions, Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo, and Jackrabbit Jamboree. There are also records documenting strategic planning for the transition to Division I, including the Division I Study and related correspondence.
The collection also reflects broader aspects of campus athletics, such as intramural sports, recreational programming, student wellness, and athlete recognition.
This collection provides a view of the development of collegiate athletics at South Dakota State University. It is a valuable resource for researchers studying the history of intercollegiate sports, athletic program administration, the student-athlete experience, gender in sports, sports marketing, and the evolution of athletics at land-grant institutions.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Information request form: Ask Us!
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Athletic task force: a study of intercollegiate athletics at SDSU, 1975. ARCHIVES: S537.S6 A73 1975
Attitudes and opinions of South Dakota State College faculty toward physical education and athletics, Duane C. Quail, Physical Education Department, 1959. ARCHIVES: LB2385.Q23
Demographic characteristics of donors to South Dakota State University athletics, Keith warren Randklev, Physical Education Department, South Dakota State University, 1982. ARCHIVES: LB2385.R156
Final report: an evaluation of SDSU athletic programs for Athletics, Intramural and Recreation Committee, 1976. ARCHIVES: S537.S6S6094 1976
The historical development of intercollegiate track and field athletics at South Dakota State University, Russel Lee Schmeichel, Physical Education Department, South Dakota State University, 1971. ARCHIVES: LB2385.Sch44
A history of intercollegiate athletics at South Dakota State College, Arthur Peter Zahorsky, Physical Education Department, 1959. ARCHIVES: LB2385.Z13
Jackrabbit winter sports, South Dakota State University. S537.S6 A36
Rabbit tracks, Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department, South Dakota State University, 1991-2014. ARCHIVES: 796.01915 R112
SDSU winter sports, South Dakota State University, 1969-1970. ARCHIVES: S537.S6A36
The track capital of the prairies: 7 for 9, the story of track and field athletics, South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, 1955. PRAIRIE STRIDERS COLLECTION: S537.S6 A355 1955
Online Content
Jackrabbit Athletics website: https://gojacks.com/
Jackrabbit Athletics Collection, Digital Library of South Dakota: https://explore.digitalsd.org/digital/collection/athletics
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.