In the heart of the Midwest, where the prairies stretch as far as the eye can see, a powerhouse has emerged on the football field. An absolute beast of a team.
South Dakota State University’s football team clinched its second straight FCS Football Championship by defeating Montana 23-3 in front of a TON of Jackrabbit fans on Sunday in Frisco.
This was an all-out yellow and blue assault on Texas. The fans came by the thousands to cheer wildly for this team and the day was perfect from start to finish. From the tailgating, to the fans who witnessed the team walk in to the stadium, then the beatdown of the Griz just surreal.
For me, having moved to Illinois a couple of years ago, it was heartwarming to be a part of a Brookings and Jackrabbit reunion in Texas. To see so many old friends. To chat with so many people. It was truly amazing to spend so much time after all these years with fellow 1986 BHS graduates Chris Stark and Kevin Nelson.
We were roommates for the weekend and tasted our first beers ever together since we never drank together in high school because we were underage and that would have been so very wrong to break the law.
Back to the gridiron the big SDSU win Sunday also secured a mind-boggling 29-game winning streak. The Jackrabbits’ triumph is not just a victory for the university; it’s a testament to the resilience, skill, and determination of the players, coaching staff and the entire community. Think about it 29 straight wins with the kind of competition this team plays most weeks is unreal. The players, under the leadership of first-year coach Jimmy Rogers and a fantastic coaching staff, have elevated this university to big-time success on a national level.
Maybe what makes this Jackrabbit group so lovable is the team aspect that just shines through in everything they do. A true team is a group where everybody pitches in and nobody cares who gets the credit. That epitomizes this team. Superstar quarterback Mark Gronowski wins the Walter Payton award given to the nations top FCS player on Saturday night and the first words out of his mouth are this is a team award. Amen.
The victory over Montana on a brilliant, sunny day at Toyota Stadium was not just about claiming a title; it was a masterclass in teamwork, execution and sheer grit. This is a team that was just flat out superior to every team they played. Lets face it there is a good chance we will never see this type of Jackrabbit team again. Thats just how damn good this team is.
As we applaud the Rabbits for their extraordinary accomplishment, it’s crucial to recognize the broader impact of their success. Beyond wins and losses, the team serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes in Brookings and statewide, proving that with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, dreams can be realized on the biggest stages.
Amid the celebrations, it’s important to remember the journey that brought the Jackrabbits to this pinnacle of success. From the North Central Conference to this moment. The victories, defeats, and countless hours of dedication have culminated in a championship win that will be cherished for generations to come.
Kudos to Jackrabbit football on their second straight FCS title and their extraordinary 29-game winning streak. And thank you for letting us all be a part of this unbelievable journey,
Billy McMacken is chief operating officer of News Media Corp., the company that owns the Brookings Register. He is a former Brookings resident and a Jackrabbit alum.
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