South Dakota State University Athletics
Rod DeHaven -- Hall of Fame Bio
12/8/2014 10:26:00 AM | General
Graduated: 1989
Inducted: 2014
Rod DeHaven is the most decorated runner in Jackrabbit history, winning 19 individual North Central Conference titles and earning All-America honors 15 times in distance running. The Huron native won four consecutive individual NCC cross country titles from 1984-87 and was a four-time winner in the 1,500-meter run outdoors (1985-87, 89). He added three league outdoor titles in the 5,000 meters (1985-87).
Currently the head coach for the Jackrabbit cross country and track and field teams, DeHaven posted four top-10 individual national finishes in cross country to earn All-America honors, highlighted by back-to-back third-place finishes in 1986 and 1987. His ninth-place finish in 1985 led the Jackrabbits to the NCAA Division II team title.
DeHaven's lone individual national title came in indoor track at the 1985 NCAA Division II Championships, where he won the 1,500-meter run. He added fourth- and second-place finishes in the event in 1987 and 1989, respectively. He also posted a runner-up finish outdoors in the 1,500 meters in 1985, and was national runner-up in the 800 meters outdoors in 1986 and 5,000 meters in 1989.
Following his collegiate career, DeHaven continued to compete on the national and international scene. He represented the United States in the marathon at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
