Get ready, South Dakota sports fans! The state's athletic legacy is about to get a major boost. On September 13, 2026, the Sioux Falls Convention Center will host the induction of 21 new members into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, a class bursting with historic talent and iconic figures.
This isn't just any induction class; it's a collection of legends whose stories span generations and sports. The headliner is none other than Mike Miller, the Mitchell native whose sharpshooting carried him through a remarkable 17-year NBA career after being a first-round pick. But the star power doesn't stop there. The class features a baseball pitcher who faced down legends like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, a Guinness World Record holder, and a host of coaches and broadcasters who shaped the state's sports culture.
Beyond Miller, the basketball excellence runs deep. Tim Miles, the Doland native, stands alone as the only active coach to lead teams to the postseason at the NAIA, Division II, and Division I levels. Jason Sutherland, a 1990s hoops star from Watertown, was a true dual-sport athlete, also clearing an incredible 7-foot-1 in the high jump. And Randi (Morgan) Haines, part of Mitchell's famed Morgan family, dominated at Dakota Wesleyan, earning NAIA National Player of the Year honors in 2002.
The class also honors the voices and builders behind the scenes. For nearly five decades, Jeff Fylling was the iconic voice of Augustana Vikings football and basketball, calling national championship moments. On the sidelines, Kent Mueller built a dynasty at West Central, winning a staggering 14 state titles in 17 championship game appearances across football and basketball.
From the gridiron to the diamond and the track, this class embodies South Dakota's rich and diverse athletic spirit. The full list of inductees—including standouts like Taylor Baker, Julie (Krauth) Dearing, and the late Barry "Bear" French, who played in the NFL after serving in WWII—will be celebrated in a ceremony for the ages. Tickets for this historic event go on sale later this year, so mark your calendars for a true celebration of South Dakota's finest.