South Dakota
From Brookings to Frisco: The story behind getting South Dakota State football to Texas
After taking one look at South Dakota State football’s equipment truck, you can only imagine the hours of loading and preparation necessary to get everything in that truck from Brookings to Frisco, Texas, the site of Sunday’s FCS national championship.
The trailer that dons the Jackrabbits’ signature blue and gold helped transport extra helmets, shoulder pads, the coaching communication system and practice equipment, among other things. The team brought everything they’d need on a typical away trip but more of everything, just in case.
After all, SDSU did practice in Texas a couple of times leading up to Sunday’s game. So all the practice gear had to make the trip too.
“We’d rather overpack for a trip like this than underpack,” South Dakota State equipment manager Aaron Crowell said.
Surprisingly, Crowell said the actual loading took only a combined two hours on Tuesday and Wednesday. Crowell has been the team’s equipment manager since 2022, so this was his second time planning and making the trip to Frisco with the team.
Crowell originally wanted to be a college football player after enjoying playing in his senior year of high school, but opted to look for a manager position instead. He reached out to Southeast Missouri State and was later hired as a student assistant. Being on campus and at practices made him quickly realize he was nowhere near the level of the athletes on the team.
He considered pursuing coaching and was even a student assistant for the defensive line but he quickly realized equipment was his calling.
“The more and more I was working, the more and more I fell in love with equipment,” Crowell said. “Just getting to work on the helmets, getting to interact with the players, just getting to be around the team. Like I just love that aspect of it, that I realized this was what I want to do.”
Before accepting the equipment manager position with SDSU, Crowell worked as an intern at Louisiana Monroe and then as assistant equipment manager at James Madison.
Crowell’s first trip to Frisco, during his first year on the job, was understandably stress-filled. It was his first time having to plan a trip of that magnitude, but he received plenty of help and guidance from Jonathan Shaeffer, SDSU’s director of football operations.
“It’s a whole new experience trying to plan for multiple days of travel and practice, outside of just, you know, you’re not preparing for a normal away game,” Crowell said. “So, my stress levels were kind of high because I’ve never done something or experienced something like that but luckily, we have a lot of great people on the staff that were able to help me along as well, and help me kind of understand it, and really kind of helped put my nerves to ease.”
Although it’s different from a regular season road game, Crowell said he and his team approached loading the truck in a pretty similar way, which helped them load everything pretty quickly. Between him and five others, they got everything in the truck in no time.
Now in his second year with the Jackrabbits, Crowell is still stressed about everything the trip entails with his work but with the year of experience under his belt, he’s trying to take in how special it is to be on this journey with the team.
“For the most part, my stress level, since we’ve been here, has been pretty low. Everything has been nice and smooth,” Crowell said. “Last year, I was so stressed about everything and worrying about everything, I didn’t really get to soak in the moment. It’s felt really good to enjoy this experience for what it is and so that’s something that I’ve tried to try to focus on.”
Jonathan Fernandez covers high school and college sports for the Argus Leader. Contact him at jfernandez1@argusleader.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFERN31
SIOUX FALLS — A look at the South Dakota boys state basketball scores for Thursday, March 20, 2025, plus Friday’s state tournament schedules.
Class AA state tournament
At the Summit Arena in Rapid City
All times Central
Thursday’s results
Brandon Valley 55, Sioux Falls Jefferson 41
Harrisburg 48, Sioux Falls O’Gorman 45
Mitchell 50, Huron 41
Sioux Falls Lincoln 55, Spearfish 33
Friday’s games
Consolation games
No. 8 Spearfish (14-8) vs. No. 5 Huron (15-7), 1 p.m.
No. 10 Sioux Falls Jefferson (10-11) vs. No. 6 O’Gorman (13-9), 2:45 p.m.
Semifinals
No. 1 Sioux Falls Lincoln (21-1) vs. No. 4 Mitchell (19-3), 7 p.m.
No. 2 Brandon Valley (19-3) vs. No. 3 Harrisburg (19-3), 8:45 p.m.
At the Premier Center in Sioux Falls
Thursday’s results
Hamlin 82, Hill City 43
Lennox 51, West Central 43
Rapid City Christian 76, Clark/Willow Lake 53
Sioux Falls Christian 66, Groton Area 41
Friday’s games
Consolation games
No. 8 Groton Area (17-6) vs. No. 5 West Central (19-4), noon
No. 7 Hill City (19-5) vs. No. 6 Clark/Willow Lake (18-5), 1:45 p.m.
Semifinals
No. 1 Sioux Falls Christian (22-1) vs. No. 4 Lennox (20-3), 6 p.m.
No. 2 Hamlin (21-2) vs. No. 3 Rapid City Christian (21-2), 7:45 p.m.
At the Barnett Center in Aberdeen
Thursday’s results
Castlewood 64, Lyman 38
Dell Rapids St. Mary 66, Aberdeen Christian 45
Viborg-Hurley 72, Freeman 44
Wessington Springs 74, Wall 52
Friday’s games
Consolation games
No. 8 Lyman (17-7) vs. No. 5 Wall (17-7), noon
No. 7 Aberdeen Christian (18-6) vs. No. 6 Freeman (19-5), 1:45 p.m.
Semifinals
No. 1 Centerville (22-2) vs. No. 4 Wessington Springs (22-2), 6 p.m.
No. 2 Dell Rapids St. Mary (23-1) vs. No. 3 Viborg-Hurley (22-2), 7:45 p.m.
Blake Durham is a Sports Reporter for the Mitchell Republic, having joined in October of 2023. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in December of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Durham can be found covering a variety of prep and collegiate sports in the area.
Stay up to date with our listing of events happening across the state. From festivals and concerts to theater performances, local sports, and community gatherings, we bring you the latest updates on entertainment and activities for all interests. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, cultural experiences, or vibrant nightlife, you’ll find plenty of exciting events to explore.
March 21 – March 27
Friday, March 21 • 6 p.m.
Falls Overlook Cafe, Sioux Falls
Join us at Falls Overlook Cafe in Sioux Falls to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This special event brings the community together to honor and support individuals with Down syndrome while enjoying an evening of connection and awareness.
Friday, March 21 • 9 p.m.
Thunder Road, Sioux Falls
Thunder Road in Sioux Falls is the place to be for Adults Night Out. Gather your friends for an evening of fun and entertainment as you unwind and enjoy the attractions.
Saturday, March 22 • 2 p.m.
W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls
Experience high-energy roller derby action at the W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls. Skaters from North and South Dakota will face off in the Battle of the Dakota mixer, featuring three exciting bouts. The Sioux Falls Junior Roller Derby takes the track against Minnesota Frostbite, followed by an advanced skater showdown and a thrilling bout for new skaters.
Saturday, March 22 • 7 p.m.
Lucky’s Bar, Sioux Falls
Laugh the night away with comedian Mike Glazer at Lucky’s Bar in Sioux Falls. Featuring Alisha Rayne, this stand-up event promises a night of great humor and entertainment.
Saturday, March 22 • 7 p.m.
The Alliance, Sioux Falls
Former WWE Superstar J.T.G. returns to Sioux Falls, SD, for a one-on-one match, while the first-ever NSW Tag Team Champions will be crowned in the tournament finals. New Sound Wrestling heavyweight champion Brandon Nytroe, Spotlight Enterprise, and other top competitors, including Rock Hard, J Fowler, and Alvin Falcone, will also be in action.
Sunday, March 23 • 1 p.m.
Ben’s Brew Station, Yankton
Enjoy a unique and relaxing experience with Baby Goat Yoga at Ben’s Brew Station in Yankton. This event offers the perfect blend of fitness, fun, and adorable baby goats to brighten your day.
Sunday, March 23 • 4 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls
Prepare to be amazed by Bill Blagg’s Family Magic Show at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. This family-friendly performance features incredible illusions and mind-blowing magic for all ages.
Monday, March 24 • 11 a.m.
The Barrel House, Sioux Falls
Support ACE Academy by dining at The Barrel House in Sioux Falls. A portion of the proceeds will go toward helping students in the community, making it a great opportunity to enjoy a meal while giving back.
Tuesday, March 25 • 6 p.m.
The Upper Cut, Sioux Falls
Join us for Blazin’ Bingo at The Upper Cut in Sioux Falls. Hosted by Tracie, this event features plenty of bingo excitement with 420-friendly prizes and more.
Wednesday, March 26 • 11 a.m.
10th Street Applebee’s, Sioux Falls
Dine at 10th Street Applebee’s in Sioux Falls to support the Rescue Network. A portion of sales will go toward helping rescue animals in need.
Wednesday, March 26 • 6:30 p.m.
Severance Brewing Co., Sioux Falls
Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Severance Brewing Co. in Sioux Falls. Gather a team, grab a drink, and enjoy a night of friendly competition.
Thursday, March 27 • 5 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls
Join us for the Salute to Our Heroes dinner benefit at The District in Sioux Falls. This event supports Wings of Valor Lodge and honors those who have served.
Thursday, March 27 • 5 p.m.
Remedy Brewing Company, Sioux Falls
Connect with fellow professionals at Board & Brews, presented by the Project Management Institute, at Remedy Brewing Company in Sioux Falls. Enjoy a casual networking evening with PMI South Dakota’s Board of Directors and other project management professionals.
Thursday, March 27 • 6:30 p.m.
The Alliance, Sioux Falls
Enjoy a live performance by country music artist Sammy Kershaw as part of the Miles & Lisa Beacom Concert Series at The Alliance in Sioux Falls. This event promises an evening of great music and entertainment.
Thursday, March 27 • 6:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls
The Premiere Playhouse presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Orpheum Theater Center in Sioux Falls. Experience Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, magic, and mischief as the duke and queen prepare for their grand wedding celebration.
Thursday, March 27 • 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls
Step into the world of 1920s jazz and crime with CHICAGO: The Musical at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. Follow Roxie Hart’s journey through fame, deception, and scandal in this sensational Broadway hit.
March 28 – March 31
-
March Bike Night | Friday, March 28 • 6 p.m. | J&L Harley-Davidson
-
Raise the Roof Reckoning | Friday, March 28 • 7:30 p.m. | The District
-
Gasoline Lollipops LIVE | Friday, March 28 • 8 p.m. | The Den
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Usher V Soleil Tribute Show | Friday, March 28 • 8:30 p.m. | ICON
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4th Annual Stand Up | Saturday, March 29 • 9 a.m. | 909 W. 33rd Street
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Bottoms Up 5K | Saturday, March 29 • 11:30 a.m. | Founders Park
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Adoption Event | Saturday, March 29 • 6 p.m. | Good NAtured
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Tomahawk County | Saturday, March 29 • 7 p.m. | Club David
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Sound Sessions Vol. 3 | Saturday, March 29 • 8:30 p.m. | Bigs Bar
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Sunday Night Blues | Sunday, March 30 • 5 p.m. | Club David
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