Story by Betsy Jibben, KDLT

It's always nice to receive new things, but some people in the Sioux Empire can't always buy what they need. That's why more than 80 South Dakota State University athletes and numerous volunteers in Brookings took the teamwork they learned on the court out into the community.  

When the Jacks faced their northern rival, NDSU Saturday, all eyes were glued to the court, but a little further away from the close-scoring game was Coach Scott Nagy. He was doing what he does best, only barefoot.

"We have a huge desire to serve in our program. So when people bring us great causes, we do it," said SDSU Football Coach John Stiegelmeier.     

In fact, John Stiegelmeier was the first D-1 Football Coach to do barefoot coaching. These coaches didn't misplace their kicks. It was for Samaritan's Feet, an organization recognizing those who can't always afford the luxury of getting new shoes. Now, football and basketball athletes from SDSU are taking pointers from those who know best.

"It's a great way not only to serve others but to come together as a team,"said SDSU football player Ethan Sawyer.

On Sunday they stepped into First United Methodist Church in Brookings where they helped more than 300 people in need fit into new socks and shoes, all funded by donations to the organization. Of course, they couldn't do it without showing off a few X's and O's from their playbook.

"It's physically great for them with the new shoes and socks. It’s also a spiritually thing and way to build a relationship with others in the community," said Sawyer.

But that's not all the athletes do. They also wash feet. Some may grimace just thinking about it but Senior Ethan Sawyer says after you roll up your sleeves for the first time, you warm up to the idea.

"A lot of us were pretty weary about washing people's feet. That's not something people get excited about. But I can kind of tell when people started washing that a switched clicked on. People really started to enjoy it," said Sawyer.

Whether they know it or not, they're helping people like Kelly Kramer find more than just a pair of sneakers.

"I've been wearing those holey shoes and so it's just like I need something different," said Brookings resident, Kelly Kramer.

They're showing care and compassion, through help and conversation.

"We talk about making a difference. That means having a positive impact on a situation and a life. So when you have those opportunities, just step up and do it," said Stiegelmeier.

Samaritan's Feet plans on hosting more events in South Dakota this summer. They hope to give away 2,014 pairs of shoes.