Sport: Track & Field Category: Scores & Results

South Dakota coaches recognized with year-end awards

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 11:48 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Track & Field

Summary

On June 23, during a ceremony in Parkston, South Dakota, several track and field coaches received state and regional honors. Joe Shepardson of Ethan/Parkston was named Class A track and field coach of the year in Area 3. Other award recipients included Kurt Stukel of Gregory and Michael Schmitz of Woonsocket, recognized as Class B Area 3 head coach and assistant coaches of the year, respectively. The Ethan/Parkston boys team placed sixth at the state track and field championships with athletes reaching the podium in 11 events. Sioux Falls Christian secured significant recognition, with both their boys and girls teams claiming Class A titles and Luke VanderLeest receiving the Circle of Champions coach of the year award.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Joe Shepardson named Class A coach of the year in Area 3.
•Ethan/Parkston boys team finished sixth at state championships.
•Sioux Falls Christian swept Class A team competitions.
•Luke VanderLeest awarded Circle of Champions coach of the year.
•Multiple athletes recognized as All-Americans in track events.

Latest Updates

11:48 PMYahoo Sports — Area track and field coaches honored with year-end awards

What they're saying

"
Jun. 23—PARKSTON, S.D. — Several area track and field coaches were awarded state and regional honors on Monday as the top coaches in South Dakota. Ethan/Parkston track and field coach Joe Shepardson was named the Class A track and field coach of the year in Area 3 by the South Dakota Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association. Gregory's Kurt Stukel and Woonsocket's Michael Schmitz ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Track & Field