(Press Release)

The Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference is excited to announce the addition of Tea Area as an ESD
member school beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.
The Tea Area School District currently sponsors the following SDHSAA sanctioned sports.
Basketball
Competitive Cheer & Dance
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Track & Field
Volleyball
Wrestling
“The Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference has a rich tradition of success in athletics in South Dakota
dating back to 1927. We are proud of our history and continuity approaching nearly a century of existence.
While the landscape has changed over that time, the ESD has continued to be a pioneer in South Dakota high
school athletics. We have adapted to those changes but have maintained our position as a leader, consistently
making decisions with a genuine concern for our student athletes and member schools. We are excited for this
mutually beneficial relationship between Tea Area and our current ESD member schools. We look forward to
supporting the student-athletes, coaches, administration and the community of Tea in their transition into Class
AA. The ESD has a long and proud history and the addition of Tea Area will only continue to strengthen our
conference.“ – Cory Aadland, Mitchell Activities Director/ESD President
“The Tea Area School District’s growth over the past 20 years has included almost every South Dakota High
School Activity Association classification. From Class B in 2003-2004 to Class AA in 2024-2025, we are
grateful for the opportunity for our student-athletes to complete in tremendous conferences along our journey.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be welcomed into the ESD as our district’s athletic programs transition
into a high school of nearly 800 students. As we continue to build our traditions and programs, we are excited to
join a conference rich with traditions.” – Dr. Jennifer Nebelsick Lowery, Tea Area Superintendent of Schools
“Tea Area is excited for the opportunity to move up to AA in all athletics/activities and participate in the
Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference for the 2024-25 school year. We feel that the ESD has a rich
tradition