2019 Fall Sports Preview

S T R O P S l l W E a I F 9 PREV 1

: RODEO N O L IATH R : T L L A LEYB L O : V ow Jackets ll e S Y I U S N H N B E : • Irrigators ER T ll C e w C e N O : S • s r e : GOLF turgis Scoop S • L s c L n o A r B B e Belle Fourch E : FOOT • s C r e N g ig A : d D ld SPECIAL RY T adwood Go e N D d U a e O L C • SECTION S s n S a t r O a R p C Spearfish S

20

Page 2

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Thoughts from the sports desk I think its fitting for my 2019 Fall Sports Preview column that I introduce you to the Black Hills Pioneer sports crew.

They play a big part in the sports coverage you see in the Black Hills Dennis Pioneer.

First off is Jason.

Knuckles Gross has been with the Pioneer for nine years.

Gross is from Freeman. S.D. He was formerly with the Meade County-Times in Sturgis, and we are happy he accepted an offer to come be a part of the sports team at the Pioneer.

He is best known for his rodeo photos, but to me he is known for being reliable, hard working, a excellent photographer as well as an excellent sportswriter.

He has beome a vital part of the sports department.

That became more obvious four years ago when I had my health scare and I was out of action for six weeks.

He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves so when you see him at sporting events let him know how much you appreciate the coverage he gives to our area sports teams.

Another member of our sports team is Tim Potts.

He has spent the last couple of years covering the Sturgis Brown Scoopers for us.

He has quickly became a valuable member of our sports team.

Potts was inducted in to the Sturgis Brown Hall of Fame in 2018 for his contributions to Sturgis Brown High School.

Jason Potts is loved in Sturgis, and he Gross continues to an excellent job of giving Scooper fans outstanding coverage of their teams.

The final member of our sports team is yours truly.

For the past 12-plus year I have traveled the Northern Black Hills providing sports coverage of area sports teams for the Black Hills Pioneer.

I’ve loved every minute of it.

This job has allowed me to forge special relationships with people I wouldn’t have otherwise, and that to me is priceless.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and talking to a lot of coaches, fans, parents, fans, as well as other members of the media over the years.

I love it when people I’ve never met before stop me and say they enjoy my writing and they also enjoy the Pioneer.

Not everybody likes my writing and they’ve let me know that, and that’s OK. The fact they read it is good enough for me.

This is the 30th sports preview I’ve been a part of since I began working at

GOOD LUCK SCOOPERS!

the Pioneer, not counting the other special sections, like the Golf Tab and Days of ’76, that I have been a part of.

I wish I could say the sports previews get easier each time I do that, but Tim I can’t.

With 10 days Potts between the first practice and the first game, our sports crew has a whirlwind week gathering stories, photos, rosters from, in the case of this fall, 33 teams plus cheerleaders and dance members.

Each year new coaches, new players, and new athletic directors offer a different set of challenges you can’t anticipate.

Theres always the “will we make the deadline worry” in the back of your head, but we always manage to overcome the obstacles put in front of us and finish on time.

You can’t say “woe is me” when problems arise, you have to be able to adjust on the fly, and keep plugging away until the job is done.

We enjoy what we do and strive to bring you the best area sports coverage we can.

I hope you enjoy the 2019 Fall Sports Preview, and when you see Gross and Potts at sporting events, tell them thank you for covering sports in the Northern Black Hills.

Soccer, girls’ tennis, and boys’ golf

have already began their season, while football, volleyball and the other fall sports are set to begin this week, or the first week in September..

I think 2019 will be an exciting year for area teams as well as our area sports fans.

As I do before every sports season, I encourage you to get out and supprt your team.

The coaches and athletes have put in a lot of hard work and are anxious to show off their skills.

They need and deserve your support.

As always, when you attend a sporting event remember it is not a right, but a privelege for you to attend the sporting contests.

Please show good sportsmanship at all times, and don’t swear or curse at the coaches, players, or officials, or opposing fans.

Whether you think so or not, other people are watching and listening, some of them our impressionable youth.

Lets set a good example for them to follow.

I’m not telling you not to be passionate and loud at games, I’m just asking you refrain from shouting vulgar or obscene words or giving obscene gestures.

If your team wins, celebrate the win with class and dignity.

If your team loses, lose with class and dignity.

Even though you are not participating in the sport, you still represent the school and community.

Stay classy Northen Hills sports fans!

See you at the sporting events!

OUDLY SUPPORT R P E W OUR BRONCS!

The harder the battle, the sweeter the win!

2216 Junction Ave., Sturgis Phone: 605-423-4606 www.grocerymartsturgis.com

www.bellefourche.org 1111 National Street • Belle Fourche • 605-892-2467

GOOD LUCK TO S E T E L H T A A E R A ALL

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 3

Lady Spartans volleyball in rebuilding year

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ volleyball team began practice on Aug. 15, and first year Lady Spartan Head Coach Christine Skoglund said practices have been going well.

“Things have gone really well.

The girls have had great attitudes, good work ethic, and they are excited to play volleyball.,” said Skoglund.”We’ve been doing two-adays. In the morning they have been doing strength and conditioning, and in the second session in the mornin we’ve been working on team stuff.

With only two returning players, Skoglund see this as a positive instead of a negative.

“I think its a good thing because I don’t think the rest of the girls’ know what’s coming. So I think that’s going to lead to playing with adreneline, and just playing all out. And that’s

what we have been stressing so far, having that good work ethic, and that dedication, and playing all out no matter what,” Skoglund said. “I want our team to be scrappy, I want them to never let a ball hit the floor, and I just want them to play together and build chemistry, and so far we have good chemistry.”

Spearfish wants to play an up temp style of offense this season.

“We are going to try and do a fast offense,” said Skoglund. “We want to have a solid defense, that’s our first and main goal. I really want to have a faster offense, and I also want us to be better servers, and knowlegable about where we should be serving.”

Skoglund said she has seen a lot of good things in practices so far.

“I have seen the girls come together. The freshmen, sophomore, juniors, and seniors are coming together and they are palying as one team. They are also encouraging each other,” Skoglund said. “We have some really

good middle hitters, really good outside hitters. We’ve a couple of girls’ into setting and they have come a long way so far. Now we just have to get some competition.

Skoglund said if the team wants to have success they will have to finish strong.

We have to finish strong. That’s always Spartan volleyball thing, to finish games strong. Another thing we need to do is be better communicators all of the time between setters and hitters so we know what we are doing. We also need to be more knowlegable about when to do a quick set, when to do a regular set, and build that team chemistry. That has always been a good thing, but I really want to bump that up this year and put more emphasis on the team chemistry, and no matter what happens, we keep playing.”

The Lady Spartans open the 2019 volleyball season Aug. 30 at a tournament in Huron.

Spearfish volleyball schedule

Aug. 31 at Huron Tourney 8 a.m.

Sept. 3 at Red Cloud 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Aberdeen Central 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 hosting Pierre T.F. Riggs 1 p.m.

Sept. 12 hositing Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Lead-Deadwood 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Mitchell 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosting Custer 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Scottsbluff Tourney TBD Oct. 5 at Scottsbluff Tourney TBD Oct. 8 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosting Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Harrisburg 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting RC Central 7 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 at RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Memmbers of the 2019 Spearfish High School girls’ volleyball team are, front row left: Emmy Moore, Ella Murray, Ashtyn Reiners, Ellie Gregor, and Lyric Williams. Middle row, left: Grace Karp, Stella Marcus, Maddison Doren, Brooklyn Zietlow, and Lily McCarty. Back row left: Halle rogers, Dylan Reman, Erin Rotert, Karstin Dupont, Kylee Jo Symonds.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

GOOD LUCK

to all area athletes and coaches during the 2019-2020 school year.

Located in the 12th Street Plaza

725 N 12th Street, Spearfish

605-559-2265

Page 4

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Diggers return veteran squad

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — An experienced core of seniors will guide the Lead-Deadwood varsity volleyball team into a season that starts Aug. 27 at home against Newell.

Head coach Kim Hansen cited overall varsity experience as a strong suit for the Golddiggers, who finished 12-14 a season ago.

“We have six seniors coming back with a lot of varsity time,” said Hansen, who is beginning her fourth season leading the Diggers. “It’s one of those really fun years as a coach; I can sit back, and they know what is expected of them.”

Those seniors are right side hitter Rebecca Groeger, middle hitters Natalie Janssen and Raygan Mattson, outside hitters Anna Campbell and Hannah Campbell, and libero Blake Mehlberg.

Six juniors are on the roster They are defensive specialists Taya Burleson and Lillie Wittmayer, outside hitters Lexie Schroeder and McKinly Kyte, right side hitter Madi Rystrom, and setter Kailee Bertrand.

Sophomore Jayna Prince plays middle hitter and right side hitter positions. Ninth-grader Allison Mollman, a setter, rounds out the roster.

Hansen said everyone on the team

steps up and can make great plays.

She added the team will look to the seniors for leadership.

“Our passing game is something that we focus on every year,” Hansen said. “Every year we’ve gotten consistently better, so we just want to keep growing on that.”

The Golddiggers’ schedule truly appeals to Hansen, who said it is quite competitive. She said Lead-Deadwood wants to play the best teams and be challenged.

Hansen said the Black Hills Conference boasts many well-disciplined teams. She added Belle Fourche, Hill City, Custer, St. Thomas More, and the Golddiggers should contend for top honors.

That Aug. 27 season opener is one of nine home events on Lead-Deadwood’s regular-season schedule. Hot Springs (Oct. 3), Edgemont (Sept. 10), Spearfish (Sept. 17), St. Thomas More (Sept.

19), Red Cloud (Oct. 1), the Mile High Tournament (Oct. 5), Belle Fourche (Oct. 25), and Custer (Oct. 28) will also travel to Lead-Deadwood.

Hansen defines success by the Golddiggers growing in each game.

She is not super-concerned about wins and losses but looks on the horizon.

“It’s all about the postseason,” she said. “The season is great, but we need to be prepared by postseason.”

How does Hansen see LeadDeadwood stacking up in the conference?

“I would like to be able to be in the top part,” she said. “That’s a goal we’ve had for a couple of years, and we just have not been able to break that barrier.”

Official practice sessions started Aug. 15. Hansen said players have been able to work on many things partly because of the familiarity she and they have with one another.

Lead-Deadwood dropped a threegames-to-one decision to Belle Fourche during the Region 8A tournament’s opening round to end last season What would Hansen like for the Golddiggers to build on from 2018 to 2019?

“We need to have five different threats in the front row, and they need to be able to hit and score points for us that way,” Hansen said.

Hansen agreed that hitting aspect is one of the biggest improvements for the team to make for 2019. “It wasn’t great enough to beat those great teams,” she said of last season’s hitting percentage.

Kaali Allmendinger, Lexi Morrison, Abiah Morrison, Carly Mehlberg, and Olivia Rogers graduated from last season’s team.

Lead-Deadwood volleyball schedule

Aug. 31 at Custer Tourney 10 a.m.

Sept. 3 hosting Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 hosting Edgemont 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 hosting Spearfish 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 hosting Red Cloud 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Custer 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 hosting Lead Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Harding County 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m Oct. 15 at New Underwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 hosting Newell 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 at Custer 7 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood’s varsity volleyball team includes: back row left, Rebecca Groeger, Natalie Janssen, Raygan Mattson, Anna Campbell, Hannah Campbell, and Blake Mehlberg; middle row left, Lexie Schroeder, Taya Burleson, Lillie Wittmayer, McKinly Kyte, Kailee Bertrand, and Madi Rystrom; front row left, Allison Mollman and Jayna Prince. Head coach Kim Hansen is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Have a Taco-rific Season

DIGGERS!

Super Nachos Breakfast Served Daily Locally owned & operated for 20 years!

86 Charles St., Deadwood • 605-578-3975

RITA LOEFFEN

HAIR’S TO YOU

722-7794 call for appointment

415 Cliff Street, Suite 1 Deadwood, South Dakota

GO DIGGERS!

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 5

Lady Broncs ready for volleyball season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s volleyball team will host Sturgis in its season opener set for Aug. 27 at Edwin Petranek Armory, in Belle Fourche.

Loree Schlichtemeier returns for her 12th season as Belle Fourche’s head coach. She said this season’s team does not have a lot of varsity experience, so players will need to work on their skills.

The Broncs’ lineup includes five returning seniors. They are setter Taryn Stedillie, outside hitter Alexis Cherveny, defensive specialist Elena Wolf, middle hitter Aspen Braning, and libero Harley Fischer.

Five other players are on the roster as of press time. They are junior right side hitter Amity Middleton, junior middle hitter Hayley Wilbur, junior middle hitter Bree Eastman, sophomore outside hitter Kaylin Garza, and sophomore setter McKenzie Lyons.

“We’ve got a nice incoming group

of younger players, and they are super-excited,” Schlichtemeier said.

“There is a lot of excitement for the season to get started.”

Belle Fourche faces Sturgis, Custer, and St. Thomas More in its first three matches. Lennox, Aberdeen Roncalli, Elk Point-Jefferson, and the Redfield Tournament are also on the schedule.

The Broncs’ regular-season schedule includes eight home matches.

Besides the regular-season opener, Lead-Deadwood (Sept. 12), Powder River County (Sept. 17), Red Cloud (Sept. 26), Hill City (Oct. 3), Faith (Oct. 8), Douglas (Oct. 10), and St. Thomas More (Oct. 22) will travel to Belle Fourche.

Schlichtemeier picked St. Thomas More, Rapid City Christian, and Hill City to battle for top honors in the Black Hills Conference.

“I think we’re going to take some knocks in the beginning,” Schlichtemeier said. “Hopefully as our season progresses, we’ll continue to make some improvements, and hopefully we’ll be competitive.”

Schlichtemeier said the team will need to stay focused and work on one thing at a time this season.

She measures success by small improvements both on and off the court.

Practices officially started on Aug. 15, with players holding two days of tryouts.

“It’s a brand-new year,” Schlichtemeier said. “It’s a time to do some new things and make changes, and have a better season.”

The Broncs dropped a three-gamesto-zero decision to St. Thomas More in a Region 8A Tournament second-round match last season. Belle Fourche finished with a 10-19 record.

As for improvements going into this year, Schlichtemeier said the Broncs are focusing on being an entire program.

Payson Birkeland, Ashley Byrd, Tristan Garman, Avery Middleton, Caitlin Ringling, Emma Singer, Destiny Voyles, and Rylee Young graduated from that squad.

Belle Fourche volleyball schedule

Aug. 27 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Custer 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Lennox Tourney 8 a.m.

Sept. 17 hosting Powder River 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Rapid City Christian 6 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosting Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 hosting Hill City 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Aberdeen Roncalli Oct. 5 at Redfield Tourney 8 a.m.

Oct. 8 hosting Faith 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Belle Fourche 2019 varsity volleyball team members are: back row left, student manager Destanie Lugmao, Kaylin Garza, Aspen Braning, Alexis Cherveny, Hayley Wilbur, Bree Eastman, student manager and Kendra Wetz; front row left, student manager Jacey Fowler, Amity Middleton, Taryn Stedillie, Harley Fischer, McKenzie Lyons, and Elena Wolf. Head coach Loree Schlichtemeier is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

GOOD LUCK

!

S C N O R B

Hours: Monday-Saturday • 11:00am-10:00pm

512 National Street, Belle Fourche • 723-1610

Page 6

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU volleyball team ready for RMAC action

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s voleyball team began practice on Aug. 19.

“Day one was all about team bonding,” said Kristin Carmichael, in her eighth season as the BHUS head volleyball coach.

“That’s important every year, but we thought it was really important this year because we have six new girls’ and 10 returners.

Carmichael said day three was about conditioning.

I’ve been really impressed. The biggest thing I’ve noticed different from last year to this year is the competition at every single position. I don’t think anybody is going to have time to get comfortable this year in their role. I think they have to work hard every day to either stay on the floor, or get off the floor.”

Carmichael said the team has also been working on their defense and their offense.

“Mainly what we’ve been working on is some defensive tweaks and offensive consistency,” Carmichael said. “We have two senior setters, and two freshmen setters, so obviously the seniors have a ton of experience. They are used to their hitters, and we are trying to get those freshmen to time up with them as well.”

“Tweaks on defense, we play in a 30x30 square, so moving two feet is a

huge adjustment. They’re very small in the scheme of things, but I think the tweaks are going to work to our advantage with our personel, and help us transition, kill the ball a little faster, and not get in those long rallies.”

Carmicael said the RMAC will have the same perenial powers.

“They just have these great feeder programs in the metro Denver area, and that’s kept them successful, but I do think the four through 12 spots in the RMAC are anubody’s night.”

The Lady Jackets hit the road early to start the season.

“We get to be road warriors to start the season.We are gone three weekends in a row, several hous away, but it will be more team bonding and unity time, and we are going to see some good competition. We go to Missouri and Texas, then we start our conference play in Utah,” said Carmichael. “I’m really excited about the season. I think its all kind of coming together here. I think the girls’ are excited about the little changes we made. It’s been a good role modeling, learning curve, in our few days of practice.”

Carmicael said she wants her team to be agressive, but also be smart.

“It’s OK to take risk, but you just have to know risk to reward, what’s going to work out for you,” Carmichael said.

Senior Laurel Lech said it’s important for the team to bond, and become one.

“Like coach said we have almost as many returners as we do transfers and freshmen, so we have been focusing a lot on our team bonding,” Lech said.

“We went on a little tubing excursion, and we’ve been going out for ice cream, and we did a scavenger hunt the other day, so that stuff definitely builds our team chemistry off the court, but on the court so much more than anything.”

Senior Jessy Hibl said the team’s theme for this year is “as one.”

For us that is focusing our mindset on the anticipation of success as a unit, really trying to become one on and off the court, and so this preseason we are doing team bonding, and in practices we are trying to break down all the skills and try to learn each others strengths and weaknesses, and play on that,” Hibl said.

Senior Tess Thomas said the team has been working hard on team goals.

“We’ve been working on the little things of being disciplined, because little things make big things,” Thomas said. “We’ve been working on the relationships between the front row and the back row players, and in the front row we are working on getting that faster temp offense up, but inorder to do that our defense has to get every ball up, making high nice consistent balls so setters can use hands, and we can work on that faster tempo offense.”

BHSU volleyball schedule

Sept. 6 at Joplin, Mo. Tourney 8 a.m.

Sept. 7 at Joplin, Mo. Tourney 8 a.m.

Sept. 13 at Lubbock Christian 8 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Lubbock Christian 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Dixie State 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Westminster College 4 p.m.

Sept. 27 at CSU-Pueblo 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at N.M. Highlands 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Colorado Mines 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at UC-Colorado Springs 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 at SD School of Mines 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 hosting Metropolitan State 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 hosting Chadron State 3 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Colorado Mesa 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Western Colorado 6 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting Adams State 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 hosting Fort Lewis 5:30 P.M. Nov. 1 hosting Regis University 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 hosting Colo. Christian 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Chadron State 6 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Metropolitan State 5 p.m.

Nov 15 hosting SD School of Mines 7 p.m.

Members of the 2019 Black Hills State university women’s volleyball team are (not in order): Valerie Blake, Katie Welniak, Karly Marx, Sierra Ward, Haedyn Rhoades, Katelyn Sylvester, Hailee Frey, Kindra Cerrone, Madee Hoopman, Ashley Uffelman, Tess Thomas, Jessy Hibl, Peyton Bodemann, Laurel Lech, Allison Lavoie, and Mariah Robinson. Photo Courtesy BHSU Sports information Department

GO, FIGHT, WIN!

Good Luck Athletes!

> Stop in, say hello to Tom & Chelsey > Locally-Owned & Operated > Apartments - Restaurant - Bar > Full Service Restaurant > Relaxing Atmosphere > Tasty Home Cooked Meals > Veteran Owned & Operated

If you can dream it, you can do it.

605-559-0612 • 32 Baltimore • Lead, SD Check out our Facebook page for live music schedule.

8am-8pm Sun., Mon., Weds., Thurs. & Fri. Closed Tues. & Sat.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!

HEIDI LEWIS

605.645.1690

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 7

Lady Scoopers preparing for 2019 volleyball season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Brown Lady Scooper volleyball team has been preparing for the 2019 volleyball season.

Traci Fransen, starts her third year as the head volleyball coach at Sturgis and has seven returning letter winners from last season include five seniors, a junior and a sophomore.

“We are excited to have a good mix of young talent, along with our returning letter winners,” Fransen said. “The girls are ready to work hard, improve every day, and have a great season.”

“We are a really close team this year and that helps with our team chemistry. I think our main goal this year is to have a good attitude coming into our first month and to continue that throughout the season,” said Kylie Shaw, a senior player. “We have all put in a lot of work in the offseason, and I think that will be very beneficial. A major goal for us this year would be to make it into the state tournament.

I’m really looking forward to this season.”

Fransen said she wants to see the team play as one this season.

“Our goal this year is to be able to come together as a team to im-

plement the things we have learned over the years and to get better one step at a time,” said Sarah Janz, a senior teammate.

The Scoopers will be without some key players from the 2018 squad, including; Cassidy Jorensen, Mckenzie Parker, Morgan Ortlieb, Josie McKinstry, and Brittany Delzer “Losing five seniors will force our younger players to step up and be leaders for their team. We’ve got several returning starters from last year, that I am confident will be able to do that,” Fransen said.

Fransen talked about the expectations of this season. “We will need

to stay focused, to accomplish all goals, and maintain a positive can do winning attitude during practice so that we can take that attitude into our games,” she said.

“We want to have a winning season and thrive to have a better season than last year. We would also like to play with the most competitive attitudes and have the best energy and be supportive of each other,” commented Emily Gray Smith, a senior team member.

Fransen talked about where her squad stacks up in the conference. “We will look to compete for a top spot in the Black Hills Conference.”

Sturgis Brown volleyball schedule

Aug. 31 at Huron Tourney 8 a.m.

Sept. 3 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Pierre T.F. Riggs 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 hosting Aberdeen Central 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Custer 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 hosting RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 hosting Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 3 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 hosting Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 hosting Rapid City Central 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Harrisburg 3 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Harrisburg 8 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Rapid City Stevens 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 at Rapid City Central 7 p.m.

The 2019 Sturgis Scooper varsity volleyball team includes: back row left: Emily Gray-Smith, Eliza Gruba, Sarah Janz, Makayla Keffeler, Brinley Pickett, Olivia Vollmer, and Kylee Wolter. Front row left: Sydney Shaw, Kylie Shaw, Kaylee Whatlley, Savanah Jones, Ella Johnson, and Morgan Phillips. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

GO TEAM! Wishing all area teams a successful and exciting season.

Good luck, and play it safe.

2222 Junction Ave., Sturgis • 605-347-4031 | 145 Glendale Dr., Lead • 605-559-1110 www.acehardware.com

2019 Fall Sports Preview is produced by the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD, 57783, (605) 642-2761 • (800) 676-2761 • www.bhpioneer.com Letitia Lister, publisher Mark Watson, managing editor Sona O’Connell, advertising manager Dennis Knuckles, layout The publisher will not be responsible or liable for misprints, misinformation or typographic errors herein contained.

Publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising deemed not to be in the best interest of the publication. © 2019 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

Page 8

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Irrigators have young team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — Newell’s volleyball squad opens its season Aug. 27 when it visits Lead-Deadwood, followed by the Custer Invitational on Aug. 30-31.

Tysha McDonald is beginning her second season as Irrigators’ head coach.

Newell’s lineup includes only two returning players from last season: senior setter Jessica Heil and junior libero McKaLee Mahaffy.

“We have a pretty large junior class, five or six girls,” said McDonald, who added almost 20 girls are out for volleyball this season compared to 12 in 2018. “The freshman class has about eight.”

Other juniors include middle hitter Kassidy Weeldreyer, outside hitter Braidy Nelson, and outside hitter Kyla Emmert.

Six other players are on the varsity roster as of press time. They are senior

middle hitter Austin Alexander, junior setter Sarah Wallace, sophomore setter Sydnee Kjellsen, ninth-grade outside hitter Taylor Gaer, ninth-grade middle hitter Rachael Banks, and ninth-grade setter Katie McTaggart.

“We’re definitely very strong passers and servers. As a coach, I really focus on that,” McDonald said in describing her team’s strengths. “If you don’t have that, you don’t really have anything else.”

McDonald said the Irrigators are a young squad lacking a lot of experience. She added that can work against the squad in pressure situations.

Newell’s schedule includes matches against tough programs, according to McDonald. She said Faith and Harding County boast solid programs and tabbed them as favorites in the Little Moreau Conference.

Newell is scheduled to play seven home matches during the regular season, starting with a Sept. 5 match against Oelrichs. Lemmon and

Tiospaye Topa (both Sept. 7), Hill City (Sept. 26), Dupree (Oct. 7), Edgemont (Oct. 15), and Timber Lake (Oct. 25) will also travel to Austin Auditorium during the campaign.

“I think we’re stacked pretty high,” McDonald said in comparing Newell to other conference teams. She added last year featured a new coach and system, with everyone understanding the expectations for 2019.

McDonald said playing to the team’s level will make this a successful season. She added the team has tended, in the past, to play to the level of its opponents.

Practice sessions officially began Aug. 15. Serving was a focal point, as the team has several young players.

Newell reached the second round of last season’s Region 8B tournament and dropped a three-games-to-one decision to Timber Lake. The Irrigators finished with a 7-21 record; Shailey Mahaffy, Kacy Ismay, and Dana Youngberg graduated from that team.

McDonald was asked what the Irrigators should take from 2018 to start setting a foundation for 2019.

“Learning that we’re a tough town, tough team, and getting girls to have that same attitude helps a lot,” she said.

McDonald said self-confidence is the biggest improvement she would like to see from last season to this.

“Volleyball’s a very emotional sport,” she said. “If you’re down on yourself or down on your team, you’re not going to play well.”

Newell volleyball schedule

Aug. 30 at Custer Tourney 3 p.m.

Aug. 31 at Custer Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 5 hosting Oelrichs 5 p.m.

Sept. 7 hosting Newell Tourney 2 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Bison 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 at New Underwood 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosting Hill City 5 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Wall 6 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Lead Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 hosting Dupree 5 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Harding County 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 hosting Edgemont 5 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Takini 5 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Lead-Deadwood 5 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting Timber Lake 5 p.m.

Oct. 28 at Faith 6 p.m.

The Newell varsity volleyball team features: back row left, Kyla Emmert, Kassidy Weeldreyer, Jessica Heil, Austin Alexander, Rachael Banks, Taylor Gaer, and head coach Tysha McDonald; front row left, Braidy Nelson, Katie McTaggart, McKaLee Mahaffy, Sydnee Kjellsen, and Sarah Wallace.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BEST WISHES NEWELL IRRIGATORS

We’re behind you all the way!

Shopping for a Winning Season Irrigators!

Howdy’s Newmart

219 Girard Ave., Newell, SD • 605-456-1660

605-456-2600 www.boomcon.com 202 Girard Ave., Newell Quality Concrete Product, Dependable Services

Full line of grocery, produce, meat, & deli.

We’re just a competitive small town grocery.

Come into the 1915 brick downtown store!

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 am-7 pm • Sun. 9 am-5 pm

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 9

Spartan football young, but talented

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish football finished 2-7 in 2018 and the 2019 Spartans are hoping to improve on that record.

“Last season was tough. We were really young,” said Chad McCarty, the Spartans head coach. “We had nine freshmen playing pretty consistent.

Again this year our numbers are down a little bit. The good thing is those nine freshmen are now sophomores and a year older and stronger.”

McCarty said he is excited about this year’s team.

“We’ve got some great guys coming up. We have Jacob Johnson returning.

He’s a two-sided all-state player from last year as a junior, and now he’s a senior. He’s a great leader. We have a good bunch of seniors. We’re still going to be young, but we have some good older guys to lead us,” McCarty said.

There is still a battle going on for the starting quarterback job between sophomore Peyton Millis and junior Sean Wenzel.

“We’re still trying to find out who

wants to take the reins at quarterback, and then we have those young receivers and running backs that are back, so things are looking up,” said McCarty.

“We obviously hope to improve off that 2-7. That’s the goal anyway, with guys like Cade Lyon, Austin Crotteau, Derek Webster, and some of those guys returning we should be better this year.”

The Spartans began practice on Aug. 15.

“The first week of practice wasn’t bad. We were working on some timing.

We changed the offense up a little bit.

So now we are just trying to get our timing back down, and motions, and get everything rolling,” McCarty said.

The Spartans hosted a Jamboree with Sturgis Brown and Douglas at the Spearfish practice field, on Aug. 24.

McCarty said the Jamboree will give coaches a better idea what they need to improve on.

“We’ll have our Jamboree here on our field with Sturgis and Douglas, and see where we are at,” McCarty said.

“The biggest thing is we want to eliminate mistakes. Being a young team that’s the key to everything. If we jump

offside, if we false start, or missing an assignment, those are the kinds of things that kills our drives, and hurts us. Offensively we want to minimize mistakes, and defensively we minimize mistakes and make sure we are lined up correctly and we are in the right spots.”

The Spartans face another tough schedule starting at Yankton on Aug. 30. They host Custer on Sept. 6 and Mitchell on Sept. 13 before going to Rapid City to face St. Thomas More on Sept. 20.

The Spartans return home on Sept.

27 to host Pierre T.F. Riggs, travel to Douglas Oct. 4, host Belle Fourche on Oct. 11, go to Brookings on Oct. 18 and end the regular season on Oct. 24 hosting Sturgis Brown.

“We just have to play our game. We open with No. 2 Yankton, then we’ll have No. 1 Pierre for homecoming, and then Mitchell comes to play us a couple of weeks later. I think our schedule is as strong as it’s ever been. The only Class AA team we don’t play is Huron. That’s the way it should be. We play our size, our class, and we’ll just get after it and see where we are at,” McCarty said.

Spearfish football schedule

Aug. 30 at Yankton 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Custer 6 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Mitchell 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 hosting Pierre T.F. Riggs 6 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Brookings 5 p.m.

Oct. 24 hosting Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Spearfish’s varsity football team has started its season. Squad members include: fourth row left, head coach Chad McCarty, Tim Moore, Charles Waugh, Matthew Marrs, Jacob Johnson, Derek Webster, Jack Beringer, Cade Lyon, Peyton Millis, AJ Veldman, Justin Carter, and assistant coach Steve Gabriel. Third row left: assistant coach Aaron Nida, Evan Hehr, Dawson Craig, Sean Wenzel, Colter Huseby, Aiden Haught, Kaden Kirk, Gabriel Fauske, Zander Brost, John-Aage Hamnvik, Caden Cottrill, assistant coach Jim Martin. Second row left: assistant coach Darin Douglas, Aidan McCarty, Austin Crotteau, Chase McArthur, Max Sailor, Logan Langenfeld, Jonathan Bloom, Isaac Peterson, Cadence Jones, Isaiah Twomey, assistant coach Cody Powers. First row left: Bridger Janvrin, Kaidon Feyereisen, Braydon Johnston, Ian Rath, Brady Hartwig, Bryce Ackerman, Carter Lyon, Will Brien, and Michael Gonzalez. Jaden Guthmiller, Nathen Terrasas, Alex Engelhaupt, and Noah Harlan are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

H WATC ULT D A FOR UTH & YO SES! CLAS

The Art Nest Gallery

LLC

LOOKOUT! THE SPARTANS OWN THIS FIELD!

WE SUPPORT THE “ART” OF GREAT SPORTSMANSHIP! 722 Main St., Ste. 1 Spearfish • 605-631-0673

540 E. JACKSON BLVD., SPEARFISH 605-642-7795

Page 10

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers bringing experience to football field

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s varsity football team is hanging its hat on returning experience during a season that started Aug. 23 with a 38-0 win at Bennett County.

Tom Tieszen starts his fifth season as Goldiggers’ head coach and discussed that experience.

“We graduated three great seniors, but we had eight guys on each side of the ball that started for us,” Tieszen said. “That’s a nice thing to have back there.”

The Golddiggers fell 46-0 to Mt. Vernon/Plankinton in a class 11B second-round playoff game to finish 7-3 for the 2018 campaign.

Dylan Janke, CJ Murray, and Zak Mau graduated from the 2018 squad.

Key returning players for this season include seniors Jordy Stulken (running back/wide receiver/defensive back), Pablo Munoz Fraga (wide receiver/defensive back-kicker), Max Johnson (quarterback/defensive back), and Rob Lester (lineman); plus juniors Gage Mau (lineman), Mekieh Hon (wide receiver/defensive back), Clifford Hanel (running back/line-

backer), and Dawson Janke (running back/linebacker).

Other players on the 36-member roster as of press time include senior Dylan Schumacher (lineman); plus juniors Domenic Lucero (offensive lineman/linebacker), Cody Rakow (running back/linebacker), T.K. Rainey (wide receiver/defensive back), Jacob Harris (wide receiver/defensive back), Tyler Rohn (lineman), Joey Burrows (lineman), and Jack Hallock (offensive lineman/linebacker).

Sophomores feature David Morris (wide receiver/defensive back), Rocke Rainey (quarterback/wide receiver/ defensive back), Stryder Greenfield (wide receiver/defensive back), Jaggar Smith (lineman), Eli Heisinger (lineman), Tristen Fierbach (wide receiver/defensive back), Kayden Austin (wide receiver/defensive back), Phillip Sneesby (lineman), and Todd Locke (lineman).

Eleven ninth-graders round out the roster. They are Miles Crippin (running back/linebacker), Tyler Huber (wide receiver/defensive back), Brody Neill (lineman), Crew Rainey (running back/linebacker), Ryan Rantapaa (quarterback/running back/linebacker), Jacob Smith (of-

fensive lineman/linebacker), Steven Hogg (lineman), Justice Scherer (wide receiver/defensive back), Brayden Derby (lineman), Tyler Williams (wide receiver/defensive back), and Ethan VanTassel (offensive lineman/ defensive back).

Tieszen agreed returning experience is one of the Golddiggers’ strong suits for this season. He said the roster number means the team enjoys depth.

“One thing that we always stress is preparing to the best of our ability, and performing to the best of our ability,” Tieszen said. He added that applies to the classroom as well as the playing field.

Lead-Deadwood’s schedule is more difficult than it has been in the recent past, according to Tieszen. He said that gives the team a chance to play at a higher level.

Tieszen cited Hot Springs and Todd County as Black Hills Conference Crazy Horse division favorites. The Golddiggers earned that title in 2018.

“We really understand what we’re trying to do,” Tieszen said. “They remember everything from last year.”

Tieszen defined success as all players performing at their optimal levels.

Lead-Deadwood football schedule

Aug. 30 hosting Upton/Sundance 6 p.m.

Sept. 7 hosting Mobridge-Pollock 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 hosting Pine Ridge 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Chamberlain 6 p.m.

Oct. 4 at McLaughlin 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 hosting Custer 6 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood’s football team members include: back row left, Tyler Rohn, Clifford Hanel, Dawson Janke, Miles Crippin, Joey Burrows, Pablo Munoz Fraga, Cody Rakow, Mekieh Hon, TK Rainey, Ryan Rantapaa, and Brody Neill. Middle row left, Jacob Smith, David Morris, Stryder Greenfield, Jack Hallock, Gage Mau, Jordy Stulken, Rob Lester, Dylan Schumacher, Jacob Harris, and Justice Scherer. Front row left, Eli Heisinger, Jaggar Smith, Tyler Williams, Crew Rainey, Max Johnson, Tristen Fierbach, Ethan VanTassel, Tyler Huber, and Steven Hogg. Todd Locke, Domenic Lucero, Brayden Derby, Kayden Austin, Phillip Sneesby, Rocke Rainey, and head coach Tom Tieszen are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Gold Nugget Buffets

Served in our lower level of First Gold Gaming Resort!

Good Luck s!

Digger

! w e N

Friday & Saturday Enjoy all you can eat USDA Choice Prime - Rib & Crab Buffets

Horseshoe Restaurant

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Buffet and Mini Brunch Buffet

Dine-in at our new Horseshoe Restaurant!

Enjoy all your favorite classic meals, along with new menu items that will soon become your favorite! www.firstgold.com • 605-578-9777 • 1-800-274-1876

SPORTS BAR & GRILL — Open Late! —

634 Main St., Deadwood (605) 578-2025

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 11

Broncs to open football season at home

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche will open its 2019 football season Aug. 30, when it hosts the Vermillion Tanagers at Lou Graslie Field in Belle Fourche.

Scott Slotten is beginning his sixth season as Broncs’ head coach. Belle Fourche finished 5-4 last year and missed the class 11A playoffs by one spot.

Senior quarterback-defensive back Colby Nowowiejski, senior running back-linebacker-punter Kelby Olson, junior running back-linebacker Brextin Garza, senior wide receiver-defensive back-kicker Jackson Tyndall, senior wide receiver-defensive back Tate Larson, junior lineman Logan Goeders, and senior lineman Michael Streeter are among the returning players for a Broncs’ team that finished 5-4 last season and missed the eight-team class 11A playoffs by one spot.

Other seniors on this year’s roster are Keaton Benson (wide receiver-defensive back), Colby Tadra (lineman), and Chase Bickerdyke (lineman). Blake Vissia (quarterback-linebacker), Lan Fuhrer (wide receiver-defensive back), Darin Hanson (running back-linebacker), Austin Wood (offensive lineman-linebacker), and Aiken Crowley (lineman) also represent the junior class.

Seventeen sophomores are on the roster as of press time. They are Brayden Rodg-

ers (wide receiver-linebacker), Ryker Audiss (quarterback-defensive back), Aiden Giffin (wide receiver-defensive back), Ashton Hartling (wide receiver-quarterback), Noah Braning (wide receiver-defensive back), Cayden Wolfe (running back-linebacker), Gabe Heck (running back-linebacker), Cole Hockenbary (wide receiver-defensive back), Jason Carr (offensive lineman-linebacker), Dagan Burns (offensive lineman-linebacker), Cade Bickerdyke (lineman), Brooks Clooten (lineman), Sean Wahlfeldt (lineman), Riley Newman (lineman), Ryan Evans (lineman), Devin Burns (tight end-linebacker), and Ayden Siebenaller.

The rest of the roster includes eight ninth-graders. They are Devin Nowowiejski (running back-defensive back), Jayden Sechser (wide receiver-defensive back), Anthony Budmayr (quarterback-defensive back), Thomas McCoy (running back-linebacker), Gunner Geib (lineman), Lucas Green (lineman), Andrew Tonsager (lineman), and Damian Park (lineman).

“These guys have a passion to win,” Slotten said. “We had a winning season last year, but they want to build on that.”

Slotten said the team also boasts a great work ethic to achieve their goals.

Belle Fourche is concentrating on finishing games this year, according to Slotten.

He said the Broncs dropped three games after leading by a touchdown in the fourth quarter in 2018.

Vermillion and Douglas (Wyo.) are new on Belle Fourche’s schedule this season.

He said competing in the Black Hills Conference is always tough.

St. Thomas More is Slotten’s favorite in the Black Hills Conference’s Mt. Rushmore Division. He said Sturgis and Douglas continue to improve.

“I think we have a chance in every game this year,” Slotten said. He added the Broncs have the athleticism and talent to compete with everyone on the schedule.

Slotten defines success by the team’s improvement on and off the field. That includes supporting the community, plus learning from wins and losses.

Official practice sessions started Aug. 15.

Players worked on different defensive details along with finishing plays on offense.

“We want to continue to build and develop a winning tradition here,” Slotten said. “This (senior) group has done everything we’ve asked of them, and hopefully the younger kids look up to what they have done.”

Slotten said Belle Fourche has gotten better at tackling but needs to continue improving on that, plus aggressiveness.

Hunter Mitchell, Jesse Thybo, Bryce Nicholas, Joseph Hanson, Zane Rankin, Tate Hostetter, Morgen Garrett, Taten Fox, Jaredon Dosch, Tee McAmis, Bradey Labrier, Tye Davis, Carson Gubbrud, and Jackson Mailloux graduated from last season’s squad.

Belle Fourche football schedule

Aug. 30 hosting Vermillion 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Douglas, Wyo. 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 hosting Custer 6:15 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Pine Ridge 6 p.m.

Oct. 4 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Oct. 24 hosting Todd County 6 p.m.

Belle Fourche’s varsity football team includes: back row left, Keaton Benson, Darrin Hanson, Michael Streeter, Brooks Clooten, Kelby Olson, Tate Larson, Chase Bickerdyke, Lan Fuhrer, Dagan Burns, Sean Wahlfeldt, Cade Bickerdyke, Aiken Crowley, Logan Goeders, Colby Nowowiejski, Aiden Giffin; middle row left, Devin Burns, Devin Nowowiejski, Noah Braning, Ryan Evans, Ryker Audiss, Jackson Tyndall, Riley Newman, Brextin Garza, Cayden Wolfe, Gunnar Geib, Cole Hockenbary, Thomas McCoy, Jayden Sechser; front row left, Blake Vissia, Lucas Green, Jason Carr, Brayden Rodgers, Austin Wood, Ashton Hartling, Andrew Tonsager, Colby Tadra, Gabe Heck, and Damian Park. Anthony Budmayr is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Good Luck Broncs!

Belle Fourche, SD • Isabel, SD • Mobridge, SD (605) 892-2230

Along with Vermeer, we are the NEW Tri-state Area Ag and Construction Kubota Dealer!

Good Luck Broncs & Area Athletes!

LEVERINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF THE NORTHERN HILLS Mark & Debra Leverington

715 National St., Belle Fourche • 605-892-3320 www.funeralhomeofthenorthernhills.com

Page 12

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scoopers’ football team focusing on consistency

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis football team is looking forward to the season with 69 athletes competing for spots on the team. Chris Koletzky will start his fifth year as head coach and said they will be focusing on what it takes to win on Friday night. “I think consistency is the key term for this upcoming season, we need to find a way to be consistent from week to week,” Koletzky said. “Prepare the same every week and put a consistent effort on the field on Friday nights,” he added.

Koletzky talked about Zach Shoun, this year’s quarterback.

“Zach has been the backup quarterback in the 2018 season and seen varsity action in a few contests last season. We like that Zach is pretty even keel player, he doesn’t get too high or too low,” said Koletzky. “We always know what to expect from Zach. He’s worked hard this summer to lead this team and we are looking forward to seeing his hard work pay off.”

“We have a dedicated and competitive group of players offensively and defensively this year. My personal goal is to pass for 100 yards each game,” said Shoun. “I trust my offen-

sive line to protect me and I trust the receivers to catch and run the ball.

The outlook for the team looks great, I believe that we can win every game we play,” Shoun added.

Trevor Erlenbusch and Justin Burnham will lead the way in the backfield. The Scooper coaching squad like the depth there with Daylen Rhodes, Kaden Phillips, and Kaden Nelson looking to get carries as well.

Coach Koletzky talked about this year’s line. Cy Eixenberger impressed many of the college coaches this summer at our team camps. “He’s worked hard and has a passion for the game.

We have also seen Eixenberger take a leadership role with his teammates which is great to see,” Koletzky added.

The Scoopers captured team titles at the summer camps, including the King of the Hill. “It was great to see the boys compete at a high level at the University of South Dakota (USD) Camp in July. We had our share of adversity and they fought through that and came together at the end which is great to see,” Koletzky added. “We have a lot of work to do but it’s always nice to see the boys get excited and come together like they did at USD.” The number of athletes are up this year with 15 seniors, 16 juniors, 19

sophomores, and 19 freshman.

The team ended last season with a record of 4-5. “We did some things that we can be proud of but are by no means satisfied,” he said. The Scoopers made it to the play offs last season and suffer a heart breaking loss to the Yankton Bucks. “We learned football is a game of inches and we need to find a way this season to win those inches. They’re everywhere out there you just have to find a way to win them,” Koletzky added.

“I like what I saw from bringing in Benson Sports Performance into our school, our kids will be better with Coach Benson’s expertise and it may take some time but we are on the right track,” added Koletzky.

The Scoopers took 53 athletes to the Chadron team camp and saw some really good teams that let the team know we have some work to do. USD as mentioned before, was mostly seniors and juniors and they competed very well.

The Scoopers lost some very talented athletes from last year that any team would be hard to replace.

“I will say that I believe that the 2019 Scoopers have an opportunity to be a ‘better team’ when it’s all said and done but there’s a lot of hard work to be put in before we can even think

about those expectations.”

The Scoopers will be without some

SCOOPERS FOOTBALL Pg 36

Sturgis Brown football schedule

Aug. 31 at Pierre T.F. Riggs 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept.13 hosting Brookings 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 Huron 6 p.m.

Oct. 4 hosting Yankton 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Mitchell 6 p.m.

Oct. 18 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

The 2019 Sturgis football team is pictured. Back from left: Ward Anderson, Dusty Hess, Pat Cass, Josh Kirchner, Geody VanDewater, (assistant coaches), Justin Green, Jake Vliem, Brad Williams, Sanden Graham, Brett Konst, Cy Eixenberger, Zach Shoun, Dylan Gillispie, Trevor Keierieber, Cody Nelson, Jeridyn Curtis, Kayden Cass, Brodie Eisenbraun, Jarrod Duran, Ben Eberhard, Clayton Smith, Mike Skidmore, Taylor Buus, Paul Pool, head coach Chris Koletzky, and Chad Erlenbusch. Kneeling, from left: Max Lowe, Wren Jacobs, Zane Heller, Slade Keierleber,Buck Fickbohm, Korbin Jensen, Gabe Legner, Justin Burnham, Kaden Philips, Remington Sankey, Josh Fowler, Trevor Erlenbusch, Kaden Nelson, Konnor Berndt, Tegun Thomson, and Hunter Harrison. Low kneeling, from left: Abby Culver, Takira Brewer (Student managers), Braiden Temple, Gavin Smith, Owen Cass, Dyson Peterson, Slade Heller, Cale Jolley, Aaron Rahn, Daylen Rhodes, Kelton Olson, Zaven Osborne, Reese Jacobs, Michael Voigt, Owen Koontz, Paul Pulling, Riley Smith, and Steven Price, (manager). Front from left: Tanner Ortlieb, Trevor Christman, Kaden Olson, Peter Pulling, Caleb Pilatos, Austin Atyeo, Gunner Rohloff, Jace Champage , Lance Septka, Madison Schafer, Tanner Gillespie, Sam, Jacobs, Caleb Benson, Kash Krogman, and student manager Bethany Schaefer, Student manager. Not pictured are Devin Dubray, Logan Lemmel, Talon Elshere, Thayne Elshere, Wambli Hayes. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

HAVE A WINNING SEASON SCOOPERS!

HEART. TALENT.

DEDICATION. We salute our area athletes for their excellent performance as individuals and teams.

Good luck this season!

Tires - All Name Brand New & Used - And Automotive Services

2324 Junction Ave., Sturgis • 605-720-8315

2327 Junction Ave., Sturgis, SD

605-347-4507

211 Main St., Spearfish, SD

605-642-8870

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 13

Newell football returns a young team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — The Newell Irrigators opened their football season Aug. 23 with a 50-0 loss at home game against Faith.

Second-year head coach Tyrel Bonnet agreed all returning players are key for the Irrigators. He said hard work and determination will define success in 2019.

“I try not to rely on one individual too solely,” he said. “The juniors that are seniors this year, I’m looking to them for some good, solid leadership.”

Eighteen players are on the roster as of press time. Jake Olsen, Hunter Wetz, John Jackson, Evan Gray, Huttson Weeldreyer, and Tucker Gaer represent the senior class.

Neuly Mahaffy is the Irrigators’ lone junior. Sophomore representation features Chase VanDerBoom, Ethan Preslicka, Caleb McGregor, and Wyatt McGraw.

Seven ninth-graders round out the roster. They are Devon Jones, Koby Shaykett, Payton Johnston, Braiden

Shaykett, Colton Burtzlaff, Nate Randolph, and Max Jeffries.

Bonnet said he and the seniors will look to mold the younger players as the season begins. “The sophomores, I expect them to kind of step up and help.

“The freshmen, I expect to kind of jump in and not be timid and get into the swing of things,” Bonnet said.

Official practices began on Monday, Aug. 12. Bonnet said things have looked good for those first two days; conditioning has served as a focal point.

The Irrigators compete in Region 4 of Class 9AA. Bonnet said Jackson played the quarterback position most of last season.

“He has the potential to be a phenomenal leader and one heck of a good quarterback,” Bonnet said.

Huttson Weeldreyer played running back, tight end, and guard positions last season.

“As short as we are on numbers, everybody’s a lineman, everybody’s a cornerback, and everybody’s a running back,” Bonnet said.

He said the Irrigators will need to

work on being able to sustain contact as the season progresses. Bonnet also stressed the importance of staying positive.

“It goes a long way to really bring light to the good stuff and help understand what needs work,” Bonnet said.

Newell has a tough schedule, according to Bonnet. He said Harding County and Lemmon-McIntosh stand out, as they have enjoyed really good programs for a long time.

Jones County-White River is new to the Irrigators’ schedule. Bonnet said Timber Lake, Bison, Faith, and Dupree are also tough opponents.

Newell hosts Lemmon-McIntosh on Aug. 30. The Irrigators will also host Timber Lake on Sept. 13 and Hill City on Sept. 27 during the regular season.

“It’s going to be a tough year,” Bonnet said. “But I have all the faith in the world that the boys are going to be able to make some stuff happen.”

Bonnet tabs Harding County as the Little Moreau Conference favorite. He said Lemmon-McIntosh should also contend for top honors.

How does Bonnet see Newell stacking up against conference teams? He said it is too soon to tell, and anything can happen.

“If the guys just settle down and do their jobs well, I think it could be a very productive season,” Bonnet said.

He preaches to his players that they should never quit or give up.

“If we can walk away from every game knowing that we played as good as our abilities were, that would qualify as a pretty successful season,” Bonnet said.

The Irrigators finished 1-7 last season. Jaen Gartamaker and Brock Kjellsen were among the players graduating from that squad.

Bonnet would like to see Newell bring positivity from last season to this. He said the squad played two or three really tough games in 2018, and members came away with what they could do to improve.

He added conditioning, and everyone understanding their assignments, stand as improvements to make going into this season.

Newell football schedule

Aug. 30 hosting Lemmon/McIntosh 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Jones Co./White River 6 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Timber Lake 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Dupree 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 hosting Hill City 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Bison 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Harding County 7 p.m.

The Newell varsity football team includes: back row left, Braiden Shaykett, John Jackson, Evan Gray, Caleb McGregor, Huttson Weeldreyer, Colton Burtzlaff, and Neuly Mahaffy. Front row left, Jake Olsen, Chase VanDerBoom, Devon Jones, Kobe Shaykett, Payton Johnston, Hunter Wetz, and Ethan Preslicka. Tucker Gaer, Nate Randolph, Max Jeffries, Wyatt McGraw, and head coach Tyrel Bonnet are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Bound for Success!

WINBIG!

When you power up this season with a winning attitude!

Good Luck Teams!

AMERICAN COLLOID – MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Wishing the Irrigators a successful season!

Newell Hardware & Supply

320 Girard Newell, SD

605.456.2313

YOU’RE MORE THAN A CUSTOMER. YOU’RE A NEIGHBOR.

Page 14

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Looking for Championship Coverage?

Fall 2019

2019 Fall sports action

Call me today to find the right insurance for your family.

Duke Boston Ins Agcy Inc Duke Boston, Agent 1826 5th Avenue Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Bus: 605-892-4628 Licensed in SD, MT & WY askduke.net

PREGNANT? Bella is the place to start.

Free & Confidential: • Pregnancy Testing • Ultrasound Confirmation • Information on Options

605-642-4140

Bellapregnancy.com

S

436 E. Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783 605-642-3872 www.theglassshop.net kendra@theglassshop.net

Spearfish High School hosted a football Jamboree Saturday morning, in Spearfish.

The Jamboree consisted of Spearfish, Sturgis Brown, and Douglas football teams.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

Locally Owned and Operated

GOOD LUCK

ATHLETES

3245 E. COLORADO BLVD., SPEARFISH 642.7731 • OUTDOOR-MOTORSPORTS.COM

Have a Great Season!

625 Woodland Dr., Spearfish www.teamcountryside.com

Fall 2019

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 15

Yellow Jackets excited about season

SPEARFISH — The 2019 Black Hills State football team is looking to improve from its 2-7 record in 2018.

“We are definitely looking forward to the 2019 season. There were a lot of ideas brought forth by the leaders of this team, and some things we kind of did to change the schedule, and they’ve really responded to that challenge.

This has been a very physical training camp for these guys. They’ve pushed it and we told them we were going to push them, especially these first two weeks, and then they’ll start getting their legs under them for our first game,” said John Reiners, beginning his eighth season as the Yellow Jackets head football coach.

“I do know are guys are very hungry.

Obviously the last two season have not what we say has been successful. There are things we can do better as coaches and there are things we can do better as players.

Reiners said fall practices have had more of am emphasis on injury prevention than they have in years past.

“Since the beginning of training camp we’ve emphasized some stretching and

mobilities, hydration. Its something you always do, but it has really been brought to the fore front with these guys,” Reiners said.

The Yellow Jackets have 13 seniors playing in their final season at Black Hills State.

“These guys are very motivated group that wants to be challenged, and have asked to be challenged at different times during the offseason. They are holding guys accountable, to get people here during the summer, and when they are here don’t just be here, but be here with a purpose, and be here to do something,” Reiners said.

Defensively, the Jackets return five starters, and others who have playing experience.

“We have some guys that have starting experience, but we also have some guys who are rotational, that have had playing experience,” said Reiners. “That will play a key role to our teams success moving forward.”

The Yellow Jackets defense returns five starters.

The secondary will be lead by senior safety Josh Gurnaby. Gray Morris, Bailey Rosenstrauch, Sam Garcia, and Isaiah Tivus will see playing time in the secondary.

Seeing playing time at cornerback will be Lathan Stevens, Keyshawn Farmer, Darius Frimpong, Xavier Bohnham, and Shakeer McPherson.

The linebacker core is lead by redshirt sophomore Hunter Stevens, who is the lone returning starter.

The Jackets will be without linebacker Brett Lamb, who is battling leukemia.

“We are going to miss the likes of Brett Lamb. He is down in Texas battling leukemia, but he has been a big part of our camp. He has been face timing the meetings, he is constantly in the lb meetings talking to guys, and a guy who is not here physically, but he is a big part of our season,” said Reiners. “You don’t replace Brett Lamb with one players or two players, you need three or four players to replace him.”

Other players seeing playing time at linebacker are: Clayton Koch, Jake Phelan, transfer Kyle Kettlehut, Corby Campbell, Cody Hooker, Nick Clancy, and Vic Vega.

The defensive line will be lead by senior defensive end Jarrell Ganaway.

Others who will see playing time are Kadim Phillip, Devyn Vance, Cole

BHSU football schedule

Sept. 7 hosting Chadron State 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Colorado Mines, noon Sept. 21 hosting Adams State 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosting Fort Lewis (Swarm Days) 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Dixie State University 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 hosting South Dakota School of Mines (Homestake Trophy) 6 p.m.

Oct. 19 at New Mexico Highlands 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 hosting Western Colorado 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Colorado State noon Nov. 16 Azusa Pacific (Senior Day) 1 p.m.

YELOW JACKETS Pg 39

Jacob Parks, Matthew Collier, Isaac Jefferson, Kielar Harpham, Keyshawn Farmer, Isaiah Tivis, Cody Hooker, Andrew Tovar, Cole Miller, Riley Glynn, Chance Eben, Tanner Gamble, Josh Gurnaby, Tyler Hammons, Cade Uhrick, KJ Edwards, Hunter Stephens, Hasaan Williams, Bailey Rosenstrauch, Sam Garcia, Darius Frimpong, Jake Phelan, Nolan Susel, Payten Gilmore, Ty Bolton, Clayton Koch, Caleb Measner, Andre Renteria, Brady Morris, Korby Campbell, Lathen Stevens, Trey Young, Kyle Kettlehut, Tyler Keys, Justin Davis, Sean Dorney, Jarrell Ganaway, Jimmy Pio, Leon Van Dyke, Khiry Keith, Nick Clancy, Keith Marson, Sam Ambrogio, Brock Jones, Matt Caesar, Troy Mittelstedter, Adam Burtschi, Angel Gloria, Morgan Tigner, Sampson Rich, Kade Gifford, Nate DeWitt, Joseph Moraga, Nikolas Arnold, Jawaun Hardy, Jake Basinger, Jamin Wurtz, Jordan Pace, Mitch McKibbin, Trig Olson, Jonny Harvey, Jarett Jenson, Kadim Phillip, Devyn Vance, Dakota Bill, Dartanian Vukota, Brennen Blaylock, Brady Badwound, Ryder Blair, Joshua Boles, Connor Boyd, Dylon Case, Jason Chilcoate, Nate Clay, Carter Dewey, Luis Dominguez, Josiah Drain, Marcus Glick, Trevor Greenlee, EJ Hamilton, Michael Hybertson, RJ Jones, Nejon McCray, Lane McGinley, Shakeer McPherson, Devon Osnes, Jake Pape, Jaxon Parker, Trent Reed, Jaxon Samsel, Quincy Schoen, Lovenski Simon, Zak Starkey, Hunter Sturgill, Aaron Thiele, Caleb Tiffin, Trey Tremblay, Reece Ullery, and Victor Vega. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

GOOD LUCK ATHLETES! If you can believe it, you can achieve it.

Good Luck Athletes!

TimoThy R. Johns tjohns@johnskosellaw.com

Joseph m. Kosel jkosel@johnskosellaw.com

Attorneys at Law 19730 Red Hill Rd., Spearfish 605-642-5760 • awww.fisherind.com

605-717-2889

203 West Main Street • Lead, SD 57754 • www.JohnsKoselLaw.com

Page 16

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2019

Lady Spartans’ soccer

By D ennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Spearfish finished the 2018 high school soccer season with three wins, six losses, and five ties regular season.

The Lady Spartans lost to Yankton 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

Katrina Huft, entering her fourth season as the Lady Spartans head soccer coach, said she is looking forward to seeing what this team can do with a year of experience under their belt.

‘We had a really young team last season. We had a lot of ties (five), so we were definitely sticking with other teams, but we couldn’t quite finish,” said Huft. “We only lost one senior on our defensive line, Madiera Lister, so I’m excited to take this same group of girls, who now have the experience, and have stuck with a lot of the teams in the state, and now take it to that

next step and get more wins under our belts.”

The team numbers are fewer this year, but Huft said there isn’t one thing that is responsible for the decline.

“Our numbers are down a little bit.

I don’t think there is a specific reason, just some girls didn’t come out. There’s a lot of fall sports for girls, so we are always fighting for girls. That core goup is sill the same. Though we are small in numbers, they are very mighty in heart, so I’m excited for the group of girls we do have,” Huft said.

Fall practices began Aug. 5, and Huft said things have gone well so far.

“We’ve had am awesome first few days of practice. The girls attitude and energy has been phenomonal,” said Huft. “They are ready to be here, they are ready to work, and that makes a big difference.”

Huft said some of the girls have lingering injures from the off season.

“Right now we have some girls who have had some injuries before this season that we are still working through and rehabbing. Other than that, so far we are healthy,” Huft said.

New leaders have emerged from this year’s team.

“We have a group of seniors this year, Taya Lucas and Lyndey Dean.

They are girls who have been playing varsity since they were eighth grade and freshmen. Then we’ve got Tiffany Valentine Izzy DiGioia, and Olivia William. That whole group has just been very vocal in these first few practices, and just have taken on that leadership role, so I’m just excited to see them continue to grow.

Huft said the team also has a lot of juniors and sophomores who have “been here and done that.”

“Everybody has just been united this first week and a half, so it’s fun to see that it’s not divided by grades, but it’s united by Lady Spartan soccer,” Huft said.

Huft said she wants her team to play together and do the basic funamentals..

“What I want to see is teamwork, and doing the fundamentals right. I think in those first few games it’s all about setting the tone for this season, so the girls’ have been working really hard on just the fundamentals. I told them if we do that right, everything else is going to fall into place,” Huft said Spearfish opened its 2019 season at Mitchell 1-0, they lost at Pierre 3-0, they lost at Home to Sioux Falls Roosevelt 5-0, and they lost at home to Sioux Falls O’Gorman 1-0.

Spearfish will play at Sturgis Brown on Sept. 5.

Spearfish girls’ soccer schedule

Sept. 5 at Sturgis Brown 4 p.m.

Sept. 1 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 hosting Sturgis Brown 4 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Douglas/RC Christian 4 p.m.

Sep 24 at Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sep 28 hosting RC Central 9 a.m.

Oct 1 hosting RC Stevens 4 p.m.

Oct 3 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Spearfish’s varsity girls’ soccer squad is preparing for a 13-game regular season that includes seven home contests. Team members are: back row left, assistant coach Brandi Roetzel, Halle Fjelland, Isabella Di Gioia, Olivia Williams, Tessa Lucas, Hannah Schoon, Lyndey Dean, head coach Katrina Huft; middle row left, Brooke Peotter, Dillan Richards, Taya Lucas, Kiara Hunsley, and Emilee Hunsley; front row left, Hanna Bjorkman, Ashley Mailloux, Taylor Fierbach, Tiffany Valentine, and Maia Pochop.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 17

Belle Fourche girls’ soccer splits first 2 games

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche split the first two games of its varsity girls’ soccer season.

The Broncs dropped a 10-1 decision to Rapid City Central and defeated Douglas-Rapid City Christian by a 10-0 count.

Rob Creed is starting his first season as the Broncs’ head coach. He said senior midfielder Makenna Ward, sophomore defender-forward Dru Keegan, senior defender-midfielder-forward Savannah Rosales, and junior midfielder-forward Laney Brill have stood out during early practice sessions.

Thirteen other players are on the varsity roster as of press time.

Midfielder Jayme Peterson, defender Bree Pierce, and midfielder-defender Kailyn Creed represent the senior class. Juniors are defender Addeline

Shockey, defender Jazmyn Hunt, and midfielder Lauren Albrecht.

Midfielder Emilee Farghali, defender-midfielder Reese McKenna, midfielder-forward Alexis Allen, and goalkeeper Sydney Bridge are sophomores. Ninth-graders Ava Walker (midfielder-forward), Jessica Dudley (midfielder-defender-forward), and Tori Brill (midfielder) round out the roster.

“We’re working on a whole entirely different system of play,” Creed said.

He added players are practicing basic fundamentals of passing and collecting the ball.

“I’m trying to teach them to play as a team, as a whole,” Creed said.

“That’s what we’re focusing on.”

Seven of the Broncs’ 13 regular-season games are at home.

That began with an Aug. 20 matchup against Douglas-Rapid City Christian, followed by four straight home games between Aug. 30 and

Sept. 10. The final two regular-season home games are Sept. 19 against Sturgis and Sept. 21 against Rapid City Stevens.

Creed said Belle Fourche’s schedule is fairly difficult. He added part of it has to do with a new coach coming in and teaching a new system and style of play.

According to Creed, the Broncs have a chance to be quite successful if players are able to learn his style.

“I’m going to define success not as a win, but as how they play together,” Creed said.

He added the team has had eight days’ practice, and things are coming around.

The Broncs turned in a record of four wins, eight losses, and two ties during the 2018 campaign. Season play ended with a 2-0 loss to Sioux Falls Christian in a Class A playoff.

Molly Ryan and Chompu Aimurai graduated from that team.

Belle Fourche girls’ soccer schedule

Aug. 30 hosting West Central 6 p.m.

Aug. 31 hosting Dakota Valley 11 a.m.

Sept. 3 hosting St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 10 hosting Spearfish 4 p.m.

Sep 14 at St. Thomas More 11 a.m.

Sept. 19 hosting Sturgis Brown 4 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosting RC Stevens 9 a.m.

Sept. 24 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Members of the Belle Fourche varsity girls’ soccer squad are: back row left, head coach Rob Creed, Dru Keegan, Reese McKenna, Emilee Farghali, Laney Brill, Alexis Allen, and assistant coach Rebekah Ruby. Middle row left, Addeline Shockey, Lauren Albrecht, Jazmyn Hunt, Sydney Bridge, Tori Brill, Jessica Dudley, and Ava Walker. Front row left, Kailyn Creed, Jayme Peterson, Makenna Ward, Savannah Rosales, and Bree Pierce.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Good Luck Belle Fourche Broncs!

al l o t k c u l Best of thletes! area a

Residential • Land • Commercial • Farm & Ranch

Fred Wilson

Gloriann Ruby

Artie Gifford

605.645.1314 605.645.8938 605.347.1167 1411 5th Ave., Suite B, Belle Fourche • DakotaHomeAndRanchRealEstate.com

ry mbroide e & g n i int screenpr 246 Custom 5) 484-0 ail.com

(60 ny@gm relcompa d operated a p p a d te twis wned an Locally o

Page 18

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2019

Sturgis girls’ soccer team looks ahead

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS –— The Sturgis Scooper girls’ soccer teams looks to build on last year’s successes and are excited about the upcoming season.

Adam Fitzpatrick is in his sixth year as head coach and he commented on the outlook for this season.

“If we can mesh our youth with our returning players, then I feel that we could repeat the success we had last year,” said Fitzpatrick.

The Scoopers’ record for last season was nine wins, four losses, and one tie.

They will continue to concentrate on playing team defense like last year.

The Scoopers will have six returning players who are now seniors: Avery Bunch, Autumn Cassen, Maggie Reeve, Breezy Paul, Mairen McGrath, and Glory Christianson.

Fitzpatrick talked about the conference and how the Scoopers look in the preseason.

“The conference will be a tough one to navigate. All the teams have great coaches and players, which makes it anyone’s to win,” he added.

“This season we lost quite a few seniors, which will be a lot to make up for. But we have a lot of younger players who are stepping up and filling those spots,” said Christensen.

“We are hoping to keep our conference title for a second year, and just hoping to all get closer and really have fun this year,” she added.

Coach Fitzpatrick discussed about the performance last year.

“Last year was great for us. We won the Black Hills Conference and were a nine seed in state, losing in the first round of the playoffs to Sioux Falls in a hard fought game 2-0.

“We were super excited at our outcome last year, we made the playoffs for the first time and more importantly came together as a team,” Fitzpatrick added.

The Scoopers will be without some key players from the 2018 team; Jordan Burge, Gwen Simmons, Madison Johnson, Karissa Munger and Abby Aberle.

“We lost five seniors from last Sturgis Brown girls’ year, which makes us a young team soccer schedule once again,” Coach Fitzpatrick Sept. 3 hosting RC Central 4 p.m. added.

Sept. 5 Spearfish 5 p.m.

The Scoopers opened the season with Sept. 10 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m. the first two games being on the road Sept. 12 at Douglas/RC Christian TBA against the Mitchell Kernel’s and then Sept. 13 at RC Stevens 3:30 p.m. on to Huron to face the Tigers.

Sept. 17 at Spearfish 4 p.m.

Sturgis fell 4-0 to Mitchell and earned Sept. 19 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m. a 0-0 tie against Huron to open its season.

Sept. 24 hosting St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

The Lady Scoopers are scheduled to Oct. 1 Douglas/RC Christian 4 p.m. host Rapid City Central on Sept. 3

The Sturgis Scooper girls’ soccer team features: back row left: junior varsity coach Brice Richter, Emilee Willey, Maggie Brink, Breezy Paul, Autumn Cassen, Marien McGrath, Payton Hedderman, and varsity coach Adam Fitzpatrick.

Middle row left: Glory Christianson, Cali Ewing, Sawyer Dennis, McKenna Hosman, Jenna Burke, and Mikayla Kullbom.

Front row left: Morgan Jost, Ryan Conover, Presley Schneider, Jessica Matthew, and Bethanie Littler.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

GO

SCOOPERS!

We appreciate your hard work and dedication both on and off the field.

3441 Whitewood Rd. - Sturgis, SD 57785 - 605.347.5550

Property Management 1222 Main St., Sturgis 605.347.3077 www.metroplains.com

Proudly Supporting Area School Athletes

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 19

BHSU women’s soccer team continues to grow

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — We are super excited. We have a very good group.

They’ve meshed really well. The biggest change overall is we have culture,” said Mike Greco, BHSU’s head soccer coach. “Probably for the first time in the program we have a large set of returners, who are eager to take a leadership role, and it hust creates a different environment for all the newcomers.”

Greco said in his first two seasons he had to ramp it up a little bit.

“I had to be a heavier voice, maybe hold them more accountable, but it’s been noticeable in the first three days of practice they are already doing things that I would of had to clammer and demand. They are already taking leadership in ways that shows promise,” Greco said.

Greco said the roster is down a little from last season.

“We unfortunately had a couple of recruit drop out, so our biggest concern is can we stay healthy. It’s a long season,” said greco. “We are going to use a lot of our pre-RMAC gamesas a lot of learning, getting in shape.

Everyone is basically going to play.

Freshmen who thought they aren’t going to play they are going to see the field. We’ve got to get them calmed down, contributing, and figure out a system that works.”

Greco said the RMAC will be trong again this year.

“In the RMAC we already have four or five teams that are looking at national championships. They are already looking at staging their preseason so they can get the regional votes to play for a national championship,” said Greco. We are competing to get into the RMAC Tournament and we are of that set mentally. We feel we can compete and get into the RMAC Tournament.”

Greco said the team is looking at these top teams as teams that can be beat.

“As you recall last year UCColorado Springs was nationally ranked. We were up 3-2 on them in the first half They ended up tying it at 3-3, and then in the second half it ended up getting away from us. CSU-Pueblo. who had thumped us the year before, we were tied 2-2 in the first hald and the second half again got away from us.So we are looking to have a more consistent performance this year,” Greco said.

Greco added this year’s team has allowed the coaching staff to step back more, and practices have been more enjoyable.

Greco said recruiting has been a challenge.

“One of the benefits has been that board of regents have said that Colorado is considered in-state, and

generally we play in Colorado a lot,” Greco said.

Greco said Colorado, Las Vegas, and Arizona are key recruiting areas.

“We love to go to Colorado, Las Vegas, and Arizona because they have a direct flight to Rapid City.Of course California is the mecca of these sports on the west coast,” said Greco. “Some other challenges have been the area is a little isolated and our population and our youth feeder sytems aren’t where they need to be, compared to Metro (Denver), Regis, and (Colorado) Mines is getting.”

Greco said the 2020 class already has three or four verbals, and three or four more coming.

“I really feel like we are turning the corner, we are getting momentum.

There are more kids reaching out to me, from the Colorado and Arizona areas, that know about Black Hills State, so it’s all positive Senior Rose Miller said she is hoping to have a good final season.

“Our seniors and juniors stepping up and pushing people to work harder, and that’s a good thing because in previous years we haven’t had that.

This is also the first year that people have been holding others accountable, which is really cool,” Miller said.

Another good thing about this team is the attitude. We haven’t had the consistency with the attitudes, and now that everybody is on the same

page this year, we have a culture on this team.”

Katie Nielson said that this year’s team finally feels like being a team.

“Without having very many returners every year, it felt like rebuilding every year. This is the first year that I feel like we are not rebuilding, we are just building on top of what we have from last year, which is really nice,” Nielson said.

BHSU women’s soccer schedule

Sept. 6 at Dakota Wesleyan 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at SW Minnesota State noon Sept. 12 at University of Mary 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Carroll College noon Sept. 20 hosting Fort Lewis College 5 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting Adams State noon Sept. 27 at Westminster College 5 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Dixie State 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 hosting Western Colorado 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosting Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at CSU-Pueblo 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at New Mexico Highlands 11 a.m.

Oct. 20 hosting Regis University 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting Colorado Mines 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 hosting Colorado Christian 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 at U-C Colorado Springs 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Metropolitan State 11 a.m.

Pictured are members of the 2019 Black Hills State University women’s soccer team (not in order): Teagen Hartley, Alyssa Umphlett, Abigail Carlson, Madison Kandler, Brianna Tudor, Katie Nielson, Ella Goodman, Rose Miller, Alexa Buckley, Caitlin Kelly, Samantha Turpen, Alexandria Lisenbe, Jessica Schuman, Elisabeth Riisnaes, Mikayla Hernandez, Marissa Dowlin, and Haylie Scruggs. The head coach is Mike Greco and the assistant coach is Hannah Holm. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

HAVE A BALL THIS SEASON!

345 Industrial Drive

Spearfish, SD • 605-642-4716 www.ainsworthbenning.com

Page 20

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans boys’ soccer off to a strong start

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — In 2018 the Spearfish High School boys’ soccer team reached the state Class AA semifinals, and finished with a record of 12 wins, three losses, and two ties.

“We had a very good season. “They can be proud of what they’ve done,” Spartans’ head coach Jim Hill said.

Hill said the conference title, home playoff wins, and semifinal berth were among the biggest on-field highlights.

“Probably the biggest highlight is knowing that you belong to part of a team that, if everything goes well, could have easily been state champs,” said Hill. “There were a few moments in the Washington match in which Spearfish did not do well enough at that given time. Overall, they played real well.”

Hills said the 2019 version of the Spartans can adapt easily to anything that happens on the field.

“Probably our biggest strength is, we seem to make adjustments fairly well,” Hill said.

He added the biggest area of concern centers on understanding the situation at hand.

Hill said he expects the Spartans to do extremely well.

“There are going to be some tough games in there,” Hill said.

He cited Black Hills Conference foes and both Rapid City schools.

“The big prize is at the very end,” Hill said. “Can we get ourselves into a championship game?”

He added, it is a question of doing the right things.

Spearfish opened its 2019 season with a 4-2 win at Huron and a 5-0 win at Mitchell.

They played to a 1-1 tie at Pierre T.F. Riggs.

They then returned home to defeat Sioux Falls Roosevelt 3-1.

The game was tied 1-1 at the half.

“Challenging for what we call 50-50 balls,” Spartans’ head coach Jim Hill said in describing the biggest difference between the halves.

Andrew Hirsch scored with nine min-

utes remaining in the first half to put Roosevelt ahead 1-0.

An “own goal” by a Sioux Falls player four minutes later drew Spearfish into that 1-1 halftime draw.

This term means the player inadvertently shot the ball into his team’s net.

Brock Bacon ended the scoring for Spearfish with a header with17 1/2 minutes remaining in the game.

Spearfish then suffered it’s first loss of the season to Sioux Falls O’Gorman 3-1.

Hill said fitness had a lot to do with the second half, which began with a scoreless tie.

“Last night’s (Friday’s) tough fight against Roosevelt took a lot out of us,” Hill said. “O’Gorman’s opponent didn’t stress them much, so they were able to be pretty fresh.”

Hill said increased consistency will be key.

Spearfish is also scheduled to visit Sturgis on Sept. 5 and Belle Fourche on Sept. 10.

Spearfish boys’ soccer schedule

Sept. 5 at Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. hosting Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Douglas/RC Christian 6 p.m.

Sept. 24 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosting RC Central 10 a.m.

Oct 1 hosting RC Stevens 6 p.m.

Oct 24 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Members of the 2019 Spearfish Spartans boys’ soccer season; varsity and junior varsity teams are, back row left: assistant coach Avery Greenwald, assistant coach Luke Donovan, Gabe Knudson, Brock Bacon, Lucas Skoglund, Lucas Rodgers, Carson Isburg, James Odenbach, Ryan Peldo, Tyler Borchgrevink, Ben Wise, Fernando Lara; fourth row left, Kaleb Ranek, Riley Skavang, Connor Kline, Leo Isburg, Tayte Schatz, Christian McCarty, Brody Janvrin, AJ Covell, Bridger Meyer, head coach Jim Hill; third row left, Robert Erskin, Jackson Jones, Jensen Damberg, Logan Larsen, Gabe Feeser, Dominic DeSaro, Holden Owens, Ryan Rafferty, Ethan Johnson; second row left, Kellan Scott, Nick Wise, Reagan Niesent, Rudy Isburg, Bridger Roberdeau, Yohannes Peterson, Cash Clendenen, Clay Donovan; front row left, Mat Currier, Riley Swisher, Jayce Sandford, Trey Ludens, Trey Oswald, Connor Chapman, Dago Rodriguez, and Max Engen. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 21

Broncs’ boys’ soccer season underway

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche varsity boys’ soccer team, in a very real sense, has come full circle in preparing for a season that started Aug. 23 against Hot Springs.

Head coach Anthony Bradley said he will rely on a core group of five seniors for solid production this season. They are midfielder-defender Cruz Kellem, senior forward Ethan Jones, senior forward Barak Minor, senior defender Cordell Seyersdahl, and defender John Baxendale.

“They have lots of game experience and have been with me the longest,” said Bradley, who is beginning his fifth season here. “They were eighth-graders my first year of coaching.”

Bradley added he also looks for junior midfielder Josiah Trimble and sophomore midfielder Tristin Hendricks to make key contributions this season.

Defender Jaden Schmidt also represents the junior class.

Sophomores on the roster as of press time are midfielder Ethan Jensen, defender Conrad Schreier, midfielder Charles Alberts.

Three ninth-graders round out the roster. They are goalkeeper-defender

Brayden Carbajal, goalkeeper Hunter Cherveny, and midfielder-defender Anthony Staley.

Belle Fourche is 1-2 so far this season. The Broncs defeated Hot Springs 5-0, fell 3-2 to Rapid City Central, and dropped a 4-1 decision to Douglas-RC Christian.

Returning experience is only one of the strong suits of this season’s Belle Fourche squad.

“They get along well,” Bradley said in describing team members. “They have great continuity; they hang out with each other and are a close-knit team.”

Bradley said the Broncs worked really hard in the offseason and want to get past the playoffs’ first round.

Belle Fourche fell 3-1 to Vermillion in a Class A playoff last season and finished with three wins, eight losses, and two ties.

Landon Thompson, Michael Leverington, Dalton Mace, and Kendal Schreier graduated from that squad.

“Our young guys are going to have to step up because we don’t have a lot of depth off the bench,” Bradley said. He added that, consequently, avoiding injuries is key.

Belle Fourche’s schedule is similar to that of past years.

Bradley said one positive is that Rapid City Central is the second game, with Rapid City Stevens not being played until the 12th game. wThe Broncs previously played those games back to back in ending the regular season.

“I’m hoping to win the games we’re supposed to and get lucky in a couple of the maybe games that are not favorable,” Bradley said.

Belle Fourche plays six home games during the regular season. Others are against Douglas/Rapid City Christian (Aug. 20), St. Thomas More (Sept. 3), Spearfish (Sept. 10), Sturgis (Sept. 19), and Rapid City Stevens (Sept. 21).

Bradley said Belle Fourche is one of the bigger teams, with Spearfish and St. Thomas More graduating several seniors from last year.

Success for the Broncs includes defeating some of their rivals, according to Bradley.

Bradley said last year’s team showed a lot of resiliency to reach the playoffs, and he would like to see this year’s squad build on that.

Biggest improvements he would like to see include increased scoring in front of the goal, he said.

Belle Fourche boys’ soccer schedule

Sept. 3 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 at James Valley Christian 4:45 p.m.

Sept. 10 hosting Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 at St. Thomas More 11 a.m.

Sept. 19 hosting Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosting RC Stevens 11 a.m.

Sept. 24 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Hot Springs 4 p.m.

The Belle Fourche varsity boys’ soccer team includes: back row left, Barak Minor, John Baxendale, Cruz Kellem, Anthony Staley, Cordell Seyersdahl, and Tristin Hendricks. Front row left, Ethan Jensen, Conrad Schreier, Charles Alberts, Hunter Cherveny, Josiah Trimble, Ethan Jones, and Brayden Carbajal.

Jaden Schmidt and head coach Anthony Bradley are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Good luck Broncs!

GOOD LUCK BRONCS! Stop by for your cup of inspiration!

1102 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD 57717 (605) 723-5053 605-892-3603 • 605 Railroad Street, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 • www.nehldental.com

Page 22

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis boys’ soccer looks for promising year

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scooper boys’ soccer team have goals to improve their record, fight harder than the next team, and be the most improved team in the AA division.

Sturgis split its first two games this season. The Scoopers defeated Mitchell 3-0 and fell 4-1 to Huron.

Tyler Louder is in his fifth year as head coach of the Scoopers and said the outlook for this season is good.

“This season we are looking to show that we can compete with anybody.

This squad will showcase what I believe to be the most conditioned and will prove to be the most improved team from last year,” said Louder.

“We have many hurdles that we need to get over this season and we should be able to accomplish that,” he added.

The Scoopers are concentrating this year on not letting games slip through their hands and finishing the opportunities when they present themselves.

“This year we want to score more goals than last year and improve our record as well. We want to fight for ever inch on the field more than the next team,” Louder added.

Returning letter winners for varsity include: Seniors, Gabe Rambow, Gabe Nelson, and Mason Neumiller.

Juniors, , Kale Dennis,, Jared Sailer , Jax Schuster, Taylor

Tobias, Brodie Eisenbraun, and Kyle Cutts.

“This year I am looking to score at least five goals, playing in the center mid field position, I should be able to take a lot of cracks at it from the 18, couple dribbles and a shot,” said Nelson.

Louder talked about the Black Hills Conference and how his team looks in the preseason.

“Where we stack up in the conference is that we should be fighting for a top spot this year. We need to make up those mistakes against Belle last year and will try to close the gap on Spearfish,” Louder added.

Kale Dennis, a junior, will be the one of the players to watch this year, he is the captain for a second year straight and is returning for his fifth year as a varsity starter. “With each year, he keeps growing his touch, it has improved as well as his physical leadership. When the sun goes down and the lights go up, expect Kale Dennis to put on a show,” Louder commented.

Louder talked about the team’s biggest win last year was against Mitchell. Two years ago the team came out flat and lost a game that should’ve been ours, last season they redeemed themselves in a big way.

Louder discussed about the performance last season that ended with a

record of 3-7-2.

“We are way to up and down and we lacked consistency as a squad and let games slip through our hands at times. It was a step in the right direction, one where we can see, remember and fix our flaws from last season,” said Louder.

This year’s numbers of athletes playing are up with four seniors, 17 juniors, seven sophomores, four freshmen, and six middle schoolers.

“I was happy with our growth.

Every year, since I have been here, we have improved in record and in AA standing. The players that left us last year gave us some holes to fill, but showed this years squad how to lead physically,” Louder said.

The Scoopers will be without some key seniors for the 2018 team, Carl Nash, Dawson Schieffer, Micah Ortiz, Dominick Oedekoven, Zane Atchison, and Wyatt Engbrecht. All state or all conference players last year included: Kale Dennis and Jared Sailer received All Conference and Gabe Nelson was an honorable mention.

“This year looks to be our most promising one to date. If we can live up to our own expectations and remove the doubt from across the state then we will be moving onto bigger and better things compared to years past,” Louder added.

Sturgis Brown boys’ soccer schedule

Sept. 3 hosting Rapid City Central 6 p.m.

Sept. 5 hosting Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 10 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Sept. 12 Douglas/RC Christian 6 p.m.

Sept. 13 at RC Stevens 11 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosting Hot Springs noon Sept. 24 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Hot Springs 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 hosting Douglas/RC Christian 6 p.m.

The Sturgis varsity boys’ soccer team includes, back row left: Pepe Abascal, Mason Neumiller, Brodie Eisenbraun, Kyle Cutts, Brody Brink, Gabe Rambow, Thor Sundstrom, Travis Cassen, and coach Tyler Louder. Front row left, Jared Sailer, Coy Fischer, Gabe Nelson, Ray Henderson, Taylor Tobias, Kale Dennis, and Jax Schuster.

Pioneer photo

by Tim Potts

It’s Lining Up to be Another Great Sports Season!

Howdy’sZA

Ring Container hopes your team manufactures in a winning year!

WHITEWOOD PLA

Biggest Little Grocery Store in the Northern Hills Go Team !

www.ringcontainer.com

Full Line of Groceries • Gas • Produce • Dairy • Beer Deli-Fresh Hot & Cold Sandwiches made daily ICED BEST PR D MEAT AN E IN PRODUC EA R A E TH

Full Time Meat Cutter

40 Different smoked sticks, salami etc. • Elk, Buffalo, Beef

605-269-2648 • I-90, Exit 23 • Whitewood, SD Open: Mon. - Sat. 5am, Sun. 6am

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 23

Lady Spartans’ tennis

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High Schools girls’ tennis team went through a lot of trials and tribulations, that ended with a dispppointing performance at state.

“It was a tough year. We had some injury and health issues at state. We improved, it was just some of those tough luck situations there, especially at state,” said Doug Dexheimer, the Lady Spartans tennis coach. “We had a couple of girls get sick, and not only did it affect singles but it also affected doubles. We couldn’t substitute anybody in, so that left the team short-handed.”

Dexeimer said the girls improved throughout the year, and that is always a good thing to see.

“It was unfortunate what happened

at the end of the season, it was just one of those things you can’t control,” Dexheimer said.

Dexheimer said the team lost two girls from last year’s team to graduation.

“We have a lot of girls’ back that were on the team last year, plus some middle schoolers,” Dexheimer said.

The Lady Spartans failed to win a match at the West River Open in Rapid City and at home against Rapid City Stevens and Rapid City Christian.

Dexheimer said he saw some good things from his team. “I think we are improving. Our girls’ kind of stepped up and had a couple of them with some minor injury issues but they are working through that. I was really happy with the way things were going, especially in singles.”

Aug. 23 in Madison, Silvee McCoy, Anna Engen, Lauren Strand, Rebecca Anglin, and Kate Mondloch came away with singles wins.

In doubles action on Aug. 27 in Madison, Spearfish lost their only three matches.

Dexheimer said this year’s team continues to improve with each match.

“It’s coming around. In Madison I saw some good tennis played. Some of the girls did really well,” said Dexheimer. “They were a little bit inconsistent at times, but overall again I’m happy with how they are playing.

We have a lot of good things going on.

Consistency and self-focus are things the team needs to improve on.

“We need to work on our consistency and self-focus, and be aware of what’s happening out on the court, either good

or bad, and they need to manage their emotions a little bit. Then as far as technical, get the serves a little better, try and get our volleys a little better, and we’re going to really hit our doubles play hard and get good team effort in the doubles action,” Dexheimer said.

Spearfish is at St. Thomas More on Aug. 29, and play at Rapid City Invitational, Aug. 30 and 31.

Spearfish girls’ tennis schedule

Sept. 13 at Brandon Valley Jamboree TBD Sept. 14 at Brandon Valley Jamboree TBD Sept. 17 at RC Christian 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Mitchell 11 a.m.

Sept. 27 Pierre T.F. Riggs Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 28 Pierre T.F. Riggs Invite 8 a.m.

Oct. 3 at RC Central (Parkview) 4 p.m.

Pictured are members of the 2019 Spearfish Lady Spartans’ tennis team.

Front row left: Kate Mondloch, Lindsey Huck, Emma Frey, and Rebecca Anglin.

Middle row left: Laura Frost, Maddy Reichert, Silvee McCoy, Laura George, and Kate Fossum, Back row left: assistant coach Susie Mondloch, Jaydah Wickenhagen, Lauren Strand, Anna Engen, and head coach Doug Dexheimer.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Hope this Season is a Hit! Best wishes to a successful season!

• Plumbing • Heating • Air Conditioning • Financing Available

ttoooo 820 E. Colorado Blvd., Spearfish

New Construction, Remodeling, Service & Repairs

BEST OF LUCK

to All Area Teams!

611 E. Jackson, Spearfish

CORPORATE OFFICE • 820 E. COLORADO BLVD. • SPEARFISH, SD 57783 (605) 642-7555 • FAX (605) 642-3451

614 South 32nd Street, Spearfish • 605-642-5755 • www.wolffph.com

Page 24

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans’ golf team looking to rebuild

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — In 2018 the Spearfish High School boys’ golf team won its third straight Black Hills Conference championship, and fourth-place finish at the state AA tournament.

“It was kind of a dream year. We had a very successful season. We set goals early on, we accomplished most of those goals. It was the highlight of the last 12 years of me coaching for sure,” said Eric Lightenberg, who begins his 13th year as the Spartans golf coach.

“We have two key players returning from last year’s team with quite a bit of experience. They are juniors, so they are still learning their leadership role.

We have two other boys on the team that got a little bit of experience last season. Just the right amount to get them ready for this year and step into different roles,” said Ligtenberg.

“Then after that we are really inexperienced. We should still be one of the top teams in the Black Hills Conference.,”

said Ligtenberg. “Across the state, we are definitely not going to be at the top of the pack, but we will still represent pretty well. We are not going to be terrible by any means.”

Ligtenberg said the team still has goals to achieve, but they are realistic goals.

“We know who we are, we know what is an accomplishment when we go out on the course to shoot a different score on a different golf course. I’m also looking forward to different opportunities for the boys to learn and grow. We are going to see some great growth from these boys and a lot of potential,” Ligtenberg said.

The Spartans began practice on Aug. 12.

“Those boys that have some experience they are trying to feel out where their confidence level is as they get ready to play the big schools in Sioux Falls. They are trying to gain in their ability and that confidence level,” said Ligtenberg.

“The rest of the crew, they are learning those fundamentals, that technique, those skills, and the rules. They don’t even know the rules and some of the etiquette

things, so we are starting from the ground up with most of the kids.”

Ligtenberg said the 18 of the 21 players on the team are freshmen or seventh graders, and the first couple of tournaments will be a learning process for the players.

“There’s going to be some nervousness out there. The first tournament or two of the year are extra nervous. They want to represent themselves right. It’s also kind of intimidating when you’re playing against some of the bigger schools, you don’t necessarily feel comfortable with.

I just want to see how they control their emotions, and stay in the game with their head. They have the ability technique wise and skill wise, but they have to play that golf between the ears, and I’m going to have to be along to encourage them, be their cheerleader, and motivate them a little bit more than I had to the last few years, just because my boys had so much experience.”

Spearfish plays at Boulder Canyon in Sturgis, on Sept. 6.

Spearfish boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 6 at Sturgis Brown Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 10 at Sturgis Invite 4 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 13 at Yankton Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Spearfish Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 20 at Mitchell Invitational 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 23 hosting Spearfish BHC 10 a.m.

Sept. 30 at Sturgis West River 2 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Meadowbrook West River 3 p.m.

Sam Grout, Slade Ladson, Jack High, Preston Hazeldine, Dane Burgdoff, and head coach Eric Ligtenberg. Not pictured are Josh Sunsted and assistant coach Tory Duval. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

PLAY hard PLAY hard GIVE IT have FUN

your best shot!

SPEARFISH FOREST PRODUCTS

Spearfish, South Dakota (605) 642-7741

ry • Great Products • Great Pe t s e r o F ople Great

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 25

Digger golfers building for program’s future

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood will undoubtedly carry the youngest boys’ golf team in the area, if not the entire state.

Nine players in grades five through nine will work to gain experience for this season and help the program set a foundation for the future.

Tim Hansen is in his fourth year as the Golddiggers’ head coach. He said Ethan Keehn and Walker VandeVelde will represent the ninth-grade class.

Ethan Hess and Isaac Foster are eighth-graders, with four others — Christian Johnston, John Campbell, Ethan Heller, and Eric Kosters — set to enter the seventh grade.

Fifth-grader Cooper Hansen rounds out the roster. Hansen agreed all are very eager to learn and working really hard.

“We’re kind of hitting the reset button a little bit,” said Hansen, who guided

a four-senior squad of Maxx Percy, Wyatt VandeVelde, Carter Nelson, and Chayton Bower, in 2018. He added all members of this year’s team are at the start of their golfing experience.

One of the goals, naturally, is for players to find some success so they want to stick with the sport. “We also want them to be able to attend some meets so they get a taste of what golfing in a tournament is all about,” Hansen said.

He said the team will not attend as many tournaments as it has in past years.

Practice sessions officially began Aug. 14. Hansen said everyone is essentially starting at square one, with swing work taking center stage.

How will Hansen and the Golddiggers define success?

“We hope to have kids improve throughout the year,” Hansen said. “For me as a coach, we hope to develop a young core.”

The first event of the Golddiggers’ season is unclear at this time. Hansen said none of the golfers are varsity-ready, so the plan is to look at tournaments having a junior varsity component as well.

Lead-Deadwood has a triangular scheduled for Aug. 29 at the Tomahawk Golf Course south of Lead. Hansen said he would like to have a couple of his players compete in that event, as well as the Sept. 3 pre-regional tournament at Hart Ranch.

“We’re going to see where their comfort zone is at with participating in these events,” Hansen said. He added one of his focal points is setting up the players for success.

What is Hansen looking forward to the most?

“Being able to work with all these young kids at the beginning of their experiences is really rewarding,” Hansen said. “It’s fun to see them out there enjoying the game.”

Golf signup at the schools is usually done in the spring. Hansen said the players were contacted over the summer to let them know of the season’s start and what the expectations are.

Hansen said the hope is for the athletes to play golf all summer as well as in the fall.

“We weren’t going to get a bunch of juniors and seniors out again this year.

The interest wasn’t there,” Hansen said.

He added there was a concentrated effort to try introducing golf to students through physical education and let them know of available opportunities.

Hansen agreed it is a big relief for him to gain a turnout like this.

“Lead-Deadwood has a really rich tradition in golf,” he said. “We don’t want to have a time where Lead-Deadwood no longer has a golf program.”

Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 3 at Hart Ranch Pre-Region 10 a.m.

Sept. 6 at Sturgis Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 10 at Spearfish Invite 4 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 13 at Custer Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 20 at Belle Fourche Invite 4 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Spearfish BHC 10 a.m.

Sept. 26 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 30 at Hart Ranch Regions 10 a.m.

The Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf program includes: back row left, Ethan Keehn, Walker Vande Velde, Ethan Hess, Isaac Foster, and head coach Tim Hansen. Front row left, Cooper Hansen, John Campbell, and Christian Johnston. Eric Kosters and Ethan Heller are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Wishing all the Digger teams

GOOD LUCK this season!

101 US Hwy. 14A, Central City • 605-584-3500

Page 26

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Bronc golfers aim to gain experience

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — A young Belle Fourche boys’ golf team looks to gain experience throughout a season that began Aug. 19 at the Sturgis Invitational, held at Boulder Canyon Country Club.

Bill Burr is the second-year head coach of the Broncs. The team has five members, with two qualifying for last season’s state A tournament.

Lance Sutter tied for 26th place at that event. Alex Voyles also qualified.

The Broncs did not lose any team members to graduation.

Sutter and Voyles, both juniors, will lead Belle Fourche this season. Others

on the roster as of press time are junior Aden Beisel, sophomore Albert Key, and eighth-grader Daryn French.

“We’re going to be young, and we’ve got time to get some experience under us before we’re seniors,” Burr said. He said another strength is the state tournament experience Sutter and Voyles gained in 2018.

Official practices started Monday, Aug. 12. Focal points included going back to the basics.

Burr said team members are working to understand the game of golf. He added focal points for the less experienced players include ball contact and keeping it in play.

Goals for Voyles and Sutter include improving from last year, according to Burr. “It’s just now course management and understanding what shots to hit when, and being able to control the ball a little bit,” Burr said.

Burr said Belle Fourche has a tough schedule, and the weather plays a role in that. He added courses like Boulder Canyon Country Club pose difficulties.

In the Black Hills Conference race, Burr tabbed Custer and Spearfish. He said St. Thomas More had younger players last year, and Hot Springs should also contend.

“It’s going to be a learning experience for us again,” Burr said.

He added the Broncs do not have a lot of depth.

What can Belle Fourche use to build on from last season?

“You go back to the two that made the state qualifier (last season) and build from there,” Burr said. “Hopefully this year — we talked about it — maybe we can get a whole team qualified.”

Biggest improvements from 2018 to 2019 center on ball contact and spending time on the course, Burr said.

The Broncs also competed at the Aug. 20 Hot Springs Invitational. They now set their sights on the pre-regional tournament, set for Sept. 3 in Rapid City.

Belle Fourche boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 3 at Hart Ranch Pre-Region 10 a.m.

Sept. 10 at Spearfish Invite 4 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 2 vs. Custer (at Belle Fourche) 4 p.m.

Sept. 23 Spearfish BHC 10 a.m.

Sept. 26 at RC Central 4 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Hart Ranch Region 4A TBA

The Belle Fourche boys’ golf team includes: from left, Alex Voyles, Lance Sutter, Albert Key, Daryn French, and Aiden Beisel. Head coach Bill Burr is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Tee off at the Center of the Nation

Best of luck on a great sports season!

10941 SD Highway 34, Belle Fourche • (605) 892-3472 • BelleFourcheCountryClub.com

Highway 212 West • Belle Fourche WHERE YOU'D SEND A FRIEND

605-892-2766

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 27

Sturgis golf team ready for 2019 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS — With five seniors and one junior, the Sturgis boys’ golf team is full of veterans.

“We are excited for this season since the core of this team has been playing varsity since they were freshmen,” said Sturgis head coach Steve Keszler. “Hopefully, we can keep the ball in the fairway and roll in a few putts.”

“The team will be led by Tice McVay, JD Keszler, and Noah Ziegmann, as they have been the top three from last year,” Keszler said. Sturgis is also happy to have Matt Eby returning this year. Devin Wolters and Bradin Standing Bear will

bring experience from playing varsity last year.

“The Scooper golf team will hope to be competitive in the Black Hills Conference and hope to move up the ladder at the state meet,” Keszler said.

“I have some high expectations this season. I would like to place at every tournament and place in the top 15 at state,” senior Tice McVay said. “My other expectation would be to keep my scoring average in the low 70s.”

Practices started on Aug. 6, with the season kicking off with the Sturgis Invitational on Aug. 13 at Boulder Canyon Country Club.

“I believe we have athletes that are wanting to contend for conference and

state medals,” coach Keszler added.

Sturgis opened its season on Aug. 13 with a team win at the Boulder Canyon Country Club, in Sturgis.

JD Keszler of Sturgis and Rapid City Central’s Alex Duran both shot an 81 and tied for medalist honors.

“It was nice to have four scores in the 80s; consistency is key to a team score,” coach Keszler said.

The Scoopers captured four of the top six places with McVay third with an 82, Ziegmann fourth with an 85, and Eby sixth with an 87.

Team scores had Sturgis winning with a 335, Rapid City Central second at 363, Rapid City Stevens third at 391, Spearfish fourth at 402, and Custer fifth at 403.

Sturgis Brown boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 3 at Hart Ranch Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Black Hills Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 10 hosting triangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Yankton Invitational 9 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Spearfish (Pre-BHC) 9 a.m.

Sept. 20 at Mitchell Invitational 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 23 at Spearfish BHC 10 a.m.

Sept. 30 hosting West River 2 p.m.

Oct. 3 at RC West River 3:30 p.m.

Members of the the 2019 Sturgis Scooper boys’ golf team are, from left, Noah Ziegmann, Devin Wolters, Bradin Standing Bear, Matt Eby, Tice McVay, and JD Keszler.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Good Luck Scoopers!

Sturgis Auto Parts Inc. 2324 Junction Ave in Sturgis, SD • 605-347-2663 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm • Sat. 8am - 4pm • Sun. 10am - 2pm

Page 28

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU golf team to test skills against RMAC foes

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s golf team will begin its season Sept. 9 in Pueblo, Colo., at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Fall Preview.

Kelly Welker is starting her second season as Black Hills State’s head coach.

The Yellow Jackets finished 13th at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships to end last season.

Six players are on the roster as of press time. Hayley Franke is a senior, with Gracie Johnson representing the sophomore class.

Four freshmen complete the roster: Sarah Galles, Abigail James, Nicole Klungness, and Jocelyn Olson.

Welker said all six players are key to the squad, and they each bring something of value to the effort.

“They are a group of hard workers,” Welker said in describing the team’s strongest points. “They’re really passionate about the game of golf, and they’re all excited to be here and make a difference in the program.”

Welker said the players will work on the game’s mental aspect. That includes controlling emotions on the course and handling difficult situations, she added.

Black Hills State’s schedule is difficult especially in the fall, Welker said. She said that part of the season is compressed into one month, with the team traveling every week in September.

The Yellow Jackets are 11th in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) preseason coaches’ poll.

Dixie State, UC-Colorado Springs, Colorado Christian, and CSU-Pueblo occupy the top four spots.

Welker said that season-opening event is important in setting a tone for the year. “We want to let people know that we’re here to play,” she added.

Welker anticipates the Yellow Jackets taking a step up this season. She hopes the team will be in the middle of the standings after the season’s spring portion.

“Success isn’t just about the scores we shoot,” Welker said. “Overall, it’s defined as what we achieve in the classroom, how do we participate and get involved in the community, what kind of teammate are we, am I being the best student-athlete that I can be.”

Official practice sessions will begin on Aug. 29.

Welker said the short game would serve as one of the main focal points.

“Towards the end of last season, the chemistry started to click more,” Welker said. She added she would like to see that continue this season, along with increased confidence and consistency.

Desired improvements include course management and being more deliberate when things are not going well, along with thinking through the next shot, she said.

Black Hills State did not lose any seniors to graduation from last season’s squad.

The Black Hills State University women’s golf team begins its 2019 fall season Sept 9 in Pueblo, Colo, at the RMAC Fall Preview. Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

GOLF SIMULATOR & BBQ

TEE UP FOR A

Winning Season!

306 Cliff St., Deadwood, SD 605-321-2613

BHSU women’s golf schedule

Sept. 9 at RMAC Fall Preview (Pueblo, Colo.)

Sept. 10 at RMAC Fall Preview (Pueblo, Colo.)

Sept. 16 at CSP Golden Bear Classic St. Paul, Minn.

Sept. 17 at CSP Golden Bear Classic St. Paul, Minn.

Sept. 21 at SMSU Invite (Marshall, Minn.)

Sept. 22 at SMSU Invite (Marshall, Minn.)

Sept. 28 at Augie Invite Sept. 29 at Augie Invite

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 29

Spearfish X-C returns a young team

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — In 2018, the Spearfish boys’ cross country team finished 12th at the Class AA state cross country meet, while the girls finished 15th.

On the girls side the Lady Spartans return a young team.

“Last year went pretty darn good. We had a pretty young team, with only one senior on the team last year, so our team was mostly made up of freshmen and eighth graders, and we have all those girls coming back. It was kind of a learning year, and hopefully this year they can build on that,” said Andy VanDeest, the Spearfish cross country coach.

In 2018, the boys team also had only one senior.

“The boys were also very young last year. Our team was made up of mostly freshmen and eighth graders, and they are all coming back this year. This year we have five freshmen boys and five sophomores, so we will be pretty young again, having only one senior, Cole Hansen.”

VanDeest discussed the number of runners.

“On the boys’ side, our numbers are decent. We have pretty good numbers.

On the girls’ side the numbers are down a little bit, but all in all by the time school rolls around, we should have around 20 athletes total, which is about normal,” VanDeest said.

The Spartan runners had their first practice on Aug. 15.

“We are just trying to get a base. We are trying to get the kids through the first couple of weeks without any injuries. We are just trying to get them into running, since a lot of them are just starting out. We are just trying to get that base built up, which will give us a good foundation for the remainder of the season,” Van Deest said.

VanDeest said he wants his team to improvement at each meet.

“I want to see improvement, week in and week out,” said VanDeest. “I want them to have good habits in practice and do the little things they need to do, and stay focused. We are going to be looking for some younger kids to kind of step up again.”

VanDeest said he is counting on sophomore Jayden Johnson to fill in the leadership role on the girls’ side, and Keenan Uridales and Cole Hansen will have to get those young guys into some good habits on the boys’ side, and build on that.”

Spearfish cross country schedule

Aug. 30 at Douglas Invitational 9 a.m.

Sept. 6 hosting NH Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 12 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Sioux Falls Nikie Invite 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 19 at Custer Invite 2 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Huron Invite 8 a.m.

Sept. 27 at Hart Ranch Invite 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Lead-Deadwood Invite 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Belle Fourche BHC 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Hart Ranch Invite 2 p.m.

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School girls’ cross country team are, back row, left: Halle Fjelland, Logan Bunney, Jadyn Johnson, and coach Andy VanDeest.

Front row, left: assistant coach Marcie Holben, Laina Ornelas, Brea Servaty, and Josie Tobin. Not pictured are Ella Kruskamp and volunteer coach Charlie Neilson.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School boys’ cross country team are, back row, left: Finn Hamilton, Evan Viergers, Jason Palmgren, Evan Roles, Keenan Urdiales, and coach Andy VanDeest. Front row, left: assistant coach Marcie Holben, Cole Hansen, Mason Schlup, Max Ensor, William Williams, and Paul Hourigan.

Not pictured are Jace Dee and volunteer coach Charlie Neilson.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Work Hard.

Play Hard.

Good Luck Area Athletes!

Accounting, Tax Service, and Bookkeeping

2423 Platinum Dr., Spearfish

605.722.4868

127 W. Illinois St., Spearfish 605.559.1394

Jenny L. Donovan, CPA, Partner | Myrna Schoon, Patti Konechne, Jennifer Coyle, Cheryl Hewitt

Page 30

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Digger XC squads almost ready for season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s cross-country teams are working in preparation for a season set to begin Aug. 30 at the Newcastle Invitational.

Ten girls and five boys are on the roster as of press time. The girls’ roster includes ninth-grader Clarissa Heisinger and eighth-grader Sara Jones, who qualified for last season’s state A meet. Jones earned 13th place.

Senior Isabel Ward; juniors Madelaine Rogers, Zariah Jones, and Peyton Reller; sophomore Emma Jones; seventh-grader Claire Hannah; and sixth-graders Mia Gifford and Nevada McMahon round out the roster.

Senior Pratt Williams qualified for last season’s state A boys’ meet.

Other boys’ team members this year are sophomores Landon Williams and Logan Eisner; ninth-grader James Pierce; and seventh-grader Ezias Enelson.

Will Malde is in his fifth season as the Golddiggers’ head coach. He said

team strengths include returning experience, and the team has enjoyed good retention numbers among high school athletes.

“We have a lot of kids with really good attitudes,” Malde said. “They are excited and ready to work.”

Areas needing work include continuing to prepare for the season, according to Malde. He added another focal area is to develop a bit more speed.

Lead-Deadwood’s schedule is similar to that of past years. Malde said Hill City and Custer enjoy strong teams and tabbed them as Black Hills Conference favorites.

“The conference is always very difficult,” Malde said. “I think we have more experience than we’ve ever had. I’m hoping that, overall, we can compete really well.”

Lead-Deadwood hosts a meet Oct. 1 at Tomahawk Country Club. Belle Fourche will host the Black Hills Conference meet on Oct. 10, with the Region 5A meet set for Oct. 17 in Pine Ridge.

Golddiggers’ success for this season center on improvement, Malde

said. He added another benchmark centers on what runners show when it’s time to compete.

“Another thing I’m looking for is how we compete in practice,” Malde said. He cited healthy competition during those sessions.

Official practice sessions began Aug. 15. Focal points have included working on a mileage base, performing speed work, and gauging where members are at this stage.

Malde was asked what the Golddiggers can use to build on last season’s accomplishments.

“We had a very strong team bond that was really big in pushing one another through workouts and supporting one another,” Malde said of last season. He would also like to see runner continuing to get comfortable with current mileage levels.

Desired improvements for 2019 include increased confidence, said Malde.

Trinity Brady, Carson Pinske, Angelica Jones, Eli Jordan, and Eric Schumacher graduated from last season’s teams.

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ cross country team includes: back row left, Sara Jones, Clarissa Heisinger, Emma Jones, Zariah Jones, Isabel Ward; front row left, Mia Gifford, Nevada McMahon, Claire Hannah, and Madelaine Rogers. Peyton Reller and head coach Will Malde are not pictured.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

k c u L d Goo gers!

Dig

Lead-Deadwood cross country schedule

Aug. 30 at Newcastle Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Augustana Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Custer Invite 2 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Hot Springs Invite 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 1 hosting Lead Invite 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Belle Fourche BHC 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Pine Ridge Regions 2:30 p.m.

The Lead-Deadwood boys’ cross country team features: back row left, Logan Eisner and Pratt Williams; front row left, James Pierce, Ezias Enelson, and Landon Williams. Head coach Will Malde is not pictured.

Lynn’s Everything you need for Fitness & Fun!

Lynn’s Dakotamart Grocery Store

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 5am-9pm Saturday 7am-5pm • Sunday 1pm-6pm Pool closes 30 minutes before closing

Daily Rates: $7 Family • $4 Adults $2 Students & Seniors

105 Sherman St., Deadwood 605-578-3729

Your Hometown Neighborhood Market!

and

145 Glendale Dr., Ste. #3 • Lead, SD 605-584-2905

Dakotamart Gas

103 Glendale Dr. • Lead, SD 605-584-1226

GOOD LUCK DIGGERS!

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 31

Bronc X-C teams getting ready for campaign

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche will compete at the Newcastle Invitational, Aug. 30, to begin its 2019 cross-country season.

Chris Riley is in his fifth season as Broncs’ head coach. Returning athletes on the girls’ team include junior Hayley Wilbur, ninth-grader Alanah Pomrenke, eighth-grader Allison Hayes, and eighth-grader Anika Main.

Hayes qualified for last season’s state A meet.

The rest of the girls’ roster includes seniors Megen Keegan and Harley Fischer; ninth-grader Ayse Hockenbary; eighth-graders Ava Allen, Addy Muhm, and Lorelei Seaman; and seventh-graders Lydia Main, Alexa Swaney, and Adeline Thompson.

Fifteen boys are on the roster as of press time, including ninth-grader Sawyer Clarkson. He placed seventh at last season’s state A meet.

Other returning athletes include sophomores Cole Hockenbary and Wyatt Keegan, along with ninth-graders Devin Nowowiejski and Nic Lambert plus eighth-grader Jordan Sandoval.

Senior Ethan Jones; junior Isaac McKenney; ninth-graders Levi Melanson and Dustin Kolb; eighth-graders Harley Rivera, Andrew McKenney, and Aiden Voyles; and seventh-graders Darian Pesicka, Zach Tonsager, and Harvey Walding round out the roster.

Riley said work ethic is one of the Broncs’ strong suits. “We had an awesome summer of running: by far the best we’ve had since I’ve been here as far as the number of kids taking part,” he added.

Another strength Riley cited centers on how the athletes work off one another while running.

As for what to work on, Riley said younger members will need to get used to handling longer training runs and make them routine. He also talked about gaining more experience in running hard during meets.

“I really like our schedule and the balance of it,” Riley said. It provides a mix of schools from all three classes: AA, A, and B. Belle Fourche visits Broadus, Mont., on Sept. 17 and hosts two meets. They are the Belle Fourche Invitational (Sept. 12), plus the Black Hills Conference meet on Oct. 10. Pine Ridge hosts the Region 5A meet Oct. 17.

Riley tabbed Custer as the Black Hills Conference favorite.

“I have a hope that, both on boys’ and girls’, that we can be fighting for those top-three spots at region to make state as a team,” Riley said. He added the Bronc girls have not done so for 15 years, with the boys last accomplishing that feat 35 years ago.

Success for the Broncs centers on athletes putting in the work and being willing to sacrifice, Riley said. He added this is a consistent process.

“Personally, I define success if our

kids had fun this year, they were energized, and they came as close to their own personal potential as possible by the end of the season,” he said.

Official practice sessions began Aug. 15. Mileage runs took center stage during the first few days, as did general strength workouts.

Several athletes from last season’s teams moved up the ranks. Riley said they became quite competitive, and this carried over to the track season.

He added he would like to see that progression continue.

The Belle Fourche boys’ cross country team includes: back row left, Wyatt Keegan, Devin Nowowiejski, Sawyer Clarkson, Cole Hockenbary, Andrew McKenney, and Isaac McKenney. Front row left, Aiden Voyles, Zach Tonsager, Darian Pesicka, Harley Rivera, Harvey Walding, and Jordan Sandoval. Ethan Jones, Dustin Kolb, Nic Lambert, Levi Melanson, and head coach Chris Riley are not pictured.

Belle Fourche cross country schedule

Aug. 30 at Newcastle Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Augie Twilight 5 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Pine Ridge Invite TBA Sept. 12 at Belle Fourche Invite noon Sept. 17 at Broadus Invite TBA Sept. 24 at Hot Springs Invite 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Lead Invite 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Belle Fourche BHC 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Pine Ridege Region 1 p.m.

The Belle Fourche girls’ cross country team includes: back row left, Addy Muhm, Lorelei Seaman, Hayley Wilbur, Harley Fischer, and Megen Keegan. Front row left, Adeline Thompson, Alexa Swaney, Ava Allen, Allison Hayes, and Anika Main. Ayse Hockenbary, Alanah Pomrenke, Lydia Main, and head coach Chris Riley are not pictured. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

GOOD LUCK AREA TEAMS! Show your team spirit with Available Year Round!

BRONC WEAR

IS PAIN LIMITING YOUR GAME? Julie Wingen, DPT

Melanie Rye, DPT

Tya Lewis, PTA

We prioritize our athletes and use the latest and most effective techniques to get you back in the game ASAP. Call today to schedule an appointment

605-723-0185

Mon.-Fri. 7:15am - 5:30pm painandmovementsolutions.com

511 State St., Belle Fourche, SD • 605-892-4930

511 National St. #101 Belle Fourche, SD

Page 32

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2019

Walkinshaw begins final season as BHSU X-C coach

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University will begin its cross country season Sept. 13 in Billings, Mont., at the Rocky Mountain College Invitational.

This will be the 22nd season for Yellow Jackets’ coach Scott Walkinshaw, who is set to officially retire following the campaign for health reasons. He earned induction into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame this summer.

Walkinshaw said he is the director of cross country this fall, with Scott Foley serving as head coach. As director, Walkinshaw will oversee the program and help where needed.

He said last year was phenomenal and added, “I think I’ve done about everything we can possibly do here.”

When asked to reflect on his fondest memories, Walkinshaw said he wouldn’t address that topic until after the season.

Rosters feature 12 men’s and eight women’s runners this year.

“Both teams are very excited for the upcoming season,” Foley said. Both squads qualified for the 2018 NCAA

Division II National Championships; several return this fall.

Men’s team members are seniors Jake Iverson, Clay Johnson, and Jordan Theisen; sophomores Noah Bordewyk, Christian Gaytan, Nolan Maher, Keith Osowski, and Matt Parker; plus freshmen Collin Brauer, Landon Nicholson, Chase Smith, and Marcos Valerio.

Jordan Theisen, Iverson, and Osowski were part of the squad that placed 16th at last season’s NCAA Division II national meet. It was the team’s second time here.

The women’s roster features seniors Nicole Allerdings, Abbie Fredrick, and Kelsey Van Den Hemel; junior Jules Ward; and sophomores Erica Dykstra, Mayson Hudyma, Ruby Lindquist, and Xiomara Robinson.

Black Hills State earned 17th place at the national meet last season. It marked the team’s first-ever appearance at that meet; Allerdings placed 32nd and earned All-American honors.

Foley said the teams do not take much stock in preseason rankings. The Yellow Jacket women’s team is fifth in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ poll, with the men ranked sixth.

“We just kind of take it as it comes,” Foley said. “We get the schedule knocked out and take it day by day.”

Senior leadership is a strength of this season’s teams, according to Foley.

He said a lack of depth is a concern and added, “We might not have quantity, but we have a lot of quality.”

Foley said confidence is the biggest thing the teams can take from last season into 2019.

“Every team’s goal everywhere is to get to the big dance,” Foley said. “Now, it’s more that it’s a standard, and now our goal is how well can we perform there.”

Nine meets are on Black Hills State’s schedule. The teams host the Gage McSpadden Memorial meet on Sept. 20.

Colorado Mesa will host the conference meet Oct. 26 in Grand Junction. The national championships are set for Nov. 23 in Sacramento, Calif.

The goal every season is to get better, Foley said. H Foley went on to say the Yellow Jackets can compete in the conference.

He added he has seen progression in confidence levels.

He agreed that Walkinshaw’s final

season will definitely motivate the squad.

“These athletes love coach Walkinshaw,” Foley said. “He’s been a huge part of the program.”

Iverson and Allderings hope the teams can continue to taste success like it did in 2018.

Injuries are posing a problem for the men’s team, and Iverson said the first aim is to become healthy. He added the next objective is to do the little things outside of practice.

“I think we have a really good dynamic,” Allerdings said in describing the women’s team. “There are only eight of us this year, but we are really tight-knit.

All of us are familiar with each other.”

Iverson said returning to nationals is now expected. He added everyone knows what they need to do.

“He knows that things happen, and people get injured,” Iverson said of Walkinshaw. “But we’re just going to give it our all, and hopefully we can make the best of it.”

Josh Davis, Levi Fried, Keegan Her Many Horses, Jonah Theisen, Nicole Davis, Savannah Davis, Tori Moore, and Cailey Roth graduated from last season’s squads.

BHSU cross country schedule

Members of the 2019 Black Hills State University women’s and mens cross country team are, (not in order): Nicole Allerdings, Erica Dykstra, Abbie Fredrick, Mayson Hudyma, Ruby Lindquist, Xiomara Robinson, Kelsey Van Den Hemel, Jules Ward, Noah Bordewyk, Collin Brauer, Christian Gaytan, Jake Iverson, Clay Johnson, Nolan Maher, Landon Nicholson, Keith Osowski, Matt Parker, Jordan Theisen, and Marcos Valerio. The head coach is Scott Walkinshaw, and his assistant coaches are Scott Foley and Seth Mischke. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

Sept. 13 At Rocky Mountain College Sept. 20 hosting Gage McSpadden Memorial Sept. 21 hosting Sheriff 5K Community Run Sept. 28 at Roy Griak Invitational Oct. 5 at Roadrunner Invitational Oct. 11 at West Region Preview Oct. 12 at FHSU Tifer Open Oct. 26 at RMAC Championships Nov. 9 at South Central Region Nov. 23 at NCAA Championships

GOOD LUCK ATHLETES! 658 Main Street - Deadwood, SD - 605.578.1162

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 33

Scoopers’ cross country teams prepping for season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS — The Sturgis Scooper cross country teams have a great outlook and high expectations of competing for honors in the conference this season.

“We are extremely excited for another season of running,” said Blake Proefrock, Sturgis varsity coach. “We did lose some very key pieces. However, we still have a great group of athletes that will work extremely hard this season.”

Proefrock enters into his fifth year as head coach and said that he felt the team competed well last year and are looking forward to another great season.

The Scoopers have nine returning lettermen from last season and including: Nate Andersen, Josie Kaufman, Jessica Matthew, Brady Buchholz, Jade Breidenbach, Taylor Tobias, Blane Breth, Ray Henderson, and Haley Ferguson.

Graduating seniors who left a hole in the Scooper team included, Ethan Brenneman, Alec Keffeler, Taylor Opstedahl, and Tanner Geil.

The Scooper boys place second last season at the Black Hills Conference meet, and both the boys and girls placed second at the Northern Hills Invite.

“I really want to break the time of 16:40 (16 minutes, 40 seconds) at least three times this season as that is important to run next year in col-

lege,” said Andersen.

“As far as a team goal, we are trying to go for the Black Hills Conference title and I think we have a shot at it,” Andersen added.

Proefrock commented on where the Scoopers stack up in the conference. “I think the boys have the expectation to compete near the top and the girls will also be competitive by the end of the season,” he said.

The Scoopers are in a very competitive conference and many teams do very well at state. “It is always our goal to compete at the top of the conference and to be in the top half in the state AA’s,” Proefrock added.

Sturgis boys’ cross country team members include: back from left: Blane Breth, Taylor Tobias, Nate Andersen, Brady Buchholz and Traeton Monahan. Front row left: Connor Lurz, Deron Graf, Beck Bruch, Ray Henderson, and Kain Peters. Not pictured: Isaiah Ratzsch is not pictured. Pioneer photos by Tim Potts

SPORTING OUR SCHOOL SPIRIT Good luck to all Sturgis Scooper athletic teams!

We salute the players’ dedication to their sport and in the classroom.

Sturgis Brown cross country schedule

Aug. 30 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 6 at Spearfish Invitational 10 a.m.

Sept. 12 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Huron Invitational 9 a.m.

Sept. 27 at Hart Ranch Invite 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 hosting Sturgis Invite 1 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Belle Fourche BHC Meet 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Hart Ranch Best of West 2 p.m.

Sturgis Scooper girls’ cross country team members include: back row left: Josie Kaufman, Jade Breidenbach, and Trinity Legner. Front from left: Sage Graham, Madeleine Lowe, Haley Ferguson, and Jessica Matthew. Breezy Paul is not pictured.

BEST WISHESSON! SEA FOR A GREAT To all the students athletes that work hard and play hard for the love of the game, we wish you the best of luck this season.

Sturgis Motor Company 1721 Lazelle St., Sturgis • 605-347-2277

910 Harmon St., Sturgis • 605-347-2666 • northernhillseye.com

Page 34

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Newell X-C continues to build up program

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer NEWELL — The Newell Irrigators cross country team will continue building on last year’s success with six runners returning who have state meet experience. “We are ready to build on the success we had last season,” said Kyle Sanderson, Newell’s cross country coach. “Both boys’ and girls’ teams finishing third at the state meet, it was great to see and we are excited what we can do this year,” he added.

Sanderson is starting his seventh year as head coach of the Irrigators and has set some big goals for the team. “Our goals for both teams this season is to win the conference and Region meets, at the state level things are pretty wide open,” Sanderson said.

“I think our girls have the talent to compete for the state title, but know we have things to work on to make that possible. Our boys’ team, we are working to get into the top five again as a team.”

Sanderson was very pleased with how last season played out. The girls had quite a bit of success prior to last season but lost a great leader. Austin

Alexander and Lexa Burtzlaff took on that role and helped bring some of our younger girls along and ended up winning the Little Moreau Conference title as well as the Region 5B title. In Sioux Falls, the girls ran well and ended up placing third as a team. On the boys’ side, it was the best season the boys’ team has had in the short history in Newell.

The Irrigators are focusing on continuing to building the team chemistry and culture.

“We have a very close-knit team already, but we want to build on that chemistry to help motivate and push each other to be better. One of the reasons our boys took such a big leap last season was the healthy competition between the boys,” said Sanderson.

“Every day in practice they would challenge each other to get better.”

The girls will be the favorites going into the conference meet, but there are teams in the conference like Lemmon or Dupree who have some solid runners who are looking to challenge the girls.

The boys will also be looking to defend their conference title, but Timber Lake has been right behind Newell the

last couple years and Bison has some great talent on their team and will be looking to get back on top.

The Irrigators team will have seniors: Austin Alexander and Nathaniel Kirby, Juniors: Lexa Burtzlaff, Sophomores: Garrett Winkler, Freshman: Stacy Mahaffy, Sarah Kirby, Tayten Smeenk, and, eighth grade: Rachel Erk. Some runners to watch this season: Nathaniel Kirby is a senior and has put in a lot of work over the last couple seasons and was able to finish in the top 20 last year at the State Meet.

Garrett Winkler is a sophomore for us, and he really caught the running Newell bug in eighth grade and has really upped his training this summer and cross country schedule we are hoping he will have a breakout Aug. 30 at Douglas Early Bird 9 a.m. season.

Sept. 6 at Faith Invite 10:00 a.m.

Lexa Burtzlaff is coming off her secSept. 12 at Belle Fourche 3 p.m. ond straight top 15 finishes at the state Sept. 20 hosting Newell Invite 2:30 p.m. meet.. Rachel Erk was only a seventh Sept. 27 at Rapid City Invite 3 p.m. grader last year and had an outstandSept. 30 at Little Moreau Conference 3:30 p.m. ing season. Austin Alexander is the Oct. 4 at Timber Lake Invite 1 p.m. lone senior girl and she is ready to Oct. 16 at Philip Region 5B noon build off a strong track season where she helped a couple relays place at the state meet while finisher third in the triple jump.

The 2019 Newell Irrigator cross country team, back from Left: Wyatt Winkler, Mick King, Garrett Winkler, Tayten Smeenk, Nathaniel Kirby, Austin Alexander, and Lexa Burtzlaff. Front row left: Clint Winkler, David Kirby, Blaise McGregor, Rachel Erk, Sarah Kirby, and Stacy Mahaffy.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

We’re Cheering For You! Michael R. Dana, DDS, PC Monique M. Dana, DDS, FICOI, MICOI Bradly R. Dana, DDS, FICOI, MICOI Nicole D. Dana, DDS, FICOI, MICOI

A General & Cosmetic Dental Practice

1306 Main Street, Spearfish 605-642-7727 • www.danadentalarts.com

605-892-2001 800-824-5183

601 Butte Street, Belle Fourche

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 35

BHSU triathlon set for five-event season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University’s triathlon team is preparing for its season opener, set for Aug. 31 at the Southern Hills Triathlon in Hot Springs.

The five-event schedule includes a West Regional Qualifier, set for Sept.

15 at Rocky Point Reservoir east of Belle Fourche. Triathlon is a racing sport that combines swimming, biking, and running.

Connie Feist is beginning her third season as Yellow Jackets’ head coach.

Seven athletes are on the roster as of press time. Junior Mathilde

Bernard earned third place in Division II at last season’s Collegiate National Championships, with the Yellow Jacket team placing third.

Junior Emma Stone; sophomore Kennedy Teeslink and Chelsea Basford; and freshmen Myna Buckley, Hannah Hirschi, and Alexis Sjurseth round out the roster.

Feist said athleticism is one of the Yellow Jackets’ strong suits.

“They’re just really, really strong early in the season,” she added.

Swimming is a discipline that has shown improvement, according to Feist. She said that is partly because the team is bringing in athletes that

have a strong swimming background or already have a lot of experience in that area during high school.

Feist said Black Hills State’s schedule is front-loaded. The team had trained for 10 days as of Aug. 22, with the first competition only nine days after that.

The University of South Dakota hosts an invitational on Sept. 22. That precedes an East Regional Qualifier on Oct. 19 (Smith Mountain Lake, Va.) and the national championships Nov. 16 in Tempe, Ariz.

“It’s probably one of the more difficult schedules we’ve had in that it comes very early in the season,” Feist

said. She added, however, that it provides the chance for intense training to prepare for nationals.

Feist looks for the Yellow Jackets to be competitive this season. She said the athletes are very committed to the training program, and they should represent the school well.

What will success look like for Black Hills State this season?

“I would define it as all of our athletes performing personal bests,” Feist said. “If they’re able to improve and develop, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Official practice sessions started with an Aug. 22 run up Spearfish’s Crow Peak. A team retreat was scheduled for the next 1 ½ days.

Feist said college triathlon training is more intensive than it was in high school, with increases in length and intensity. She added most athletes should be able to improve in all three disciplines once they adjust to that.

As for improvements from 2018 to 2019, Feist pointed to athletes getting into the “draft pack” on bikes. This grouping can be with teammates or competitors.

“If you’re not with the pack, and you’re by yourself, it’s much more difficult,” Feist said. “It sets you up for being exhausted during the run.”

Katie Christy graduated from last season’s team.

BHSU triathlon schedule

Members of the 2019 Black Hills State University women’s triathlon team are (not in order): Chelesea Bradford, Mathilde Bernard, Myna Buckley, Hannah Hirschi, Alexsis Sjuresth, Emma Stone, and Kennedy Teeslink. Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

Wishing All Athletes a

GREAT SEASON! NortherN hills Federal Credit UNioN Doing Business With People You Know and People Who Know You.

5 ON5

Mens Basketball League

Aug. 31 at Southern Hills Triathlon Sept. 15 hosting NCAA West Regional Qualifier (Belle Fourche) Sept. 22 at USD Invite (Vermillion) Oct. 19 at NCAA East Regional Qualifier Nov. 16 at NCAA Championships

Gather your friends, form a team and stay active in our 5 on 5 basketball league.

Register online or stop at the Rec Center. $250/team League play starts September 19th every Thursday night for 9 weeks.

Page 36

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU rodeo ready for fall season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

competitive out there, but at the same time it wasn’t the best week we had all year by any means.”

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State Lammers said he was with how his team University Rodeo team is preparing for remained competitive throughout the the 2019 fall rodeo season that gets CNFR, despite the low spots. underway Sept. 6 at Wisconson “I think in the go-rounds River Falls. we were competitive and Black Hills State University where we needed to be.

Head Rodeo Coach Glenn Lammers They competed at a high reflected on the teams performance level. We just needed to during the 2018-19 rodeo season. stay consistent all the way “Honestly, the season as a whole at that high level all week, was really good season. The team and don’t make mistakes by worked hard, they had good characany means. Just little things ter, and I really enjoyed this group,” that prevented us from acsaid Glenn Lammers, BHSU’s rocomplishing everything we deo coach.

Glenn wanted to that week,” said The women’s team were ranked Lammers Lammers. first in the Great Plains Region, Carlee Johnston was the and the men’s team were third after BHSU Rodeo coach lone senior for the BHSU the fall season. rodeo team in the 2018-19 season.

“I thought we were in a good position “Her competitive spirit has just been after the fall season. It was kind of our awesome. She is never satisfied, and has midway point and I kind of thought we a great attitude to practice, and ready hit our goals we had for the fall season to work,” said Lammers. “It’s been a and everything was looking good,” said joy to work with her, and she has been Lammers. “At the CNFR we were very a good leader that way too, leading by

from Pg 12

SCOOPERS FOOTBALL key seniors for the 2018 team: Gavin West, Ceddrick Stabber, Manny Gallosa, Jay Krull, Brandon Patino, Mitch Knutson. Last season the Scoopers lead the AA in rushing with over 2,400 yards and 31 TDs. We will

have to find a way to replace nearly 1,600 yards of that and that will be one of their toughest challenges this upcoming season.

Going into the team camps we really focused on the effort it takes each day to win on Friday nights. Focus on the process each day while bringing the effort and determination necessary to be successful at this level. The Scoopers

GEAR UP for a

GREAT SEASON!

"We're more than just auto parts."

1413 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD • 605-892-2658 www.sturdevants.com

Wishing all of our area school teams a safe & successful season.

example.”

Lammers said he doesn’t recall having any athlete qualify in three events at the CNFR. “Having her qualify for three events is remarkable. I’m not sure I had anybody qualify for three events at the CNFR. It’s hard to be at that high level.

She wanted to be first, but for her to be third in the all-around at a national level is quite an accomplishment. It’s hard to place in one event out there, and for her to place in two events that’s a huge accomplishment. She has qualified for the nationals all four years and has been a contender out there,” Lammers said.

Lammers described the 2018-19 rodeo season as extraordinary.

“To sum up the season, they had a really good season all year long and at the CNFR. Just everything they have accomplished, it has been as extraordinary year,” said Lammers. “I was looking at the GPA (Grade Point Average) the other

BHSU RODEO Pg 38

lost a lot of experience and it’s crucial that we develop some our younger players so we can put them in a position to help this team when their number is called.

Coach Ward Anderson takes over the offense and you will notice some wrinkles to his style of play pretty early in the season. The Scoopers want to be sound on defense while focusing on our

GINGER JOHNSTON 406.853.1816

pursuit and turnovers to make the impact we want to on that side of the ball.

“I think every team in our Conference looks to be much improved from last season. We have to be ready for battle every night we line up against Douglas, St. Thomas, Spearfish, and Belle,” Koletzky said.

The Scoopers open the season on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Pierre.

(605) 892-4845 1515 5th Ave. #101, Belle Fourche

Good luck to all area athletes!

WORKING TO KEEP YOU IN THE GAME!

Good Savana Luck Johnston and the BHSU Rodeo Team!

BHSU Rodeo schedule

Sept. 6 at Wisconsin River Falls Sept. 7 at Wisconsin River Falls Sept. 12 at North Platte, Neb. Sept. 13 at North Platte, Neb. Sept. 14 at North Platte, Neb. Sept. 27 at Iowa Central CC Sept. 28 at Iowa Central CC Oct. 18 at Iowa State University Oct. 19 at Iowa State University Nov. 1 at North Dakota State Nov. 2 at North Dakota State

YOUR SMILE MATTERS

John Jackson, DDS • Christopher Jackson, DMD, DICOI • Jonathan Krum, PhD DMD

PURPLE PRIDE

GO BRONCS!

JACKSONDENTALSD.COM | 605-892-6347 503 JACKSON ST., BELLE FOURCHE

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 37

2019 Spearfish High School football cheerleaders

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School football cheerleading squad are, back row left: Coach Pam Waterson, Ashni Marshall, Claire Ringlespaugh, Ciara Schoon, Amara Termes, Alira Termes, and Alivia Ruff. Middle row left: Ashley Burr and Sandra Danielson. Front row left: Temeya LaFountaine, Kaitlyn Irvin, Sage Forsting, and Lexy McElroy. Courtesy photo

2019 Spearfish High School competitive dance team

Spearfish dance schedule

Sept. 5 at Belle Fourche Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Pierre Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 16 hosting Spearfish Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Custer Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 28 at RC Inivte 11 a.m.

Sept. 30 at Sturgis Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 17 at Belle Fourche BHC 5 p.m.

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School dance team are, from left: Katherine Heine, Madison Reece, Faith Buer, Maquelle Strawn, Kendyll Olness, Mattison Mechaley, and Alicia Rhoades. Not pictured are Alysha Wilde and coach Hannah Mattsen.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Depression?

Anxiety?

Get to the heart of the matter today! www.RevealTheHeart.com Johnlyn Broeder @ 605.641.6843

Good Luck Athletes!

Good Luck Spartans!

Lets a le k c a T ning Win son!

Sea

605-642-2944 638 E. Colorado Spearfish, SD

Page 38

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Lead-Deadwood’s cheerleading squad is busily getting ready for the fall sports seasons. Members include: back row left, Alexandria Valenzuela, Miranda Kearns, Colie Corkins, Chloe Myers; middle row left, Cameran Stoflet, Raven Anderson, Nevaeh Foster; front row left, Delanie Berglund and Hailey Buchholz.

Advisor Wendy Rogers is not pictured. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

from Pg 36

BHSU RODEO day and is what a 3.88 is the average for our women’s team that went to the CNFR. I think that’s the proof that they are getting it done in the classroom and in the arena.”

Lammers is excited about the 201920 rodeo season. “The rodeo season starts all over. Rodeo has a short memory and you just kind of have to start

Lead-Deadwood High School competitive dance team

Lead-Deadwood’s competitive dance squad is busily getting ready for an eight-event season that begins Sept. 5. Members include: from left, Raven Anderson, Delanie Berglund, Nevaeh Foster, Hailey Buchholz, Winter McMahon, Cameran Stoflet, and Alexandria Valenzuela. Advisor Samantha Rogers is not pictured.

getting things in place, and I think we’ve got a really strong returning team, but also some good recruits,” said Lammers. “With someone like Carlee graduating, it gives an opportunity for someone else to step up.

That’s fun to see too, and its good for them to have that opportunity. I think we are going to see some sophomores and juniors that have to step out and have a bigger impact on our team.

Lead-Deadwood dance schedule Sept. 5 at Belle Fourche Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 16 hosting Spearfish Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Custer Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 28 at RC Inivte 11 a.m.

Sept. 30 at Sturgis Invitate 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 hosting Lead Invite 5 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 17 at Belle Fourche BHC 5 p.m.

D O O G !

S DIGGER CK

GOOD LUCK

Here for all your dental needs: One Appointment Crowns Preventative Care Fillings • Extractions

LU

Have a safe and fun season.

S! E T E L TH A A E AR

Open Monday – Thursday

605-578-3810

88 Charles St., Deadwood

ROCKET LUBE • 1718 North Ave., Spearfish • 605-642-8021

Fall 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 39

2019 Belle Fourche cheerleaders

Belle Fourche’s cheerleaders are getting ready for what will be a busy fall season. Many members are also part of the competitive cheer squad. Members are: back row left, Kalika Nulle, Evelyn Lyons, Jaelynn Reeves, Aubrie Hobbs, Victoria Donovan, Ella Carlson, Lanee Powers; third row left, Isabelle Jackson, Deja Eldridge, Hannah Doyle, Kiana Tingley, Serena Davis, Hailey Anderson, Nora Bricker; second row left, Naomi Bricker, Juliann Lange, Kyra Greenfield, Destiny Kerg, Fey Ramirez, Evany Estrada; front row left, Zoey Phillips, Samantha Dommer, Allison Jewett, Abigail Vissia, and Hailey Rodriguez. Advisor Michaela Hallam is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

from Pg 15

YELLOW JACKETS Miller, Leon Van Dyke, Morgan Tigner, Sampson Rich, Dakota Bill, Brennen Blaylock, and Nikolas Arnold.

On offense, the Yellow Jackets return eight starters, five of those on the offensive line.

Returners are Joseph Moraga, Sam Ambrogio, Adam Burtschi, Khiry Keith, and Keith Marson.Others competing for playing time are: Troy Mittelstedter, Nate DeWitt, Matt Caesar, Angel Gloria, Kade Gifford, and Brock Jones.

At running back, senior

Peyten Gilmore will again carry the load.

“Peyten is the guy who sets the tempo with his relentless atwtitude, how he works in practice, how he works in the weight room. He’s a very intense young man, but he’s also learned to mature as a leader,” Reiners said.

Spelling Gilmore in the backfield wil be Matt Collier, Justin Davis, and Andre Renteria.

The receiving corp will feature Kielar Harpham, Isaac Jefferson, Josh Gurnaby, Tanner Gamble, Jordan Pace, Hasaan Williams, and Tyler Keys. At tight end the Yellow Jackets will use Jarett Jenson, Trig Olson, and Jake Basinger.

The quarterback position is an open

Wishing all area athletes a great season!

competition between Andrew Tovar, Chance Eben, Riley Glynn, Tyler Hammons, and Chase Uhrick.

“All five are getting reps, and its kind of getting down to a two man race. We aren’t going to name a starter yet, but everybody is still in the running,” Reiners said.

The punting and kicking positions will feature a battle between junior Jacob Parks and red-shirt freshman Sean Dorney.

Reiners said injuries are his biggest concern as the Yellow Jackets continue to prepare for their Sept. 7 season opener at home against Chadron State.

“Obviously we are concerned about

injuries. I look at all of depth across the board and I look at our ones and twos and we are very solid,” said Reiners. “We are as athletic, we are as fast, and we are as good as we’ve ever been, but we’ve got to stay healthy.”

Reiners said consistency will be the key to the team’s success.

“We have to be a more consistent team.

We can’t be on one quarter, off one quarter. We can’t be on one half, off one half.

It’s right there in our culture, do your job.

If we can become a consistent ballclub across the board and be where we need to be and do what we need to do we have the ability to do some good things,” Reiners said.

Good Luck Broncs &es!

Area Athlet Auto Glass Replacement Specialist

FRONTIER GLASS Of Belle Fourche • Auto, Truck & RV Glass • Rock Chip Repairs • In-Shop or Mobile Service • Insurance Approved

West Highway 212, Belle Fourche, SD • (605) 892-4032

19048 US Hwy 85, Belle Fourche, SD • Call 605-892-2052 or 1-800-292-2052 Locally Owned

Page 40

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis dance team

Fall 2019

Sturgis cheerleaders

Sturgis competitive cheerleading team members include, back row left: Samantha Reicher, Emma Isaacson, Zo Snyder, Ariana Judd, Arianna Gorczewski, Kaylee Eixenberger, Macy Wise, and Nya Powell. Middle row left: Tennley Werlinger, Kiara Rath, Ashlyn Krcil, Kloee Stalder, Alivia Overvold, Jacinta Thompson, and Sierra Hopkins. Front from left: Destinee Igou, McKyla Tarrant, Sydney Locke, Mya Jordan, Zara Wallace, and Keelie Overvold. Kerielys Maldonado is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Sturgis Brown dance schedule

The 2019 Sturgis Scooper dance team members are: Back row left: Ari Gorczewski, Kiara Rath, and Tennley Werlinger. Middle row left: Mariah Spring, Torre Buus, and Kloee Stalder. Front row left: Kerielys Maldonado, Sydney Locke, and Gracie Williams. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Sept. 5 at Belle Fourche Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Pierre Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 16 at Spearfish Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Custer Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 28 at RC Inivte 11 a.m.

Sept. 30 hosting Sturgis Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 17 at Belle Fourche BHC 5 p.m.