SDSU Rodeo Boosters provides opportunities for college athletes
Did you know that the South Dakota State University Rodeo program is supported largely by donations and fundraising? While the university covers the coach’s salary and benefits, all other expenses are covered by the generosity of people who contribute to the program. Donations are spearheaded by the SDSU Rodeo Boosters and SDSU Alumni & Foundation, such as the One Day for State event. Rodeo Club fundraising events such as Buckles and Bling and the Jackrabbit Stampede also provide funding for the rodeo program.
These contributions cover scholarships, travel expenses to and from regional and College National Finals rodeos, equipment and facilities maintenance, practice expenses, and a variety of miscellaneous costs including insurance, utilities and promotion. The annual average budget provided by the Rodeo Boosters and Rodeo Club is approximately $170,000.
“SDSU is located in a geographic sweet spot for recruiting student athletes from states in the northeast region of the U.S.,” Coach Ron Skovly said. Students find the campus atmosphere inviting. The support and camaraderie of Coach Skovly and teammates provide an atmosphere for excelling in their various disciplines, and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
SDSU Rodeo Boosters, including Chair Don Reichert, Vice Chair Laura McGirr, Secretary Karla Abbott, Treasurer Patty Dewey, and board members Haven Stuck, Kevin Moe, Dana Dyhouse, Elle Pieper, and Sam Cordes share a vision to elevate the SDSU rodeo program to become one of the top five programs in the nation. The Boosters’ purpose is to generate financial support for the rodeo program. They are on a mission to provide an exceptional collegiate rodeo experience for student athletes of high character committed to earning degrees at SDSU.
Since 2020, the SDSU Rodeo Boosters have raised nearly $650,000 for scholarships, travel and other expenses. They have acquired a roughly thirty-acre parcel of land for a rodeo campus site to eventually house a year-round practice facility. The Boosters are seeking donations to fund competitive scholarships which will attract and retain top student athletes, provide operational resources for the SDSU rodeo team, provide funds to hire a second coach, and build an indoor arena and supporting infrastructure to serve as a year-round practice facility.
To share in their mission, you can reach out to any board member, or find more information at: https://www.sdstate.edu/animal-science/sdsu-rodeo-program/sdsu-rodeo-boosters. Donations to the program can also be directed through the SDSU Alumni & Foundation.
SDSU Foundation Senior Advisor John Stiegelmeier coined the phrase “Make A Difference” during his tenure as head coach of the Jackrabbit Football program.
“I ran through life not investing. I’d go from one recruit to the next,” he described himself. “I stopped at the farm one day on my way to visit recruits, and told my older brother, Jim, I was going to see this top recruit. Now, this young man was in a dysfunctional home. What I experienced in this home visit should have opened my eyes: from a dad that was not in the right shape when he got home, to the living conditions in the home. But I didn’t see that; at the time, I just saw a recruit, a chance to sell, and then the need to get back on the road to the next guy.”
Later, Jim asked John how the visit went.
“When I told him the story, I looked up, and he had tears running down his face. He said, ‘Life is short. You need to make a difference.'”
Jim’s life was cut short. He died as the result of a farm accident 24 years ago at the age of 47. Through his leadership in the football program, John took to heart his brother’s challenge, and M.A.D. – “Make a Difference” was born. “Coach Stig” continues to make a positive impact at the university and throughout the state of South Dakota in his continuing role with the SDSU Foundation.
“You have an opportunity to make a difference and have a positive impact in every situation,” Stiegelmeier said.
The SDSU Rodeo Boosters desire to “Make A Difference” for current and future student athletes and the entire rodeo program, and invite others to participate with them in supporting Coach Skovly and the team.
The 70th annual Jackrabbit Stampede will be held April 10 and 11, 2026. 15 schools and over 300 college rodeo student athletes from the Great Plains region will compete. The Jackrabbit Stampede has several times been voted the Great Plains region “Rodeo of the Year.” Events include bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, goat tying, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing, team roping and bull riding.
For more information and schedules, visit: https://www.sdstate.edu/animal-science/sdsu-rodeo-program/jackrabbit-stampede.
Author’s note: Jim Stiegelmeier was my father.
