Coughlin the Rabbit
While all students are welcome to join the BYC for various events, there are certain perks that come with becoming a member. From free and discounted ticket giveaways to both on and off campus events (including away athletic events, unique VIP experiences to on campus events, and more) to free food before home football games, and other perks to come, being a member not only shows your love for SDSU traditions, but also enables you to be the best Jackrabbit fan around.
BYC Events
Benefits to Membership
Beginning in 2016, the Barnyard Cadets introduced a live, 25 pound rabbit to campus. Named after the SDSU football stadium from 1962-2015, “Coughlin” is a Flemish Giant silver Buck (Male) rabbit. He will weigh approximately 25 pounds when full grown, and is known for his gentle disposition and friendly nature.
As the official rabbit of the Barnyard Cadets, Coughlin can be seen at numerous campus events including (but not limited to): Home football Tailgating, Junior Day, Senior Day, the State Shout, The Game Day Walk, all Hobo Week events, Jackrabbit Previews, as well as certain student events upon request. Keep an eye on his Twitter @CoughlinRabbit to keep up with his appearances around campus!
A true jackrabbit at heart, Coughlin roams around in his own rabbit sized mansion, which was built in 2016 by Clark-Drew Construction of Brookings. The house features over 50 square feet of indoor, temperature controlled shelter, as well as an outdoor, wired-in run.
The State Shout is an event that takes place before the first Home football games each fall on the historic Sylvan Green on campus. The event is based on a tradition that used to occur during the opening of Hobo Week celebrations, in which the student body would gather on the green for a pep rally.
Today, the Shout is a unique experience that involves pep rally elements, notable speakers, and a showcase of Jackrabbit Pride.
The Gameday Walk occurs on certain home football games throughout the season. This event was created by SDSU students in order to get the students ready to cheer on the Jacks.
Students begin at Larson green, meet up with the Pride, and then continue on to the stadium. Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
State Shout/Gameday Walk
On February 21st, 1881, the charter for the grant to create a land grant college in Brookings, South Dakota was signed into law. On that day, what we now know as the most comprehensive and important university in the state was born. At 135 years old, SDSU has grown and changed immensely from where it began.
The Charter Day Banquet is a celebration of SDSU, its students, the men and women who founded it, and all the people who have worked to see it grow into what it is today. The Banquet is especially important for SDSU seniors going into their final semester, as it is a way to celebrate their accomplishments, and reflect on both their own time at SDSU, and their shared experiences with all alums who have gone on before them.
The Banquet is a time to honor the humble beginnings of this university, and to give the most involved seniors a brief period of reflection as they join the ranks of Jackrabbit Alumni worldwide.
The Spirit of State Award is an annual award given out to one outstanding senior each year at the Charter Day Banquet. The ideal winner of the award has represented the best of SDSU during their time on campus. The Barnyard Cadets firmly believe that in order to fully experience SDSU, you must serve your fellow students and try to impact their experiences in a positive matter. The Spirit of State is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated passion, loyalty, and above all, great effort to positively impact the culture on campus at SDSU, and the experiences of their fellow students.