A look back at some of the sports happenings during the week of Aug. 16-22, 2026:
Last year on Aug. 19, 2025: USD athletics received its largest monetary gift in its history. South Dakota philanthropist T. Denny Sanford is donating $20 million to the University of South Dakota to build a $45-million indoor track and field and training facility complete with training areas, offices and classrooms. The facility will be used by other athletic teams as well, including softball and tennis. The track and building will be named in honor of current Sanford Heath CEO Bill Gassen and wife Jill. Both were track and field athletes who graduated from USD in 2004. Jill competed in hurdles and pole vault, while Bill threw shot put and was a standout defensive lineman on the Coyote football team. Both also went on to get advanced degrees at USD. Jill became a physician assistant and Bill earned his law degree.
10 years ago on Aug. 16, 2016: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has been sidelined with a rib fracture he suffered in last weekend’s preseason opener against Tampa Bay. The former NDSU standout is the son of former NSU standout Doug Wentz.
20 years ago on Aug. 16, 2006: Two Brookings residents golfing together hit back-to-back aces on the seventh hole at the Brookings Country Club. First, Pat Lockwood used his wedge to ace the 165-yard, par-3 hole. Then Kelly Fitts repeated the feat using his wedge.
30 years ago on Aug. 17, 1996: Veteran Sioux Falls broadcaster Danny Olson, 74, broke his collarbone during the old-timers game to kick off the state amateur baseball tourney in Sioux Falls. After a three-hour visit to the hospital, Olson was back in the broadcast booth workings 34 th consecutive state amateur tourney.
40 years ago on Aug. 22, 1986: Tri-Valley standout athlete Julie Krauth put up some crazy numbers while pitching for the 15 and under girls’ softball team, Sioux Falls Stencil Construction. The team was one of the best in the country, going 67-7. Krauth struck out 850 batters in 429 innings.
50 years ago on Aug. 21, 1976: South Dakota State athletic director Stan Marshall has been elected president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
