How does a college basketball coach who had known nothing but winning big handle a losing season in his first year at a school that previously had six consecutive 20-win seasons?
Eric Henderson blazed through the Summit League, achieving an 80 percent win rate in his six years leading South Dakota State, which followed three banner-hanging seasons as an assistant in Brookings under T.J. Otzelberger.
The success landed "Hendo" the gig at Drake, where he replaced Ben McCollum, whose one season in Des Moines yielded a 31-4 record and landed the long-time Division II legend the gig at Iowa.
Then, a thud. Hendo's first squad went 14-20, but they secured a monumental Missouri Valley Conference Tournament quarterfinal win over No. 1 seed Belmont.
What went wrong, then right? What did the infectiously "glass half full" Hendo learn?
How does he expect three Jackrabbits he took to Drake—Owen Larson, Garrett Goodbary, and Bryson Bahl — to contribute?
How and why were those the three SDSU players that came along for the ride and why weren't there more? Did Hendo have input in the hiring of his successor?
How does Hendo navigate NIL when most mid-major schools are pillaged by the big leagues?
What's his favorite memory of Mike Daum?
All this and plenty more as the always-gregarious Hendo catches up with the Happy Hour host.
Thirsty Thursday local sports talk with Trent Singer
If there has actually been a busier or more compelling three days of softball news in South Dakota history, it has been a while.
Two days after the shocking removal of 10-year head coach Robert Wagner from USD softball, Augustana's 20-year legend Gretta Melsted became the new head coach at Minnesota.
Yeah, the Gophers. Big Ten. From Division II.
Melsted led Augustana to the 2019 national championship, four D2 world series, and a combined 14 NSIC regular season and tournament titles in her two decades. She had turned down prior Div. I offers from mid-major schools.
So, what do we make of her leap to the big time, just a couple months after Augie hockey coach Garrett Raboin stayed put after reported strong interest from Minnesota?
The Happy Hour host—who sat down with Melsted for nearly an hour about her softball journey a year ago—and Sioux Falls Live sports reporter Trent Singer -- who recently sat down with Melsted for 45 minutes a couple weeks ago, unpack a massive move.
Melsted's name was on the tip of anyone's tounge the moment it was public knowledge that USD had an opening.
While the school conducts a "national search" to replace Robert Wagner, Singer and the host add layers to a story that has become mysterious, controversial, and combative on social media among USD followers since USD announced there would be a "change in leadership" without mentioning Wagner's name or decade of service.
Meanwhile, the Sioux Falls Stampede skate into Muskegon needing just one win to capture the club's first Clark Cup in seven years.
Singer has covered the team all season and reported on a bunch dramatic playoff wins in front of packed, rowdy crowds.
Why does he suppose attendance has swelled as the title chase has built? Why has the Herd dominated the first two games of these Clark Cup Finals?
What will be this team's legacy if it hoists the cup?
Canaries president Brian Jamros
No team in the American Association has won more games over the last three seasons than the Sioux Falls Canaries. No team had lost more in the several years before that.
The Birds have seen an uptick not just in wins, but also in ticket sales and revenue. That has a lot to do with owners Brian Slipka and Anthony Albanese, who bought the club in April 2021, kept manager Mike Meyer, and poured their own money into enhancements for the players and fans at The Birdcage.
President Brian Jamros has led the day-to-day operations since the 2022 season and tells the story of how so much has transformed in a few years.
Sioux Falls is off to a 5-1 start, with games at The Birdcage every day through Sunday this, then again Friday-thru-Sunday next week.
So, what's new? Why are ticket prices lower? What factors influence decisions about ballpark renovations and concessions?
Oh, what is a conversation about the Canaries without bringing up a possible new ballpark someday. Perhaps you have heard that 130 acres of city-purchased land just north of Falls Park will be available in a few years.
USA