I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. I graduated from Sioux Falls Christian High School in 2009 and from the University of Sioux Falls in 2013. At USF, I majored in Media Studies with an emphasis in journalism. In the Media Studies program, I dabbled in all aspects of journalism. First, I was the sports editor and reporter for the newspaper, the Vessel. Second, I was an anchor/producer/reporter for College Week (30-minute television show). Lastly, I was a DJ for KCFS 94.5 (student radio station). At ESPN 99.1, I am a freelance sports writer. I write local and national articles, and a weekly Game of the Week story featuring a high school football game. When I am not writing for ESPN 99.1, he is filming and editing sports games at KDLT-News in Sioux Falls. I loves all sports, but loves basketball and football the most.
Sam Tastad
Local Sports Highlights from the Weekend
First, Augustana's Michael Willman, Jr. became the Vikings first pitcher to throw a no-hitter since 2006 on Sunday against Morningside. Willman struck out 11 batters, and Augustana extended their winning streak to 15 games.
The Vikings travel to St...
Vikings Pat Williams Retires; Does Minnesota Draft Defensive Line First?
ESPN 1500 reported yesterday, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams will retire, just one day after re-signing with the team.
NFC North NFL Draft Preview
Thursday the NFL will take center stage once again as teams look to build for a run at next year's Super Bowl. Let's take a look at the direction the NFC North teams may go in this year's upcoming draft.
A Response to the Boston Marathon Tragedy
Monday was Patriot Day, a Massachusetts state holiday that is celebrated every year in Boston. On this day, the Red Sox play a early afternoon game and the Boston Marathon is run afterwards.
South Dakota Runners Survive Boston Marathon Bombings
Monday, 32 runners from South Dakota signed up to run the Boston Marathon, and all 32 completed and finished the Boston Marathon. None were injured in the race.
Jackie Robinson, Wendall Smith: American Baseball Heroes
Jackie Robinson's teammate Pee Wee Reese once said, "Maybe tomorrow we'll all wear 42 so they won't tell us apart." Today, Reese's famous quotation became true for African-Americans.
Lions Sign Trick Shot Kicker Havard Rugland
After 21 seasons, Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hansen retired from the NFL, and now the Lions have a new kicker.
Stampede Could Make History This Weekend
The Sioux Falls Stampede are already in the playoffs, and wrap up their regular season today, but they have a chance to something no Stampede team has done before.
Is Twins Aaron Hicks Really Ready for Majors?
The Minnesota Twins former first-rounder and outfielder Aaron Hicks earned a spot as the starting center fielder after a promising Spring Training. However, Hicks has looked rusty and many have wondered if he is ready for the Big Leagues.
Final Four Preview
And then there were four. The Final Four kicks off tomorrow night in Atlanta with Louisville taking on Wichita State and Michigan against Syracuse.