South Dakota State University Athletics
South Dakota Corn Showdown Series
1/14/2016 5:48:00 PM | General
BROOKINGS, S.D.—Jan. 14, 2016—South Dakota's biggest athletic rivalry continues Sunday with the South Dakota Corn Showdown Series. The South Dakota State women's basketball team hosts long time rival University of South Dakota in Brookings at Frost Arena 2 p.m.
Aside from the athletic and academic portions, the South Dakota Corn Showdown Series aims to highlight agriculture, the state's largest industry, and raise funds to feed hungry families in South Dakota. Feeding South Dakota, the state's largest hunger relief organization, is the philanthropic organization benefitting from the South Dakota Corn Showdown Series.
“The women's basketball programs at SDSU and USD are extremely competitive and captivate the state,” Teddi Mueller, South Dakota Corn's legislative and industry affairs director said. “But no matter which team wins the game, hungry South Dakotans will benefit from the Showdown Series because it raises money for Feeding South Dakota.”
Students from both universities have combined efforts to support the philanthropic cause. During the basketball game, SDSU cheerleaders will attempt to set a Guinness World Record by putting on 33-or-more t-shirts on in one minute. For each t-shirt put on, the students raise $100 for Feeding South Dakota. So far this season, SDSU and USD students have raised $2,200. If the record is broken at 33 shirts, the running total will be $5,400.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the current world record is 32 t-shirts. For each t-shirt, South Dakota Corn will donate $100 to Feeding South Dakota.
Fans are encouraged to play a role in the state's biggest rivalry by donating to Feeding South Dakota at concessions stands and online at www.feedingsouthdakota.org. Donations are also accepted at First Bank & Trust branches or online at www.bankeasy.com.
The Showdown Series is structured against a point system in which each school can earn 24 points per year based on head-to-head competition and conference championships between SDSU and USD in 17 men's and women's sports. Points are also awarded for the student-athletes' GPAs and philanthropic efforts.
“The South Dakota Showdown Series provides an avenue for South Dakota's Division I universities to showcase student-athlete academic and athletic achievements while promoting sportsmanship and philanthropy with each rivalry competition,” Leon Costello, Deputy Director of Athletics at South Dakota State University said. “SDSU is proud to partner with the South Dakota Corn to make the series a reality.”
The series is in its fourth season and the 2015-16 winner will be announced at the conclusion of the athletic and academic year. For a complete breakdown of the South Dakota Corn Showdown Series, visit http://www.sdcornshowdown.com/
For additional information, visit http://www.sdcorn.org/, www.gojacks.com and www.learfieldsports.com.
