Graduated: 1976

Inducted: 2005

Former South Dakota State University baseball standout Dave Manke was inducted into the prestigious Jackrabbit Sports Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Festival of Champions Oct. 30, 2005, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings.

Manke is the 46th member of the Jackrabbit Sports Hall of Fame.

A native of Marshall, Minn., Manke was a four-year starter in the outfield for the Jackrabbits. In his final three seasons in a Jackrabbit uniform, from 1974 to 1976, Manke earned all-North Central Conference and all-District 5 honors.

He finished his career as a Jackrabbit with a career batting average over .400 in North Central Conference games, including hitting at a .436 clip during the 1974 NCC season.

Manke graduated summa cum laude from SDSU in 1976 with a degree in health, physical education and recreation. He received a commission into the U.S. Air Force, earning the Distinguished Graduate in Air Force ROTC honor.

After serving on active duty with the Air Force from 1976-89 most as a flight instructor, Manke has since been employed by Northwest Airlines as a pilot instructor. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel with 22 years total service.