The Howard Wood Dakota Relay event is already an extremely special weekend in Sioux Falls each and every year. However, this year carries a bit more importance because it will officially hit the century mark being the 100th year the relays are run. Talking with runners who have had the honor to compete in the past, they preach it is unlike any other event they have raced in throughout their high school career. Massive crowds of track fans pack out Howard Wood Stadium, and not a spot to be had through each turn of the 400m track. Scenes like a high school football state championship game, except the action isn’t taking place on the field but on the track surrounding it. Crowds anticipating each heat as they come and go throughout the days, it gets loud, and for good reason.
To compete in this event, you must be invited. To be invited, you must be at the top of your game. It consists of athletes from Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska. All of which had to meet a certain criteria to be nominated to race. Athletes not only competing for the pride of their respective schools, but also for the states in which they represent. Each athlete invited will attest to the level of excitement and honor an invitation brings. It is truly a feather in the cap to get to race in the Howard Wood Dakota Relays.
As reported yesterday, one of Pierre’s top athletes in Kali Ringstmeyer not only got the invitation to compete at the relays, but also was selected for its ‘Special Event’. The Special Event is different each year, this year being the women’s 200-meter dash. Ringstmeyer, a 2x state champion, was one of four South Dakota high school athletes to be nominated. To say being nominated to compete in the Special Event at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays is a cherry on top doesn’t do it justice. It really is one of the most distinct honors a high school track athlete in the Midwest can receive.
The event carries so much importance, that Senate majority leader John Thune spoke about it on the Senate floor earlier:
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):
“Mr. President, tomorrow afternoon runners will take their marks for the 100th running of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays.
“I have to say, Mr. President, I look forward to this event every year.
“It’s more than a track meet.
“It’s one of the hallmarks of sports in South Dakota.
“And an incredible tradition that’s now marking 100 years.
“Each year, thousands of high school athletes come from across the Upper Midwest to compete at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“But the Dakota Relays isn’t about where you’re from or how big your school is.
“It’s about the best competing against the best.
“And it’s a thrilling two days.
“Hurdles.
“Relays.
“Long jump.
“Javelin.
“And of course, the special event on Friday night that showcases some of the best runners in the region.
“Athletes get to compete against other athletes that they won’t see during a season or even at their statewide track meets.
“And it’s incredible to see how hard these high schoolers work.
“To see them give it their all.
“And to see their sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
“Mr. President, for generations, the Dakota Relays has been the ultimate proving ground.
“And a tradition shared by many South Dakota families.
“My own family’s involvement in the relays stretches from the very beginning.
“My wife Kimberley’s grandfather – the legendary ‘Smokey Joe’ Mendel – ran in one of the first Dakota Relays.
“And he was the first person to be inducted into the Dakota Relays Hall of Fame in 1959.
“My dad helped coach a relay team from Murdo, my hometown, that made it to the relays a couple of times.
“Both of my daughters competed in the relays when they were in high school – in fact, both were gold medalists.
“And I have a son-in-law who was also a gold medalist at the relays.
“And my daughter Brittany’s 4 x 800-meter relay team still holds the meet record that they set back in 2005.
“Mr. President, the Dakota Relays has been a highlight of high school athletes’ careers for as long as it’s been around.
“When legendary Washington High School coach Howard Wood established the relays, he did it to give student athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level
“That first year featured athletes from nine schools.
“Today, it’s much more than I think Coach Wood ever would have imagined.
“3,000 athletes and 20,000 fans are expected this year.
“Seventeen future Olympians have competed in the Dakota Relays.
“It’s now the longest-running high school track meet in South Dakota, and one of the longest running in the entire country.
“And even as it’s grown, the Dakota Relays still draws its support and strength from the local community.
“Especially from the volunteers who work hard to keep the events running smoothly.
“The relays couldn’t run without these men and women, and I always enjoy the chance to help out when I can.
“Although these days I’m helping to move hurdles or presenting medals now that technology has replaced me as a timer.
“Mr. President, Sioux Falls native Terry Nielsen has volunteered in various roles at the Dakota Relays for 50 years.
“And after all those years, he says, and I quote, ‘The success of this meet is based on small town South Dakota.’
“I couldn’t agree more.
“The Dakota Relays represents what I love about South Dakota, about our small towns, and about the people and values that make our state great.
“Mr. President, at the entrance of Howard Wood Field is a plaque that reads, ‘Howard Wood … Molder of Youth.’
“And I have to say, Mr. President, that’s what a good coach does.
“Shapes youth.
“Pushes athletes to do more.
“To be better.
“To think about more than just themselves.
“Coach Wood believed that athletics develops character and knowledge that serve athletes in every stage of life.
“He said, and I quote, ‘Athletics should teach the following … :
“‘To mind one’s own business.
“‘To be a good loser – to lose without crying.
“‘To be a good winner – to win without boasting.
“‘To be non-solicitous of sympathy.
“‘To develop initiative and cooperation.
“‘Good sportsmanship, which is none other than the Golden Rule.
“‘A respect for the code.
“‘Control of the emotional self.
“‘To care for the body. …
“‘My sincere hope and wish is that these few points have been grounded.’
“That, from the founder of the … Howard Wood Dakota Relays, Mr. President.
“Mr. President, Howard Wood’s legacy is alive and well after 100 years at the Dakota Relays.
“And, as always, I look forward to being there this year to cheer on our athletes and to be a part of this great South Dakota tradition.”
The Howard Wood Dakota Relays begin this afternoon and continue through Saturday, the Special Event 200m-dash will be held at 6:55 PM CT.
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