The 1953 football team went 8-0 under the direction of head coach Clark Swisher en route to the program's 15th South Dakota State Championship. The squad recorded double digit victories over every opponent, including a 46-0 shutout of Valley City State to cap off the season. Jim Kretchman, Al Weisbeck and Bill Jordan were named to the SoDak Sports All-State team, while Clark Swisher tabbed Honorary Coach accolades. In addition, Don Vogt, LeRoy Nikolas and Bob Tracy were named to the second and third team. Kretchman set the single season record of years per rush at 9.7 and total rushing touchdowns at 16.
Members of the 1953 football team include Ed Dosch, Bill Nikolas, Dave Cody, Jim Kretchman, Walter Fiegel, Dave Hazeltine, Mel Tuscher, Luther Dappen, Ed James, Harold Kirchgasler, LeRoy Nikolas, Bill Taylor, Ken Mullan, Bob Tippy, Herb Cochrane, Jim Prescott, Don Lowenstein, Cal Johnson, Bob Tracy, Don Heckathorn, Bill Jordan, Joe Claflin, Gene Schlekeway, Dave Sabatka, Gary Shipley, Don Vogt, Al Wiesbecker, George Larson, Dick Gross, Jim Cordts, Ed Hoisington, Don Pearson, LeRoy Tuscher, Gilbert Watson and Larry Krein, as well as coaches Bob Wachs and Clark Swisher.
