COLUMN: Coyotes will grow with class of ’16
University of South Dakota sports aren’t something a lot of people think about when making the choice to become a Coyote, mostly because of the sometimes non-existent fan base. However, I see positivity surrounding USD athletics.
Going into my first year, I knew quite a bit about what to expect from the Coyote sports program, as I am from South Dakota. I’ve witnessed the moments of great triumph for the football team when the Coyotes were able to beat solid teams like the University of Minnesota and Eastern Washington.
However, 2012 was a year many of us hope we can soon forget, especially as a fan. Going into the year I had quite a bit of optimism. The football team was coming off a 6-6 record in 2011, though in the Great West, and they were able to win their first home game against Colgate.
Things took a turn for the worse as that was the Coyotes only win of the entire season. All fans are hoping the players who graduated won’t be too tough to overcome. In addition to a solid signing class, the returning players will have to improve by next fall.
While football may have had a down year, the area I really paid attention to this year was our basketball teams.
The men have now beat our arch rival South Dakota State two consecutive times in the Dakota Dome, and finished in seventh place, making it to the Summit League Tournament.
While SDSU went on to make it to the NCAA Tournament, the play we have seen from the Coyotes over the last few years really brings optimism for where the program is headed. I saw hope from some of the younger players. I see room for them to grow. I also think Coach Boots has learned what it’s like to play in the Summit League. As a fan of the team, I hope others see the potential and continue to support the team.
The women are where the Coyotes really turned some heads. SDSU was the clear front-runner in the Summit League Tournament on both the men and women’s sides.
It seemed like nobody told the women Coyotes as they went the distance with SDSU, almost winning the Summit League Tournament in their first year of eligibility.
Even with the loss, the team was able to qualify for the WBI Tournament and make a run all the way to the Final Four, which is no small task. Again, I see room to grow for this team as well.
Sports are not always why students choose to go to USD, but that does not mean they aren’t relevant. We can match up with the rest of the Summit League; just look at the softball team sweeping the Jackrabbits earlier this spring.
The atmosphere is somewhat hit and miss, but when it’s time for big games, there is no doubt the Coyote faithful will be there to root for the team and help them get the win.
