2 years, 9 months ago
How many professional athletes have came from the state of SD?
I'm looking for the major sports only. Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, and MMA. Also if you could, please provide where they came from, what sport, and a little bit about them.
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M$1 Answer
Bet that number changes all of the time. But here is SI's top 50 of all time
Below is the top ten.
1. Billy Mills, Pine Ridge
Won 10,000-meter track title in then Olympic-record 28:24.4 at 1964 Games; in 1965 set world record for six miles (27:11.6).
2 Frank Leahy, Winner
Notre Dame football coach from 1941 to '43 and '46 to '53 had six undefeated seasons and won five national championships.
3 Garney Henley, Hayti
Was Canadian Football League All-Star nine straight years (from 1963 to '71) as a defensive back; moved to flanker in '72 and won league MVP award.
4 Marlene Hagge, Eureka
In 1950 was one of 11 charter members of the LPGA; won 25 tour events from 1952 to '72.
5 Casey Tibbs, Fort Pierre
Won Rodeo Cowboys Association world title as a teen and was nine-time world champion all-around cowboy.
6 Jack Manders, Milbank
Bears' three-time All-Pro halfback scored two TDs, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in loss to Redskins in 1937 title game.
7 Randy Lewis, Rapid City
Won a gold medal at 136 1/2 pounds in freestyle wrestling at the 1984 Olympics.
8 Dave Collins, Rapid City
Sixteen-year major league outfielder excelled in 1980, batting .303 with 79 stolen bases and 94 runs for Reds.
9 George Amundson, Aberdeen
In 1969 set national high school discus record with throw of 211' 4"; running back for three seasons in NFL.
10 Earl Sande, Groton
Was the nation's leading jockey in 1921, '23 and '27; in '30 rode Gallant Fox to the Triple Crown.
ell High played second base for world-champion A's from 1972 to '74.
Below is the top ten.
1. Billy Mills, Pine Ridge
Won 10,000-meter track title in then Olympic-record 28:24.4 at 1964 Games; in 1965 set world record for six miles (27:11.6).
2 Frank Leahy, Winner
Notre Dame football coach from 1941 to '43 and '46 to '53 had six undefeated seasons and won five national championships.
3 Garney Henley, Hayti
Was Canadian Football League All-Star nine straight years (from 1963 to '71) as a defensive back; moved to flanker in '72 and won league MVP award.
4 Marlene Hagge, Eureka
In 1950 was one of 11 charter members of the LPGA; won 25 tour events from 1952 to '72.
5 Casey Tibbs, Fort Pierre
Won Rodeo Cowboys Association world title as a teen and was nine-time world champion all-around cowboy.
6 Jack Manders, Milbank
Bears' three-time All-Pro halfback scored two TDs, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in loss to Redskins in 1937 title game.
7 Randy Lewis, Rapid City
Won a gold medal at 136 1/2 pounds in freestyle wrestling at the 1984 Olympics.
8 Dave Collins, Rapid City
Sixteen-year major league outfielder excelled in 1980, batting .303 with 79 stolen bases and 94 runs for Reds.
9 George Amundson, Aberdeen
In 1969 set national high school discus record with throw of 211' 4"; running back for three seasons in NFL.
10 Earl Sande, Groton
Was the nation's leading jockey in 1921, '23 and '27; in '30 rode Gallant Fox to the Triple Crown.
ell High played second base for world-champion A's from 1972 to '74.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
How about current professional athletes. Brock Lesnar is the current UFC heavyweight champion who is from Webster, SD. Also, Mike Miller is an all star forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is from Mitchell, SD. Chad Greenway is from South Dakota as well. He is the MLB for the Minnesota Vikings.
Voting Bump!