2021 Spring Sports Preview

SPORTS PREVIEW g 2021 Sprin

SPECIAL SECTION

SPEARFISH SPARTANS LEAD-DEADWOOD GOLDDIGGERS BELLE FOURCHE BRONCS STURGIS SCOOPERS NEWELL IRRIGATORS BHSU YELLOW JACKETS

TRACK & FIELD BOYS & GIRLS GOLF BOYS TENNIS SOFTBALL • BASEBALL RODEO • TRIATHLON VOLLEYBALL SOCCER

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Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER EDITOR’S NOTE:

The schedules listed were provided by the South Dakota High School Activities Association. Some opponents and locations have already changed or been canceled, and more will likely change throughout the season as schools grapple with COVID-19 exposures and confirmed cases. However, not all changes have been made by the association. To receive updates on schedules, visit www.sdhsaa.com.

Spartans track and field team boasts record numbers

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School track and field team has a record number of athletes out for the 2021 spring season.

“We have right around 140 kids out, which is by far the biggest team we’ve ever had. We have some seniors that came out for the first time,” said Aaron Nida, the Spearfish head track and field coach.

“I think some of them can help us. We’ll see how it goes through the first couple of meets where they are at on things.”

Nida said the team also has a lot of underclassmen.

“When we look at it, we kind of have two freshmen classes, with a freshmen and a sophomore class because a lot of them haven’t been able to run high school track yet, other than the few that were

brought up as middle schoolers, so there are a lot of unknowns right now,” Nida said.

There was no track and field in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of all spring sports.

“It was a major disappointment. At that time we really didn’t know much about COVID, and there was a lot of speculation, it was very disappointing, it wasn’t a fun time,” he said.

Nida said things happened so quickly last spring, he really didn’t have the chance to talk to the team in person.

“By the time we knew that the season was over, we were pretty much out of contact with the kids. We had our reminders and emails, and stuff like that, so I didn’t really get to talk to the kids face to face,” said Nida. “I know a lot of them were disappointed. It was just one of those tough

parts of life. You have some bad things that happen that you can’t control, and that was kind of one of things.”

Having large numbers makes it hard to evaluate athletes, but Nida has a plan.

‘This year we’ll evaluate them with the workouts we are running. There are times we want them to hit, so we can kind of monitor where they are at,” said Nida.

“We’ve run a split squad in previous years, and we have the JV meets. Each kid might go to just one meet, but we might have three different meets during the week so the kids will have an opportunity to compete.”

Practice began on March 1, and Nida said he is pleased so far with effort.

“The kids have been pretty energetic.

We’ve got some kids who are working

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

SPEARFISH track & field schedule Apr. 9 hosting Queen City Classic......... 9 a.m.

Apr. 16 at RC Track-O-Rama................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 17 at BF Center of Nation............... 9 a.m.

Apr. 25 at Sheridan Invite....................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 27 at BF Northern Hills Qualifier...noon Apr. 27 at RC Varsity Relays....................1 p.m.

Apr. 30 at Howard Wood Relays ...............TBD May 1 at Howard Wood Relays..................TBD May 1 at L-D Mountain Top Invite......... 9 a.m.

May 4 at RC Christian............................10 a.m.

May 18 hosting Last Chance Qualifier... 10 a.m.

May 20 hosting Region............................ 9 a.m.

Front row left: Brody Janvrin, Conner Kugler, Dago Rodriguez, Jack Hight, Drason Craig, Jaden Guthmiller, Peyton Milis, Carson Diedrich, John Jeffery, and Rylan Palmer.

Second row left: Brandt Miles, Collin Bunney, Caden Langenfeld, Hudson Walters, Gabe Knudson, Yohannes Peterson, Ben Wise, Evan Roles, Ki Barnhart, Ashton Brun, and Elliott Peil. Third row from left: Gavin Parmeter, Jack Odenbach, Mathias Hafner, Mason Schlup, Lance Rath, AJ Covell, Bridger Roberdeau, Tyler Huber, Tommy Enos, Chase McArthur, and Zander Brost. Fourth row left: Ben Baloun, Nathan Allred, Riley Skavang, Ayden Verhulst, Alexander Kinney, Dawson Wood, Keenan Urdiales, Isaiah Lahoe, Jason Palmgren, Mason Schmitz, and Braedon Locati. Back row left: Mathew Jensen, Quinten Carlson, Max Engen, Kaleb Ranek, Will Scharf, Preston Davis, William Williams, Max Ensor, Seth Hamilton, Brayden Delahoyde, Brennan Aga, and Jacob Donner. Not pictured are: Brennan Aga, Harrison Bauer, Jacob Brewer, Coy Hamilton, Korben Harris, Cadence Jones, Simon Krum, Sam Moore, Jadon Olsson, Jeremiah Peterson, Jacob Roth, Riley Swisher, Wyatt Veldman, and Duncan Worthington.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

2021 Spring 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 Melissa Barnett, 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. © 2021 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

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Spring 2021 pretty hard, but it’s still too early to tell how the season is going to fold out. I do like some of our senior leadership on the girls’ side. We have a lot of new kids where the sport is new to them, and that’s

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SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER kind of exciting,” Nida said.

Nida isn’t sure how his team will do in Black Hills Conference or at state, but he wants them to compete and finish in the upper echelon.

“It’s hard to say right now where we’ll finish because there are so many unknowns. I hope we will be in the running to place high at the conference,” he said.

Nida said he will be counting on senior

leadership from seniors Maddison Doren, Grace Karp, Halle Rogers, and Cloe Tracy on the girls’ side, and Bridger Roberdeau, Ben Wise, and Gabe Knudson on the boys’ side.

Members of the 2021 Spearfish High School girls track and field team are, First row left: Alyssa Rafferty, Avery Murray, Nyra Schultz, Halle Rogers, Alivia Heairet, Tullulah Kelly, Sarah Stevens, and Ella Torres. Second row left: Erin Rotert, Lily McCarty, Kylee Symonds, Jadyn Hamann, Chayse Keller, Natalee Bruner, Sadie Ellingsen, Gretchen Adamski, Madeline Cross, Anna Hoffman, Kylie Wheaton, Callie Wince, and Grace Karp. Third row left: Halle Parks, Anna Engen, Stella Marcus, Maddison Doren, Maria Eisenbraun, Halle Fjelland, Natalie Dean, Vaida Pettersen, and Natellie Shockey. Fourth row left: Samantha Allred, Logan Bunney, Tailee Leuders, Cassidy Ewing, Brooke Peotter, Cloie Tracy, Taylor Keller, Sierra West, Sofie Guthmiller, Addi Reiners, and Madie Donovan.

Back row left: Morgan Johnson, Alira Termes, Sophey Spraitz, Maria Bouman, Kiana Stahlecker, Taylor Gould, Autumn Tabaha, Jadeyn Reiner, Dillan Richards, Tessa Lucas, Hanna Bjorkman, Lilyana Simek, and Josie Tobin. Not pictured are: Rebeccah Anglin, Bailey Cook, Jelsie Crandall, Brooklyn Flemming, Natalie Harris, Kartney Hudson, Lauryn Johnson, Keira Keyes, Claire Larson, Chloe Lerew, Claire Nida, Denali Prewitt, Mia Schultz, and Elizabeth VanOsdol. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood track teams ready for season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood track and field athletes opened their season March 27, at the Rapid City Developmental meet at O’Harra Stadium in Rapid City.

“We have a lot of new people out,” Golddiggers’ head coach Will Malde said.

He is beginning his seventh season.

Top returning athletes Malde cited include junior David Morris, senior Zariah Jones, junior Rachel Janssen, junior Chloe Wisser, and sophomore Clarissa Heisinger.

“We have some pretty good athletes,” Malde said in describing team strengths.

“We’re getting more kids out, and that’s exciting.”

Malde said the Lead-Deadwood squads are young. He added the hope is to be able to develop the athletes over time.

“There is a lot of excitement and energy,” Malde said. “Kids are excited to be a part of it.”

Transition of athletes from other sports to track and field will need work, according to Malde. “We have a lot of first-time

football, volleyball, (and) basketball players out. Right now, it’s a lot of baseline stuff.”

Malde agreed Lead-Deadwood’s schedule difficulty is identical to that of cross country. The Golddiggers are part of track’s Region 8, which has Region 5 cross country schools including St. Thomas More, Custer, and Hill City.

“Then, it’s tough when you go up against Spearfish, Sturgis (Brown), all of them,” said Malde, adding they have high numbers. He said part of the Golddiggers’ focus would include getting many younger athletes into junior varsity meets to help the developmental process.

Malde said the Black Hills Conference race is hard to figure since no 2020 season was held. He added St. Thomas More always has great teams, with Spearfish and Sturgis Brown also to contend for top honors.

How does Malde see Lead-Deadwood stacking up against the conference schools? He said the athletes bring a lot of enthusiasm to practice.

“If we are able to keep our energy up

and do things right through the season, I think we have a lot of kids that can develop and really grow a lot,” Malde said.

The “top 24” state qualifying format is generating interest and excitement, according to Malde.

Essentially, this means the 24 best times or distances in each event qualify for the state meet. These records are kept throughout the season, and the traditional regional qualifying will undergo some changes.

The top two finishers at the region meet automatically qualified for state in the past. Malde said that will not be the case anymore.

A runner may win an individual event at regions but not necessarily qualify for state.

“There is a number that you’ve got to get to try and get in that top 24,” Malde said.

The region meet, therefore, will follow a last-chance format similar to that in Class AA.

LEAD-DEADWOOD track & field schedule Apr. 9 at Spearfish Queen City Classic.. 9 a.m.

Apr. 16 at RC Track-O-Rama................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 17 at Belle Fourche.......................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 22 at Custer....................................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 27 at Belle Fourche NH Qualifier....noon Apr. 30 hosting Mt. Top Invite................. 9 a.m.

May 8 at Sturgis Brown Invite................ 9 a.m.

May 11 at RC Invite....................................1 p.m.

May 14 at Custer BHC.............................10 a.m.

May 20 at Spearfish Region....................10 a.m.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Lead-Deadwood girls’ track team members have started their season.

Members include, back row left: Miranda Kearns, Kaitlyn Martin, Abby Keehn, Angela Engel, Shayla Christ, Rachel Janssen; middle row left: Clarissa Heisinger, Zariah Jones, Jocelyn Dirksen, Mya Lucero, Trinity Zopp, Jayda Hunter; front row left: Delanie Berglund, Chloe Wisser, Allison Mollman, Allison Keehn, Katie Jones, and Clairity Pray. Winter McMahon and Mariana Pitlick are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Success this season will depend on athletes staying focused and keeping the proper mindset, Malde said. He added the season can wear a bit on athletes, and they deal with many things as the school year approaches its end.

“For each kid, we need to have clearly defined goals and really push to try to meet those,” Malde said, adding this will take place before the meet season.

Younger and less-experienced athletes will need to keep their eyes on the big picture and build on their performances, he continued.

Official practice sessions began on March 1. Focal points included form work, speed, and general strength work.

Practices have differed because of the COVID-19 virus. Questionnaires are filled out before each session; athletes are encouraged to social distance.

“We’ll still have mandatory masks on buses,” Malde said. He added parents may sign out their children and take them to and from meets.

“It hasn’t been too difficult to work through, but it is unique in its own way,” Malde said.

Roughly nine athletes from the most recent outdoor season, 2019, are still with the team.

Malde said they may draw on their past experiences to get ready for 2021.

Desired improvements center on pushing themselves to improve and filling leadership roles, Malde said.

Jordy Stulken, Kadden Dillman, Natalie Janssen, Anna Campbell, Jared Harrison, Pablo Munoz-Fraga, Pratt Williams, and Isabel Ward graduated from the 2020 squad whose season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lead-Deadwood boys’ track team members have started their season. Members include, back row left: Ethan Hess, Carter Estes, Phillip Sneesby, Rylan Burnham, Cope Williams; middle row left: Tyler Williams, James Pierce, Mason Wisser, Stryder Greenfield, Kashton Dillman; front row left: Eli Heisinger, David Morris, Landon Williams, and Jagger Smith. Miles Crippen, Trystian Greenfield, Dylan Meade, and Cooper Quenzer are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BF tracksters testing potential

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche track and field athletes are ready to compete once again following a year of being sidelined. Their season opener was March 27, at the Rapid City Developmental Meet from O’Harra Stadium.

Returning athletes for head coach Bill Abell’s squad include junior Aiden Giffin, senior Wyatt Keegan, sophomore Sawyer Clarkson, junior Aiden McCarty, junior Cole Hockenbary, senior Jasmyn Jensen, junior Dru Keegan, and ninth-grader Mataya Ward.

“It’s going to be a very interesting start to the season,” said Abell, who is beginning his eighth season here.

“We’ve just got great kids. They seem to be enjoying the workouts, and they’re giving it all they’ve got.”

Jumping events look to be a Broncs’ strength, according to Abell. He said sprint relays also show a lot of promise, as does the boys’ 4x800-meter relay.

“As long as they do what’s prescribed to them, we should be fine,” Abell said.

He factors a great deal of rest into his workouts.

Abell has long said the Black Hills Conference meet is more difficult than the season-ending state A event.

“Everywhere we go, we’re going to have some of the best looks that there are at the state level,” he added.

Spearfish and Sturgis Brown enjoy a numerical advantage over other conference schools, Abell said. He anticipates the team ace being wide open this season.

Gauging how the Broncs compare to the rest of the conference teams is also difficult, according to Abell.

“One of my biggest things always has been kids wanting to come back,” Abell said in defining success for Belle Fourche. “When they’re sad to see the season go, then we’ve done a good job.”

Abell said the Bronc boys’ team has the potential for some school records.

He added there was a lot of momentum going into 2020, before the COVID-19

pandemic forced the season’s cancelation.

Practice sessions officialy began March 1, with Brittany Clarkson the new middle distance coach. Athletes’ focal areas have included speed and technique.

A number of returning athletes were also on the Broncs’ 2019 squad. Abell said 2020 frustrated them, but they understood things and knew their roles.

“It was really one of the first years, especially on the guys’ side, when there was excitement for track,” Abell said in describing this preseason. He added past years have resulted in not knowing who would come out until that time.

Abell said desired improvements include running faster, jumping higher, and jumping longer. “It’s the natural progression of things,” he added.

Jackson Tyndall, Kelby Olson, Colby Nowowiejski, Tate Larson, Harley Fischer, Makenna Ward, and Aspen Braning graduated from the 2020 team whose season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BELLE FOURCHE track & field schedule Apr. 9 at Spearfish Queen City Classic.. 9 a.m.

Apr. 16 at RC Track-O-Rama................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 17 hosting Belle Fourche................ 9 a.m.

Apr. 22 at Custer....................................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 27 hosting Belle Fourche NH Qualifier...noon Apr. 30 at Mt. Top Invite.......................... 9 a.m.

May 8 at Sturgis Brown Invite............... 9 a.m.

May 11 at RC Invite...................................1 p.m.

May 14 at Custer BHC............................10 a.m.

May 20 at Spearfish Region 4A.............10 a.m.

Belle Fourche boys’ track team members include, back row left; Harley Rivera, Nolan Wahlfeldt, Anthony Budmayr, Aiden Giffin, Lane Longbrake, Jayden Sechser, Hayden Nickerson; third row left, Logan Tyndall, Anthony Staley, Aiden Voyles, Justus Funk, Gunnar Geib; second row from left, Jordan Sandoval, Sawyer Clarkson, Ryker Audiss, Ethan Staley, Ethan Jensen, Devin Nowowiejski, Charles Alberts; front row left, Kyren Nulle, Carter McKenna, Devin Burns, Andy Tonsager, Cole Hockenbary, and Nic Lambert. Logan Goeders, Lucas Green, Wyatt Keegan, Daniel Krajewski, Aiden McCarty, Elijah Pomrenke, and Bradley Rushton are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche girls’ track team members include, back row left: Dru Keegan, Heather Mitchell, Elena Brill, Ayseluna Hockenbary, Olivia Nehl, Mataya Ward; third row left, Tori Brill, Ava Allen, Emilee Giffin, Hailey Anderson, Reese Larson, Katelyn Lee, Addy Muhm, Sloan Young, Avery Cherveny; second row left, Shelby Moke, Hannah Kirksey, Allison Hayes, Sarah Juelfs, Jacie Baxendale, Grace Clooten, Jessica Dudley; front row left, Kaylin Garza, Isabelle Jackson, McKenzie Lyons, Tia Williamson, Amity Middleton, Bella Jensen, Jasmyn Jensen, and Ayden Kummer. Terlin Cazer, Chloe Crago, Izzy Larson, Reese McKenna, and Dylan Stedillie are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2021

Sturgis Brown track team prepares for 2021 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS – The Sturgis Brown High School track and field team started training on March 1, with more than 100 athletes out for track, and they are preparing for the 2021 spring season.

“Overall, the season looks youthful,” said Blake Proefrock, Sturgis Brown’s head track and field coach. “We are a very young team but we are very optimistic as to what we can build. Starting with good numbers gives us an opportunity to have great competition every day in practice.

Senior leadership will be helpful as we are returning nine seniors boys and six girls.”

Returning senior boys’ are: Brady Buchholz, Jared Sailer, Logan Desersa, Trevor Christman, Traeton Monahan, Jon Karrels, Jarod Duran, Brodie Eisenbraun, and Kaden Phillips.

The six senior girls’ competing are: Elisabeth Ortiz, Josie Kaufman, Makayla Keffeler, Payton Hedderman, Rachel Cammack, and Shanyah JohnsonLandoll.”

Proefrock, now in his fifth year as head

coach, talked about several of the runners to watch this season.

“We have a great group of distance and mid-distance guys. Traeton Monahan will definitely be one to watch as he qualified last year as a sophomore in the 800 meter run and is capable of having a big year.

Other guys like Buchholz, and Sailer, also look to be huge in these areas,” Proefrock said.

Proefrock said the team has set goals for this season.

“We hope to compete for the conference titles again this year. We think we should be competitive again and that is always the goal. In 2017 both the boys and girls won in 2018 the girls won. In 2019 the boys won and girls were second by a margin of 1.5 points,” said Proefrock. “Another goal is to always bring home some hardware as a team and get some kids on the podium at the state meet. We have been fortunate enough to do that a few times over the last three years, and hopefully we can do it again.”

At the last state meet in 2019, the medley relay team won its second consecutive

state championship. The team consisted of Casey Taul, Trevor Christman, Jared Sailer, Ethan Brenneman, and Traeton Monahan.

The 3,200-meter relay, consisting of Traeton Monahan, Jared Sailer, Brady Buchholz and Ethan Brenneman, was second at state and now holds the fifth best school record that was set last season by in a time of 8:05.58.

“Hurdlers, Brodie Eisenbraun, along with jumpers and sprinters, Christman, Phillips, and many underclassmen look to contend and contribute. Jarod Duran and Konner Berndt look to lead our throwers,” Proefrock said. “On the girls’ side, athletes to watch are Makayla Keffeler in the jumps, as well as Kaylee Whatley, Rachel Cammack, Tatum Ligtenberg, Sawyer Dennis, Payton Hedderman, Dezi Rhodes, Elisabeth Ortiz, Novali Dinkins, and Lexi Long in other areas around the track.”

Proefrock added that Makayla Keffeler, will be a strong competitor this season, as she holds the fifth best triple jump leap in the Scooper leaderboards with a 35’ 11” jump in 2018.

STURGIS BROWN track & field schedule Apr. 6 at Douglas........................................1 p.m.

Apr. 9 at Spearfish Queen City Classic.. 9 a.m.

Apr. 13 at Spearfish...................................1 p.m.

Apr. 16 at RC Invite.................................. 9 a.m.

Apr. 20 at RC Invite....................................noon Apr. 23 at Pierre........................................1 p.m.

Apr. 27 at Belle Fourche Northern Hills Invite...9 a.m.

Apr. 30-May 1 Howard Woods Relays... 8 a.m.

May 8 hosting Black Hills Track Classic...9 a.m.

May 11 hosting Sturgis Brown Invite.....noon May 14 hosting BHC................................ 9 a.m.

May 18 hosting Last Chance Meet......... 9 a.m.

May 25 at Douglas Invite......................... 9 a.m.

May 28 hosting Class AA State.................TBD May 29 at RC Class AA State.....................TBD

Members of the Sturgis Brown High School 2021 girls’ track and field team are, back row left: Rachel Cammack, Kaylee Whatley, Elisabeth Ortiz, Rio Snyder, Josie Kaufman, Makayla Keffeler, Rowan Swift, Hannah Aston, Lexi Long, Novali Dinkins, Hannah Killinger, Payton Hedderman, and Skye Snyder. Middle row left: Rachel Banks, Taesha Monahan, Jeslyn Deserly, Kenna Goebel, Zoey Goebel, Danielle Neiger, Felicity Jones, Amelia Knutson, Jess Teigen, Layne Septka, Cali Ewing, Tatum Ligtenberg, Sawyer Dennis, Keira Muchow and Maya Pi. Front row left: Paige Willnerd, Dezi Rhodes, Emma Weinberger, Torre Buus, Madison Schaefer, Desirae Ownbey, Natalie Schryver, Iris Zylstra, Mariah Spring, Jesalyn Laudrille, Sophia Gire, and Mya Jordan. Not pictured: Jessica Matthew, Haley Walker, Shanyah Johnson-Landoll. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Members of the Sturgis Brown High School 2021 boys’ track and field team are, back row left: Jon Karrels, Konner Berndt, Brodie Eisenbraun, Jared Sailer, Tyrell Droppers, Traeton Monahan, Brady Buchholz, Ridge Inhofer, Kaden Phillips, Aiden Hedderman, Chris Neilan, Wyatt Trohkimoinen, Owen Koontz, Walker Vlietstra, Beck Bruch, Owen Cass, Cale Jolley, Buck Fickbohm, Braden Temple, Jarrod Duran, Chayton Peterson, Slade Keierleber, Caleb Weishaar, Bono Buchtel, Brady Zastoupil, Brooks Brandner , Gavin Dunn, and Hunter Barnhart. Front row left: Jones, Morgan Papenfuss, Logan Desersa, Deron Graf, Byron Holt, Dmitri O’Driscoll, Paul Pulling, Ray Henderson, Gavin Ligtenberg, Gunner Rohloff, Tyan Buus, Austin Atyeo, Kyden Mahaffey, Luke Ross, Jayden Spratt, and Karsen Berndt. Not pictured are: Trevor Christman, Connor Lurz, Tayten Smeenk, Owen Udager, Gavin Sundstrom, Michael Voigt, and Zaiden Hansen. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Spring 2021

Page 9

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Newell track teams preparing for season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer NEWELL — The Newell track and field teams are setting the foundation for the season which opened April 1, at the Douglas Early Bird meet.

Kyle Sanderson is beginning his eighth season as Irrigators’ head coach.

He cited senior Lexa Burtzlaff, ninth-grader Rachel Erk, senior David Morell, and junior Garrett Winkler as the key returning athletes for 2021.

“We’ve had great success in cross country, volleyball, and basketball this year,” Sanderson said in describing the girls’ track team. “It’s going to help translate to track.”

Prior success serves as a boys’ team strength, according to Sanderson. He said Ryan Hohenberger, Winkler, and Morell excelled during the cross country season.

Sanderson said athletes will need to work on getting into track shape, as is the case every year. He discussed the importance of having different events for athletes.

Some athletes were in middle school or ninth grade during the 2019 track season.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced cancelation of the 2020 campaign.

“The challenge for us will be trying to find the right events, because some of these kids might have matured into different events,” Sanderson said.

Sanderson does not see much of an issue in other-sport athletes making the transition from those sports to track.

“It’s more of a recruiting thing that we’ll use to try to get athletes from the other sports out,” Sanderson said. “It helps their other sports so much.”

Newell’s early-season schedule is tough, according to Sanderson. That includes meets in Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, and Sioux Falls.

“It helps us see what’s out there,” Sanderson said in describing that slate.

“If we want to get to state and race against the best, we need to see who all is out there.”

Sanderson said the Little Moreau Conference could be wide open in the boys’ division. He cited Bison and Timber Lake as contenders for the team title.

Lemmon is a conference favorite in the girls’ division, Sanderson said.

“Our talent is as good as anybody’s, but we just don’t have the depth that some of the other teams will have,” he added.

Success will depend on athletes’ coming to practice each day ready to work hard and improve, Sanderson said. He added a lot of technique is involved, and every athlete has their own goals.

Newell’s official practice sessions began March 15. Athletes checked their fitness levels and engaged in endurance and speed work.

“We’re starting to reflect on what was successful in 2019,” Sanderson said. He cited Burtzlaff ’s success and added the boys’ team showed a lot of growth.

Sanderson hopes to build on that growth and have the athletes gain confidence to gain higher placing at the more significant meets.

Desired improvements center on younger athletes not being afraid to branch out on different events, Sanderson said. He added Newell is a small team that will ask a lot from its athletes.

Austin Alexander and Nathaniel Kirby graduated from the 2020 squad whose season was canceled.

NEWELL track & field schedule Apr. 9 at Queen City Invite...................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 17 at Belle Fourche Center of the Nation....9 a.m.

Apr. 24 at Lemmon, Dakota Bank Relays...10 a.m.

Apr. 27 at Belle Fourche, Northern Hills Invite...11 a.m.

Apr. 30-May at Howard Wood Relays....All Day May 1 at Lemmon, Harold Severson Invite.......10 a.m.

May 8 at Sturgis, Black Hills Classic..... 9 a.m.

May 13 Little Moreau Conference........10 a.m.

May 20 at Lemmon, Region 8B Meet....10 a.m.

May 20 at Lemmon, Region 8B Meet....10 a.m.

May 28-29 at Rapid City, Class B State... All Day

Newell track team members include, back row left: Orrin Bender, Sophia Johnston, Lexa Burtzlaff, Ryan Hohenberger, Wyatt Winkler, Garrett Winkler, Andrew Packard; front row left: Rachel Erk, Sydney Kjellsen, Stacy Mahaffy, Mary Mahaffy, and Sarah Kirby.

Nate Randolph and David Morell are not pictured.

Courtesy photo

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Page 10

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU track teams take talents outdoors

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University track and field athletes have begun an outdoor campaign that includes six straight meets away from Spearfish.

The next two scheduled meets are the April 9 Bauer Invitational in Rapid City and the April 16 Blue Hawk Open in Dickinson, N.D. Outdoor competition started with the Yellow Jacket Spring Open, where Black Hills State athletes won a total of 12 events.

The Yellow Jackets won a total of 12 events to open that campaign.

Breanne Fuller, Xiomara Robinson, and Kyla Sawvell each won two women’s events. Keith Osowski, Matthew Parker, Hoyt Nicholas, Sylvia Brown, Hannah Hendrick, and the women’s 4x400-meter relay also earned top honors.

Black Hills State began its outdoor season roughly two weeks after the NCAA Division II Indoor Nationals, where five women’s team members earned All-American honors.

They were Taylor Lundquist, Ruby Lindquist, Mikayla Tracy, Robinson, and Sawvell.

Yellow Jackets’ head coach Seth Mischke said the team enjoyed a great finish to the indoor season. That included the women’s team placing third at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference meet and setting a program standard at 86 points.

The Black Hills State men’s team finished eighth at conference: only nine points from sixth. Mischke said the squad scored more points than it likely could have or should have.

“We kind of need to get used to outdoor, environment, wind, sun, conditions. That’s only going to make us better the more opportunities we get outside,” Mischke said in describing the season opener.

Mischke said track athletes have two seasons to make things right, with cross country runners getting three.

Key returning athletes for outdoor track are similar to that for indoor, Mischke said. He added Zoe Langseth is using her COVID outdoor season to rejoin the team, with Anthony Rosenstrauch debuting in the men’s throwing events.

“The ladies are able to cover a good amount of events with some high-quality people,” Mischke said. He added the squad is well-rounded.

Mischke said the men’s team is young but has athletes in better places than in the past.

Points of improvement center on athletes’ getting used to the outdoor environment, according to Mischke. He said weather can wear down athletes if they don’t take care of themselves.

Weather is only one of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor track. The 60-meter dash indoors moves to 100 meters outdoors, with 3,000-meter steeplechase, 10,000-meter run, javelin, discus, and hammer throw being some

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Success for Black Hills State involves taking care of what its athletes can control. “We have to make sure we’re on point, the training progressions are going to be correct, leading our kids hopefully to some good momentum towards the end of the season,” Mischke said.

Mischke cited the importance of putting in the time, grinding away, and being ready when it is time.

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of the different events.

“There are just more events to have a chance at doing well in,” Mischke said.

He added the Yellow Jackets often seem to meld into a better outdoor squad because of being able to cover those other outdoor events.

Mischke said home meets require athletes to spend time before and after meets putting things up and taking them down. He estimated a time of more than one hour on either end.

Black Hills State hosted five meets during the indoor season. Last weekend’s meet was the sixth home meet.

“We’re excited about traveling,” Mischke said. “We get a trip that requires a bus, some meals, and some good team bonding.”

He said it is vital for the athletes to stay on point and focused while on road trips.

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) races look similar to what they were in the outdoor season, Mischke said. UC-Colorado Springs won both indoor team titles, and Mischke looks for Colorado Mesa, Western Colorado, and Colorado Mines also to contend.

Pueblo, Colo., will host the RMAC Outdoor Championships from April 30 through May 2. The NCAA Division II Outdoor Nationals are set for May 27-29 in Kingsville, Texas.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what the lists look like in these outdoor events,” Mischke said in scanning the conference. “We’ll see if we can keep

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SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Page 12

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Spartan golfers ready to hit the links

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — After missing the 2020 golf season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spearfish High School girls’ golf team is ready to hit the links.

Eric Ligtenberg, the Spearfish girls’ golf coach, said he had some concerns with the spring golf season being canceled.

“I was concerned with how it would impact my team. A lot of times, I see girls’ golf as a sport where a handful of girls will make it their priority sport, their favorite thing. Those girls’ I don’t worry about so much,” said Ligtenberg. “If you love golf you are still going to do stuff over the summer and I saw girls’ on the golf course during the summer.”

Ligtenberg said it’s the players who don’t make golf a priority sport, who are those he is worried about.

“It’s the other ones that kind of play it socially. It’s not their favorite sport.

So losing that whole year girls could be more prone to give up the sport,” said Ligtenberg.

Ligtenberg said he didn’t know if he would have girls who may have changed their mind about playing golf.

“They would say ‘well I was out, but I don’t want to go out this year.’ I definitely had concerns about our roster size,” Ligtenberg said.

Spearfish’s first practice was March 29.

“I have around 16 girls on the team.

That’s middle schoolers up to high school,” said Ligtenberg. “We don’t have a middle school team, so to grow the team and give those middle school girls a chance.”

Ligtenberg was pleased with the number of girls who came out for golf.

“Sixteen is a pretty good number actually. I think if I asked most teams in the Black Hills area, I think 16 would be about the range, maybe a little bigger than some of those other schools would be able to get out,” Ligtenberg said. “It’s manageable. If you have too small a team, you get worried that the program is doing poorly, and if you have too many it’s hard to get to everybody and get them quality attention.”

The first two days of practice was cold and very windy, so the team practiced indoors.

“We are working on fundamentals. The first two days, weather wise, were not ideal, so I chose to practice indoors. I am experienced enough to be able to have the team do stuff inside when we have one of those spring storms when you can’t get outside, Ligtenberg said.

He said working indoors isn’t terrible at the beginning of the year.

“Everybody is trying to form those new habits of fundamentals, they’re trying to feel the golf club in the grip and the swing,” Ligtenberg said.

Ligtenberg said he won’t know where his team is at until they start playing against other teams competitively.

“You can practice, and practice is fun, but when you actually get to play competition and get a real good score, you can kind of evaluate and see where the team is at according to where they were at two years ago,” Ligtenberg said.

SPEARFISH girls golf Apr. 13 hosting Spearfish Invite............10 a.m.

Apr. 20 at Sturgis Brown......................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 22 at Belle Fourche CC ..................... a.m.

Apr. 22 at Meadowbrook............................TBD Apr. 27 at Pierre T.F. Riggs...................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 27 at Douglas.................................... 9 a.m.

May 4 hosting Pre-BHC........................... 9 a.m.

May 6 at Hot Springs............................... 9 a.m.

May 11 hosting BHC................................ 9 a.m.

May 18 hosting Region...........................10 a.m.

May 20 at RC West River Invite..........3:30 p.m.

May 25 at Douglas.................................... 9 a.m.

Members of the 2021 Spearfish High School girls’ golf team are, back row left: Cadence Kilmer, Alison Kennedy, Claire Larson, Sydney Badwound, Madeline Kelly, Kaylene Delahoyd, Cora Gill, Ashley Mailloux , and Olivia Torgerson. Front row left: Kali Lantis, Kate Irvin, Sydney Gusso, Elise Ligtenberg, Lily Miles, and Lorie Kolb. Courtesy photo

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Spring 2021

Page 13

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Young Bronc golfers learning the game

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche girls’ golf team is essentially starting over for the 2021 campaign.

Five athletes are on the roster, with head coach Damon Lange making his official debut as coach. He was to coach the squad in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic canceled that season before it began.

Ninth-graders Chloe Schmoker and Rose Sprigler, eighth-graders Alex Klocek and Kaydance Gallagher, and seventh-grader Reagan Hatling comprise the roster.

“We’re very young and inexperienced, but I think I’ve got a group of girls that

are willing to work at it and want to improve,” Lange said in describing the team.

He added that enthusiasm would serve as a team strength.

Lange said the Broncs need to start at the basic foundation and work on the fundamentals.

“We’re young kids, and we’re going to be competing against older girls,” Lange said of Belle Fourche’s schedule.

“I told the girls we’re going to measure our successes a little differently so we don’t have to focus on wins and losses this year,” Lange said. He added the players may focus on individual improvement.

Belle Fourche will host a triangular on April 12, with the Broncs to host a tourna-

ment on April 22.

Spearfish will host the Black Hills Conference tournament on May 11 The Region 4A tournament is scheduled for May 18 at Spearfish. That course will also host the state Class A tournament June 7-8.

Lange was asked about the Black Hills Conference race and said he was not able to coach last season. He is a firstyear coach and added he has not had the chance to see other golfers on teams, so he could not make any predictions.

“I really don’t want to put the pressure on these girls to go out and feel like they have to compete this year,” Lange said.

He reiterated success would be measured

Members of the Belle Fourche girls’ golf team include, from left: Reagan Hatling, Alex Klocek, Kaydance Gallagher, and head coach Damon Lange. Chloe Schmoker and Rose Sprigler are not pictured.

Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

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BELLE FOURCHE girls golf Apr. 12 hosting triangular.......................3 p.m.

Apr. 15 at Southern Hills triangular......3 p.m.

Apr. 22 hosting Belle Fourche Invite....10 a.m.

Apr. 27 at Douglas Invite......................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 30 at Sturgis Brown Invite.............. 9 a.m.

May 4 at Spearfish Pre-BHC................... 9 a.m.

May 6 at Hot Springs Invite.................... 9 a.m.

May 11 at Spearfish BHC.......................10 a.m.

May 18 at Spearfish Region 4A.............10 a.m.

June 7-8 at Spearfish State A.....................TBD

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differently so players may learn the game and develop the needed skills for future years.

Lange said small successes this season would be tracked to show improvement.

Official practice sessions began March 29. Club grip, addressing the ball, and course etiquette were among the focal points.

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Page 14

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Digger girls ready for 2021 campaign

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood will open its girls’ golf season April 12 at the Rapid City Triangular, scheduled for the Meadowbrook Golf Course.

Five players on this season’s roster were on the Golddiggers’ most recent team in 2019: senior Madi Rystrom, sophomore Ashley Lary, ninth-grader Alayna Bauernfeind, and eighth-graders Delaney Mattson and Erica Murray. The COVID-19 pandemic forced cancelation of the 2020 campaign.

Four new players round out LeadDeadwood’s roster. They are senior Lexie Schroeder, sophomores Gayle Thompson, sophomore Tilli Katon, and seventh-grader Janel Hess.

Kim Hansen will begin her first official season as Golddiggers’ head coach.

She was hired for the 2020 campaign and succeeded former head coach Tanner McGinnis.

“What’s really great is that we’ve got

a great mix of girls,” Hansen said. Some played in 2019 and gained experience before the 2020 cancelation; others are brand new.

Hansen said she looks forward to working with the new players.

“We’re just happy to be on the course this year and playing,” Hansen said. “It’s been such a year of ‘what’s going to happen?” She expressed confidence the team will be able to plan an entire season.

Hansen said the players are willing to learn, and she added scores could show a major improvement this season.

“They’re going to work hard and get better every day,” she added.

Every player can always work on fundamentals. Hansen said they may also work on getting comfortable playing the sport, and there are many mental elements to consider.

Hansen sees no major issues with the schedule.

“The returnees felt like, ‘this is what you do, and this is what we’re going to

go for,’” she said.

Lead-Deadwood boasts a wide range of players, and Hansen said every school is likely in the same situation.

“Just getting through the season will be really great,” Hansen said when asked about success. She added scores will decrease while confidence grows.

Official practice sessions got underway March 29. Players worked out indoors on the basics of chipping and putting.

“Experience is everything; especially this year, since we didn’t have a season last year,” Hansen said of the five returnees. “They will help the new ones about pace of play and the little details.”

What about the biggest improvements? “If you don’t do very well the first time out, and you do better the next time, that’s all I can ask as a coach.”

Hansen’s golf coaching philosophy centers on staying calm and relaxed.

She said she would be a bit more relaxed than during the fall, when she coach-

es the Golddiggers’ varsity volleyball squad.

She coached golf for three years while living in Sioux Falls. “I learned a lot about the game, and I felt like it was a natural thing for me to do in taking over another head job here,” she said.

John Rystrom is Hansen’s assistant coach, and Hansen said he knows a lot about the players and their games. She added he will be a great addition to the team.

LEAD-DEADWOOD girls golf L-D girls golf Apr. 12 at Meadowbrook..........................3 p.m.

Apr. 13 at Spearfish Invite......................10 a.m.

Apr. 15 at Hot Springs.............................10 a.m.

Apr. 25 at Belle Fourche.........................10 a.m.

Apr. 27 at Douglas Invite......................... 9 a.m.

Apr. 30 at Sturgis Invite........................... 9 a.m.

May 4 at Spearfish Pre-BHC................... 9 a.m.

May 6 Hot Springs Invite........................ 9 a.m.

May 11 at Spearfish BHC.......................10 a.m.

May 18 at Spearfish Region...................10 a.m.

May 25 at Douglas.................................3:30p.m.

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf team includes, back row left: Lexie Schroeder, Tilli Katon, Gayle Thompson, Madi Rystrom; front row left, Janel Hess, Delaney Mattson, Alayna Bauernfeind, and Erica Murray. Ashley Lary is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Spring 2021

Page 15

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Young Lady Scooper golfers prepare for 2021 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS – The Sturgis Brown High School girls’ golf team will open their season on April 13 at the Spearfish Early Bird Tournament.

“I am excited to have nine girls out for the season, but we have nine with little to no experience,” said Steve Keszler, Sturgis Brown’s varsity golf coach. “It will be fun to see how much we learn and improve during the season.”

The 2021 Sturgis Scooper girls golf team will have one senior, two juniors, two sophomores, three freshman, and one eight grader.

Without a season last year because of the COVID pandemic, the Lady Scoopers are coming off the 2019 state tournament where they finished in last place.

“We did lose our leader in Ainsley Sabers, who finished three shots out of a medal, and then didn’t get to compete her senior year because of the pandem-

ic,” said Keszler. “We have a lot of work ahead of us to get ready for the season.”

Keszler talked about his plan for the team and his strategy for practice.

“Our first practices will focus on all of the fundamentals of the game,” he said.

Ella Johnson, a Sturgis Brown senior golfer talked about her goals.

“My goal for the season is to bring home a state title for Coach Keszler.

Besides that, my goal is to have fun and finish out my high school sports career Members of the Sturgis Brown High School girls 2012 golf team are, back row from left: Sam Teigen, Mariah Muchow, Lilly Heisinger, Allison Ogden, Ella Johnson, Ashley Bear, and Angelina Williamson.

Front row from left: Abbie Culver and Lilly Forbes.

Pioneer photo

by Tim Potts

strong,” said Johnson.

Lily Heisinger, is an eighth grader and looks forward to the season.

“I am excited to be playing golf this year because I will get to know more about the sport and I will become a better player with help from Coach Keszler,” said Heisinger.

Keszler said the team favored in the conference this year will likely be the Spearfish Spartans and for winning the state tournament the favorite is the O’Gorman Knights.

STURGIS BROWN girls golf Apr. 13 at Spearfish...................................3 p.m.

Apr. 15 at RC Meadowbrook....................3 p.m.

Apr. 22 at Belle Fourche.........................10 a.m.

Apr. 20 hosting Quad Invite.....................3 p.m.

Apr. 27 at Pierre......................................10 a.m.

Apr. 30 hosting Sturgis Brown Invite.... 9 a.m.

May 4 at Spearfish Pre-BHC..................10 a.m.

May 11 at Spearfish Pre-BHC................. 9 a.m.

May 14 at Mitchell................................... 9 a.m.

May 20 at RC West River Challenge...... 9 a.m.

Page 16

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2021

Irrigator golfers preparing for season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer NEWELL — Newell plans to open its boys’ and girls’ golf seasons April 9 at the Elk Invitational in Rapid City.

The Irrigators are a Class B school. That classification has both seasons during the spring, compared to boys’ teams playing in the fall for classes A and AA. Scott Wince is in his first season as Irrigators’ head coach. He succeeds Mike Phelps, who resigned to accept a teaching and coaching position in Nebraska.

Girls’ team members feature senior Kassidy Weeldreyer, sophomore Kelsie Clements, junior Katie McTaggart, and ninth-grader Megan Jackson. All played on Newell’s most recent team, in 2019.

Chase VanDerBoom, a junior, returns for the Newell boys’ team. Ninth-graders Jameson Duncan, Gavin Tesch, and Charlie Clements; and eighth-grader Blaise McGregor round out the current roster. Wince said junior Caleb McGregor will join the team at a later date.

“This is about what we have all the time,” Wince said in describing the program’s numbers. “Being a small school, if you put two teams together, it’s a pretty good deal.”

Wince said VanDerBoom is passionate about the sport and will be a good leader for the boys’ team. The coach added the girls’ team members display a lot of consistency.

“We’re going to try to work on the mental aspect,” Wince said. “You have to be mentally strong, especially in an individual sport like golf.”

He cited the importance of the little things.

As for the schedule, Wince said the girls’ team would regularly compete for top honors. He added VanDerBoom should contend for region honors, and the other team members will progress throughout the season.

The Irrigators will host an invitational and Little Moreau Conference tournament April 30. Newell is also set to host a dual on May 11.

Rapid City’s Hart Ranch will host the Region 6B Tournament May 24. The state Class B tournament is set for June 7-8 in Brookings.

Wince tabbed the Irrigators as the Little Moreau Conference girls’ team favorite.

The canceled 2020 season makes it difficult for him to determine which golfers

other teams have in 2021.

“None of us, anyone we’re going to compete against, has played golf in two years,” Wince said. “I don’t know who these teams have anymore, if they’re graduated, if they’re playing.”

The boys’ conference favorite for Wince is Lemmon, partly because of strong numbers.

“I’m sure it’s going to be just like track,” Wince said of the season’s unpredictability. “Having not run in two years, you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Wince sees Newell’s girls as a top-two conference team, with the boys’ squad improving throughout the campaign.

“I think the standards for the girls are pretty high,” Wince said when asked what would be required for a successful season.

“I think they’re realistic that we should be competing for a region championship or

Three Cheers

at least taking a team to the state tournament.”

As for the boys, Wince said VanDerBoom has a goal of reaching state.

The coach added the other members have individual aims as well.

Official practice sessions began March 29. Fundamentals including stance, club grip, and swing tempo took center stage.

A number of athletes return from the 2019 squads. Wince said Weeldreyer is displaying leadership, with boys’ team members learning things like rules and course etiquette.

“We just have to be consistent on the course at all times,” Wince said in describing the biggest improvement he would like to see from then to now.

Abbie Nelson, John Jackson, Kai Banks, and Caleb Mutchler graduated from the 2020 team.

Apr. 9 at RC Elks...................................9:30 a.m.

Apr. 16 at Wall Invite............................9:30 a.m.

Apr. 23 at Philip....................................9:30 a.m.

Apr. 27 at Sundance Invite.........................TBD Apr. 30 hosting Newell/LMC..............9:30 a.m.

May 7 at Lemmon.................................9:30 a.m.

May 11 hosting dual with Sundance........TBD May 14 at Marjen Huber Memorial...9:30 a.m.

May 17 at Black Hills Golf Classic....9:30 a.m.

May 24 at Hart Ranch Region 6B.......9:30 a.m.

June 7-8 at Brookings Class B state..........TBD

The Newell boys’ and girls’ golf teams are scheduled to open their season on April 9. Members are, back row left: Megan Jackson, Gavin Tesch, Caleb McGregor, Jameson Duncan, Chase VanDerBoom; middle row left, Kelsi Clements, Katie McTaggart, Charlie Clements; front row, Kassidy Weeldreyer. Courtesy photo

for our Student

Athletes

For their performance on the field, on the court and in the classroom, we recognize the students who go above and beyond to achieve academic and athletic success. We salute their hard work, and we hope for futures filled with wins! ~ Since 1876 ~

NEWELL girls & boys golf

Spring 2021

Page 17

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Jacket golfers preparing for RMAC event

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University is scheduled to complete its spring women’s golf season April 18-20 at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tournament.

Litchfield Park, Ariz., will host the event.

The roster features seven players, with Megan Zigray representing the senior class. Jade Burr is the lone junior.

Sarah Galles, Nicole Klungness, and Jocelyn Olson are sophomores.

Freshmen Marissa Garcia and Ashtyn Swigart complete the roster.

“Our expectations are, obviously, to

continue to improve and build upon the foundation that we already have,” Yellow Jackets’ head coach Craig Marsh. He succeeds Kelly Welker, who resigned after the fall portion of the schedule to join the Georgia Southern coaching staff.

Black Hills State finished 12th at its first spring tournament in Pueblo, Colo. Marsh said the results pleased him, and the team took many positive things from that event.

On-course highlights for Marsh include Burr’s tying for 12th place individually. She finished with a total score of 159.

He said all players struck the ball really well although they did not have

a lot of previous opportunity to play outdoors.

Swigart’s 178 total score enabled her to tie for 55th place. Klungness turned in a 181 and finished 63rd.

Olson’s 71st-place score of 193 was the team’s fourth scorer. Zigray’s efforts ended with a 224 score.

Marsh said he would like to see the players keep improving on the course management and mental sides of the game.

“I think we can be competitive, kind of in the middle half of the RMAC,” Marsh said.

In looking at the RMAC, Marsh said Colorado Mesa and Colorado Christian boast strong programs. He added he

would like to see the Yellow Jackets play hard and work on the basics.

Black Hills State competed in three events during the fall portion of the schedule.

The Yellow Jackets placed eighth at the Swan Memorial on Sept. 14 and third at the Yellow Jacket Fall Classic in Spearfish two weeks later.

Black Hills State turned in a 10thplace finish at the Samuel Proal Invitational, held Oct. 12-13 in Pueblo, Colo. That officially ended the fall campaign.

BHSU womens golf Apr. 12-13 at Hardrocker Invitational......TBD Apr. 18-20 at RMAC Conference Championship (Litchfield Park, Ariz.).............TBD

Members of the 2021 Black Hills State University women’s golf team are, from left: Marissa Garcia, Sarah Galles, Ashtyn Swigart, Nicole Klungness, Megan Zigray, Jocelyn Olson, and Jade Burr.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Departmernt

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Page 18

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

New beginnings for Spearfish boys’ tennis team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Spearfish began its boys’ tennis season March 26-27 at the West River Invitational in Rapid City with a new head coach at the helm.

The Spartans faced Rapid City Christian and Sioux Falls Christian on March 26. St. Thomas More and Aberdeen Central served as Spearfish’s opponents the next day.

Cain Kolar begins his first season as Spartans’ head coach. He said a total of 15 players have signed up, which pleases him a great deal.

“It takes seven guys to field a varsity team,” Kolar explained. “To have your junior varsity set up to have eight more is kind of perfect.”

Braden Yackley, Tyson Morrison, and Brock Bacon represent the senior class.

Ty Sieber, Jensen Damberg, Will Becker, Bridger Meyer, Lucas Rodgers, and Slade

Ladson are juniors.

Sophomores on the roster feature Rudy Isburg, Nick Wise, Josh Sundsted, Reagan Niesent, and Mason Dana. Eighth-grader Leo Isburg rounds out the roster.

Kolar senses the team is starting from scratch and attributes that to his being new here. He said the big thing centers on how players will match up in doubles play.

Some of Spearfish’s singles players are in the Flight 4 to Flight 6 singles range, according to Kolar. He anticipates they will enjoy success because players in Flights 1 through 6 are quite competitive with one another.

“The one through three (singles flights) might struggle a little bit just because they will be playing tougher competition,” Kolar said. He added players in the other flights will have chances to win some matches.

Spearfish’s strong suits are youth and attitude, Kolar said. He added several ten-

nis players come from a successful boys’ soccer team, and that fosters a winning attitude.

Kolar said players will need to work on their overall game, as do all players regardless of experience level. He added the lack of offseason activities — because of a head coach being hired late — poses a concern.

“That’s going to be a learning curve for me as well,” Kolar said when asked how difficult the schedule is. Pierre, Huron, Brandon Valley, Sioux Falls O’Gorman, Rapid City Stevens, and Rapid City Central are among the Spartans’ other opponents this spring.

Spearfish has five home matches scheduled for the high school courts. They are April 6 against Rapid City Stevens, April 12 against Rapid City Central, April 22 vs. St. Thomas More, April 24 against Stevens, and May 11 against Rapid City Christian.

Sioux Falls will host the state Class A tournament May 17-18 to end the campaign.

Success for Spearfish this season partly depends on getting court time, Kolar said.

He added this includes quality practice time and the players spending weekends on the court.

“For me, a successful season is really going to be about getting the players grounded into the culture I want to have,” Kolar said. He defined that as having fun on the court and conducting oneself with dignity and character.

Official practices began on March 15.

Players practiced their footwork, serving, groundstrokes, and competed in challenge matches.

SPEARFISH boys tennis Apr. 9 at Brookings..................................10 a.m.

Apr. 12 hosting RC Central......................4 p.m.

Apr. 15 at RC Christian..............................TBD Apr. 17 at Campbell County.....................4 p.m.

Apr. 20 at RC Central................................4 p.m.

Apr. 20 at RC Stevens................................6 p.m.

Apr. 22 at St. Thomas More.....................4 p.m.

Apr. 27 at Pierre T.F. Riggs.....................10 a.m.

Apr. 30 at RC Invite.................................10 a.m.

May 1 at RC Invite.................................... 8 a.m.

The Spearfish boys’ tennis team includes, back row left: head coach Cain Kolar, Lucas Rodgers, Brock Bacon, Reagan Niesent, Ty Sieber, Rudy Isburg, assistant coach Susie Mondloch; front row left, Jensen Damberg, Will Becker, Bridger Meyer, Leo Isburg, Slade Ladson, and Nick Wise. Braden Yackley, Tyson Morrison, Josh Sundsted, and Mason Dana are not pictured. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

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Spring 2021

Page 19

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU softball team enduring slow start

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Consistency and aggressiveness served as the Yellow Jackets’ expectations going into the 2021 season. However, the team won only two of its first 16 games.

“I think the biggest problem we’ve had is confidence,” Black Hills State head coach Marcelle Herman said.

“Just building with little steps, eliminating the errors, and just being more consistent.”

Herman said doing those things enables a team to reach a level of competing with teams.

The roster features seven seniors, three juniors, four sophomores, and four freshmen.

Seniors are Brittany Henricksen, Breanne Henricksen, Bryce Henricksen, Crystal Koch, Darian Gottfried, Emily Marsden, and

McKayla Perry. Lizzy Johnson, Crystal Amaral, and Hailey Franklin represent the junior class.

Gianna Haley, Baileigh Hubbard, Halie Litwin, and Mikayla Johnson are sophomores. Freshmen Bell Luebken, Zoe Morrill, Shayla Tuschen, and Shelby Thurlow round out the roster.

“They’re talented enough to get anything done,” Herman said in describing the players. “They just have to stick with it, and stay positive and focused.”

She added the team’s focus lapses at times, and that is where errors enter the picture.

But, Herman said she has seen encouraging signs.

Black Hills State collected 11 hits in a recent game, and Herman said the errors were not present.

“I just hope we have enough time to

finish what we start,” Herman said.

One of the factors affecting the Yellow Jackets is having players in new positions, according to Herman.

Herman said Amaral, a pitcher, has stood out this season. The coach cited the junior’s hard throwing, consistency, work ethic, and strong bat.

Bell Luebken and Shayla Tuschen are holding their own in key roles, Herman said. She agreed she would like to see the squad gain confidence and consistency the rest of the season.

The Yellow Jackets are in the midst of a lengthy home stand.

“This is the future of the softball team,” Herman said in describing the lineup.

Herman reiterated that consistency wins games, but all players must buy in and be on the same page.

BHSU softball Apr. 10 Colorado Mesa................................TBD Apr. 11 Colorado Mesa................................TBD Apr. 17 at Chadron State.............................TBD Apr. 18 at Chadron State.............................TBD Apr. 24 at Fort Lewis College..........Noon/2pm Apr. 30 hosting Colorado Mines................TBD May 1 hosting Colorado Mines.................TBD

Members of the 2021 Black Hills State University women’s softball team are, not in order: Lizzy Johnson, Brittany Henricksen, Breanne Henricksen, Bryce Henricksen, Bell Luebken, Crystal Amaral, Crystal Koch, Hailey Franklin, Darian Gottfried, Emily Marsden, Gianna Haley, Baileigh Hubbard, Halie Litwin, McKayla Perry, Zoe Morrill, MiKayla Johnson, Shayla Tuschen, and Shelby Thurlow. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 20

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Post 164 preparing to take the field

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Spearfish Post 164 is gearing up for the start of the 2021 American Legion baseball season.

Isaac Taylor begins his second season as the Post 164 head baseball coach.

Spearfish finished 10-21 during the 2020 season.

Taylor said the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for his team to play.

“Last year was very tough. Being a first-year coach of a program, but COVID was involved with it,” said Taylor. “We had that two-week-off period, and then we went and played right away. We decided to do that instead of taking that tournament off and practice. We were also young, so last year was difficult, but it was a really good experience for not only me but the players as well, and get them in a place where they can compete.”

There will not be many restrictions in place this year.

“The only restriction we will have this year will be with umpires and baseballs. That was per the umpire

request. During home games we will be able to keep the balls in our dugout.

The umpires won’t touch them, and it’s nice that we have all the right baseballs and we are getting them back that way,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the team began practicing back in December at South Dakota Premier Workouts, and they’ve been outside since January.

Post 164 begins its season April 17 at the Miles City Outlaws.

This is the earliest Post 164 has started their season.

“The more baseball the better,” said Taylor, explaining the early start to the season. “a lot of teams, especially around here, are going to try and play as long as possible, with those teams not having high school baseball, which is really nice,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the reasoning behind the early start was try and keep a level playing field.

“When we start in May we are already way behind. The players are either doing high school baseball or their Legion teams started, where as if we start during the high school base-

ball season, we are going to be ready to go and that much more competitive towards the end of the season,” he said.

Taylor said he has almost every player back from last season.

“We have a couple of younger guys moving up to varsity, and I also have a couple of move-in players, one from California and one from Casper, Wyo,” Taylor said.

Post 164 is working on communication skills during its practices.

“We’ve been mainly working on good communication in the infield,” said Taylor. “We have been doing a whole lot of hitting inside, which is the only thing you can do inside, and collectives and cohesion as a team, whether that be comradery or just knowing what to do with the baseball when it gets hit to you.”

Taylor said the team has been practicing in all kinds of weather.

“We are out here practicing in the cold, the rain, the snow, the wind, whatever it is, just so that when it comes game day, we are prepared for whatever weather they throw at us,” Taylor said.

SPEARFISH POST 164 baseball Apr. 10 hosting Miles City Outlaws....1 & 3 p.m.

Apr. 11 hosting Miles City Outlaws....11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Apr. 17 at Miles City Outlaws.............1 & 3 p.m.

Apr. 18 at Miles City Outlaws..............11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Apr. 24 at RC Post 320.................... 1 & 3:30 p.m.

Apr. 26 host Belle Fourche (7 innings).... 7:30 p.m.

May 7 hosting Gillette........................5 & 7 p.m.

May 9 at Aberdeen...................11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

May 14 at Belle Fourche (7 inning)....7:30 p.m.

May 15 hosting Rapid City Post 320...1 & 3:30 p.m.

May 21 at Gillette...............................5 & 7 p.m.

May 22 at Casper Crush............5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

May 23 at Casper Crush (7 innings)............1 p.m.

May 26 at Rapid City Post 22............5 & 7 p.m.

May 30 hosting Aberdeen............noon & 2 p.m.

June 3-6 hosting Allen Tellinghuisen Tournament... TBD June 9-13 at Jim Scull Tournament.........TBD June 17-20 at Sturgis Tournament...........TBD June 23 hosting Sheridan.................5 & 7 p.m.

June 29 at Sturgis..............................5 & 7 p.m.

July 1 at Sheridan..............................5 & 7 p.m.

July 5 at Alliance.......................... 1 & 3:30 p.m.

July 10 at WESTCO...................... 3 & 5:30 p.m.

July 12 hosting Alliance..................1-3:30 p.m.

July 13 hosting Sturgis.....................5 & 7 p.m.

July 15-18 at Rocky Mountain Tournament . ..TBD July 29 at Region.........................................TBD

Members of the Spearfish Post 164 Aemerican Legion baseball team are, front row left: Jonathan Bloom, Haylon Heiting, Carter Lyon, Duncan Martin, Brady Hartwig, David Keller, and Damon Brackle. Back row left: Alec Sundsted, Cody Chapman, Danner Craig, Kaidon Feyereisen, Connor Comer, Aiden Haught, and Ty Seiber. Not pictured are: Nick Hamon, Braydon Delahoyde, Will Scharf, Ben Baloun, Noah Mollman, and James Clark.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Spring 2021

Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers starting baseball season on road

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s high school baseball team will play its first three games on the road before its April 22 home opener against Hot Springs.

Head coach Bob Nelson cited seniors Cody Rakow, Dawson Janke, and Tyler Rohn as the key returning players for his squad. He is in his ninth season.

Nelson said Rohn would pitch or play first base, with Rakow and Janke seeing time at a variety of positions.

“I like to move kids around and like them to be more utility-like,” Nelson said in describing where the others would play on the field. He added it is unlikely the other players would be locked in to one position or another.

Fourteen other players are on the roster. Jagger Smith and Jake Siewart are juniors; Jacob Smith, Preston Lowery, Ryan Rantapaa, and Ashyr Lawver represent the sophomore class.

Jaxson Burleson, Channing Bloedel, and Conner Bender are ninth-graders.

The eighth-grade class features Beau Wichterman, Ben Wichterman, Drew Janke, Brady Rantapaa, and Ethan Finn.

Youth and attitude serve as the team’s strengths, according to Nelson, who said the players are very coachable. He said they want to learn the game and have fun while competing and winning.

Nelson said fundamentals will pose a concern, as a few players have not played in one or two years. He added they are adjusting to wood bats.

Players at Little League, American Legion, and other levels traditionally use the aluminum bat as opposed to the wood model.

“In high school baseball, errors can cost you games,” Nelson said. “We’re trying to minimize that when we’re on defense.”

Players are excited for the upcoming season, according to Nelson. He said part of that is because the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 campaign.

“We came off a really rough season the one before that,” Nelson said of the other reason. The Golddiggers finished with a 1-10 record.

Practices look a bit different from

past seasons because of local guidance.

“The city of Deadwood has a mask encouraged on outdoor spaces,” Nelson said. “When we are at practice, some of us will wear masks.”

Nelson said baseball lends itself well to social distancing, except when players and coaches are in the dugout.

Lead-Deadwood has three home dates on its regular-season schedule, with all games played at Deadwood’s Keehn Park.

The Golddiggers will host Hot Springs at 5 p.m. April 22.

Bennett County junior varsity and Chamberlain are scheduled to visit for a May 1 triangular at noon and 4 p.m., respectively. St. Thomas More will come to Deadwood for a 5 p.m. game May 13.

Nelson said this season’s schedule may be a bit easier than in the past, partly because of a reduced schedule and different alignments. He added Sturgis is not on the schedule, and Lead-Deadwood will not make extended road trips.

Region 4B consists of only three

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teams: Lead-Deadwood, St. Thomas More, and Hot Springs. Todd County is not playing this spring because of COVID-19 protocols, Nelson said.

Nelson sees the Golddiggers as a favorite in Region 4B. He said the team enjoys solid pitching and should be solid at all nine defensive positions.

How will Nelson and Lead-Deadwood define success this season?

“I like to say growth, improvement, and playing the game the right way,” Nelson said. “But I feel like these kids that are on this team deserve to win. I can’t gauge our success, truly, by anything else.”

Official practice sessions started March 19. Infield and outfield work, batting practice, and other activities have served as focal points.

Nelson said baseball demands that players and teams move forward although things are not going well, and mistakes must serve as learning tools.

“They understand what we have to do for success. It’s now about execution,” Nelson said. He added enthusiasm and focus are at much higher levels.

LEAD-DEADWOOD baseball Apr. 8 at Hot Springs............................4:30 p.m.

Apr. 11 at Winner......................................2 p.m.

Apr. 15 at STM...........................................5 p.m.

Apr. 22 hosting Hot Springs.....................5 p.m.

Apr. 23 vs Douglas (in Rapid City)......5/7 p.m.

Apr. 24 at Gregory.....................................1 p.m.

May 1 hosting Bennett County..............12 p.m Chamberlain...........................2 & 4 p.m.

May 13 hosting St. Thomas More ..........5 p.m.

May 16 vs Platte (in Rapid City) ........... 1 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood’s high school baseball team includes, back row left: Jake Siewart, Dawson Janke, Cody Rakow, Ryan Rantapaa, Beau Wichterman, assistant coach Dennis Smith; middle row left, Tyler Rohn, Jacob Smith, Brady Rantapaa, Ashyr Lawver, Ethan Finn; front row left, Ben Wichterman, Channing Bloedel, and Drew Janke. Jagger Smith, Preston Lowery, Conner Bender, Jaxson Burleson, and head coach Bob Nelson are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 22

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis Scooper baseball team ready for season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS – The Sturgis Brown High School baseball team is ready for the start of the spring season.

The Scoopers will have five home games to start the season.

“We have a pretty loaded schedule this year. Right out of the gate we open up with Central, Huron, and Harrisburg. All of those games are power point games that will tell us a lot about our team in the first week,” said Dom Bradford, Sturgis Brown’s head baseball coach. “We are going to be young, we graduated out six players last year, and we only have three seniors, so we will be relying on a lot of young guys as we reload.”

Returning players from last season who saw varsity action include sophomores, Connor Cruickshank, Kain Peters, and Owen Cass. Junior’s returning to the team include: Dustin Alan and Ridge Inhofer, and seniors, RJ Andrzejewski, David Anderson, Thor Sundstrom.

“We are bringing back three of our

top four hitters from last season, David Anderson, Ridge Inhofer and Dustin Alan, all hit above .400 last season.

Anderson has a goal of hitting over .500 this season and I think it is achievable,” Bradford said.

Bradford said he hasn’t set a leadoff batter yet. He is looking for someone who puts the ball in play and has some speed so when the team gets the 2-3-4-5 guy up, and they drive the gap they can get from first to home.

Bradford talked about the seniors on this year’s team, Sundstrom, Andrzejewski and Anderson.

“Thor commands the outfield very well. RJ is a great infielder, and David is our right fielder and our lefty pitcher that will have to throw a lot of innings,” said Bradford.

One of the team’s strengths will be experience.

“Although we are going to be young, we still return quite a few guys who have experience at the varsity level.

These guys have become a close family over the last couple seasons and all want to come in everyday to work to-

ward the same goal,” said Bradford.

The Scoopers will focus on defense this season.

“I spent a lot of time this off-season breaking down each game that we played last season. Our focus this year has to be on the defense. In the games we won last summer we average just over one error a game,” said Bradford.

“When I broke down our losses we averaged over 4.5 errors a game. Errors can kill a team. We talk about how every error is more pitches our guys have to throw and with the pitch count that can really become an issue. We have stressed that if we play a clean game we will be able to be in a position to compete every time we step onto the diamond.”

This year the Scooper pitching staff includes: Anderson, Peters, Kelton Olson, Cass, Dustin Alan, Ridge Inhofer, and Connor Cruickshank.

Assistant coaches for the high school season will be Gage Murphy, Ethan Dschaak, Nick Anderson, Dylan Gillespie, Cody Carlson, and Rob Bradford.

STURGIS BROWN baseball Mar. 27 hosting RC Central......................1 p.m.

Mar. 27 hosting Huron..............................6 p.m.

Mar. 31 hosting Harrisburg..............5 & 7 p.m.

Apr. 5 hosting St. Thomas More..............5 p.m.

Apr. 8 hosting Douglas.......................5 & 7 p.m.

Apr. 11 vs. Brookings (in Rapid City).....1 p.m.

Apr. 11at RC Stevens.................................4 p.m.

Apr. 17 vs. SF Roosevelt (in Chamberlain)..2 p.m.

Apr. 17 vs. Brookings (in Chamberlain)... 4 p.m.

Apr. 22 hosting Gillette......................5 & 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 hosting RC Central......................7 p.m.

Apr. 29 hosting RC Stevens...............5 & 7 p.m.

May 6 at Gillette.................................5 & 7 p.m.

May 9 at Pierre............................noon & 2 p.m.

May 13 Douglas (in Rapid City).......5 & 7 p.m.

May 22 at Regions.......................................TBD May 29 at State (Sioux Falls).....................TBD

The Sturgis Scooper High School baseball team for the 2021 season, back from left: Julian Hester, Adam Flohr, Dustin Alan, Colton Cruickshank, David Anderson, Owen Cass, Slade Heller, Hunter Janzen, Kain Peters, Jack Knutson, Ridge Inhofer and Kelton Olson. Front from left: Hayden Heckenlaible, Aiden Wood, Dawson Inhofer, Levi Brant, Carson Williams, Evan Stroud, RJ Andrzejewski, Kaden Olson, Drake Sundstrom, Xander Heller, Elijah Stroud, and Yaden Miller. Not pictured: Thor Sundstrom, Beau Peters, Dylan Dschaak, Carter Williams, Jake Peters.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

GO

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

SCOOPERS!

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

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Spring 2021

Page 23

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

STURGIS POST 31 baseball May 28 at Mitchel...............................4 & 6 p.m.

June 3 at RC Veterans Tourney................TBD June 4 at RC Veterans Tourney................TBD June 5 at RC Veterans Tourney................TBD June 6 at RC Veterans Tourney................TBD June 10 at Williston Tourney....................TBD June 11 at Williston Tourney....................TBD June 12 at Williston Tourney....................TBD June 13 at Williston Tourney....................TBD June 15 vs. Aberdeen (in Pierre)..............TBD June 15 at Pierre.........................................TBD June 18 hosting Sturgis Tourney.............TBD June 19 hosting Sturgis Tourney.............TBD June 20 hosting Sturgis Tourney.............TBD June 23 at SF East Chamberlain...noon & 2:30 p.m.

June 26 hosting RC 320 Stars...................7 p.m.

June 29 hosting Spearfish.................5 & 7 p.m.

July 2 at 320 Stars...............................5 & 7 p.m.

July 6 at RC Post 22 Hardhats..................7 p.m.

July 9 at Dickinson Tourney.....................TBD July 10 at Dickinson Tourney...................TBD July 11 at Dickinson Tourney...................TBD July 13 at Spearfish...........................5 & 7 p.m.

July 13 at Spearfish..................................7 p.m.

July 17-18 at Regional Playoff ..................TBD July 22-27 at State Tourney (Brandon Valley)... TBD

SPORTING OUR SCHOOL SPIRIT Good luck to all Sturgis Scooper Athletic Teams!

We salute the players’ dedication to their sport and in the classroom.

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HAVE A WINNING SEASON SCOOPERS!

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Page 24

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2021

BHSU rodeo excited for spring schedule

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University rodeo team is excited about getting ready to compete during the spring rodeo season.

Glenn Lammers, the Black Hill State University rodeo coach, said he was pleased with how his team performed in the fall.

“Our women finished first in the Great Plains Region, and the men finished fifth. Going into the spring season the women were ranked third nationally, but since that time some institutions have had rodeos already so we slid to sixth,” Lammers said. “Individual wise, Tayle Brink is leading in the women’s allaround, Collin Dean Palmer is second in tie down roping, Mason Bice is second in team roping healer, and Taylor Hanson is first in barrel racing in the region.”

Lammers said the fall season was completed in just three weeks.

“We’ve had lot of time, since the fall season was completed so quickly, so

we had a lot of time to prepare for the spring. Our team is really hungry, and they are ready to start competing,” Lammers said.

Lammers said the team has had some unsanctioned competitions to help stay sharp for the spring season.

“We invited the community to come and compete with some different events we host, so we got the chance to kind of polish up from practice and actually have a competitive situation just to be able to everything they need to do and make adjustments as far as anything within their event and be able to do what they to do to mark and be prepared.”

Lammers said he is happy with the way the team is preparing for the spring season.

“It’s been really good. I think they have utilized the time off really well, working hard at practice, but also having a lot of competitions, which is really important for sharpening up,” Lammers said.

Lammers said Black Hills State will

host two rodeos at this year’s Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede event scheduled April 15-17, at the Seven Downs Arena, in Spearfish.

“South Dakota State University decided not to hold their event this spring because they could only have half capacity for fans in the arena, and they felt it wasn’t feasible financially to host the event,” said Lammers. “So, we decided to take on a second rodeo for here, kind of like the way we did events in the fall.”

One rodeo will be a First Go, and the second rodeo will be a Second Go/Short Go. The BHSU rodeo team will then travel to Lincoln, Neb., April 23-24 for the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Stampede, and will finish their spring completion April 30 and May 1 at the Iowa State University Cyclone Stampede in Ames, Iowa.

The College National Rodeo finals is scheduled for June 13-19 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo.

BHSU rodeo Apr. 9 at SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede Apr. 10 at SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede Apr. 16 hosting Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede Apr. 17 hosting Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede Apr. 23 at University of Neb. Cornhusker Stampede Apr. 24 at University of Neb. Cornhusker Stampede Apr. 30 at ISU Cyclone Stampede May 1 at ISU Cyclone Stampede

Members of the Black Hills State University 2020-21 rodeo team are, (not in order): Hunter Anderson, Tayle Brink, Wacey Brown, Kassidy Caspers, Riley Donnelly, Katelyn Eisenbeis, Sydney Fuerst, Meza Ham, Brooklyn Hanson, Taylor Hanson, Brianna Horner, Savana Johnston, Chanci Kraft, Cashae McGee, Emilee Pauley, Courtney Peters, Jaycie Rau, Gracie Sanquist, Sophie Sanquist, Madison Smith, Sydney Theobald, Tayla Thorstenson, Karli Verhulst, Jaicee Williams, Clayton Backhaus, Mason Bice, Nick Bjork, Tucker Chytka, Chandler Comfort, Tanner Fite, Tayte Goodman, Riley Hannum, Dalton Magilke, Brett Mattson, Collin Palmer, Riley Staton, and Will VanLishout. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Spring 2021

Page 25

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU triathlon adjusting to spring season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University triathlon has had to make adjustments to be able to compete this spring.

The sport is normally held in the fall, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was moved to the spring this year.

“It certainly changed how we approached our season and our training,” said Connie Feist, the BHSU triathlon coach. “What it did provide was an opportunity for us to get out in the Hills all during our fall season, and just really use our natural venues to get a really solid base of training, so we were able to sharpen up with more intensity workouts.”

Feist said the extra time has been beneficial.

“It’s paid off actually. We’ve done really well. Our first races were in Florida at the beginning of March, and quite a few of our athletes set personal records there,” Feist said.

At the meets in Clermont, Fla., in the Female Collegiate race, Myna Buckley led the Lady Yellow Jackets and finished 19th overall with a time of 1:09:18.9.

Lilja McKendry finished next in 21st (1:09:34.0), followed by Abigail Croasdell in 23rd (1:10:17.2), Hannah Hirschi in 39th (1:15:30.0), Madelynn Potter in 47th (1:21:29.6) and Kennedy Teeslink in 50th (1:22:24.6).

The next day, the team was split into two groups.

In the Under-25 Elite Development

Race, Lilja McKendry lead Black Hills State finishing 23rd (1:09:13.5), followed by Myna Buckley in 28th (1:10:20.5), Hannah Hirschi in 30th (1:10:38.9) and Abigail Croasdell in 38th (1:13:32.9).

In the 20-24 Female Age Group, Madelynn Potter placed fifth in 1:09:50.9.

Triathlon is an event consisting three separate sports, a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike, and a 5k run.

The triathlon team has one final race left in its spring season, April 25, on the campus of Black Hills State University, in Spearfish.

Three other teams will be competing at the BHSU Invite. They are: Denver, South Dakota, and Colorado Mesa.

Feist said the team is excited to compete at home.

“We think it is a great opportunity just

for the community to be able to be more aware of what we do, and what our sport looks like,” Feist said. “Just to have a season ending race, you know we don’t take racing for granted anymore since it was taken away from us. Almost every sport has changed their competition seasons. “ Feist added, “We are excited to finish up at home. We have three other teams coming, so it will be a four-team race.”

Members of the 2021 Black Hills State University triathlon team are, from left: Madelynn Potter, Myna Buckley, Abigail Croasdell, Hannah Hirschi, Kennedy Teeslink, Gretta Stark, and Lilja McKendry. Not pictured is Mathilde Bernard. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 26

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU volleyball season ends with losses on the road

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s volleyball team wrapped up its spring season losing to Western Colorado three sets to one and loosing three sets to none to Colorado State University-Pueblo, Sunday, in Pueblo, Colo.

The women’s volleyball team saw its season moved from the fall to the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The team had to fight through a lot of obstacles to get through its season.

“I thought it was a pretty big adjustment. I thought we handled it as well as we could. The biggest thing for us was the constant unknown,” said Kristin Carmichael, the Lady Jackets head volleyball coach. “Would everyone be healthy this week? Would the other team be healthy this week? Would we have our games? Would we not have our games?

Would practice get moved? It was constant with those questions.”

Another adjustment for the team was playing in pods, where you would play two times a day, instead of the traditional

one game each day.

“I think it’s hard to prepare for that.

You can’t practice that long in a day, to get ready and have those pod type situations, but I thought it helped that we were pretty deep in our bench and we could look to other people to make an impact in those second pods,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael said this season was up and down for the Lady Yellow Jackets.

“Definitely a little bit of a rollercoaster ride which is probably expected with all the unknowns. I thought we started off strong and then due to some COVID

policies we played some matches without some starters, which was different, strange. Then we kind of got back in the flow, and then had more games canceled.

It was just up and down all year long,” Carmichael said.

Black Hills State finished its season 5-9 overall, 3-9 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

The RMAC Tourney is April 8-11, but Black Hills State will not be in it.

“We have some matches that we would like to make up, but I don’t think it’s going to be happening, with the scheduling,” said Carmichael, citing matches that were canceled due to positive COVID-19 test among both teams.

“Playing those game would’ve helped us, but it’s stuff that is out of our control.”

The Lady Jackets prepare for a short offseason before resuming practice for its fall season, which begins in August.

“It’s going to be different to go from a competitive season, to a quick summer break, to another competitive season, but I think the girls are really motivated.

They have some stuff that they want to do and get better at, and they’ll have the summer to do that,” Carmichael said.

Members of the 2021 Black Hills State University volleyball team are, front row left: Alexis Trowbridge, Brooke Franklin, Katelyn Sylvester, Valerie Blake, Haedyn Rhoades, Karly Marx, Madison Hoopman, and Abigail Renner. Back row, left: Katie Welniak, Mariah Robinson, Ashley Uffelman, Jessica Crane, Phoenix Wilke, Emma DeSanti, Sierra Ward, Peyton Bodemann, Shannon Nelson and Kindra Cerrone. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Spring 2021

Page 27

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Women’s soccer team struggling

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Yellow Jackets dropped their first eight women’s soccer games this spring, with the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the traditional fall 2020 campaign.

Black Hills State fell 2-0 to Minot State and 6-1 to the University of Mary. Mike Greco was relieved of his coaching duties in mid-February; Justin Griffith was named as interim coach.

A 2-1, double-overtime loss to Colorado Christian began Griffith’s tenure on March 5. That preceded a 4-0 loss to Colorado Mines two days later and a 1-0 setback to Colorado Christian, March 19.

Black Hills State’s most recent games ended in shutout losses: 2-0 to Regis, 3-0 to UC-Colorado Springs, and 3-0 to Colorado Mesa. Those contests occurred between March 21 and 28.

Griffith said the Yellow Jackets have not been able to get things going on offense.

He added the team moved the ball very well against Regis and created a number of attacking opportunities.

“Offensively, we need to continue to get more consistency,” Griffith said. He cited stronger first touches on the ball and the need to learn connections in the passing game.

Black Hills State played its first eight games on the road, and Griffith said this took a toll. That was especially true as March ended.

“Just being on the road as much as we have, as many hours as we have been on the bus, really started to impact the players. They were just flat-out tired,” Griffith said.

Griffith said the Yellow Jackets continue to work on team chemistry. He added the defense has played really solidly this season.

“We’re playing quite a few young players,” Griffith said. “Coming into the fall, to see their progression for freshmen and sophomores into the spring season is certainly a highlight.”

The roster consists of 24 players. DzRae Jara, Abigail Carlson, Alexandria Lisenbe, and Mikayla Hernandez are seniors.

Juniors feature Amber Carlson, Gabbi Nowodworski, Madison Kandler, Ella Goodman, and Darby Whiteley. The sophomore class consists of Haylie Scruggs, Brianna Tudor, Alexa Buckley, Samantha Turpen, and Marissa Dowlin.

Ten freshmen round out the roster.

They are Ashleigh Decker, Annalise Huber, Halle Wibbels, Haley Steskal, Lexi Crow, Allie Brown, Katie Owen, Avery

Collison, Sheridan Fenner, and Morgan Wood.

Black Hills State is in the midst of a three-game home stand, wrapping up against Regis on April 11.

Griffith said he would like to see the Yellow Jackets competitive in their home games, and send off the seniors with a win. He added this season’s draw required the team to play of the top teams.

Younger players saw a lot of action this spring and were challenged in practice sessions. Griffith said he would like to see the players build on that, continue to build team chemistry, and play faster on offense with a stronger first touch on the ball.

Griffith said the timing of the coaching change posed as a challenge, as it occurred just before the season’s main portion began.

“The team experienced a myriad of emotions, but I want to give credit to our team leaders for stepping up and focusing the team on their goals for the season,” Griffith said.

Griffith the team has responded well to having a new voice in the room and the ideas he has introduced. He applauds them for accepting the challenges.

He does not see an issue with players adapting to what will be a short off-season.

“Typically, you’re going to have your

summer as your off-season,” Griffith said.

“This (spring) was a really nice primer for them to get ready for the fall season.”

He added this has helped identify areas to work on.

Griffith said it is very unlikely the Yellow Jackets will quality for the conference tournament.

BHSU soccer Apr. 3 hosting Metro State-Denver........11 a.m.

Apr. 9 hosting Westminster College (Utah)...7 p.m.

Apr. 11 hosting Regis University............1 p.m.

Apr. 23-25 RMAC 2020 RMAC Championships....TBD

Members of the 2021 Black Hills State University women’s softball team are, not in order: Dz-Rae Jara, Amber Carlson, Gabbi Nowodworski, Haylie Scruggs, Abigail Carlson, Madison Kandler, Brianna Tudor, Ashleigh Decker, Ella Goodman, Darby Whiteley, Alexa Buckley, Samantha Turpen, Alexandria Lisenbe, Annalise Huber, Halle Wibbels, Mikayla Hernandez, Haley Steskal, Marissa Dowlin, Lexi Crow, Allie Brown, Katie Owen, Avery Collison, Sheridan Fenner, and Morgan Wood. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 28

Spring 2021

SPORTS PREVIEW/ BLACK HILLS PIONEER

HOME GAME

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7/22, 6:35 ......CCH 7/23, 6:35 ......CCH 7/26, 6:35 ......PTR 7/27, 6:35 ......PTR 7/28, 6:35 ......SFS 7/29, 6:35 ......SFS 7/30, 6:35 ...WCW* 7/31, 6:35 ......WCW

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Merchandise is available online and will also be available for purchase at Sasquatch games.

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