SDSU hosts USD in South Dakota Corn Showdown Series

The state’s biggest athletic rivalry continues this weekend with the South Dakota Corn Showdown Series. At 2 p.m. Sunday, the South Dakota State women’s basketball team will host the University of South Dakota in Brookings.

Aside from the athletic and academic portions, the 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 series.

“The women’s basketball programs at SDSU and USD are extremely competitive and captivate the state,” said Teddi Mueller, South Dakota Corn’s legislative and industry affairs director. “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 cause. During the basketball game, a member of the SDSU cheer team will attempt to set a Guinness World Record by putting on 33 or more T-shirts in one minute. For each T-shirt put on, South Dakota Corn will donate $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 would be $5,400.

Fans are encouraged to play a role in the rivalry by donating to Feeding South Dakota at concession stands and online at www.feedingsouthdakota.org. Donations are also accepted at First Bank & Trust branches or online at www.bankeasy.com.

The schools compete for a traveling trophy, using a point system based on head-to-head competition and conference championships in 17 men’s and women’s sports. Points are also awarded for 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,” said Leon Costello, SDSU’s deputy director of athletics. “SDSU is proud to partner with 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/