Ouch! The South Dakota Coyotes might be feeling a little stung after the Summit League Indoor Preseason Polls predicted them to finish only third for both their men's and women's track and field teams in the upcoming 2025-26 season. But don't count them out just yet! Preseason polls are just that – predictions. Anything can happen once the starting gun fires. Let's dive into the details and see why the coaches are forecasting this outcome.
The Summit League's head coaches have spoken, and for the men, they're betting on North Dakota State to take the top spot. The Bison snagged a whopping five out of seven first-place votes, leaving South Dakota State to grab the remaining two. The Coyotes landed in third place with 26 points, followed by North Dakota (19) and St. Thomas (14). It's a competitive field, and the Coyotes will need to bring their A-game to climb the ranks.
Now, for the women's teams, things get even more interesting. The Coyotes are in a tie for third place with South Dakota State, both teams earning 36 points. But here's where it gets controversial... North Dakota State is predicted to dominate again, receiving 47 points and five first-place votes. North Dakota isn't far behind, though, with 41 points and two first-place votes. South Dakota State managed to get one first-place vote, showing they have the potential to upset the established order. Does this tie represent a true deadlock in talent, or does it mask hidden strengths and weaknesses that will emerge during the season? What do you think?
So, who are the athletes that could defy these predictions and lead the Coyotes to victory? The coaches have highlighted four freshmen as "athletes to watch," two for each team. For the men, keep an eye on sprinter Braxton Smith (https://goyotes.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/braxton-smith/14361) and pole vaulter Caelan Harland (https://goyotes.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/caelan-harland/14346). On the women's side, jumper Kenya Harris (https://goyotes.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/kenya-harris/14347) and sprinter Kali Ringstmeyer (https://goyotes.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/kali-ringstmeyer/14358) are the ones to watch.
And this is the part most people miss... Let's take a closer look at these promising freshmen. Harland isn't just any pole vaulter; he's a national-level talent, having placed second in the USATF Under 20 competition! Hailing from Excello, Missouri, this four-time state champion boasts a personal best of 17-6. Smith, a three-time state champion from Waverly, Nebraska, dominated the sprints, winning two 400-meter titles and one 200-meter title. His personal bests are impressive: 21.29 in the 200 and 48.84 in the 400. These are serious contenders!
Harris brings a record-breaking triple jump pedigree to the Coyotes, holding the Sioux Falls Lincoln school record. She also set the Howard Wood Dakota Relays record in the triple jump at 39-8 ¼ and has a personal best of 40-1 ¼. Ringstmeyer, a four-time state champion from Pierre, swept the 100 and 200-meter titles her senior year, with personal bests of 11.77 in the 100 and 24.49 in the 200. With this caliber of talent, the Coyotes have a strong foundation to build upon.
The Coyotes kick off their season at the SDSU Holiday on Friday in Brookings. It's their first opportunity to prove the preseason polls wrong. Will they rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.
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Now it's your turn! Do you agree with the coaches' predictions? Which Coyote athlete do you think will make the biggest impact this season? Let us know in the comments below!
