Iowa Falls-Alden Alumnus and five-time state champion runner Jaden Damiano will be continuing his education and track-field career at the University of South Dakota this fall.
Damiano on what stood out about the South Dakota program.
“The coaches and the environment, when I went on a visit there, was nothing but great,” says Damiano. “The coaches were awesome. The hurdle coach especially is gonna push me to the next level for sure. It’s a small town feel and I think that’s why I really liked it. I’m not going from a small town, Iowa Falls, to a huge college town. It all around was a great experience on my visit.”
Damiano closed out his high school career this past spring with state titles in the 100m dash, 400m hurdles and shuttle hurdle relay.
Damiano on his schedule and role with the Coyotes.
“School starts on the 25th, I believe, and practice starts on the 27th. That week’s gonna be pretty hectic, but I’m excited to start going. I think our first meet is early December. I’m going there to try to make the team better and whatever they think that I should be in is what I’m gonna be in. I’m just gonna do my best no matter what I’m in.”
Damiano shares his goals competing at the college ranks.
“I really accomplished everything I wanted to in high school. Moving on isn’t going to be that tough for me. I’m ready to do something different and make a name for myself again. My goal is to just try to get recognized again as an athlete and as a student.”
South Dakota men’s track and field won the Summit League Indoor Championship and took second place at the Outdoor Championship in 2024.
