SDSU Alumni Gather To Support The Jacks

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
December 01, 2012 8:33 PM


With a limited number of tickets available for the game in Fargo, many South Dakota State University fans were forced to watch it on TV. More than 100 alumni gathered at Starz in Sioux Falls Saturday afternoon.

Fans said it is one thing to make it to the playoffs, but that wasn’t the reason why they were extra excited for the game.  

“I think the fact that we are only so few years into division one, and we are already in the playoffs, really validates the work and the job SDSU has done,” said Dave Jones, SDSU class of 1988.
     
And every booth at Starz was packed with blue and gold to support that hard work.
 
“It reminds me of the tailgating atmosphere at the SDSU games,” said Kelsea Hotbet, class of 2011.

Kelsea Hotbet was one of thousands who tried to snag a ticket for Saturday’s game in Fargo. She was unsuccessful but said the get together reminds her of the feeling she gets in Brookings.
 
"Its so cool because literally everyone here has SDSU on,” said Hotbet.

And having a sea of those colors was the goal.

“Its a great way to get all the alumni of SDSU together in one place,” said Renee Halgerson, Chair of the Social Committee of the Sioux Empire Staters.

Dave Eiesland is a graduate of SDSU class of 1974. He is so proud of his Jacks that he said its hard to contain his excitement.

"They've just done such a tremendous (job). Stiegelmeier, he's just done a great job getting these guys up there, and they love playing for him,” said Dave Eiesland, SDSU class of 1974.

Eiesland said having SDSU in the FCS Championships as a division one team will hopefully prove something to everyone.
     
"We're from South Dakota and they say we can't do that, but we can do that. We can compete. And we will do well,” said Eiesland.

But win or lose the fans agree, it’s all about being together.

"Just (about) the comradery of being with fellow alumni and cheering them on,” said Jones.
 
The Sioux Empire Staters, a chapter of the SDSU Alumni Association organized the watch party at Starz.

Event coordinators said they invited hundreds of alumni who live in a 30 mile radius of Sioux Falls.