All across South Dakota, SDSU Jackrabbits fans are celebrating major wins in the Summit League Tournaments. Both the men's and women's teams will now move on to the NCAA tournament.
But one community has a special connection with the Jacks. Both Tony Fiegen and Chad White grew up, played basketball for and graduated from Madison. Now, the Lake County town is beaming with pride.
You don't have to look far on the streets of Madison to find people who know Fiegen and White either.
"They went to school with my son Cody in Madison High School," Roxanne Leighton said.
"I had a son who was a teammate of Chad and Tony, So, we've been following these boys since they were in third grade," Fred Janke said.
Fiegen and White might be taking their game to the national level now with their SDSU success, but those in Madison can recall when the two were teammates in their community and they'll be part of the talk this weekend when the Bulldogs fight for a state title.
"When we look back at Chad and Tony, they were such a big part in bringing basketball up in this community and taking it to the level that it is at. I think the teams following that have kind of fed on that. The basketball tradition has continued here and what a thrill for Madison to see those guys in the big dance and it's going to be great," Janke said.
"These boys are good boys. They just strive to do their best in athletics and school and community. We're just really proud of them," Linda Cundy said.
And with the two players from Madison putting on their dancing shoes, those living in Madison say they'll be sure to tune in when the Jacks take to the court.
"To hear Madison, South Dakota mentioned on these national programs, huge source of pride for the whole community," Janke said.
"The community loves sports. Our community is big on sports and the games are well attended and they have some great fans that will follow them," Cundy said.
"I just hope they do well. I hope they take everything, just take it," Leighton said.
Where their national tournament run starts will be unveiled this Sunday. But for two of the teammates, it all began in this Lake County town.
Fiegen and White's on court combination dates back to when they were in third grade. They signed to play for SDSU together and won the state basketball tournament for Madison their senior year.
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