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DSU Athletes Receive Post-Season Honors

Madison, SD -- Dakota State University had three athletes receive post-season honors for the 1996-97 basketball season. Sheila Haack, a 6’2" sophomore center from Rosemount, MN, was named to the 1^st team All-SDIC squad while senior Danielle Nolte and junior Dawn Gaffney were selected NAIA All-American Scholar Athletes.

In SDIC conference play, Sheila averaged 15.9 points (5^th in the conference) and grabbed 7.0 rebounds a night. She also blocked 30 shots and had 31 steals. Sheila shot 64.1% (180-281) from the field which ranked 2^nd in the conference and 3^rd in the country. "Sheila had an outstanding season," said Coach Jeff Dittman. "She is one of the most talented post players in the league, combining power with explosive quickness." He added that she never had a night in the SDIC that she didn’t draw a double or triple team, making her scoring and shooting percentages so extraordinary.

Sheila broke a number of DSU records this season. Her 430 points ranks 5^th in single season points. Sheila’s 30 blocked shots is 3^rd in single season blocked shots while her career 43 blocked shots ranks 4^th. Sheila is currently 1^st in single season field goal percentage (64.1%) and 1^st in career field goal percentage (58.9%). Sheila’s 70 freethrows also ranks 10^th in single season freethrows.

The NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete program recognizes excellence in the classroom and on the athletic court. Nominees for this honor must be a junior or senior varsity performers who have a minimum GPA of 3.50, played at least 50% of all games, and been a significant contributor to their teams.

For the second year, Danielle Nolte was named to the NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete squad. Danielle is a 5’10" forward from Brandon, SD. Danielle finished her career with 976 points, 8^th in DSU career points. She is 7^th in career rebounding with 545 rebounds, 9^th in career steals (131), 6^th in career blocked shots (33), and 7^th in career field goals. Danielle shot 48.8% from the field, ranking her 6^th in career field goal percentage, and 66.7% from the freethrow line, 5^th in career freethrow percentage. "Danielle had an excellent career at DSU, making her mark in six different career record categories. She was capable of helping the team in a number of different ways, not just scoring," said Dittman.

Dawn Gaffney, a 6’3" forward from Storm Lake, IA, finished second in scoring for the Lady T’s this season, averaging 10.8 points a night while shooting 56.3% from the field. Dawn’s field goal percentage was 6^th best in the SDIC. Dawn shot 72.5% from the freethrow line which ranked 10^th in conference play. "Dawn came to DSU as a great defensive player. She has worked very hard to develop her offensive skills and to become a great all-around basketball player. She is also the consummate team player. Dawn never puts her personal goals above the needs of the team," said Dittman.

Dawn also entered the DSU record books in a number of categories this season. She scored a career high 33 points against Mount Marty this season, 4^th in DSU history for single game points. Dawn blocked seven shots in a single game, 1^st in single game blocked shots. Her 42 blocked shots this season ranks 1^st in single season blocked shots while her 91 career blocks is also 1^st for DSU. Dawn’s 56.3% field goal percentage ranks 4^th in single season field goal percentage.

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