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Sioux Falls SD highlights 2024–25 athletics and fine arts participation, state titles and honors
Summary
District staff presented a year-end summary showing high participation in middle- and high-school activities, multiple state championships and individual honors including three Gatorade Players of the Year and the 100th Howard Wood Dakota Relays.
District staff presented the Sioux Falls School District 49‑5 2024–25 participation summary for athletics and fine arts at Monday’s board meeting, highlighting broad student engagement and competitive accomplishments.
Presenters Shane Webb and Casey Miley told the board that 3,568 middle school students participated in athletic teams (about 66.8% of middle school enrollment) and 3,603 high school students participated in athletics (just under 50% of high school enrollment) across 26 high‑school programs. Staff credited recent program additions — including girls powerlifting and expanded soccer and softball offerings — with increasing participation.
The district reported 18 individual state champions and seven team state titles for the year. Three student athletes were named Gatorade Players of the Year: Cole Riley (Washington High School, boys cross country), Grady Stamp (Lincoln High School, boys soccer) and Madeline Mescher (Washington High School, softball). The district also celebrated the 100th running of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays, which drew thousands of athletes, entries and teams from across the region, and said the meet remains a major statewide event.
In fine arts, staff reported more than 3,500 middle‑school students in visual arts classes, music participation in curricular band/choir/orchestra at just over 50% of students, and strong participation in All‑State events. The district said its guitar program has grown to 546 students since 2022 with ongoing community support for equipment and supplies.
Academic achievement awards from the South Dakota High School Activities Association were highlighted: multiple athletic and fine arts teams at each high school met the GPA threshold to earn the association’s academic award during their seasons.
Board members praised staff and volunteers and noted partnerships with local health systems and organizations that support athletics and activities. The presenters asked the board to acknowledge the participation summary, which was accepted by voice vote.
