October 22, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Lynn Schuett distinguished himself as a multi-sport student-athlete at Dakota State College, making significant contributions to the Trojan football and track and field programs during one of the most successful periods in school history.
Schuett was a three-time South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference First Team selection from 1976-78. He also earned District 12 First Team recognition in both 1977 and 1978. His collegiate success followed an accomplished prep career that included first-team all-state honors and back-to-back South Dakota Class B shot put state championships in 1974 and 1975.
On the football field, Willow Lake, S.D. native Schuett was part of a Dakota State program that established itself as a dominant force in the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference. He was a member of the 1976 SDIC championship team, which finished the season with an 8-2 overall record and earned a No. 9 ranking in the final NAIA Division II national poll. Schuett received All-SDIC Honorable Mention recognition following the 1976 season.
The following season, Dakota State put together one of the greatest campaigns in program history. Under head coach Gary Buer, the Trojans completed a perfect 10-0 season in 1977, capturing the SDIC championship while featuring a defense that led the nation by allowing just 42 points in 10 games. The Trojans also recorded three shutouts during their undefeated campaign and finished that year with a No. 4 national ranking.
Schuett continued to excel as the Trojans followed their undefeated season by winning another conference championship in 1978. Dakota State went 8-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in SDIC play, giving the program four consecutive conference championships from 1975 through 1978.
Schuett's athletic ability extended beyond the football field. He was also an accomplished member of Dakota State's track and field program, competing in the throwing events. At the 1977 SDIC Track and Field Championships, Schuett won the conference championship in the discus with a throw of 131 feet, 11 inches. His victory helped Dakota State score 53 points and finish second in the conference team standings.
After graduating at Dakota State in 1978, Schuett spent 36 years working in higher education and public schools across South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Colorado. His career included 30 years coaching football at the college and high school levels. Schuett credited the friendships he developed both on and off the field among his favorite memories from his time at Dakota State.
Lynn and his wife Gloria Schuett have two children – D.J. and Joshua. Lynn is currently retired and help provide transportation services for Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, and for Mild 2 Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours out of Moab, Utah. He has coached football for 30 years at both college and high school levels, primarily in Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Lynn also has a keen interest in western rivers taking part in private trips as well as being was a professional multi-day river guide on the Colorado Plateau drainages.
