The atmosphere. The red beers. The sprinkle of blue and yellow confetti flickering in the sky. That afternoon was Jackrabbit Nation at its core. The 2022 FCS National Football Championship game ranks up with one of the top 5 days of my life proving once again that it’s a great day to be a Jackrabbit.
Ring The Bells
"Ring The Bells for South Dakota, The Yellow & The Blue. Ring The Bells for South Dakota with Loyal Hearts so True." Jackrabbit Nation is something special to be a part of. The Pride of the Dakotas. Inventors of Cookies & Cream Ice Cream (yes, this is true). The 2022 FCS National Football Champions. From tailgating in blizzards to creating careers of success, SDState does not skip a beat on maintaining great experiences for all who choose to run with the rabbits. When we won the semi-final game against Montana State, there was no hesitation to book my flight. Was I going with anyone? No. Did I have a ticket to the game? No. Did I have a place to stay? Absolutely not. You know what I did have? Trust. I had trust and a familial connection to my alma mater that I knew all I had to do was get there. Upon arrival and leading up to the event, I found companions to ride around with, my brother to spilt an AirBnB with, and jackrabbits to celebrate with. My advice: be spontaneous. Tomorrow isn’t given and we can’t take the money with us when we go. I know, easier said than done, especially coming from a single, childless, adrenaline-junkie. No matter where you cheered from your voice was heard in spirit or on social media. Congrats to our Jackrabbits. Now, let’s ring, ring, those bells.
Thank you, brother.
I’m reflective. I like to look back at my past decisions and understand how those moments of bravery influenced my current lifestyle. Several of those decisions that left stains on my life were demanded by the man above, completely out of my control while other choices I can own with full responsibility. The choice to travel. The enrollment to South Dakota State. The appreciation for connections. While these choices may have been my own to make, I have to thank the guy who instilled confidence in my soul and paved the path towards success. To my brother, Dustin, thank you. Thank you for choosing SDSU to pursue your pharmacy degree encouraging our sister and myself to join the Jackrabbit family. Thank you for suggesting moving to Seattle for the summer of 2017, soaking up every experience I was offered. Thank you for being my travel buddy and highlighting the truth behind “you can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.” As we sipped our beverages at The Local Shacks watching college memories float past, I was reminded of one of the biggest blessings in my life: friendships. I find it inspiring that years can erase like chalk, but talking with one person ignites your senses of that classroom, of that 9 Nightclub dance floor, and of many firsts as a young adult. Speaking from my own experience, my heart swells with appreciation for the caring and kind friendships built during 4 years of The Yellow & Blue. Whether we speak daily or haven’t crossed paths since Frost Arena in our graduation gowns, you will always have a special place in my memories and heart. The trip to Frisco, Texas, showed something I’ve always known. Jackrabbits are jackrabbits through and through, no matter the age, no matter the location, no matter the race. Go Big Blue!
To everyone who continues adding positive experiences in my life, thank you for being a calm in my storm and allowing Hurricane Becki to wind her way through your days. LETS GO JACKS!
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