The Genz

(The following blog originally appeared in the March 2012 issue of RedEye, a publication published by PrintSource of Vermillion). For many of us, field days were those blue ribbon events of our childhood, when throwing a softball; participating in a tug-of-war; and running short races occasionally provide a few joyous recollections.    No matter what really happened in the nearby city park or school playgrounds, or whether you won the hurdle race or tag-teamed to claim the potato sack race, a significant history surrounds field days. They were, in fact, the beginning of Coyote Athletics at The University of South Dakota. Cedric Cummins wrote in his book, “The University of The University of South Dakota” about those founding days of athletics in the 19 th century more than 125 years ago. Referencing C.W. Jackson (M.A. thesis, 1962, “The History of Physical Education at the State University of South Dakota”), Cummins noted that USD intercollegiate athletics d...

After the prep season ended last fall, I had the intention of posting something about all the great performances by  the players and coaches during the memorable 2011 prep football season in South Dakota.  However, I didn't get it completed. So, forgive the Genz for being a little late to the party. However, as others contemplate the closing of the spring sports season, I offer readers and fans a little prep spring football, albeit retrospective on action from last fall.  Enjoy the look back at one of the outstanding seasons in South Dakota prep history.  Class AA As the fall opened, media projections, including yours truly (through KSFY’s Gridrion Blitz and KSFY Pigskin Preview), focused on Washington and O’Gorman as the top teams in Class AA. While both schools again enjoyed success, the biggest story in 2011 was Sioux Falls Roosevelt, a team most observers projected as the fourth-best team in Sioux Falls. In fact, some (me included) thought Mi...