SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association has announced its 2026 coaches of the year, recognizing outstanding leadership across the state’s regions and classes.
Among the top honorees is Deuel Head Coach Brian Tvedt, who was named the Area 1 Class “A” Track and Field Coach of the Year. Jackie Braun of Aberdeen Roncalli was named the Area 1 Class “A” Assistant Coach of the Year.
In Area 1 Class “B,” Northwestern Head Coach Alli Jackson took home top honors, while Brian Hogie of Ipswich was named assistant coach of the year.
Area 2 Class “B” honors went to DeSmet Head Coach Andre Lo and Chester Assistant Coach Mike O’Connell. In Area 2 Class “A,” Vermillion Head Coach Lenni Billberg and Canton Assistant Coach Mathew Luze were recognized for their standout seasons.
In the Class “AA” East region, Brandon Valley’s Troy Sturgeon (girls) and Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Jim Jarovski (boys) were named head coaches of the year. Harrisburg’s Matt Genrich (girls) and Brandon Valley’s Matt Mueller (boys) earned assistant coach honors, while Brandon Valley’s Noel Sunne was named the Area 2 junior high/middle school assistant coach of the year.
Further west and south, Area 3 Class “B” accolades went to Gregory Head Coach Kurt Stukel and Woonsocket Assistant Coach Michael Schmitz. For Area 3 Class “A,” Ethan/Parkston Head Coach Joe Shepardson and Wagner Assistant Coach Jenny Zephier earned top honors. Brittany Schoenfelder of Ethan/Parkston Middle School was named the Area 3 junior high/middle school assistant coach of the year.
Rounding out the selections, Area 4 Class “B” named Timber Lake Head Coach Ryan Gimbel and Philip Assistant Coach Ralph Kroetch to the top spots. In Area 4 Class “A,” Hot Springs Head Coach John Entwisle and Custer Assistant Coach Russ Bailey took home the honors.
In Class “AA” West, Rapid City Stevens Head Coach Paul Hendry (girls) and Pierre Head Coach Joshua Schleusner (boys) earned top honors, alongside Spearfish Assistant Coach Andy VanDeest (girls) and Aberdeen Central Assistant Coach Katie Anderson (boys). Scottie Bruch of Sturgis Middle School was named the Area 4 junior high/middle school assistant coach of the year.
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