The South Dakota State men’s track and field team is excited to announce the signing of thrower Daniel Roberts. Roberts is a nationally ranked thrower from Mobridge, S.D.

Roberts is currently a senior at Mobridge-Pollock High School, where he is ranked first in the state and fourth nationally in the discus, while also ranking second in the state in the shot put.

Last year at the state track and field meet he finished second in the discus with a mark of 178.3 feet and in the shot put he placed third with a distance of 54.2 feet.

Roberts was the region champion in the shot put and the discus during both his freshman and sophomore years.

He is also a three-sport athlete; he competes in football, basketball along with track and field.

About coming to SDSU Roberts said, “I loved the environment at SDSU when I visited. I feel there are a lot of hard working people there and I am looking forward to being in that atmosphere.”

He cannot wait to only represent South Dakota State, but the state of South Dakota as well, “I’m very excited about being able to represent (South Dakota) in college. I feel that with the coaching help I will receive at SDSU and the help of my teammates, I have everything I need to be successful on the national stage and I would be very proud to be able do that for a South Dakota school.”

Roberts’ mom went on to say about her son, “He is motivated and he is driven to improve himself. He is quick, aggressive and he knows and understands his game.”

On his future here at SDSU, he went on to say, “I’m looking forward to competing for SDSU and the idea of being at a mid-major school that competes against the top programs in the nation. I’ve always liked the feeling of being the underdog that goes out and shocks the crowd.”

Throwing coach Tyg Long said that Roberts was offered numerous scholarships to compete in track and field and was offered to play football as well.

Long notes that the future is bright for this young man, “Daniel is an athlete that we've had our eye on for quite awhile. He has had a lot of success at the state level and has attracted a lot of attention as one of the top prep athletes in the nation going into this spring. We believe he is the type of athlete that will be able to come in and make a big impact on the throws in our conference right away.” 

According to Long, with Roberts focusing on his throws year round the sky will be the limit for him, “I think the most exciting thing about Daniel is that he really is just getting started. He has the strength levels and foot speed to be dangerous in multiple events. He has been a stand out in South Dakota for football and track and is currently playing basketball. Thinking of where he could be in a couple of years of dedicating himself to the throws year-around is a very exciting.”

“Daniel will continue his training in the discus and shot put but he and I are also anxious to start his training in the Olympic hammer. Daniel has great proprioception and power and those two things teamed together is what determines success in that event.”