Sally Plihal - Inducted 2024

Sally Plihal, a 1971 graduate of Tyndall High School and 1975 graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU), is celebrated as one of South Dakota’s pioneering female athletes who gained national prominence. In 1969, she secured a remarkable victory in the high jump at both the AAU Junior Nationals and the AAU Junior Olympics, establishing herself as a standout in track & field. The following year, Plihal made history as the first woman to win the high jump at the AAU Women’s National Outdoor Championship in Los Angeles using the innovative Fosbury Flop technique. It also earned her the distinction of the 1970 AAU High Jump All-American. This groundbreaking achievement during the summer of her junior year earned her a place on the USA Track & Field Team, and she began competing internationally.

In 1971, Plihal’s athletic prowess was further highlighted when she captured the indoor National AAU high jump title at Madison Square Garden. During her time at Tyndall High School, she dominated the state track & field scene, winning four state titles in her junior year alone—in the 100 hurdles, high jump, long jump, and 400 relay. Her extraordinary accomplishments earned her the South Dakota High School Female Athlete of the Year title in 1970. After her junior year, she focused exclusively on the high jump, competing at both national and international levels. Plihal’s legacy is honored with her induction into the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. She expresses deep gratitude for the recognition, feeling honored to be remembered alongside other distinguished athletes.