Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) had their first “home” game of the season March 30. With the current weather conditions, most of the softball diamonds in the area aren’t ready to be played on due to excess moisture. Because of this, EPJ’s “home” game was played on Dakota Valley’s field in North Sioux City.

The Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) golfers are ready to take to the course. They’ll tee off their season in Beresford April 11 and follow with a home meet April 18. Two days later, April 20, EPJ will host their Husky Invite.

Some Elk Point-Jefferson students will make history as the first South Dakota High School Activities Association sanctioned softball team took to the field March 30 against Dakota Valley. “There was no season last year for school but we do have back-to-back State Champions from summer softball in 2021 and 2022 on the roster,” head coach Jessie Stouffer said.

After 14 letter winners lost from last year, 12 boys and 2 girls, the younger Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies will look up to last year’s state qualifiers and place winners to lead the team. Returning state qualifiers on the boys side include Joe Cross in the 1600 and 3200 and Daenton Ronellenfitch in the 300 hurdles and many relays.

The track squad for Dakota Valley looks to be strong this season with many returning letter winners. Strong finishes at last year’s state meet in Sioux Falls have many excited for the track and field season to begin.

With the cool temperatures and many areas of the state still accumulating snow, it is hard to imagine that high school baseball season will soon be here. The Dakota Valley Panthers look to be as strong as ever. Many returning lettermen from last year’s roster are back.

To dip their toes into the season of track, Dakota Valley coaches took some of their squad to two indoor meets near the end of March. Runners and jumpers were at Yankton on March 24 and in Vermillion on March 27.

The spring baseball opener for Dakota Valley happened on Sunday, April 2 versus Wagner at home. While Wagner scored early during their initial at-bat to get 2 runs, the Panthers quickly answered and scored 3 of their own in the bottom of the 1st inning.

The Panther girls golf team will be adding more depth this season as they see their roster size grow in comparison to last year. The team will once again be coached by Brooke Ehlers. Upperclassmen for this talented roster includes senior Lexi Squier and juniors Peyton Carlson and Eliana Vondracek.

For the first time ever, high school softball in South Dakota will be played as a sanctioned sport. And with its inaugural season, the Panthers look to be competitive.