USD sports teams compete for Coyote Cup
In 2006, USD created a competition among sports teams that has struck up competitiveness among USD athletes: the Coyote Cup. As opposed to the usual physical activity required in athletic competition, this one encompasses a greater amount of skills and participation.
Jamie Oyen, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee adviser, said the program was patterned after the Ball State Cardinal Cup. Several other Summit League schools also have similar competitions.
“It was a way to get athletes attending other sporting events. Athletes were going to football and basketball games, but now very many were attending swim meets, soccer games, track meets,” Oyen said. “It is a competition among athletic teams both academically and athletically as well as instilling a sense of pride in the teams and support for each sport. “
According to the SAAC, the Coyote Cup is “a competition between all USD Athletic teams in the areas of academics, athletics, life skills, ‘Yotes Supporting ‘Yotes and community service.”
Each men and women’s team is awarded points based on various accomplishments throughout the year. For example, a team with a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher earns 250 points. Individual team members can also earn points for their team by attending and supporting sporting events outside of their specialty.
“Points are awarded for academic components like team GPA and academic awards, as well as athletic accomplishments like conference championships, national tournament appearances, conference recognition and national recognition,” Oyen said. “They can also earn points by attending life skills events and completing community service hours. They also take part in Coyote Cup Events, which promote ‘Yotes Supporting ‘Yotes.”
At the end of the year, points are added up and the winning team receives a trophy and $500 in Adidas gear.
Team members like senior Rachel Svendson take the competition seriously.
Svendson is president of SAAC and a member of the swim team. She said competition for the Coyote Cup has always been a tradition and many teams strategize year round to win.
“Last year it was pretty competitive and a lot of teams were very close to each other. I know soccer always gets really into it,” Svendson said. “Each team has their own way of doing it. Some teams support other teams, others do a lot of volunteer and a lot are good at academics. It just depends on the team and what they choose to excel at.”
Kasha Meyer, secretary of SAAC and a member of USD’s soccer team, said the Coyote Cup has been a huge part of their season.
“Since I was a freshman, it’s always been important to compete in Coyote Cup and try to get the most points for our team as we could. Our coaches have really pushed it,” Meyer said. “I think it’s just second nature for our team to get competitive and Coyote Cup really does a good job on cultivating that.”
In addition to the competitive aspect of Coyote Cup, it also gets teams to engage in community service.
“I like how Coyote Cup pushes teams to be more involved in the community through doing community service hours,” Meyer said. “Vermillion has done so much for athletics at USD. The least we can do is give back with our time and resources.”
The winner of this year’s Coyote Cup will be announced at the SAAC awards ceremony, which takes place April 27.
