Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State track and field / cross country teams will host their annual Steps for Shep 5k road race/1 mile walk on Saturday, October 2. Registration opens at 7 a.m., with the race starting 8 a.m. from Barnett Center on the campus of Northern State University. Individuals can register at nsuwolves.com/stepsforshep.
 
The race is $25 for participants and includes a t-shirt, with virtual options also available for those unable to attend. In addition, students can take part for free and purchase a race t-shirt for $15. Students must register through the link HERE to receive free registration.
 
All proceeds will go towards the Jason Shephard Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit an NSU track and cross country student-athlete majoring in Health and Physical Education.  Jason Kyle Shephard was born May 30, 1983, in Cavalier, N.D. to Kyle and Carol (Herman) Shephard. He grew up and attended school in Cavalier, graduation from Cavalier High School in 2002.  While at CHS, he was active in FBLA and was a member of the track and cross country teams.  Jason was named the East Region Senior Athlete of the Year in cross country.
 
He then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, and was serving an internship with Daktronics at the time of his death.  During his college days, he was active in many campus organizations, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Young Republicans Club.  He was honored as the most improved cross country runner his sophomore season at NSU and was also a member of the track and field team.