Faith Moldan

As the country gears up for the presidential election, the South Dakota State University football team held its own election at the end of pre-season training. Though not quite as important as the presidential election, the election of new football captains is important.

“They lead the team every minute of the year. They were picked by their peers so the expectation is there,” said head coach John Stiegelmeier.

Chris Coauette, Joey Abell, Solomon Johnson and Michael Suhn were elected by their teammates. All four are returning starters and Coauette and Abell were second team all-North Central Conference selections. Johnson received honorable mention.

Stiegelmeier said, “It is truly an honor to be voted a captain, but it comes with a price. They need to lead in all facets, at all times. They have done a great job.”

Coauette, a senior linebacker from Crookston, Minn., received all-conference honors even though he missed three games with an injury.

Abell, a senior defensive end from Brooklyn Park, Minn., started all 11 games last season and has made quite an impact on the team.

Senior wide receiver Solomon Johnson, from St. Petersburg, Fla., has gone over the 1,000-yard mark for career receiving and is 18th all-time with 1,223 yards.

Suhn, a senior offensive guard from Highmore, has been a steady fixture at guard and has played both sides.

Stiegelmeier said he feels the captains will do well in their positions.

“Their peers felt they had the best leadership qualities both on and off the field,” he said. “Interstingly, none of the four are guys that talk all the time. Their true leadership qualities come from what they do and not what they say. However, they do a great job of addressing the team when the opportunity occurs.”