South Dakota and Eastern Washington football teams feature Indigenous helmet decals

The South Dakota Coyotes and Eastern Washington Eagles will wear helmets displaying their team names in native tribal languages during Saturday's non-conference game. The initiative honors South Dakota's Native American Heritage Day. The South Dakota helmets feature the Lakota word "Sungmanitu," while Eastern Washington will display the Salish phrase "uł pql̓qeyn." These designs were created in consultation with Indigenous leaders and community members to highlight regional heritage. Before the game, students from the Pine Ridge Reservation will perform the Lakota Flag Song, and the university will recognize Native American staff, alumni, and students. Three players on the South Dakota roster share Native American lineage, including starting quarterback Austyn Modrzewski. Eastern Washington plans to utilize the same helmets again during their October 31 matchup against Montana.

• 2:53 PMYahoo Sports — USD, Eastern Washington football to wear Indigenous helmet decals