SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- For the second year in a row, the South Dakota Showdown Series generated $70,000 in donations to benefit Feeding South Dakota.
The South Dakota Showdown Series is a year-long athletic and academic competition between collegiate in-state rivals University of South Dakota Coyotes and South Dakota State University Jackrabbits. The Coyotes emerged victorious in the recently completed 2017-18 competition by a narrow margin of 14-13.
Presented by South Dakota Corn, the South Dakota Showdown Series operates on a point system in which each school can earn a maximum of 22 points per year based on head-to-head competition between the two institutions in a total of 17 men's and women's athletic events. The universities are awarded up to three points each for academic success, as well.
"Through this continuing partnership with Feeding South Dakota, our state's farmers are making a commitment to provide hundreds of thousands of nourishing meals to individuals and families who are less fortunate," said Teddi Mueller, South Dakota Corn's marketing director. "The Showdown Series and other events throughout the year raise awareness of the state's needs and generate a substantial amount of money to ensure South Dakotans don't go hungry. We're all partners in this meaningful cause."
As the Series' philanthropic partner, Feeding South Dakota will be able to provide approximately 350,000 meals for adults and children throughout the state due to the $70,000 raised through the efforts of USD and SDSU fans, students and campus communities. A significant portion of these monies for Feeding South Dakota resulted from the "Get Off the Bench" campaign, which took place at several USD-SDSU rivalry games during the 2017-18 season.
"Throughout our partnership with South Dakota Corn, both SDSU and USD have been able to showcase academic and athletic excellence," SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sellsaid. "As Division I institutions, we are proud to place a high value on sportsmanship and community service to meaningful organizations, such as Feeding South Dakota."
Courtesy: SDSU Athletics