South Dakota State University football coach John Stiegelmeier has been named one of three 2019 “Barefoot Coaches of the Year” by Samaritan’s Feet International.
Stiegelmeier, who has served as Jackrabbit head coach since 1997, is joined by St. John’s men’s basketball coach Mike Anderson and Eastern Kentucky baseball coach Edwin Thompson as this year’s recipients. Each coach will be honored at the Samaritan’s Feet Champions of Hope Weekend retreat in Amelia Island, Florida, May 2-5.
Steigelmeier has raised awareness for Samaritan’s Feet by going barefoot during warmups prior to a game each of the past seven years, often asking the opposing team’s coach to join him. He and his team have served at several area shoe distributions during that time.
“The SDSU football family is honored to support the mission of Samaritan’s Feet,” Stiegelmeier said. “Every year we are reminded of how blessed we are and of the tremendous need for shoes around the world and in the homes of many of our neighbors here in Brookings.”
Stiegelmeier joins former men’s basketball coach Scott Nagy (2012) as Jackrabbit coaches to receive the award, which is based on the following five pillars: giving a voice to the voiceless; creating awareness for Samaritan’s Feet; providing shoes to impoverished children; enhancing the image for coaches, schools, athletes and the NCAA through courageous efforts; and providing multiple opportunities to engage people in a life of service.
