Watertown-Area Standouts Among 2026 South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
- Steve Jurrens
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 21‑member Class of 2026, honoring athletes, coaches, and contributors whose impact has shaped sports across the state. This year’s class includes four individuals with strong ties to Watertown and the surrounding region.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Jason Sutherland – Athlete
A Watertown sports icon, Jason Sutherland is being honored for his exceptional achievements in basketball and track and field. Sutherland led the Watertown Arrows to the 1992 Class AA state basketball championship and returned to the finals as a senior. He finished his high school career with 1,899 points, earning titles as Mr. Basketball, Gatorade Player of the Year, and South Dakota High School Boys Athlete of the Year in 1993.
Sutherland also excelled in football and set a state meet high jump record at 7 feet, 1 inch. He later played Division I basketball at the University of Missouri and professionally in Europe.
Frank Cutler – Coach
Cutler is being recognized for his decades‑long influence in both basketball and amateur baseball. Before his celebrated 36‑season tenure coaching boys’ basketball at Platte and Platte‑Geddes, Cutler spent six years in Watertown as an assistant coach. His amateur baseball career spanned 35 seasons, during which he was a .400 career hitter and played for teams in Watertown, Claremont, Platte, and Parkston.
Jim Dorman – Contributor
A Castlewood native, Dorman is being honored for his lifelong contributions to football and track and field. A 1970 Castlewood High School graduate, he was a four‑sport standout, a three‑time all‑conference football player, and a member of Castlewood’s 1970 State B track championship team.
Dorman went on to serve the region through education and athletics at Hamlin, where he worked as a teacher, coach, and athletic director.
Tim Miles – Coach
Doland native Tim Miles enters the Hall of Fame as one of South Dakota’s most accomplished basketball coaches. Miles is the only active college coach to lead teams to postseason appearances at the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division I levels. His induction recognizes his championship success, leadership, and mentorship throughout a distinguished collegiate coaching career.
Tickets for the September 13 ceremony will be available later this year.
Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Athletes
Hall of Fame athletes recognized for excellence in competition and lasting athletic achievement.
· Jason Sutherland
· Thelma Smalley (Austin)
· Kent Mueller
· Mike Miller
· Louis Laddie “Lou” Koupal
· Greg Jimmerson
· Mylo Jackson
· Randi Haines (Morgan)
· Barry Alden “Bear” French
· Dan Freidel
Coaches
Coaches honored for leadership, mentorship, and championship success across South Dakota athletics.
· Mike Begeman
· Frank Cutler
· Tim Miles
· Kent Mueller
· Jim Sorensen
Contributors
Individuals recognized for advancing athletics through leadership, advocacy, service, and community impact.
· Jim Dorman
· Jeff Fylling
· John Papendick
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