Koslowski, Denis

As a Doland High wrestler, Koslowski never made it to the state finals. That didn’t stop him from reaching the pinnacle in his sport, as he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009. Koslowski was the first U.S. Greco-Roman wrestler to win two Olympic medals, winning a silver medal in 1992 […]

Johnson, Clint

A 1974 Spearfish High grad, Johnson dominated the saddle bronc riding competition on the pro rodeo circuit in the 1980s. He was the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world saddle bronc champion four times – in 1980 and 1987-89 – and he was runner-up in 1983, 1985 and 1986. He started his pro rodeo career in […]

Heirigs, Roger

The first person to be named the state’s High School Athlete of the Year and the College Athlete of the Year, the multi-talented Heirigs was one of South Dakota’s brightest stars in the 1960s. He earned the prep honor in 1963 at Irene and the college honor in 1966 at Yankton College. Both honors were […]

Halter, Vern

1967 Flandreau/1971 USD graduate who later earned law degree in Vermillion. In the Flandreau Athletic Hall of Fame. One of the world’s and South Dakota’s most famous sled-dog racer, Halter competed in the 1,000-mile (Anchorage to Nome) Iditarod 19 times in a 22-year span (1983-2005). His best finish was third in 1999 to earn about […]

Garrnett, Marvin

A four-time world bareback champion, the Belle Fourche native was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1998. The 5-foot-7, 150-pounder won bareback titles in 1988, ’89, ’94 and ’95 and narrowly missed a fifth title, being edged out on the last ride at the 1996 National Finals Rodeo by brother Mark. Marvin […]

Dworsky, Dan

Perhaps the greatest football player in the storied history of Sioux Falls’ Washington High, Dworsky led Michigan to back-to-back undefeated seasons and national titles. He grew up in the Twin Cities and moved to Sioux Falls for his junior year of high school. The 6-foot, 200-pounder lettered two years each in football, basketball and track. […]