First Pitch Q&A with SDSU's John Stiegelmeier

South Dakota State on Saturday will host the 101st Hobo Day, its unique homecoming celebration. This edition has some extra juice in that the football team is coming off a key road win at Northern Iowa and set to host nationally ranked Youngstown State, a ceremonial groundbreaking is planned for Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium – the Jackrabbits future home – and Brookings business Wooden Legs Brewing Co., has created a craft beer called Hobo Brew in honor of Hobo Day. For more on that, listen to the "Too Much TV" podcast with Argus Leader sports reporter Terry Vandrovec on ArgusLeader.com.)

SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier, now the school's leader in career wins, was in Sioux Falls on Tuesday to speak at a booster luncheon. Afterward, he answered hoopla-related questions from the Argus Leader:

Question: Reserved tickets sold out Monday and your team remains in control of its playoff destiny at 5-2 and ranked 13th in the FCS media poll. Do you feel like there genuinely is extra buzz building for this Hobo Day?

Answer: I think there's more buzz because of Hobo Day and because the student body has so many things going on. Now there are some negative things that go on (during a homecoming week), but our guys will stay away from that. I know the student crowd is going to be great. They'll be into the game, they'll be into homecoming – Hobo Day – and that makes a difference.

Q: This season, you've been creating weekly online videos asking SDSU students to attend home games and thanking them for doing so. What's the story behind that new idea?

A: After the first (home game), we were talking with the administration, and said that (student attendance) was unbelievable. That was a Hobo Day-type atmosphere with the students. They said, 'Let's start to connect with them.' It's pretty simple, really. We appreciate it; it makes a difference.

Q: The SDSU football program is getting nearly $100 million in venue upgrades between the forthcoming stadium and the newly opened indoor practice facility – and the projects are being funded by private and corporate donations rather than public money. Does that make these speaking engagements different for you? Do you feel more beholden to boosters than in the past?

A: The only thing I feel different about is people are more invested now. They're not just invested with their pocketbooks and their attendance, they speak their minds more often. And so as a coach and having thick skin, but not as thick as I want, sometimes you hear that. But isn't that what you want? Our people are invested. I think those people will always be there. They just want the best product just like we do.