South Dakota State University is poised to bring Jackrabbit Wrestling to the next level with the construction of the Frank J. Kurtenbach Family Wrestling Center.
The facility is the result of a lead gift by former SDSU wrestler and coach, Frank Kurtenbach. While the university broke ground on the center on September 9, 2021, the inspiration for Kurtenbach’s revolutionary gift was five decades in the making. A State wrestling enthusiast, Kurtenbach was surprised to note in his visits to campus that the condition of the spaces dedicated to wrestling had not changed much since his own years as a Jackrabbit. This moved him to pave the way in a game-changing center that will put SDSU Wrestling on the map.
While Kurtenbach humbly attributes his gift to being “blessed with an opportunity to help out,” leadership within the wrestling program and student-athletes alike insist that the new era of premier equipment and student-athlete experiences wouldn’t be possible without him.
“It’s an unreal feeling, knowing that we’re finally getting this new facility, and knowing that the guy who supported us in so many different ways up until this point is the guy who put us there...it’s very rewarding and gives it more meaning,” said junior Clay Carlson.
After producing their first D1 national champion in 2018, Damian Hahn says this state-of-the-art facility will help transform Jackrabbits into contenders for decades to come. A high caliber space will boost recruitment and retention efforts, offering a top-tier training environment for future State champions.
“I believe it solidifies our place with the top programs that are out there, and it’s going to help us… break into that top ten and really be trophy contenders,” Hahn said.
The Frank J. Kurtenbach Family Wrestling Center will elevate SDSU Wrestling to become a perennial top 10 program, delivering the Jackrabbit margin of excellence among the nation’s elite.
