Tasiyagnunpa Livermont

Much heated discussion and debate over SDSU’s move to Division I and the waning SDSU/USD rivalvry centers around whether the two football teams will ever meet in combat again.

The 114-year-old rivalry between SDSU and USD may not end with SDSU’s move to Division I.

Fred Oien, SDSU’s athletic director said Monday that discussion between USD and SDSU over future football games has begun and still continues.

“We have to find corresponding dates because of their schedules and our schedules,” Oien said.

“Our goal is to get them on our schedule.”

Greg Redlin, USD’s interim athletic director, could not be reached for comment due to USD’s current athletic director candidate search.

However, in an interview Friday with the “Argus Leader”, Redlin said, “I would sure like there to be a resolution to it.”

“The loss of a rivalry means we’re losing somethimg that means so much to so many South Dakotans.”

One reason may be that the SDSU/USD rivalry began before South Dakota existed as a state.

The first SDSU/USD football game ended in a tie on May 5, 1889.

The competition has included over 100 football games as NCAA Division II rivals.

The future between SDSU and Augustana is more certain.

Oien said that SDSU will continue to play Augustana after SDSU’s switch to Division I athletics.

SDSU and Augustana already negotiated a contract for two football games in the next two years.

According to Oien, in football, SDSU will play against Augustana August 28, 2004 in Sioux Falls.

The two teams will play again in Brookings, August 27, 2005.

#1.886643:280697206.jpg:usdpres2.jpg:USD Students´ Association president Aaron Roseland (left) goes pants-less after USD´s 22-11 loss to SDSU Saturday after losing a bet with SDSU SA president Eric Erickson. Some think Saturday´s game will be the last between the rivals.: