Thune: 100th Howard Wood Dakota Relays Celebrates Tradition, Community, and Sportsmanship
“The Dakota Relays represents what I love about South Dakota, about our small towns, and about the people and values that make our state great.”
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):
“Mr. President, tomorrow afternoon runners will take their marks for the 100th running of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays.
“I have to say, Mr. President, I look forward to this event every year.
“It’s more than a track meet.
“It’s one of the hallmarks of sports in South Dakota.
“And an incredible tradition that’s now marking 100 years.
“Each year, thousands of high school athletes come from across the Upper Midwest to compete at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“But the Dakota Relays isn’t about where you’re from or how big your school is.
“It’s about the best competing against the best.
“And it’s a thrilling two days.
“Hurdles.
“Relays.
“Long jump.
“Javelin.
“And of course, the special event on Friday night that showcases some of the best runners in the region.
“Athletes get to compete against other athletes that they won’t see during a season or even at their statewide track meets.
“And it’s incredible to see how hard these high schoolers work.
“To see them give it their all.
“And to see their sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
“Mr. President, for generations, the Dakota Relays has been the ultimate proving ground.
“And a tradition shared by many South Dakota families.
“My own family’s involvement in the relays stretches from the very beginning.
“My wife Kimberley’s grandfather – the legendary ‘Smokey Joe’ Mendel – ran in one of the first Dakota Relays.
“And he was the first person to be inducted into the Dakota Relays Hall of Fame in 1959.
“My dad helped coach a relay team from Murdo, my hometown, that made it to the relays a couple of times.
“Both of my daughters competed in the relays when they were in high school – in fact, both were gold medalists.
“And I have a son-in-law who was also a gold medalist at the relays.
“And my daughter Brittany’s 4 x 800-meter relay team still holds the meet record that they set back in 2005.
“Mr. President, the Dakota Relays has been a highlight of high school athletes’ careers for as long as it’s been around.
“When legendary Washington High School coach Howard Wood established the relays, he did it to give student athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level.
“That first year featured athletes from nine schools.
“Today, it’s much more than I think Coach Wood ever would have imagined.
“3,000 athletes and 20,000 fans are expected this year.
“Seventeen future Olympians have competed in the Dakota Relays.
“It’s now the longest-running high school track meet in South Dakota, and one of the longest running in the entire country.
“And even as it’s grown, the Dakota Relays still draws its support and strength from the local community.
“Especially from the volunteers who work hard to keep the events running smoothly.
“The relays couldn’t run without these men and women, and I always enjoy the chance to help out when I can.
“Although these days I’m helping to move hurdles or presenting medals now that technology has replaced me as a timer.
“Mr. President, Sioux Falls native Terry Nielsen has volunteered in various roles at the Dakota Relays for 50 years.
“And after all those years, he says, and I quote, ‘The success of this meet is based on small town South Dakota.’
“I couldn’t agree more.
“The Dakota Relays represents what I love about South Dakota, about our small towns, and about the people and values that make our state great.
“Mr. President, at the entrance of Howard Wood Field is a plaque that reads, ‘Howard Wood … Molder of Youth.’
“And I have to say, Mr. President, that’s what a good coach does.
“Shapes youth.
“Pushes athletes to do more.
“To be better.
“To think about more than just themselves.
“Coach Wood believed that athletics develops character and knowledge that serve athletes in every stage of life.
“He said, and I quote, ‘Athletics should teach the following … :
“‘To mind one’s own business.
“‘To be a good loser – to lose without crying.
“‘To be a good winner – to win without boasting.
“‘To be non-solicitous of sympathy.
“‘To develop initiative and cooperation.
“‘Good sportsmanship, which is none other than the Golden Rule.
“‘A respect for the code.
“‘Control of the emotional self.
“‘To care for the body. …
“‘My sincere hope and wish is that these few points have been grounded.’
“That, from the founder of the … Howard Wood Dakota Relays, Mr. President.
“Mr. President, Howard Wood’s legacy is alive and well after 100 years at the Dakota Relays.
“And, as always, I look forward to being there this year to cheer on our athletes and to be a part of this great South Dakota tradition.”
Related Issues: South Dakota
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