Small-Town Values, Big-League Dreams: SDSU's Football Farmstead
South Dakota State University (SDSU) has long been a champion of all things agriculture in the state of South Dakota. In a region where farming and rural life are deeply ingrained in the culture, it's no surprise that SDSU stands as a symbol of the state's agricultural heritage. But did you know that the university's commitment to agriculture extends even to its football field? In 2014, the SDSU football team made a groundbreaking move by switching to soy-based turf for their field, a testament to their dedication to sustainability and innovation.
However, there's another remarkable aspect to the SDSU football program —the roster holds many home-grown South Dakota football players, many of whom hail from ag-focused communities. These young athletes learned the importance of hard work and small-town values from a young age, and it's these qualities that have helped them excel both on and off the field.
Growing Up Rural
With lots of SDSU’s football roster rooting from South Dakota, we asked some of these football players what growing up in a rural community meant to them. They agreed that their communities shaped them into the people they are today.
In South Dakota's closely-knit communities, the support for home-grown talent is unwavering. From parents cheering in the stands to neighbors proudly displaying team flags, these football players are more than just athletes; they are local to these communities’ pride and joy. Their success on the field brings communities together, fostering a sense of pride that resonates far beyond the football season.
From the Fields to the Football Field
One Jackrabbit, Jace Sifore, from Howard, learned the importance of a hard work ethic from a young age, working on his Grandpa’s farm. As he transitioned into a D1 football player, he had to shift his focus more on his commitment to football and school. Balancing between the two fields has been a challenge for Jace, but his family has been a great support system for him in his football career.
Jace chose to stay in South Dakota for football because of the amazing people there.
“I love the state of South Dakota. I love the people that live here and the people that make this state what it is. I feel that South Dakota is continually going in a good direction.”
Growing up in Howard, Jace developed skills that have taken him far already and will continue to help him excel in life. His favorite part of coming home is simply catching up with his community in his local grocery store, Rusty’s, or the Howard Golf Course. The warm feeling of community and family has made him an excellent team player on the field as well. His teammates are his family and he continues to dedicate his time and energy to them, just like he did on the farm. As Jace continues to excel in his football career, he always has his family farm, and all of South Dakota farmers on his mind, especially as football season collides with harvest season.
"South Dakota farmers and ranchers have a special place in my heart. They are working nonstop through the hundred-degree summers and the negative-degree winters to put food on the tables. Their work does not go unnoticed, and if I could thank everyone individually, I would.”
As South Dakota State University continues to advocate for agriculture and sustainable practices, its football program stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when small-town values, hard work, and innovation come together. The soy-based turf on their football field is not just a surface to play on; it's a symbol of their commitment to their roots and their willingness to embrace the future. Jace Sifore is a great example of how a hardworking mindset and a supportive community can help take you to new heights. We are reminded that the values learned on the farm are the same ones that cultivate success, both on and off the field.
