Collection of sports items from SDHSAA board of directors meeting

Note: Here's a collection of sports-related stories from the April 22nd (2026) meeting of the South Dakota High School Activities Association's board of directors. PIERRE — At its six regular meetings per year, the board of directors of the South Dakota High School Activities Association is usually concerned with finding more and better ways for students to take part in activities. At its meeting Wednesday, April 22, the board took the rare action to endorse discontinuing the state duals wrestling tournament.

The action was among a variety of first readings of changes to the organization’s athletics handbook. Those changes were first considered by each sport’s advisory committee. Then the changes go to a meeting of the state’s high school athletic directors who vote on the modifications prior to the SDHSAA board meeting.

Discontinuing the state duals wrestling tournament was one of 36 proposals the board considered. A second reading for the proposals approved by the board will be held at its June meeting. Discontinuing the duals wrestling tournament had wide support among athletic directors with 84% voting to do away with the event.

Wrestling was the only sport with two separate statewide events, making it tough to schedule. Schools can take part in a varied number of duals, making the selection of teams for the tournament difficult. SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos said the South Dakota Wrestling Coaches Association has expressed interest in sponsoring a dual event.