Coughlin-Alumni Stadium: A Legacy of Jackrabbit Football
Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, a name synonymous with South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits football, stood as a testament to the university's athletic history for over half a century. From its humble beginnings in 1962 to its transformation into the modern Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Coughlin-Alumni held a special place in the hearts of players, coaches, and fans alike. This article delves into the history of this iconic stadium, exploring its origins, memorable moments, and eventual evolution.
The Genesis of a Stadium
The story of Coughlin-Alumni Stadium begins with Charles Coughlin, a passionate SDSU alumnus from the class of 1909. Coughlin's dedication to SDSU was evident in his enthusiasm for sports, where he excelled in football, baseball, track, basketball, and even bowling. Years after his graduation, his commitment to his alma mater would play a crucial role in the creation of a new football stadium.
In the late 1950s, the planning stages for a new stadium began. Financial constraints plagued the project from the outset. However, thanks to Coughlin's initial donation of $50,000 and the subsequent fundraising efforts of alumni, the stadium became a reality. Built at a cost of $300,000, the stadium was dedicated on September 22, 1962, and named in honor of Charles Coughlin.
At the time that Coughlin was contributing to his alma mater, he was treasurer and general manager of the Briggs and Stratton Company in Milwaukee, Wis. Before returning to Briggs and Stratton in 1922, Coughlin briefly left to teach mechanical engineering at Purdue University and also worked as general manager at another company in Cudahy, Wis.
The Campanile, which began as an idea between SDSU President Charles Pugsley and engineering professor H.B. Mathews, was built 20 years after Coughlin’s graduation from State.
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Early Years and Memorable Moments
Coughlin-Alumni Stadium quickly became a source of pride for the Jackrabbits. In its inaugural years, the team captured North Central Conference (NCC) titles in both 1962 and 1963, setting the stage for decades of exciting football. Over its 54-year history, SDSU hosted 65 different opponents at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, amassing an impressive record of 181-108. Notably, the team achieved a 49-16 record after transitioning to the Division I level.
The stadium witnessed numerous memorable games and outstanding performances. Some highlights include:
- October 19, 1975: A hard-fought 24-22 rivalry win over the University of South Dakota (USD) in front of nearly 16,000 fans.
- October 19, 1985 (Hobo Day): The Jackrabbits defeated the number-one ranked USD Coyotes 24-12 before a Division II stadium record crowd of 16,193, snapping an 11-game Coyotes winning streak.
- 1995 Opener: A 10-6 victory over Division II powerhouse Northwest Missouri State.
- 1998: A thrilling 30-27 overtime win against Nebraska-Omaha, marking the first overtime game ever played in Brookings.
- 2006 Hobo Day: SDSU rallied from a 21-10 deficit to beat UC Davis 22-21 in front of 15,248 spectators.
- 2007: A 29-24 victory over North Dakota State in front of a then-record crowd of 16,345.
- 2012: SDSU's first-ever home playoff game, a dominant 58-10 win over Eastern Illinois led by Zach Zenner's 295 rushing yards.
TJ Lally, a senior linebacker, recalled the atmosphere of that first home playoff game: "It was Thanksgiving weekend so there weren't very many people there, but the crowd that was there was amazing. It was cold and dreary but the people that were there were so loud, and we smoked 'em. That was a really cool experience, especially being the first home playoff game. I'll always remember that."
Notable Figures
Coughlin-Alumni Stadium served as the home field for numerous exceptional athletes, including:
- Jim Langer: An NFL Hall of Famer.
- Adam Vinatieri: A possible future Hall of Famer.
- Darwin Gonnerman, Bill Matthews, Jeff Thiefenthaler, Doug Miller, Adam Timmerman, Steve Heiden, Josh Ranek, Danny Batten, Austin Sumner, and Zach Zenner: Division II and FCS superstars who left their mark on the stadium.
Evolution and Enhancements
Over the years, Coughlin-Alumni Stadium underwent several improvements to enhance the fan experience and modernize the facilities. These included the addition of a press box, bathroom and concession areas, paved parking lots, and tailgating options. In 2001, lights were installed, allowing for the first night game on September 1, 2001, where the Jacks defeated Ferris State (Mich.) 34-24. The Dykhouse Student-Athlete Center (DSAC) replaced the wall of evergreen trees that once lined the north end zone in 2009.
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The Final Season and a Fond Farewell
As the years passed, Coughlin-Alumni Stadium became increasingly unique. By its final season, it stood as the only facility in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with a grass surface. The stadium's final game was a 25-20 victory over Illinois State.
Senior cornerback Je Ryan Butler reflected on the significance of the stadium's closure: "Seeing everybody take their little seat backs from the stadium -- I took a piece of grass from the Jackrabbit logo. I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal, but after we won and I started thinking about it, there's a lot of history we're tearing down here."
Coach John Stiegelmeier, a "traditional guy, a sentimental guy," acknowledged the emotional weight of leaving Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, but also recognized the positive aspects of change. "If anything, my thoughts go back to all the guys that played here that paid their dues to help us get where we are today."
The Dawn of a New Era: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium
In 2014, a proposal for a new football stadium was approved, marking the beginning of the end for Coughlin-Alumni Stadium. Construction commenced on Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, built in two phases on the same site. New seating on the east and south sides was completed for the 2015 season, increasing the seating capacity from 15,000 to 16,700.
Following the 2015 season, the main grandstand of Coughlin-Alumni Stadium was demolished to make way for the completion of the new west grandstand, press tower, and a new artificial turf playing field. The new stadium boasts a seating capacity of 19,340 spectators, premium seating options (suites, loge boxes, and club seating), a new field turf system, concession facilities, operation and support facilities, visiting team locker facilities, broadcast, meeting, coaching, and press facilities, restroom facilities, and concourse and circulation spaces.
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