The University of South Dakota football team will pay tribute to the United States Army’s 24th Infantry Division during their annual Military Appreciation game this weekend as they face Indiana State.
“We’re thrilled to honor Coach McLeod and the 24th Infantry Division. Many members of the University of South Dakota community, including faculty and staff, have served in various military branches,” stated Deputy Athletic Director Corey Jenkins. “This will mark the beginning of a new tradition where we honor a member of the USD community at each Military Appreciation game.”
The Coyotes will recognize head strength and conditioning coach Clete McLeod, who served as an Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army from 1992-95 at Fort Benning, now known as Fort Moore.
McLeod served in Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, part of the 3rd (Sledgehammer) Brigade, 24th Infantry Division, which was inactivated in 1996.
“I don’t think anyone joins the service expecting to be honored. I appreciate the opportunities it provided me during a time when I was searching for focus after sports,” McLeod reflected. “Just like military service, I value how our players can grow as individuals and develop lasting bonds through shared experiences and challenges. I’m thankful for my time with my teammates and for being part of the Coyote family.”
To honor McLeod’s service, the USD football staff will wear sweatshirts featuring the 24th Infantry Division unit patch on one arm and the American flag on the other.
The football team will display the division’s decal on their helmets, alongside the USD Flag Paw as the primary helmet emblem.
A Brief History of the 24th Infantry Division
Originally established as the Hawaiian Division in February 1921 in Hawaii, it was reorganized as the 24th Infantry Division in October 1941 during World War II. The 24th was the first American division to engage in combat after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Since then, the division has participated in the Korean War and various operations in Southwest Asia.
South Dakota Medal of Honor Recipient (24th Infantry)
South Dakota has a Medal of Honor recipient linked to the 24th Infantry Division: Woodrow Wilson Keeble (1917-1982) from Waubay, Day County. A Master Sergeant in G Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry, he was honored posthumously for his “distinguished acts of gallantry” during the Korean War, specifically for his bravery on Hill 765 on October 20, 1951. Former President George W. Bush awarded Keeble the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 3, 2008.
Tickets for this weekend’s game against the Sycamores are still available at GoYotes.com/Tickets. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the DakotaDome.
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