All-Time South Dakota Sportswriters Association Year-End Award Winners

From the South Dakota Sportswriters Association

The South Dakota Sportswriters Association has been honoring the state's top athletes, teams and coaches since 1954 with an annual list of winners.

Here's a look at all those past honorees in each category.

Sports Celebrity

1964, Billy Mills; 1965, Pete Retzlaff; 1966, Ordell Braase; 1967, Les Josephson; 1968, Carroll Hardy; 1969, Garney Henley; 1970, Sparky Anderson; 1971, Dick Green; 1972, Jim Langer; 1973, Lyle Alzado; 1974, Dick Green; 1975, Sparky Anderson; 1976, John Dutton; 1977, Paul Roach; 1978, Joe Robbie; 1979, Dave Collins; 1980, Paul Tierney; 1981, Joe Salem; 1982, Dick Beardsley; 1983, Doug Wolfgang; 1984, Sparky Anderson; 1985, Brian Hanson; 1986, Curt and Tom Byrum; 1987, Paul Christen; 1988, Olympians Bill and Jim Scherr, and Dennis and Duane Koslowski; 1989, Doug Wolfgang; 1990, Pat O’Brien; 1991, Tanya Crevier; 1992, Kris Tschetter; 1993, Sparky Anderson.

1994, Eric Piatkowski; 1995, Marvin Garrett; 1996, Bill Mott; 1997, Adam Vinatieri; 1998, Mike Miller; 1999, Josh Heupel; 2000, Mike Miller and Josh Heupel; 2001, Rod DeHaven; 2002, Adam Vinatieri; 2003, Mark Ellis; 2004, Derek Miles; 2005, Becky Hammon; 2006, Ben Leber; 2007, Mark Ellis; 2008, Derek Miles; 2009, Chad Greenway; 2010, Stefan Logan; 2011, Chad Greenway; 2012, Mike Miller; 2013, Nate Wolters; 2014, Becky Hammon; 2015, Becky Hammon; 2016, Chad Greenway; 2017, Riley Reiff; 2018, Adam Vinatieri; 2019, Chris Streveler; 2020, Blake Treinen; 2021, Chris Nilsen; 2022, Becky Hammon; 2023, Kalen DeBoer.

S.D. SPORTSWRITERS AWARDS: Winners of individual and team awards for 2023

Independent Male Athlete

1958, Carl Hertz, Menno, baseball; 1959, John Enright, Sioux Falls, golf; 1960, Vern McKee, Yankton, baseball; 1961, Phil Donohue, Sioux Falls, golf; 1962, Indy Titterington, Yankton, women’s golf; 1963, Bob Marske, Andover, basketball; 1964, Alan Cooke, Sioux Falls, golf; 1965, Kathy Kober, Rapid City, women’s golf; 1966, Dave Danielson, Yankton, bowling; 1967, George Meyers, Rapid City, golf; 1968, Dave Weber, Sioux Falls, tennis; 1969, Stan Opp, Aberdeen, wrestling; 1970, Jim Ahern, Yankton, golf; 1971, Lee Goldammer, Canova, baseball; 1972, Doug Stanford, Rapid City, basketball and baseball; 1973, Pat Jefferson, Rapid City, boxing; 1974, Rick Crain, Rapid City, weightlifting; 1975, Leigh Dunker, Warner, horseshoe pitching; 1976, Dave Hanten, Sioux Falls, golf; 1977, Curt Fredrickson, Aberdeen, baseball; 1978, Larry Slupe, Sioux Falls, Wheelchair Games, swimming; 1979, Randy Lewis, Rapid City, wrestling; 1980, Scott Swisher, Aberdeen, swimming; 1981, Curt Byrum, Onida, golf; 1982, Greg Haydenluck, USD, decathalon; 1983, Dennis Koslowski, Doland, wrestling; 1984, Randy Lewis, Rapid City, wrestling; 1985, Bob Beattie, Aberdeen, amateur baseball; 1986, Bill and Jim Scherr, Mobridge, wrestling; 1987, Chuck Richards, Rapid City, boxing; 1988, Dan Stier, Aberdeen, baseball; 1989, Mark Mortenson, Sioux Falls, wheelchair athletics; 1990, Mike Brummer, Rapid City, golf; 1991, Chad McConnell, Sioux Falls, baseball; 1992, Dennis Koslowski, St. Louis Park, Minn., Greco-Roman wrestling.

1993, Lincoln McIlravy, Iowa State, wrestling; 1994, Ben Thomas, Rapid City, baseball; 1995, Ryan Jansa, New Mexico State, golf; 1996, Greg Jimmerson, Stanford, cross country; 1997, Lincoln McIlravy, Iowa, wrestling; 1998, Kevin Leighton, Madison, amateur baseball; 1999, Brock Lesnar, Minnesota, wrestling; 2000, Lincoln McIlravy, Philip, wrestling; 2001, Billy Etbauer, Ree Heights, rodeo; 2002, Paul Schock, Sioux Falls, golf; 2003, Scott Rislov, San Jose State, football; 2004, Chad Greenway, Iowa, football; 2005, Jeff Willert, Belvidere, rodeo; 2006, Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, rodeo; 2007, Taylor Mehlhaff, Aberdeen (Wisconsin), football; 2008, Joe Krabbenhoft, Sioux Falls (Wisconsin), basketball; 2009, Kevin Leighton, Madison, baseball; 2010, Bill Hardcastle, Mobridge (Purdue), track; 2011, Riley Reiff, Parkston (Iowa), football; 2012, Shane Van Boening, Rapid City, billiards; 2013, Colton Iverson, Yankton (Colorado State), basketball; 2014, Robert Kokesh, Wagner (Nebraska), wrestling; 2015, Robert Kokesh, Wagner (Nebraska), wrestling; 2016, Nate Gerry, Sioux Falls (Nebraska), football; 2017, Tony Smoragiewicz, Rapid City, triathlon; 2018, Peyton Zabel, Pierre, baseball; Miles Krajewski, Yankton; 2020, Chase Mason, Viborg; 2021, Gavin Weir, Sioux Falls Little League; 2022, Shane Van Boening, Rapid City, billiards; 2023, Ezra Aderhold, Aberdeen, disc golf.

Independent Female Athlete

1970, Sally Plihal, Tyndall, track; 1971, Gretchen Idema, Sioux Falls, golf; 1972, Lavonne Opitz, Redfield, track; 1973, Peggy (Schock) Kirby, Sioux Falls, golf; 1974, Patty Dobratz, Sioux Falls, (S.D. State) basketball; 1975, Lu Holwerda, Brookings, tennis; 1976, Tanya Crevier, Jefferson, basketball; 1977, Joan Brockhaus, Rosholt, track, 1978, Lynae Larson, Brookings, distance running; 1979, Becky Larson, Watertown, golf; 1980, Jane Wipf, Freeman, distance running; 1981, Lisa Van Goor, Yankton, basketball; 1982, Sue Thomas, Rapid City, distance running; 1983, Kris Tschetter, Sioux Falls, golf; 1984, Lynae Larson, Brookings, distance running; 1985, Chris Dummermuth, Sioux Falls, tennis; 1986, Michelle Scarborough, Hayes, target shooting; 1987, Julie Krauth, Lyons, softball; 1988, Cindy Greiner, Boise, Idaho, heptathlon; 1989, Jane Egan, Sioux Falls, golf; 1990, Jane Egan, Sioux Falls, golf; 1991, Michelle Scarborough, Hayes, target shooting; 1992, Paulette Simonson, S.D. State, rodeo; 1993, Janel Birrenkott, Rapid City, basketball; 1994, Amy Burnett, Wyoming, basketball; 1995, Kristie Price, S.D. State, rodeo.

1996, Becky Hammon, Colorado State, basketball; 1997, Monica Meendering, Sioux Falls, softball; 1998, Lisa Griebel, Iowa State, track; 1999, Becky Hammon, Colorado State, basketball; 2000, Jayne Even, N.D. State, basketball; 2001, Erin Miller, Nebraska, soccer; 2002, Jill Theeler, N.D. State, track; 2003, Megan Mahoney, Kansas State, basketball; 2004, Ashley Pederson, Penn State, volleyball; 2005, Katie Budahl, Mitchell, swimming; 2006, Jana Lindsey, freestyling skiing; 2007, Jill Moody, Letcher, rodeo; 2008, Ashley Nord, Rapid City, swimming; 2009, Kimmy Kaufman, Clark, Golf; 2010, Jill Moody, Letcher, rodeo; 2011, Abby Plucker, Parker (N.D. State), basketball; 2012, Kim Kaufman, Clark (Texas Tech), golf; 2013, Sam Ostarello, Fort Pierre (Purdue), basketball; 2014, Kim Kaufman, Clark, golf; 2015, Tevyn Waddell, Mitchell, swimming; 2016, Taryn Kloth, Sioux Falls (Creighton), volleyball; 2017, Tevyn Waddell, Mitchell, swimming; 2018, Taryn Kloth, Sioux Falls (Creighton); 2019, Ali Lindner, Sioux Falls (Minnesota) softball; 2020, Tessa Stoltenburg, Watertown, marathon; 2021, Dakotah Lindwurm, Northern State, marathon; 2022, Reese Jansa, Sioux Falls, golf; 2023, Bergen Reilly, Sioux Falls (Nebraska), volleyball.

Independent Team

1954, Mitchell Kernels baseball; 1955, Huron Elks baseball; 1956, Huron Stahl’s baseball; 1957, Aberdeen Pred’s baseball; 1958, Huron Stahl’s baseball, 1959, Sioux Falls American Legion baseball; 1960, Huron Indians baseball; 1961, Humboldt baseball; 1962, Rapid City American Legion baseball; 1963, Renner baseball; 1964, Aberdeen American Legion baseball; 1965, Brookings Harold’s Printers basket- ball; 1966, Yankton Press and Dakotan track club; 1967, Rapid City boxing; 1968, Southern Track Club; 1969, Rapid City YMCA swim team; 1970, Aberdeen Depot baseball; 1971, Sioux Falls Traub Silo basketball; 1972, Rapid City Macy’s All- Stars basketball; 1973, Brookings Spies slowpitch; 1974, Aberdeen Elks diving; 1975, Rapid City American Legion baseball. 1976, Aberdeen Dahme’s slowpitch; 1977, Sioux Falls FOP boxing; 1978, Sioux Falls Palmer Construction basketball; 1979, Canova baseball; 1980, Lyman County basketball; 1981, Madison amateur baseball; 1982, Great Plains Indians amateur basketball; 1983, Rapid City Indian boxing team; 1984, Rapid City American Legion baseball; 1985, Claremont amateur baseball; 1986, Aberdeen Braun Trucking basketball; 1987, S.D. Special Olympics Basketball; 1988, South Dakota Over-30 Baseball; 1989, Sioux Falls Shenanigan’s basketball; 1990, Sioux Falls Silver Bullets amateur baseball.

1991, South Dakota Nike All-Stars; 1992, Circus Sports Bar, South Dakota Over-40 baseball; 1993, Rapid City American Legion baseball; 1994, Rapid City Gregs amateur baseball; 1995, Aberdeen Pheasants, minor league baseball; 1996, Sioux Falls Skyforce, CBA basketball; 1997, Brookings Cubs, amateur baseball; 1998, Brookings Rangers, hockey; 1999, Brookings Cubs, amateur baseball; 2000, Redfield, amateur baseball; 2001, Dell Rapids Pabst Blue Ribbon and Dell Rapids Mudcats, amateur baseball; 2002, Rapid City Post 22 American Legion baseball; 2003, Yankton Riverbats, amateur baseball; 2004, Sioux Falls Storm, semi-pro football; 2005, Sioux Falls Skyforce, semi-pro basketball; 2006, Sioux Falls Storm, semi-pro football; 2007, Sioux Falls Stampede, semi-pro hockey; 2008, Canyon Lake (Rapid City), little league baseball; 2009, Northern State rugby; 2010, Rapid City Rush, minor league hockey; 2011, Harney (Rapid City), little league baseball; 2012, Brookings Bandits American Legion baseball; 2013, Alexandria Angels amateur baseball; 2014, Aberdeen Swim Club; 2015, Parkston Mudcats amateur baseball; 2016, Alexandria Angels amateur baseball; 2017, Sioux Falls Little League baseball; 2018, Canova Gang amateur baseball; 2019, Aberdeen Wings hockey; 2020, Rapid City Post 22 baseball; 2021, Sioux Falls Little League baseball; 2022, Rapid City Rush hockey; 2023, Dell Rapids American Legion baseball.

College Male Athlete

1958, Jim Daniels, South Dakota; 1959, Garney Henley, Huron; 1960, Jim Luce and John Simko, Augustana; 1961, Don Jacobsen, S.D. State; 1962, Jim Kampen, Northern State; 1963, Wayne Rasmussen, S.D. State; 1964, Jerry Schlekeway, Northern State; 1965, Tom White, Yankton; 1966, Roger Heirigs, Yankton; 1967, Gary Sandbo, Augustana; 1968, Doug Neuharth, Northern State; 1969, Mike Savoy, Black Hills State; 1970, Don Trapp, S.D. State; 1971, Gary Evjen, Northern State; 1972, Rich Andrezejewski, Northern State; 1973, Garry Bentley, S.D. State; 1974, Doug Schlepp, S.D. Tech; 1975, Chris Miller, Dakota Wesleyan; 1976, Rick Jensen, S.D. State; 1977, DeeJay Donlin, Augustana; 1978, Steve Brown, S.D. State; 1979, Jeff Lamb, Black Hills State; 1980, Terry DuPris, Huron; 1981, Scott Bosanko, Northern State; 1982, Darryl James, Yankton; 1983, Dan Freidel, Augustana; 1984, Jeff Gross, Augustana; 1985, Alan Miller, Dakota Wesleyan; 1986, Koln Knight, Augustana; 1987, Rod DeHaven, S.D. State; 1988, Pat Dorn, S.D. State; 1989, Jason Landmark, Northern State; 1990, Tim Hatchett, South Dakota.

1991, Brett Schwartz, Dakota State; 1992, Scott Morgan, Dakota Wesleyan; 1993, Brian Loeffler, S.D. State; 1994, Bryan Schwartz, Augustana; 1995, Eric Kline, Northern State; 1996, Chad Lamer, S.D. State; 1997, Jason Sempsrott, S.D. State; 1998, Travis King, S.D. State; 1999, Josh Ranek, S.D. State; 2000, Paul Konechne, S.D. State; 2001, Josh Ranek, S.D. State; 2002, Tom Green, South Dakota; 2003, Eric Longhenry, Northern State; 2004, Brad Lowery, S.D. State; 2005, Wesley Beschorner, South Dakota; 2006, Turner Trofholz, South Dakota; 2007, Chad Cavender, Sioux Falls; 2008, Ryan Berry, S.D. State; 2009, Lorenzo Brown, Sioux Falls; 2010, Jon Ryan, Sioux Falls; 2011, Nate Wolters, S.D. State; 2012, Nate Wolters, S.D. State; 2013, Layne Somsen, S.D. State; 2014, Zach Zenner, S.D. State; 2015, Jake Wieneke, S.D. State; 2016, Dallas Goedert, S.D. State; 2017, Chris Nilsen, South Dakota; 2018, Seth Gross, S.D. State; 2019, Chris Nilsen, South Dakota; 2020, Chris Nilsen, South Dakota; 2021, Pierre Strong, Jr., South Dakota State; 2022, Tanner Berg, Northern State; 2023, Joel Scott, Black Hills State.

College Men’s Coach

1954, Jim Emmerich, S.D. State track; 1955, Clark Swisher, Northern football; 1956, Bob Burns, Augustana football; 1957, Ralph Ginn, S.D. State football; 1958, Jim Long, Huron football; 1959, Jim Iverson, S.D. State basketball; 1960, Bob Wachs, Northern basketball; 1961, Ralph Ginn, S.D. State football; 1962, Clark Swisher, Northern football; 1963, Dan Lennon, South Dakota track; 1964, Gil Peterson, Huron football; 1965, Gordon Zapp, Dakota Wesleyan football; 1966, Warren Williamson, S.D. State wrestling; 1967, Gordon Fosness, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1968, Joe Salem, South Dakota football; 1969, Don Birmingham, Yankton football; 1970, Jim Marking, S.D. State basketball; 1971, Don Baker, USD-Springfield track; 1972, Bob Mulcahy, South Dakota basketball; 1973, Vern Tate, Huron football; 1974, Jay Dirksen, S.D. State track; 1975, Erv Huether, S.D. State baseball; 1976, Mike Durfee, USD-Springfield wrestling; 1977, Paul Kendle, Augustana wrestling. 1978, Dave Little Black Hills track; 1979, Gordon Fosness, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1980, Bruce Carrier, Huron basketball; 1981, Gary Boner, S.D. Tech football; 1982, Scott Underwood, S.D. State track; 1983, Bruce Carrier, Huron basketball; 1984, Bob Wachs, Northern basketball; 1985, Fran Hummel, Northern State wrestling; 1986, Dave Triplett, South Dakota football; 1987, Duane Ticknor, National College basketball; 1988, Jim Heinitz, Augustana football, and Bob Young, Sioux Falls College football; 1989, Fred Paulsen, Huron College basketball; 1990, Doug Martin, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1991, Jim Thorson, S.D. State basketball.

1992, Jim Heinitz, Augustana football; 1993, Dave Boots, South Dakota basketball; 1994, Mark Ekeland, S.D. State baseball; 1995, Bob Tereshinski, Mount Marty baseball; 1996, Scott Nagy, S.D. State; 1997, Bob Young, University of Sioux Falls football; 1998, Bob Olson, Northern State basketball; 1999, Jason Liles, S.D. State wrestling; 2000, Dave Gottsleben, South Dakota track; 2001, Scott Walkinshaw, Black Hills State cross country-track; 2002, Shane Murphy, University of Sioux Falls basketball; 2003, Don Meyer, Northern State basketball; 2004, Bob Young, University of Sioux Falls football; 2005, Ed Meierkort, South Dakota football; 2006, Kalen DeBoer, University of Sioux Falls football; 2007, John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State football; 2008, Kalen DeBoer, University of Sioux Falls football; 2009, Don Meyer, Northern State basketball; 2010, Mike Aldrich, Augustana football; 2011, Tom Billeter, Augustana basketball; 2012, John Stiegelmeier, S.D. State football; 2013, Tracy Hellman, Augustana cross country; 2014, Dave Gottsleben, University of South Dakota track; 2015, Matt Wilber, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2016, Tom Billeter, Augustana basketball; 2017, Bob Nielsen, University of South Dakota football; 2018, Paul Sather, Northern State basketball; 2019, Jerry Olszewski, Augustana football; 2020, Eric Henderson, South Dakota State basketball; 2021, John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State football; 2022, Ryan Thompson, Black Hills State basketball; 2023, John Stiegelmeier and Jimmy Rogers, S.D. State football.

College Men’s Team

1954, S.D. track; 1955, S.D. State football; 1956, Augustana football; 1957, South Dakota basketball; 1958, South Dakota basketball; 1959, Northern basketball; 1960, S.D. State track; 1961, Northern football; 1962, S.D. State football; 1963, S.D. State basketball; 1964, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1965, Black Hills State basketball; 1966, South Dakota track; 1967, Northern State football; 1968, Northern State football; 1969, S.D. State basketball; 1970, Yankton football; 1971, Northern football; 1972, South Dakota football; 1973, S.D. Tech basketball; 1974, Huron basketball; 1975, S.D. State track; 1976, Dakota Wesleyan football; 1977, Dakota State football; 1978, Augustana basketball; 1979, S.D. State football; 1980, Huron College wrestling; 1981, Black Hills State track and cross country; 1982, S.D. tech football; 1983, Huron College basketball; 1984, S.D. State baseball; 1985, S.D. State basketball; 1986, Huron football; 1987, S.D. State cross country; 1988, National College basketball; 1989, S.D. State cross country.

1990, South Dakota basketball; 1991, South Dakota baseball; 1992, S.D. State basketball; 1993, Northern basketball; 1994, South Dakota basketball; 1995, Sioux Falls football; 1996, Sioux Falls football; 1997, S.D. State basketball; 1998, South Dakota cross country; 1999, Mount Marty baseball; 2000, Black Hills cross country; 2001, S.D. State wrestling; 2002, University of Sioux Falls football; 2003, University of Sioux Falls football; 2004, University of Sioux Falls basketball; 2005, University of South Dakota football; 2006, Northern State basketball; 2007, Sioux Falls football; 2008, Dakota Wesleyan football; 2009, Sioux Falls football; 2010, Mount Marty baseball; 2011, Augustana baseball; 2012, S.D. State basketball; 2013, S.D. State basketball; 2014, Augustana baseball; 2015, Augustana basketball; 2016, Augustana basketball; 2017, S.D. State football; 2018, Augustana baseball; 2019, Northern State basketball; 2020, Northern State basketball; 2021, South Dakota State football; 2022, South Dakota State basketball; 2023, South Dakota State football.

College Female Athlete

1979, Yvette Greer, South Dakota; 1980, Cindy Heyden, Augustana; 1981, Elaine Kempf, S.D. State; 1982, Cathy Coyle, Northern; 1983, Carin Doyle, S.D. State; 1984, Kristin Asp, S.D. State; 1985, Jenny Johnson, S.D. State; 1986, Amy Jorgenson, Augustana; 1987, Karla Stevenson, S.D. State; 1988, Renate Sluys, Mount Marty; 1989, Diana Burkard, Mount Marty; 1990, Linda Gdowski, South Dakota; 1991, Julie Krauth, Augustana; 1992, Heather Andrews, South Dakota; 1993, Amy Von Wald, Northern; 1994, Ann Westby, S.D. State; 1995, Julie Jensen, Northern State; 1996, Janna Austin Aslesen, Sioux Falls; 1997, Debby Volkers, Augustana; 1998, Elena Swan, South Dakota; 1999, Lisa Bomengen, Black Hills State; 2000, Jami Barraclough, S.D. Tech; 2001, Sara Deckert, South Dakota; 2002, Randi Morgan, Dakota Wesleyan.

2003, Mandy Koupal, South Dakota; 2004, Mandy Koupal, South Dakota; 2005, Shannon Schlagel, S.D. State; 2006, Melissa Gamble, Northern State; 2007, Megan Vogel, South Dakota State; 2008, Emma Erickson, South Dakota; 2009, Jennifer Warkenthien, South Dakota State; 2010, Amanda Madden, Northern State; 2011, Bethany Buell, South Dakota; 2012, Amber Hegge, South Dakota; 2013, Bethany (Buell) Firsick, South Dakota; 2014, Emily Grove, South Dakota; 2015, Nicole Seekamp, South Dakota; 2016, Macy Miller, S.D. State; 2017, Hannah Kastigar, Northern State; 2018, Macy Miller, S.D. State; 2019, Kamberlyn Lamer, Dakota Wesleyan; 2020, Ciara Duffy, South Dakota; 2021, Ady Dwight, Dakota Wesleyan; 2022, Elizabeth Juhnke, South Dakota; 2023, Myah Selland, S.D. State.

College Women’s Coach

1981, Curt Fredrickson, Northern basketball; 1982, Curt Fredrickson, Northern basketball; 1983, Judy Dittman, Dakota State basketball; 1984, Scott Underwood, S.D. State cross country; 1985, Chad Lavin, South Dakota basketball; 1986, Mike Peiper, Northern cross country; 1987, Pam Olerich, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 1988, Nancy Neiber, S.D. State basketball; 1989, Greg Willey, South Dakota track and field; 1990, Scott Underwood, S.D. State cross country; 1991, Barb Felderman, S.D. Tech basketball. 1993, Curt Fredrickson, Northern basketball; 1994, Dave Krauth, Augustana basketball; 1995. Shane Warwick, Huron basketball; 1996, Robin Schamber, Black Hills State basketball; 1997, Kim Sudbeck, Augustana volleyball; 1998, Sandy Jerstad, Augustana volleyball; 1999, Barb Felderman, S.D. Tech basketball; 2000, Jeff Dittman, Dakota State basketball; 2001, Kevin Lein, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2002, Todd Lowery, National American University volleyball; 2003, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball.

2004, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2005, Curt Fredrickson, Northern State basketball; 2006, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2007, Chad Lavin, South Dakota basketball; 2008, Lang Wedemeyer, S.D. State soccer; 2009, Dale Roden, Dakota Wesleyan soccer; 2010, Tracy Hellman, Augustana cross country; 2011, Adam Anderson, Dakota Wesleyan golf; 2012, Curt Fredrickson, Northern State basketball; 2013, Brent Aldridge, Northern State volleyball; 2014, Amy Williams, South Dakota basketball; 2015, Brent Aldridge, Northern State volleyball; 2016, Amy Williams, South Dakota basketball; 2017, Dan Fitzsimmons, South Dakota cross country; 2018, Jason Christensen, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2019, Aaron Johnston, S.D. State basketball; 2020, Dawn Plitzuweit, South Dakota basketball; 2021, Leanne Williamson, South Dakota volleyball; 2022, Lindsay Wilber, Dakota Wesleyan volleyball; 2023, Dave Krauth, Augustana basketball.

College Women’s Team

1980, S.D. State cross country; 1981, S.D. State cross country; 1982, S.D. State golf; 1983, S.D. State track; 1984, South Dakota basketball; 1985, South Dakota swimming; 1986, Mount Marty basketball; 1987, South Dakota Tech volleyball; 1988, Northern basketball; 1989, Dakota Wesleyan volleyball; 1990, Augustana softball; 1991, S.D. cross country; 1992, Northern basketball; 1993, Augustana basketball; 1994, Northern basketball; 1995, S.D. State basketball; 1996, Huron University basketball; 1997, Black Hills State basketball; 1998, S.D. Tech basketball; 1999, National American University soccer; 2000, Augustana College volleyball; 2001, S.D. State volleyball; 2002, S.D. State basketball.

2003, S.D. State basketball; 2004, S.D. State basketball; 2005, S.D. State basketball; 2006, National American University volleyball; 2007, S.D. State basketball; 2008, South Dakota basketball; 2009, S.D. State basketball; 2010, Dakota Wesleyan Golf; 2011, Augustana cross country; 2012, S.D. State basketball; 2013, Augustana Women’s Basketball; 2014, S.D. State soccer; 2015, Augustana softball; 2016, S.D. State basketball.; 2017, South Dakota cross country; 2018, Dakota Wesleyan basketball; 2019, South Dakota volleyball; 2020, South Dakota basketball; 2021, South Dakota State softball; 2022, South Dakota basketball; 2023, Dakota State basketball.

High School Boys Athlete

1958, Rex Swett, Huron; 1959, Tom McGrann, Watertown; 1960, Jack Price, Milbank; 1961, Gary Schwartz, Wessington Springs; 1962, (tie) Jim Nixon, Milbank, and Doug Barth, Mitchell; 1963, Roger Heirigs, Irene; 1964, John Thomas, Alexandria; 1965, Dan Wicks, Watertown; 1966, Bruce Bushong, Huron; 1967, Terry Durnil, Aberdeen; 1968, George Amundson, Aberdeen; 1969, (tie) George Amundson, Aberdeen, and John Dutton, Rapid City; 1970, Randy Jencks, De Smet; 1971, Dave Collins, R.C. Stevens; 1972, Jim Rinehart, S.F. Lincoln; 1973, Chad Nelson, Yankton; 1974, Tom Murphy, Watertown; 1975, Jeff Lamb, Sully Buttes; 1976, Curt Byrum, Sully Buttes; 1977, Randy Lewis, R.C. Stevens; 1978, Dennis Tiefenthaler, Armour; 1979, Kevin Seibel, Vermillion; 1980, Keith Larson, Beresford; 1981, Dan Olson, De Smet; 1982, Troy Schaefer, Pierre; 1983, Tim Manning, Vermillion; 1984, Rodney DeHaven, Huron; 1985, Wade Lager, Miller; 1986, Brody Berkhout, Vermillion; 1987, Kirk Wallman, Freeman; 1988, Kirk Wallman, Freeman; 1989, Travis Martin, Scotland; 1990, Brad Kruse, De Smet; 1991, Eric Kline, Aberdeen Central; 1992, Jason Sutherland, Watertown.

1993, Lance Wipf, Yankton; 1994, Chuck Welke, Warner; 1995, Josh Ranek, Bon Homme; 1996, Jesse Haines, White Lake; 1997, Mike Miller, Mitchell; 1998, Hannon Hisek, Bon Homme; 1999, George Mollner, De Smet; 2000, Justin Noteboom, Corsica; 2001, Erik Grumstrup, R.C. Stevens; 2002, Tyg Long, Custer; 2003, Matt Martin, Spearfish; 2004, Nick Smith, Yankton; 2005, Quincy Christie, Pierre; 2006, Mitch Boeck, Arlington; 2007, Louie Krogman, White River; 2008, Kiko Mendoza, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte; 2009, Logan Storley, Webster; 2010, Matt Hermansen, Sioux Falls; 2011, Tony Smoragiewicz, Rapid City; 2012, Alex Kocer, Wagner; 2013, Lane Severyn, Pierre; 2014, Luke Loudenburg, Howard; 2015, Matt Farniok, S.F. Washington; 2016, Spencer Neugebauer, Mitchell; 2017, Derick Peters, West Central; 2018, Nash Hutmacher, Chamberlain; 2019, Nash Hutmacher, Chamberlain; 2020, Nash Hutmacher, Chamberlain; 2021, Matthew Mors, Yankton; 2022 Simeon Birnbaum, R.C. Stevens; 2023, Simeon Birnbaum, R.C. Stevens.

High School Boys Coach

1954, Lars Overskei, Yankton football; 1955, Wally Diehl, S.F. Washington basketball; 1956, Ron Freemole, Mitchell track; 1957, Lou Graslie, Belle Fourche basketball; 1958, Rollie Greeno, Milbank football; 1959, Gus Kolb, Cheyenne basketball; 1960, Gene Peters, Huron football; 1961, John DeWitt, Watertown football; 1962, Dennis Bies, Tabor football; 1963, Burdell Coplan, Canton football; 1964, Jim Cordes, Howard basketball; 1965, Mel Minton, Rapid City track; 1966, Howard Taplett, Tyndall track; 1967, Bob Schroeder, Miller football; 1968, Arne Bauer, S.F. Lincoln track; 1969, Dave Strain, Rapid City basketball; 1970, Rich Greeno, S.F. Lincoln track; 1971, Max Hawk, Yankton football; 1972, Dale McElhany, Watertown football. 1973, Marv Sherrill, Watertown wrestling; 1974, Larry Ireland, Hot Springs football; 1975, Francis Zacher, Aberdeen Roncalli basketball; 1976, Tom Long, R.C. Stevens wrestling; 1977, Gene Breemes, R.C. Stevens track; 1978, Bob Winter, Yankton basketball; 1979, Burnell Glanzer, Armour basketball; 1980, Dave Strain, R.C. Central basketball; 1981, Bob Burns, S.F. O’Gorman football; 1982, Bob Judson, Pierre basketball; 1983, John Odney, S.F. Washington basketball; 1984, Steve Entringer, Tripp football; 1985, Lyle Claussen, Brandon Valley track and cross country; 1986, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 1987, Jesse Mendoza, Pine Ridge basketball; 1988, Steve Kueter, S.F. O’Gorman football; 1989, Jay Hennies, Vermillion basketball; 1990, Mike Klinedinst, Brandon Valley football.

1991, Fran Esser, Redfield wrestling; 1992, Larry Luitjens, Custer basketball; 1993, Steve Keuter, S.F. O’Gorman football; 1994, Max Hawk, Yankton football; 1995, Jim Miner, Yankton football; 1996, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 1997, Jim Uttecht, West Central football; 1998, Gary Maffett, Brookings football; 1999, Jim Aisenbrey, Freeman football; 2000, Myron Steffen, Stickney-Mount Vernon football; 2001, Doug Schooley, Watertown football; 2002, Larry Luitjens, Custer boys basketball; 2003, Marv Sherrill, Watertown wrestling; 2004, Steve Gilbertson, Arlington football; 2005, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 2006, Brent DeBoer, Sioux Falls Roosevelt football; 2007, Bob Graham, Scotland football; 2008, Brian Norberg, Watertown basketball; 2009, Brian Hermansen, S.F. Washington football; 2010, Michael Ricke, Madison basketball; 2011, Wade Rausch, Webster wrestling; 2012, Adolph Shepardson, Deubrook football; 2013, Jayson Poppinga, Pierre football; 2014, Larry Luitjens, Custer basketball; 2015, Arlin Likness, Yankton football; 2106, Dan Aaker, Winner football; 2017, Scott Schultz, Bridgewater-Emery basketball; 2018, Shawn Lewis, Pierre wrestling; 2019, Jeff Van Leur, Bridgewater-Emery-Ethan football; 2020, Steve Steele, Pierre football; 2021, Tom McGough, Miller cross country; 2022, Jake Terry, Elk Point-Jefferson football; 2023, Jeff Gruenhagen, De Smet basketball.

High School Boys Team

1954, Hayti basketball; 1955, Sioux Falls Washington basketball; 1956, S.F. Washington football; 1957, Cresbard basketball; 1958, Huron basketball; 1959, Watertown basketball; 1960, Rapid City basketball; 1961, Aberdeen basketball; 1962, Milbank football; 1963, Sisseton basketball; 1964, Mitchell basketball; 1965, Vermillion football; 1966, Webster basketball; 1967, Milbank basketball and Mitchell football; 1968, Brookings basketball; 1969, Sioux Falls Lincoln football; 1970, Yankton football; 1971, Mitchell football; 1972, Miller basketball; 1973, S.F. Lincoln track; 1974, Yankton basketball; 1975, Freeman basketball; 1976, Yankton football; 1977, Clear Lake girls basketball; 1978, Armour basketball; 1979, Jefferson girls’ basketball; 1980, Mobridge wrestling; 1981, Winner football; 1982, Geddes football; 1983, Brookings football; 1984, Yankton golf; 1985, Mitchell basketball; 1986, Canton football; 1987, Spearfish track; 1988, Aberdeen basketball; 1989, Brandon Valley football.

1990, Garretson football; 1991, Hamlin football; 1992, Vermillion football; 1993, Custer basketball; 1994, Watertown tennis; 1995, Bon Homme football; 1996, Mitchell wrestling; 1997, Freeman football; 1998, R.C. Stevens golf; 1999, R.C. Stevens cross country; 2000, Viborg football; 2001, Castlewood basketball; 2002, Yankton football; 2003, De Smet football; 2004, Arlington football; 2005, Milbank basketball; 2006, Aberdeen Roncalli football; 2007, Sturgis wrestling; 2008, Hanson football; 2009, S.F. Lincoln basketball; 2010, Canistota football; 2011, Waverly-South Shore football; 2012, Pierre wrestling; 2013, Pierre boys’ basketball; 2014, Aberdeen Central wrestling; 2015, Winner football; 2016, Winner football; 2017, Bridgewater-Emery basketball; 2018, Colome football; 2019, Pierre football; 2020, Pierre football; 2021, Canton wrestling; 2022, Wall football; 2023, Dakota Valley basketball.

High School Girls Athlete

1974, Joan Light, Yankton; 1975, Jane Wipf, Freeman; 1976, Kay Stormo, Watertown; 1977, Tara Batcheller, Mobridge; 1978, Kay Stormo, Watertown; 1979, Nancy Rost, S.F. O’Gorman; 1980, Kris Holwerda, Brookings; 1981, Robin Lewis, R.C. Stevens; 1982, Julie Pederson, S.F. O’Gorman; 1983, Tara Tessier, Pierre; 1984, Holly Wanner, Eureka; 1985, Renae Sallquist, Brookings; 1986, Steph Schueler, S.F. Lincoln; 1987, Rochelle Heirigs, S.F. Washington; 1988, Nikki Jones, Viborg; 1989, Ann Westby, Brookings; 1990, Ericka Bakke, McCook Central; 1991, Becky Flynn, Wakonda; 1992, Amy Hatch, Brookings; 1993, Anne Vollmer, Rapid City; 1994, Julie Cooper, Vermillion; 1995, Jaime Pauli, Milbank; 1996, Jill Theeler, Mitchell; 1997, Jill Theeler, Mitchell; 1998, Taylor Baker, R.C. Stevens; 1999, Wendy O’Neill, Bennett County; 2000, Megan Mahoney, Sturgis; 2001, Liz Donohue, S.F. O’Gorman.

2002, Heather Sieler, Huron; 2003, Ramsey Kavan, Yankton; 2004, Ramsey Kavan, Yankton; 2005, Ramsey Kavan, Yankton; 2006, Jill Young, Mitchell Christian; 2007, Amber Wollschlager, Milbank; 2008, Leslie Brost, Watertown; 2009, Jilanne Doom, Wagner; 2010, Jasmyne King, Rapid City; 2011, Kelsey Barrett, Britton-Hecla; 2012, Kari Heck, Sioux Falls; 2013, Hannah Kastigar, Aberdeen; 2014, Macy Miller, Mitchell; 2015, Macy Heinz, Ipswich; 2016, Myah Selland, Letcher (Sanborn Central-Woonsocket); 2017, Myah Selland, Letcher (Sanborn Central-Woonsocket); 2018, Paiton Burckhard, Aberdeen; 2019, Sophie Tietz, Watertown; 2020, Bergen Reilly, O’Gorman; 2021, Caelyn Valandra-Prue, White River; 2022, Bergan Reilly, O’Gorman; 2023, Gracelyn Leiseth and Kami Wadsworth, Hamlin.

High School Girls Coach

1980, Fred Tibbetts, Jefferson basketball; 1981, Joe Lockwood, S.F. Washington basketball; 1982, Russ Strande, Brookings track; 1983, Jerry Altenburg, Armour basketball; 1984, Jim Holwerda, Brookings basketball; 1985, Fred Tibbetts, Jefferson basketball; 1986, Bob Hopkins, Bennett County basketball and golf; 1987, Ron Weber, Armour basketball; 1988, Bob Winter, Yankton basketball; 1989, Kathy Hunt, S.F. O’Gorman volleyball; 1990, Ron Flynn, Wakonda basketball; 1991, John Houska, R.C. Central track; 1992, Charlie Sizer, Miller basketball; 1993, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball; 1994, Forry Flaagan, R.C. Stevens cross country; 1995, Marcelle Herman, Belle Fourche basketball; 1996, Phil Hunt, R.C. Stevens golf; 1997, Darlene Hauck, Avon volleyball; 1998, Neil Goter, Wagner basketball; 1999, Kathy Graves, Northwestern volleyball; 2000, Fred Tibbetts, S.F. Roosevelt basketball; 2001, Gary Munsen, Mitchell basketball: 2002, Greg Murley, Aberdeen Central volleyball.

2003, Dan Fitzsimmons, Yankton cross country; 2004, Dan Fitzsimmons, Yankton cross country; 2005, Dan Fitzsimmons, Yankton cross country; 2006, Mark Bellum, Watertown gymnastics; 2007, Mark Senftner, Sully Buttes basketball; 2008, Paul Hendry, R.C. Stevens Track; 2009, Mark Amdahl, Summit basketball; 2010, Anita Boeck, Arlington volleyball; 2011, Rob Van Laecken, Parkston basketball; 2012, Todd Thorson, Ipswich cross country; 2013, Lyle Pearson, Sioux Falls; 2014, Rob Van Laecken, Parkston basketball; 2015, Dennis Northrup, Aberdeen Central volleyball; 2016, Dawn Seiler, Aberdeen Central basketball; 2017, Nora Groft, Northwestern volleyball; 2018, Darci Wassenaar, S.F. Christian volleyball; Larry Aaker, Winner basketball; 2020, Nora Groft, Northwestern volleyball; 2021, Derek Larson, Aberdeen Roncalli basketball; 2022, Molly Mason, Viborg-Hurley basketball; 2023, Jamie Parish, S.F. Washington basketball.

High School Girls Team

1980, S.F. Washington basketball; 1981, Huron cross country; 1982, Yankton track; 1983, Brookings cross country; 1984, Armour basketball; 1985, Brookings basketball; 1986, Milbank cross country; 1987, S.F. O’Gorman golf; 1988, Brookings gymnastics; 1989, Wakonda basketball; 1990, Lennox cross country; 1991, Brookings tennis; 1992, R.C. Central cross country; 1993, Miller basketball; 1994, Mitchell basketball; 1995, S.F. O’Gorman tennis; 1996, R.C. Stevens cross country; 1997, Hot Springs track; 1998, Brookings golf; 1999, S.F. Roosevelt basketball; 2000, Ipswich cross country; 2001, S.F. Roosevelt basketball; 2002, R.C. Stevens cross country.

2003, S.F. O’Gorman gymnastics; 2004, Sisseton basketball; 2005, Yankton cross country; 2006, James Valley Christian track; 2007, R.C. Stevens track; 2008, Wagner volleyball; 2009, Clark-Willow Lake golf; 2010, Sturgis cross country; 2011, Deuel gymnastics; 2012, Warner volleyball; 2013, Ipswich Cross Country; 2014, Warner volleyball; 2015, St. Thomas More basketball; 2016, Ipswich Cross Country; 2017, St. Thomas More basketball; 2018, St. Thomas More basketball; 2019, Northwestern volleyball; 2020, O’Gorman volleyball; 2021, S.F. Washington basketball; 2022, Pierre wrestling; 2023, Estelline-Hendricks gymnastics.

Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: South Dakota Year-End Sports Award winners all-time lists