It has been an especially exciting and historic time to be at Dakota State University in the past few years! Tremendous fundraising efforts, new buildings and rising enrollment have coincided with significant success in the DSU athletics. The cross country and track and field team has contributed significantly to this incredible success! 

The cross country and track and field team has doubled in size to almost 70 athletes and will continue to add athletes this upcoming year. A larger team means additional expenses for transportation, lodging, warm up clothing, competition shoes, entry fees, etc. These fundraising dollars will directly impact the student-athletes and potentially provide additional competitions as track meets may be added to the schedule due to our South Dakota spring weather. This talented and accomplished team needs your support to reach its full potential and continue to shine for DSU athletics.

We’re very proud of every athlete on our team. The following is a brief list of our accomplishments in this past year.

2018 Indoor Track and Field Season

Alex Derr

·    11th place in the 800-meter run at the 2018 NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championships

·    1st place in the 800-meter run at the 2018 North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Indoor Track and Field Championships in a meet record time

Walker Olivier

·    13th place in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2018 NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championships in a DSU school record time

·    1st place in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2018 NSAA Indoor Track and Field Championships

 Cameron Harming

·    15th in the 1000 meter run at the 2018 NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championships

Abbie Strasser

·    2nd in the 60-meter dash at the 2018 NSAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and posted the 2nd best time in DSU history.

Josie Wolf

·    2nd in the 200-meter dash at the 2018 NSAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in a new DSU school record

2018 Outdoor Track and Field Season

          Tyler Lems

·    7th place in the discus at the 2018 NAIA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning DSU’s first All-American honor in the discus throw

·    Won three events (discus/shot put/hammer throw) at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning NSAA Field Event Athlete of the Meet

Timothy Ward

·    1st place in the 400-meter dash at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

·    1st place in the 400-meter dash at the prestigious Howard Wood Relays and posted the 5th best 400 time in DSU History

Braden Curnow

·   15th place in the 10K run at the 2018 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Maxwell Cruse

·    Qualified to the 2018 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the marathon

Josie Wolf

·    2nd place in the 100- and 200-meter dash, as well as the 4 x 100-meter relay at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Kirsten Paetow

·    2nd place in the 800-meter run and 4 x 800-meter relay at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Kalissa Bryant

·    2nd place in the 3000-meter steeplechase run and 4 x 800-meter relay at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Traia Hubbard

·    2nd place in the discus throw at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Men’s Outdoor Track Team

·    2nd place team finish at the 2018 NSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

·    2017-2018 NAIA Scholar Team – Yearly GPA above 3.0

·    2017-2018 USTFCCCA All-Academic Team – Cumulative GPA above 3.0

Women’s Outdoor Track Team

·    2017-2018 NAIA Scholar Team – Yearly GPA above 3.0

·    2017-2018 USTFCCCA All-Academic Team – Cumulative GPA above 3.0

2018 Cross Country Season

          Braden Curnow

·    19th place at the 2018 NAIA National Cross Country Championships, earning DSU’s 4th ever men’s cross country All-American award

·    1st place at the 2018 NSAA Cross Country Championships, earning All-Conference Honors

Jacia Christiansen

·    9th place at the 2018 NSAA Cross Country Championships, earning All-Conference Honors

Men’s Cross Country Team

·    30th place at the 2018 NAIA National Cross Country Championships

·    1st place at the 2018 NSAA Cross Country Championships

Women’s Cross Country Team

·    3rd place at the 2018 NSAA Cross Country Championships

These athletes and the rest of the cross country and track and field team who dedicate their time to train and compete passionately have all contributed to the success of the program. They are at DSU because of terrific support from DSU, the Trojan Athletic Club and individuals like yourself.

Our team will continue to grow in the future and we are growing to not only improve our conference and national success, but to also help every athlete we can as stated in our philosophy. Our philosophy is to help student-athletes achieve their potential in athletics, academics, and life. By establishing a strong work-ethic, optimistic outlook, and a dedication to their pursuits, our athletes can use these traits to become better people.

As a former cross country/track and field athlete at DSU (2006-2011) and coach since 2011, it has been an absolute honor to work for this program. I'm very excited to help this program grow and achieve new successes in the coming years. I sincerely thank you for your generosity.

Anthony Drealan - Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach