Northwest Missouri State director of athletics Mel Tjeerdsma has been selected for induction into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 12, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The event will begin with a social hour at 4:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $40 by calling Dakota Sports in Sioux Falls (605-332-2131).

“Being selected for induction into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame is a great honor for me,” said Tjeerdsma. “I am proud to be a South Dakota native and its very special to be recognized in your home state.”

Tjeerdsma, who returned to Maryville last year to become the director of athletics, won 183 games as the head football coach of the Bearcats. He captured three NCAA Division II national championships and 12 MIAA titles in 17 seasons. He was a Springfield High School graduate and went on to earn his degree from southern State. Tjeerdsma will be one of nine inductees honored at the event.

— Northwest Sports Information —