2016 Spring Sports Preview

SPRING 2016 SPORTS PREVIEW

GIRLS' GOLF | WOMEN'S SOFTBALL | BOYS' TENNIS | TRACK & FIELD

SPEARFISH SPARTANS • LEAD-DEADWOOD GOLDDIGGERS • BHSU YELLOW JACKETS • BELLE FOURCHE BRONCS

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish track team has high expectations

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ and boys’ track teams are hoping to build on their successful 2015-16 season.

“Last year we had some nice things happen with the girls’ team.

A couple of senior throwers did real well throughout the whole season and state, so did a couple of our sprinters and hurdlers,” said Aaron Nida, the Spearfish track and field coach. “Taylor Koch in the 300-meter hurdles and Lauren Hight, did a nice job. Hight didn’t have as good of a state meet as she wanted, but she did well in the conference meet.”

Nida said injuries hampered the girls’ team all season.

“We had a lot of injuries last year with our girls’ team that some of them never did really make it out, and a lot of them are healthy now and hopefully we will have more depth this year in the sprints, and we have some distance girls’ coming back and that should help us out,” he said.

The boys’ team enjoyed a great season in 2015, with several individual state champions and placing fourth in the state as a team.

“We had a really great year last year,” said Nida. “We lost a lot of talented kids coming back, and we’ve got some kids that can run relays pretty good.”

This season, the Spartans move back down to the Class A ranks, after spending the three previous seasons in Class AA.

“Moving down to Class A will help us on both sides. I feel our depth will help us a little bit more in the Class A ranks than it did in Class AA, so I’m kind of excited about this year overall, for both teams,” Nida said.

Nida said the Spartans have been concentrating on conditioning the first few weeks of spring practice.

“Right now, we are just trying to get into shape,” said Nida.

“We’re working on general conditioning and some strength exercises, getting our bodies ready for more training later.”

“We’ve been on the outdoor track a few times already.

Hopefully the weather is going to cooperate this year and we are going to get some meets in,” Nida said.

On the girls’ side, Nida said his team has a lot of potential to have a great season.

“I think Lauren Hight will run well. She’s been focused throughout the off season. Taylor Koch has really been working hard in the off season,” said Nida. “We have some young jumpers and throwers that have a lot of potential and we’ll have to see where we are at with them. There is some talent that will hopefully step up for us.”

Despite losing several athletes to graduation, Nida said the boys’ side should have another strong season.

“We still have a pretty good core of kids coming back. I think we can do well as a team in the conference and make a good

showing at state,” said Nida. “We have some kids that can do real well individually and put those together with some depth, and I think we can put some relays together and score some pretty good points.”

The Spartans will use the first few meets to shape the team for the rest of the track season.

“Basically we are going to put kids where they want to go for the most part, and put them in places to try and see where they are at, kind of gauge where our training is and where are we going to go from there,” said Nida.

“I’m not worried about focusing on any one race, we’re just going to put them in some spot, see what they can do, and have a basis to make decisions on after that.”

2016 Spearfish Spartans boys’ track and field team

Members of the 2016 Spearfish boys track and field team are: front row, Isaiah Childers, Devan Fox, Justin Harris, Dylan Reiners, Thayne Hites, Matt Peterson, Matt Parker, Matt Hovdenes, Logan Broeder, Stran Holben, Kadin Gifford, and Rigel Roberdeaux. Second row, Will Evridge, Jakob Rodriguez, Ryan Harris, Jackson Bouge, Brayden Case, Brendon Fuhr, Nathan Tysdal, Braeden Ferguson, and Jayden Deichert. Third row, Drake Dittman, Taven Aga, Brendan Rotert, Skyler Beringer, Shaun Tolerzon, Carson Sleep, Edgar Meza, Isai Rodriguez, Zailin Irion and Sam Gray. Back row, Hunter Seyer, Dawson Sunsted, Darien Kilg, Connor Speirs, Dillon Batka, Marc Williams, Chanley DeCook, Owen Servaty, Brodell VanZee, and Tavian Ashurst. Not pictured are: Matt Ackerman, Caleb Ardis, Jake Braun, Jordon Brinson, Max Ellingsen, Jaxon Hinch, Paxton Klug, Logan Lucas, Hunter Nordwick, Jarron Rowe, Logan Stalder, Devon Torgerson, and Joey West. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2016 Spearfish Spartans girls’ track and field team

Members of the 2016 Spearfish High School girls’ track and field team are: Front row, Lauren Sparrow, Jacey Keller, Emma Murphy, Ashley Odenbach, Sam Wood, Ashton Burditt, Kaycee jo Johnson, Kaity Lord, Shelby Dittman, Taylor Koch, Brooke Grout, and Lauren Hight. Second row, Madison Gould, Cheyenne Heaton, Brooke Heairet, Halle Seyer, Hannah Young, Chelsea Williams, Sydney Spraitz, Hannah Brun, Maddy Moe, and Nicole Meza. Third row, Lina Brueckweh, Gretchen Blain, Desiree Lennartsson, Kennedy Kaitfors, Daniel Dryden, Jamie Cornell, Taylor Hersch, Morgan Roberts, Makenna Hartwig, and Amanda Dean. Top row, Jayln Carter, Leah Harrison, Mackenzie Hoffman, Mackenzie Briggs, Angela Hovdnenes, Cora Tobin, Hannah Tysdal, Chandi Jackson, Shantayl Walton, Elaina Sparrow. Not pictured are: Breonna Beasley, Hannah Dunn, Sierra Hauff, Madison Kaitfors, Kora Lloyd, Courtney Parker, Madyson Pfeifle, and Zoe Sailor.. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Spartans in action during 2015 season

Spearfish’s Michael Lochner, left shows off his hurdling skills. Right, Lauren Hight show off their hurdle and runing skills during a meet in 2015. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Digger track team returns veteran group

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s track teams bring some returning state meet experience into a season that begins March 26 at the Douglas Invitational in Box Elder.

The girls’ team boasts the bulk of that experience. Senior Miranda Gallagher earned the state A girls’ triple jump title last season to accompany a fourth-place showing in the long jump.

Senior Jade Derby placed in three state A girls’ events last season. She tied for second place

in the pole vault, earned third place in the long jump, and snared eighth place in the triple jump.

Sophomore Carolyn Groeger also placed at last season’s state A meet. She tied for runner-up honors in the pole vault.

Seniors Alex Cottrill and Connor Kuhl, sophomore Gavin Haefs, and ninth-grader Trinity Brady qualified for last season’s state A boys’ meet. Haefs competed in the 300-meter hurdles.

Cottrill, Kuhl, and Brady comprised part of the 4x800-meter relay.

“Things went pretty well

last year, and we had quite a bit of success,” second-year Golddiggers’ head coach Will Malde said in recapping last season. “We had a good state meet, especially in the girls’ division.”

Sydnee Hamann is the only other returning senior on the girls’ team.

Malde said he looks for Hamann to be stronger in the high jump, as she has recovered from surgery after sustaining an injury last season.

Sophomore Tajarah Jackson, ninth-grader Olivia Rogers, and ninth-grader Carly Mehlberg also

look strong in the preseason, according to Malde. Sophomores Israel Burmeister and Mara Jacobs complete the girls’ roster as of press time.

Bailey Norton, Zach Pearson, Wade Shoop, Tommy Sperlin, and Jordan Wetz also represent the senior class on the boys’ squad.

Malde said sophomore Chris Lipp, ninth-grader Zac Mau, and ninth-grader Dylan Janke show a lot of potential.

Dillon Burns and Coltan Radensleben also represent the junior class on the boys’ roster as of press time. Other sophomores

are Nathan Chipman, Wyatt Hess, Dylin Johnson, Garrett Kiefer, Carson Pinske, Nik Scott, and Brigham Williams. Ninth-grader CJ Murray rounds out the boys’ roster.

“We have a lot of kids who are very skilled,” Malde said. He added the program’s numbers are increasing, with the boys’ team improving in quantity and qualify.

The Golddigger boys’ team lost Jett Rogers, Zach Ulmer, Joel Fish, Aidan Laurenti, Cobi Stokes, Marron Williams, Nathan Finster, DIGGERS TRACK TEAM Pg 5

2016 Lead-Deadwood girls’ track and field team

Members of the 2016 LeadDeadwood girls’ track and field team are: back row, Tajarah Jackson, Jade Derby, Miranda Gallagher, Carolyn Groeger, and Sydnee Hamann. Front row, Mara Jacobs, Israel Burmeister, Carly Mehlberg, and Olivia Rogers. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2016 Lead-Deadwood boys’ track and field team

Members of the 2016 Lead-Deadwood boys’ track team are: back row, Garrett Kiefer, Brigham Williams, Zac Mau, Zach Pearson, Wade Shoop, Gavin Haefs, Jordan Wetz, Connor Kuhl, and Wyatt Hess. Front row, Dylan Janke, Tommy Sperlin, Carson Pinske, Bailey Norton, Dylin Johnson, Trinity Brady, and Nathan Chipman. Nik Scott, Dillon Burns, Alex Cottrill, Chris Lipp, CJ Murray, and Coltan Radensleben are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Diggers in action

from Pg 4

DIGGERS TRACK TEAM and Bridger Larson to graduation. Aisha Baum, Brooke Bialas, and Megan Erickson graduated from the girls’ squad.

What must the Golddiggers work on this season?

“Trying to keep building strength,” Malde said.

“With the younger guys, it’s about refining technique.” Malde said many of the younger athletes have not really had a chance to compete in field events.

The Golddiggers’ schedule produces its traditional challenges, and this pleases Malde.

“I love where we are in the Black Hills Conference, It has the best competition in the state, and we meet those teams every week. We think we can do some really good things.” Malde said, in comparing the Golddiggers to the conference field.

“We also have three or four girls who can score a lot of points.”

St. Thomas More earns Malde’s nod as conference favorites in both divisions.

Wade Shoop, of LeadDeadwood, shows off his shot put skills during a meet in 2015. Pioneer file photo

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Many track coaches define success in the traditional ways. They include: qualifying as many athletes as possible for state, and turning in the best times and distance at season’s end.

Malde uses those benchmarks in his “success” definition and adds he emphasizes goal setting.

“Every athlete has a different definition of success,” he said. “We want to see kids developing, and want them to get better with each meet.”

Official practices started on Feb. 29.

Sprinters engaged in general speed and strength work, with distance runners getting in base mileage and weight room work.

Pool workouts once a week provided a nice change of pace, according to Malde.

“Others are seeing we are a solid program with very capable kids,” Malde said. “We have great athletes and must keep working together; there is a lot of potential.”

Malde said he would like to see more of a positive attitude develop this season, and for athletes to have fun with the sport.

Malde also stressed the importance of helping the athletes set reasonable goals, reach those goals, and become more aware of their performances.

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs getting prepared for outdoor track season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche track and field athletes are preparing for the start of the 2016 spring track and field season The Broncs track and field team currently consiststs of 23 boys and 18 girls.

“Our middle-distance runners should be very solid,” said head coach Bill Abell, who is beginning his third season here. “We have a bunch of kids filling in, and they all have good attitudes.”

Middle-distance runners on the boys’ team are senior Tevin Gomez; juniors Corey Hockenbary and Cory Sowers; sophomore Seth Tindall; and ninth-graders Tate Hostetter and Blake McNaught.

Girls’ middle-distance athletes are seniors Gracie Neiman and Rachel Whitmore; sophomore Mandee Williamson; ninth-grader Ally Drabek; and eighth-graders Megan Keegan and Katie Kerr.

Williamson is a transfer student from Newell.

Twelve other athletes will represent the Bronc girls this season. Sprinters and jumpers are senior Tera Williamson (a transfer from Newell); juniors Addison Middleton and Lauren Christy; sophomores Shayla Howell and Sierra Lawrence; plus ninth-graders Hanna Bricker, Leah Green, and Brook McConville. Senior Kaylee Fischer, juniors Alyssa Juelfs and Dylana Ward, and sophomore Kathleen Stairs will compete in the throwing events.

Howell earned four placings at last year’s state A meet. She finished second in the 400-meter dash, tied for fourth in the high jump, sixth in the 200-meter dash, and sixth in the 100-meter dash.

Ward earned sixth place in the girls’ discus at the 2015 state meet. Christy and Drabek qualified for state as a member of relay teams.

The sprinter-jumper representation on the boys’ team includes seniors Tucker Chytka, Jace Horman, and Cody McConville. Other members of this group are juniors Chase Irwin, Bailey Lawrence, and Michael Ryan; sophomores Dylan Burns and Blake Stewart; along with ninth-graders Jaredon Dosch, Jacob Eberhart, Joe Hanson, Bryce Nicholas, Hunter Mitchell, and Zane Rankin. Horman, Gomez, and Hockenbary ran as part of relays at last season’s state meet.

Juniors Tate Gatzke and Noah Nixon —

and sophomore Nicholas Peterson — will represent the Bronc boys in the throwing events.

“She is solid and very dominant,” Abell said in describing Howell. “She has been in the weight room for a year.”

Abell said Mandee Williamson, Neiman, Tera Williamson, Christy, Ward, Juelfs, and Middleton also show a lot of potential for strong seasons.

“They have been working in the weight room very hard and are gaining a lot of strength,” Abell added.

The Broncs’ coach cited Gomez, Hockenbary, Ryan, and Gatzke as a few more of the boys’ athletes to watch.

Abell said Gomez and Hockenbary work very hard, with Ryan coming back after shoulder surgery forced him to miss last year.

“We were big and had a lot of kids out,”

Abell said in recapping last season. “We progressed at a nice rate and had a wonderful region meet.”

He added this year’s numbers are only about one-half of last season’s totals.

Brooke Howell, Janie McAmis, Nicole Kling, Autumn Thorstenson, Dayna Dickson, Kaycee Monnens, Alicia Absher, Alyx Mitchell, and Alix Thorstenson graduated from the girls’ team last year.

Boys’ team members lost to graduation from last year were Damian Tobar and Jared Habeck.

“We must keep it fun and enjoy what we do,” Abell said.

He agreed this year’s schedule is similar to that of past years in terms of opposition and difficulty.

“Who will touch St. Thomas More? They are so solid, deep, and talented,” Abell said

when asked who he sees as the conference favorite.

He also listed Spearfish as a contender for this meet, scheduled for Custer on May 13.

“The conference meet may be tougher than state,” Abell said.

He attributed this to the caliber of competition and said this meet is a matter of numbers.

How will Abell and the Broncs define success? “Our focus this year is to peak as a team around regions and hold it throughout state,” Abell said.

Practice sessions officially started March 7. They involved general preparation, strength, technique, and form work.

Abell said his athletes worked hard throughout last season, and he looks for that to continue. “I can’t complain about their effort,” he said. “If they don’t do their best at the end of the season, that’s on me.

2016 Belle Fourche girls’ track and field team

Members of the 2016 Belle Fourche girls’ track team are: (not in order) Mandee Williamson, Shayla Howell, Addison Middleton, Kathleen Stairs, Sierra Lawrence, Gracie Neiman, Hanna Bricker, Ally Drabek, Brook McConville, Alyssa Juelfs, Lauren Christy, Kaylee Fischer, and Dylana Ward. Not pictured are: Tera Williamson, Leah Green, Rachel Whitmore, Megan Keegan, Katie Kerr, and coach Bill Abell. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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2016 Belle Fourche boys’ track and field team

Members of the 2016 Belle Fourche boys’ track and field team are: (not in order) Tucker Chytka, Cody McConville, Tevin Gomez, Corey Hockenbary, Tate Gatzke, Chase Irwin, Noah Nixon, Michael Ryan, Dylan Burns, Blake Stewart, Bailey Lawrence, Blake McNaught, Joe Hanson, Jaredon Dosch, Seth Tindall, Jacob Eberhart, Hunter Mitchell, Nicholas Peterson, Cory Sowers, Tate Hostetter, Zane Rankin, and Bryce Nicholas. Jace Horman and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Dylana Ward, left, and Shayla Howell, right, will respresent the Belle Fourche girls’ track and field team during the 2016 spring track and field season. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU outdoor track season underway

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University’s track and field athletes have started setting a foundation for the rest of the 2016 outdoor season.

Competition started March 24 at the Yellow Jacket Spring Open and will end in Bradenton, Fla., with the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships on May 26-28.

“We have members of the freshmen class who are getting things done,” fifth-year Yellow Jackets’ head coach Seth Mischke said. “Others are starting to move forward nicely.”

Four freshmen earned top honors at the Yellow Jacket Spring Open. They were Taylor Arsaga (women’s 100-meter hurdles and women’s 400-meter hurdles), Alexandra Richards (women’s high jump), Jake Iverson (men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase), and Ryan Olsen (men’s high jump).

Mischke said the throwers and vaulters are also accomplishing very good things.

Senior Madison McLaughlin claimed top honors in the women’s shot put and women’s hammer events at the Spearfish meet.

Classmate Avery Allen placed first in the women’s discus.

Two sophomores captured titles: Alexis Clark (women’s pole vault) and Kaitlyn Hadley (long jump).

Other seniors on the men’s team are Alec Baldwin (distance), Alex Anderson (jumps/throws/multi events), and Trent Baldwin (sprints). Mischke listed sophomore pole vaulter Bryce Boser as another key returning member of the men’s team.

Distance runner Tess Byrd, sprinter Abbi Klyiac, distance runner Sierra Miles, thrower Cassidy Koski, and hurdler-sprinter Kristin Rath also represent the senior class on the women’s team. Mischke said sophomore pole vaulter-javelin thrower McKayla Haugeberg and freshman thrower Michaela Cermak should also make contributions.

“We’re getting more well-rounded and more depth,” Mischke said when asked about the Yellow Jackets’ strengths. He added the team is also getting closer to having at least one athlete score points in each event.

What does Mischke think athletes will need to work on as the season progresses?

“With the kids we have, it’s getting better production,” he said. “We hope it shows up at the right time.”

Black Hills State finished sixth in the women’s division, and seventh in the men’s division, at last season’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships.

Spearfish will host this year’s RMAC meet the weekend of May 6-8.

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Mischke refers to the RMAC Outdoor Championships as “a mini-national meet.

Six of the top 10 teams in Division II are in our conference.”

How excited are Mischke and the Yellow Jackets to host the Outdoor Championships?

“It speaks volumes,” he said. “We did this three years ago, and it was fun.”

Spearfish had hosted the 2013 RMAC Indoor Championships.

“Coaches like our site, and everything sets up well,” Mischke said.

Benefits will also extend to the local community. Mischke said 13 or 14 teams could bring as many as 70 to 80 athletes apiece to town.

The preseason coaches’ poll tabs Chadron State and New Mexico Highlands as co-favorites for the women’s RMAC title, with Black Hills State picked for seventh place.

Coaches picked Colorado Mines, Chadron State, and Adams State for the top three spots. Black Hills State is tabbed for seventh.

“There is more parity in our league, and more teams have chances to win,” Mischke said. “We hope to put our kids in a place to do well.”

The Yellow Jackets finished in the middle of the RMAC standings during the indoor season. Mischke said the team is winning that second-half level, but chasing the upper one-half will be a challenge.

“Consistency is huge,” Mischke said when asked about prospects for a successful season. “We must find a way to compete and be consistent.”

He stressed the importance of having no “flash-in-the pan “performances for one meet but spreading that over multiple meets.

Mischke said last season’s team did not include a lot of seniors. Mitch Kraft and Baker Diede were two of the Yellow Jackets’ major point scorers. Kelli Anderson graduated from the women’s squad.

Mischke said some teams would benefit from having events that are not part of the indoor season.

The biggest indoor-outdoor transition involves athletes’ ability to handle the varying weather conditions, Mischke said. He added that depends on the individual.

“It doesn’t really take a lot of talent to overcome the conditions,” Mischke said. “A person can be mentally tough.”

Mischke said athletes must understand they can get themselves in great situations on any given day. He added they cannot afford to limit themselves in any way.

Everyday consistency, desire, and effort in athletics and academics are necessary, Mischke said.

He added the process is the only thing that will get them there.

Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 9

BHSU track and field athletes in action

Black Hills State opened its spring outdoor track and field season with a home meet March 17, in Spearfish. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish returns experienced golf team

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ golf team begins its 2016 spring season hosting the Northern Hills Invite April 7, at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club.

Spearfish golf coach Eric Ligtenberg said last year was an open and down season.

“We had a lot of seniors, so we had a lot of experience,” said Ligtenberg. “We were Black Hills Conference champs and that was definitely a highlight. We had a very good team. We were in the Class AA bracket and we didn’t quite perform at state, or finish quite as good as we thought we would. I thought we’d have a few individual performances that would always bring up our team performances, but that didn’t happen.”

Ligtenberg said golf is an unpredictable sport.

“You can have experience and be a good golfer, but if you don’t have it that day or two, it’s just not going to work,” Ligtenberg said.

Despite the poor showing at state, Ligtenberg said he was happy with how the season went.

“The highlight was winning conference, that was awesome,” said Ligtenberg. “We also had the conference individual champ with Jillian Enderby, she broke 80, so that was really good.”

The Lady Spartans will return experience for the 2016 spring season.

“We have two seniors back, and we have two other girls that went to state,” Ligtenberg said.

Ligtenberg talked about some of his returning players.

“Jenna Geist went to state and had a hole-in-one at state, and she’s a freshman this year. Rachel Jensen is a freshmen and she went to a lot of tournaments last year.

Jessica Hartman is a senior and she didn’t go to state but she was definitely on the bubble and I’m looking for her to play more varsity meets,” Ligtenberg said. “My other top performer right now on this team is Lyric Williams, and she’s an eighth grader.

She didn’t hardly play in any tournaments last year, but she really worked on her game last year. She played a lot recreationally and got a lot of lessons from PGA Pro Jeremy Campos at Elkhorn Ridge, so I know she’s going to be improved a lot from last year to this year.”

This season Spearfish will return to the

Class A ranks after spending the past three seasons in Class AA. “When you can just go to the tournament and compete in that division (Class A) we do pretty well. State will be at Hot Springs and that’s going to help us also because we are going to play a lot of tournaments during the season at Hot Springs, so we’ll have that much more experience,” Ligtenberg said.

This spring golf was pushed back two weeks hoping for better weather for the girls’ to play golf, and Ligtenberg said the move has both positives and negatives.

It’ll be good. There’s going to be some growing pains. It’s all for the weather, pushing the season back. They pushed it back to let the girls’ have better weather, and Mother nature is unpredictable, and hopefully Mother Nature will do what she’s suppose to do,” Ligtenberg said. “It will create

some scheduling problems, just because you get done with school two weeks before the state tournament, so that will be a challenge for those players to stay committed to the game and committed to see it through.”

Tuesday marked the first official day of practice and Ligtenberg said it went well.

“I sent the girls’ that have experience and they just played, without me, without any supervision. I wanted them to get out there and get some exercise and walk, I wanted them to swing the club, I wanted them to break off all that rust<” said Ligtenberg.

“Sometimes it takes a little while to break off the rust and just get back in the groove of it. The younger players, I worked with them on the fundamentals.”

Ligtenberg sees lead-Deadwood and Douglas as the early favorites in the conference and the region.

Lead-Deadwood and Douglas BHC

I think they’ll be a lot of parity in the conference this year. I don’t think we will be quite as good as we were last year with all our seniors and experience. I don’t want to say we are going to be down, we are just going to have to makeup some of that ground. I think we’ll be right there,” he said.

Ligtenberg said starting the season at home is an advantage.

“It has to be a little bit of an advantage for us because Spearfish Canyon is a challenging course and it can intimidate a lot of inexperienced golfers,” said Ligtenberg. “Since it’s our home course we are used to it, but it’s an 18 hole competition and to play an 18 hole competition your first time out you have to be mentally ready, it’s a marathon. It’s a big challenge to stay mentally ready for 18 holes.”

Members oi the 2016 Spearfish High School girls’ golf team are: front row, Baylee Hazeldine, Sydnee gusso, Jessica Hartman, and Alexys Hourigan. Middle row, Lyric Williams, Savanna Sewell, Elizabeth Meyer, and Ella Murray. Back row, coach Eric Ligtenberg, Jenna Geist, Rachel jensen, Haley Jensen, Maren Long, Olivia Murray, and assistant coach Tory Duvall. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Good Luck Diggers on a Winning Season!

Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 11

Spartan golfers in action

Spearfish High School girl golf team opens its spring golf season April 7 hosting the Northen Hills Invite at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Golddiggers golfers more experienced

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — A new coach will guide the Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf team into a 2016 season that begins April 7 at the Spearfish Invitational.

Tanner McGinnis is starting his first season as Golddiggers’ head coach. The Spearfish resident takes over for Laurie Rogers, who guided the team last season.

McGinnis said he first looked into that coaching position when the fifth-grade teaching position opened up at Lead-Deadwood Elementary School two years ago. He is familiar with the team and said he enjoys teaching and coaching.

“My philosophy is to focus on having the girls stay positive and limit their mistakes,” McGinnis said.

He added he has kept close tabs on the team and chatted with Rogers about the players.

That following of the team came about, in part, when McGinnis coached youth football in the Deadwood area.

Lead-Deadwood placed eighth at last season’s state A tournament. Taylor Beagle tied for 12th place to pace the Golddiggers.

Emily Fox, Sydney Auld, and Gracie Kosters are other returning players who played at state.

Courtney Gould also qualified for state but graduated after the season.Beagle and Auld are ju-

niors; Kosters and Fox represents the sophomore class. McGinnis said that group should comprise a solid four, and time will tell who will step up into the fifth spot.

Seven other players are on the tentative roster. They are, Hailey Trewhella, Zoe Keehn, Emma Hess, Maya Bourgo, McKinley Kyte, Madi Rystrom, and Alex Pearson.

“Returning experience will be huge for us,” McGinnis said. “The girls’ overall personalities are also key; we have a strong-knit team.”

McGinnis said team members must work on all golf aspects, including a focus on the short game.

“A golfer can always improve,” he added.

Rapid City’s Hart Ranch will

host the Black Hills Conference tournament on May 12. Hot Springs hosts the season’s final two events: the Region 4A tournament May 27 as well as the state tourney.

McGinnis said it is hard to pick a favorite for the conference tournament.

He added key factors include what players other teams lost, plus which players worked hard in the off-season.

The Golddigger girls’ golf program has enjoyed a positive, statewide reputation over the years.

McGinnis was asked if he feels any pressure stepping into that situation.

“It’s not pressure I feel, but I do feel a responsibility to keep it going,” McGinnis said. He added

the players’ work ethic and desire would be important.

Improvement spells success for Lead-Deadwood this season, McGinnis said. He explained this would take the form of individual improvement as well as better team scores at each tournament.

“We have to come in ready to play from day one,” McGinnis said. He added the Golddiggers have enjoyed a lot of past success and experience.

What does McGinnis see as the biggest improvement LeadDeadwood must make for this season?

“Someone has to step up and fill in the number 5 spot,” he said.

“I’m excited for this year and this opportunity.”

Members of the 2016 LeadDeadwood girls’ golf team are: back row, Hailey Trewhella, Zoe Keehn, Emily Fox, Gracie Kosters, Sydney Auld, Taylor Beagle, and head coach Tanner McGinnis. Front row left, Emma Hess, Maya Bourgo, Alex Pearson, Madi Rystrom, and McKinley Kyte. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Golddigger golfers in action

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf team opens its spring golf season April 7 at the Spearfish Invite.Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs golfers, like others, get late start

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Girls’ golf has traditionally been one of the first spring sports seasons to begin, but it is now one of the last.

Official practices for Belle Fourche began Monday, March 28. The season begins April 4 at the Rapid City Triangular and ends with the state A tournament June 6-7 in Hot Springs.

Head coach Clark Gusso will begin his 16th season this spring.

Belle Fourche placed ninth at last season’s state A tournament. Jade Burr tied for seventh; Payson Birkeland, Avery Middleton, and Emily Collins return from that squad.

Collins is a junior this year, with Burr representing the sophomore class.

Birkeland and Middleton are ninth-graders.

“We will count on those four to help us,” Gusso said.

That returning experience is a strength for Belle Fourche. Other players on the roster at the opening practice were sophomore Gabi Kiewel, ninth-graders Caitlin Ringling and Kayla Olson, and eighth-graders Rylee Young and Juliann Lange.

Kiewel is returning after missing all of the 2015 season due to injury. Gusso said Olson also had some injuries a year ago, with Young and Lange showing great promise.

Bailee Ward graduated last year. She had served as captain and qualified for state three times.

“Consistent ball contact will be key,” Gusso said when asked what Belle Fourche must work on this season, besides the short game. He added the Broncs would get into the short game as the season progresses.

“We’re young,” Gusso continued. “Our

Members of the 2016 Belle Fourche girls’ golf team are: back row, Caitlin Ringling, Kayla Olson, Payson Birkeland, Emily Collins, and Avery Middleton. Front row, Juliann Lange, Jade Burr, and Gabi Kiewel. Not pictured are Rylee Young and head coach Clark Gusso.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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captain (Collins) is a junior. We also have a sophomore, two ninth-graders, and two eighth-graders.”

Gusso agreed the Broncs’ schedule is similar to past years in terms of difficulty and opposition.

The Hulett Invitational (set for April 25) is at the Devils Tower course and should be fun for the varsity, according to Gusso.

How does Gusso see the Black Hills Conference race shaping up?

“This should be one of the more competitive years in the conference and region,” he said. “The top four will depend on the day and circumstances.”

Gusso said Lead-Deadwood will be interesting, with Spearfish in contention and Hot Springs bringing back a nucleus that includes senior Kyla Oster (tied for 12th at state last season).

St. Thomas More features Alex

Kandolin, who tied for seventh at state a year ago.

“We want to get better from the beginning of the season to the end,” Gusso said when asked what would mark success for the Broncs. “We want to get a team to state.”

Gusso said the weather was great when the season began but then worsened.

Madison hosted the state A tournament, with first-day weather featuring wind chills in the 20s, snow flurries, and winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour. Early-morning frost the second day resulted in a one-hour delay.

The later season was created to hopefully avoid extremes like that.

“We need to be prepared for all weather conditions,” Gusso said.

Belle Fourche must improve on ball contact consistency for this season, according to Gusso.

Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 15

Lady Broncs golfers in action

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The Belle Fourche golf team opens its 2016 spring season April 4 at the Rapid City Triangular.

Pioneer file photos

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BHSU golfers looking to improve

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State women’s golf team is hoping to improve on its 2015 fall performance.

The BHSU golf team competed in four fall events There were two Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference events where the Lady Yellow Jackets placed 12th in both events, along with the Colorado State–Pueblo Invite (12th) and the Southwest Minnesota State Mustang Invite (10th).

“I think we had a solid fall season. We definitely have some areas we can improve on, but overall I think we did about

what I was expecting us to do,” said Jamie Bentley, the Lady Yellow Jackets head golf coach.

The BHSU women’s golf team sports three seniors, Paige Erickson, Kaitlin Stevens and Kelsey Williams.

“You love having upper classman on the roster because they’ve been there before and they know what to expect.

“This is kind of the first year we’ve had this many seniors. We usually have one, maybe two seniors,” said Bentley. “This year has been a good experience just knowing that we don’t have to worry about them and they can kind of help the younger kids with that from a student/athlete perspective.”

Erickson owns an 86.5 per round average over the fall portion of the season, a teambest. Freshman Kiley Phares shot 88.5 per round over the four fall events, that saw the Lady Yellow Jackets average a 357.8 as a team.

Now the Lady Yellow Jackets are gearing up for the spring golf season.

“We’ve been doing a little of everything,” said Bentley. “In the offseason we did a little bit of weight training and some stuff that will help us balance and all that good stuff that comes with golf. We hit some balls inside when it was cold out and when we were able to get outside we worked on our short game.

“I feel pretty confident we’ve put in the

time and did what we needed to do to improve.”

The spring schedule includes South Dakota Mines Invitational the Maverick Spring Invitational in Grand Junction, Colo., and the RMAC Championships in Goodyear, Ariz.”

I hope we can get off to a good showing and get us off to a good start for the spring. I know that we can do it and I know the girls’ know that they can do it, with golf it’s all just a matter of putting a good score up and being consistent all the way through, which can be tough early in the year, but I think it will be a good chance for us to show what we can do,” Bentley said.

Members of the 2016 spring Black Hills State women’s golf team are: Kelsey Williams, Katilin Stevens, Ashlyn Pearson, Paige Erickson, Kennede Mathis, Madison Hand, Madison Bradenberger, Kiley Phares and head coach Jaime Bentley. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Lady Jacket golfers in action

The Black Hills State women’s golf team hopes to build on its 2015 fall golf season with a strong showing this spring. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans tennis returns veteran team

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish boys’ tennis team returns a veteran squad for the 2016 spring tennis season Spartan head tennis coach Doug Dexheimer said he was happy with the way things went last season.

“Last year I was pretty happy with how the season went. We had good numbers out, good athletes and we made a lot of improvement throughout the year,” said Dexheimer.

“We had pretty good match situations too where guys were keeping their cool and learned a lot.”

Spearfish lost one senior and the numbers are up again.

“We have 21 guys and we will try to get as many matches for our JV as possible and get our varsity established as quick as we can and go from there. We have a lot of good athletes and good tennis players.

They’re fired up and they’re loving the sport and that’s what makes coaching easy,” Dexheimer said.

The Spartans are working on conditioning and just getting the strokes in, but Mother Nature hasn’t been very cooperative.

“We had rough practices last week with the weather, but we were outdoors four days,” said Dexheimer. “Playing in the tough conditions made them move around a little bit, adjust for the wind, and when it gets nice they’ll stabilize a little bit, get back

Members of the Spearfish High School boys’ tennis team are: Front row, Logan Broeder, Boyce Harr, Eli Hansen, Timothy Doerges, and Tanner Hanson. Middle row, Coach Doug Dexheimer, Carter Thorman, Corey Hoffman, Steven Glasford, Brett Hersch, Jacob, Schlinkert, and Bryce Thorman. Back row, Michael Chaffin, Devon Braun, Chet Samuelson, Logan Burket, and Matt Waters.

Not pictured are Tucker Varns, Brendon Lahr, Rylee Sundermann, Jay Sayler, and assist coach Joe Doerges.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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in the groove and have more consistency, talk about what to do in certain match situations and start getting ready for competition.”

Dexheimer said he is hoping to see his younger players improve as the season goes along.

“I hope to see them develop some strong fundamentals, some good basic court awareness, making smart shot selection when they’re in a match situation, and then try to dial it up from there. Develop a little more power, a little more intelligent on the court and carry that into the competition,” Dexheimer said.

The Spartans hope to be competitive all season.

“Our class is tough, but I’m encouraged

by the numbers and encouraged by the enthusiasm and athleticism we have,” said Dexheimer. “I think we will be competitive with a lot of teams and I think we’ll have some good matches with the better players too.”

Dexheimer said the Spearfish tennis program continues to grow and should be in good shape for years to come.

“We’re trying to develop middle school tennis competitively. Rapid City has some teams, Gillette,Wyo., has some teams, so hopefully we can get a little competition from those schools to get them into the groove and hopefully they’ll stick with it and play all the way through high school,” Dexheimer said,

Spring 2016

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish tennis team in action

The Spearfish tennis team opens its spring season April 2 at Aberdeen Central. Pioneer file photos

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By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s softball team continues to make big strides to becoming competitive in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

During the 2014-15 season the Lady Jackets finished 12-35 overall and 7-29 in the RMAC. Midway though the 2015-16 season, the Lady Jacketsare showing signs of improving defensively and pitching.

“Last year defensively we

Spring 2016

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU softball on the rise

struggled and on the mound we struggled and that was definitely our two main focuses over the winter,” said Lane Leedy, in her second season as the BHSU head softball coach. “And you can see we have gotten better in both of those areas halfway through the season. Our ERA (earned run average) is lower than they’ve ever been here, and our defense has cut the errors in half, and those things have really helped us progress.”

She added, “They are starting to believe that they can compete. All I ask for them every game is to go out there and compete. I want

them to learn that they can compete and that they can play in this conference.”

Black Hills State is currently 6-18 overall and 6-13 in the RMAC. Leedy said the Lady Jackets are sitting about two games out of the conference tournament.

“Any given weekend we can pick up those two games and somebody else is going to lose those games and we can be right there,” said Leedy. “This is just my second year here and it’s so encouraging that they are competing and we are in every game.

Now we just have to learn how to

win each game we are competing in.”

Leadership has been another reason Black Hills State is improving as a team, thanks in part to senior third baseman Katie Campo.

“Katie is somebody everyone looks up to. When you think Katie Campo, there isn’t a girl on our team that doesn’t have a ton of respect for her, including the coaches, for not only what she does on the field, but off the field as well,” Leedy said.

Leedy added that it was important to have that good leadership because they have so many

young players. Entering the final month of the season the Lady Jackets hope to play well enough to earn a spot in the conference tournament.

“I want our team to fight. I want them to fight to be in the conference tournament,” said Leedy. “Our seniors want to miss graduation, that’s their goal.

They want to miss their graduation and have the opportunity to play in the conference tournament for the first time in school history. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but they are capable of that challenge as long as everybody remains healthy.

2015-16 Black Hills State University women’s softball team

Members of the 2015-16 Black Hills State University women’s softball team are: (not in order) Morgan Smith, Katie Campo, Erica Everson, Alyx Penrod, Savanah Eckhardt, Kelsea Nash, Claire Fergusson, Jo-Jo Curry, Alex Menke, Carlee Beck, Pamela Sakuma, Stefanie Witman, Jordyn Ballard, Katelyn Odle, Lauren Lesniak, head coach Lane Leedy, and assistant coaches Tina Andreana and Alexis Williams . Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Spring 2016

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU softball in action

Black Hills State University’s women’s softball team return home April 9 and 10 for a pair of doubleheaders against Chadron State. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2016

L-D ready for spring baseball season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s high school baseball team is ready for the 2016 spring baseball season.

Fourth-year head coach Bob Nelson said returning experience is a definite plus for a team that lost only one player — Cole Kuckenbecker — to graduation from last year.

This year’s roster includes three seniors: shortstop-pitcher Reilly Andresen, pitcher-third baseman AJ Lawver, and catcher Colt Nelson.

“We have a good bunch of juniors and sophomores returning,” Bob Nelson said.

Juniors include Colt Bradley (pitcher), Dillon Burns (first baseman), Max Nelson (second baseman), Kristian Hanna (third baseman), and Devon Schumacher (third baseman).

The lineup as of press time also includes five sophomores. They are second baseman Zach Murray, outfielders Jack Egemo and Chris Lipp (who also plays first base), infielder-outfielder Ian Srstka, and second baseman Allison Engel.

Ninth-graders Wyatt VanDeVelde (catcher) and Carter Nelson (second baseman), along with eighth-grader Mikiyah Jackson (shortstop), round out the roster.

Lead-Deadwood finished 9-7 last season.

The Golddiggers dropped a 14-0 “We put together a pretty solid season,” Bob Nelson said in describing 2015. “The offense was lacking a bit, but the defense was productive.”

The returning on-field experience also extends to the coach-player relationship.

“We all know each other well,” Bob Nelson said. “I have coached some of the juniors since they were in Minors (Little League). The boys who are sophomores

now probably started playing high school ball as eighth-graders.”

Overall defense is another strength for the Golddiggers. Bob Nelson said the team boasts outfield speed this year, and the players are smart on defensively.

When asked what the team must work on this season, Bob Nelson replied, “Hitting, hitting, hitting. We must generate a few runs.” He added the defense and pitch location are good.

Bob Nelson said the high school schedule features 18 varsity and 12 junior varsity contests. That includes trips to Billings, Mont.

St. Thomas More, Platte-Geddes, and Winner should provide the stiffest competition for Lead-Deadwood, according to Bob Nelson.

Practice sessions began in February.

Players spent the first 1 1/2 weeks on cage work (batting) and light throwing.

Some of the outside sessions have been held in 30-degree temperatures. A workout in mid-March featured cold winds. That practice featured drills for infield, pitching, and outfield players.

What can the players take from last year to start setting a foundation for 2016?

“More confidence, and understanding they know how to play,” Bob Nelson said.

“The players have to take charge during a game.”

Bob Nelson said the players know the expectations, and the juniors and seniors show good leadership.

He added that practices have been well orchestrated, ad that players must communicate and trust in one another.

“The kids are excited, and we have a good 20 players on the high school roster,” he said.

The Golddiggers host Platte, at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3, in Deadwood.

2016 Lead-Deadwood High School baseball team

Members of the 2016 Lead-Deadwood’s High School baseball team are: back row, Devon Schumacher, Reilly Andresen, Colt Bradley, Zach Murray, Chris Lipp, Kristian Hanna, and Dillon Burns. Middle row, Wyatt VanDeVelde, Allison Engel, Jack Egemo, Max Nelson, and Colt Nelson. Front row, Mikiyah Jackson, AJ Lawver, Carter Nelson, and Ian Srstka. Head coach Bob Nelson is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Spring 2016

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Thoughts from the sports desk Spring is here and the spring sports seaAssociation approved golf starting two son is underway. weeks late this spring, hoping that they will Mother Nature has already played havoc see better weather conditions for the state with the spring sports schedule, but nothing tournament by moving it to the first week spring athletes aren’t used to. in June.

Time, and Mother Nature, will tell if that There have been times springs sports hadecision pays off, or not. ven’t started until mid-April because of the The Black Hills State womweather. en’s golf team is hoping senior School were hoping to get a leadership helps the Lady few events in this week, but again Jackets move up in the Rocky Mother Nature had other ideas.

Mountain Athletic Conference I’m looking forward to getting standings. out and seeing what area athletes Seniors Paige Erickson, are going to shine right out of the Kaitlin Stevens, and Kelsey gate and which athletes are going Williams will try to make their to start slow but come on fast and final season at BHSU a memorise to the cream of the crop, just rable one. in time for state.

Dennis Track is another sport that Here are just a few of the things Knuckles is going to be exciting this I’ll be watching for. spring.

Spearfish, Lead-Deadwood and Spearfish will be a major threat for not Belle Fourche all return veteran teams, and only the region title, but the state A title as it will be interesting to see which school well. will rise to the top.

Look for the Spartan boys team to be in Spearfish will return to Class A this year the team title hunt. after spending the last three seasons in AA, Lead-Deadwood also returns a veteran and are expected to be in contention for the track and field team. region 4A title.

Senior Miranda Gallagher earned the The South Dakota High School Activities state A girls’ triple jump title last season,

while Jade Derby placed in three state A girls’ events. She tied for second place in the pole vault, earned third place in the long jump, and snared eighth place in the triple jump.

I’m looking for big things from sophomore pole vaulter Carolyn Groeger, seniors Alex Cottrill and Connor Kuhl, sophomore Gavin Haefs, and ninth-grader Trinity Brady.

Belle Fourche numbers are half of what they were last year, with sophomore Shayla Howell expected to contend for numerous state titles.

The Black Hills State women’s and men’s team will be tough and give other teams in the Rocky Mountain Conference nightmares.

Senior thrower Madison McLaughlin will be trying to duplicate her All-American performance from the indoor season.

Black Hills State finished sixth in the women’s division, and seventh in the men’s division at last season’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships.

I look for them to contend to move up into the top three spots this season.

The Black Hills State women’s softball team has improved in their second season

under the direction of head coach Lane Leedy. Going into this weekends games in Colorado, the Lady Yellow Jackets need only one more conference win to surpass last season’s RMAC total, as they enter the second half of their schedule.

Leedy has gotten the Lady Jackets to believe in her philosophy and it shows with the way they fight from the first pitch to the final out.

Expect big things from the BHSU women’s softball team in the next two years.

The Spearfish boys’ tennis team had a large turnout this season, and coach Doug Dexheimer is excited to see how they perform this spring.

They are no longer trying to win a game here and there, now they have the talent to contend in every match. Consistency and being able to adapt to the ever changing weather conditions in South Dakota will determine how well they do.

Finally, the BHSU football team is holding spring practices, with a scrimmage scheduled for 2 p.m. today.

The annual spring game will be April 16.

Get out and support your team and support the athletes.

See you at the sporting events!

2016 spring BHSU rodeo team

The Black Hills State University rodeo team kicks off its spring rodeo session on April 7, at the Jackrabbit Stampede, in Brookings. Members of the 2016 Black Hills State University rodeo team are: (not in order) Colton Backhaus, Bradley Blackstock, Rachel Bloomquist, Courtney Dahlgren,Caitlyn Dowling, Madison Huber, Trey Huber, Carlee Johnston, Carson Johnston, Samantha Jorgenson, Keely Kleven, Katie Lensegrav, Billie Jo Miller, Tanner Miller, Jesse Oliver, Matt Peters, Cydney Peterson, Lane Rossow, Shelby Schramm, Lee Sivertsen, Jordan Staton, Kristi Steffes, Tate Thybo, River Voigt, and coach Glenn Lamemers. Also pictured, but not competing this spring are Jake Herman, Wyatt Bice, and Herbie O’Daniel. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

Page 24

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2016

Spring sports 2016 schedule

Spearfish girls’ golf

April 7 hosting Northern Hills Invite (SCCC) 9 a.m.

April 11 at L-D Invite (Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course) 3 p.m.

April 12 at Rapid City Quadrangular 3 p.m.

April 19 hosting Quadrangular (SCCC) 3 p.m.

April 21 at Pre-Region (Hot Springs) 10 a.m.

April 26 at Pierre T.F. Riggs Invite 9 a.m.

May 5 Pre-Conference (Hart Ranch) TBA May 10 Sturgis Invite 3 p.m.

May 12 at Black Hills Conference (Rapid City) 10 a.m.

May 13 at Mitchell Invite 9 a.m.

May 17 at Belle Fourche Invite 10 a.m.

May 19 at West River Challenge (Rapid City) 3:30 p.m.

May 23 at West River Challenge (Sturgis) 3:30 p.m.

May 24 hosting West River Challenge 3:30 p.m.

May 26 at Region (Hot Springs) 10 a.m.

May 31 at Douglas Invite 4 p.m.

Spearfish boys’ tennis

April 2 at Aberdeen Central 11 a.m.

April 5 at St. Thomas More (Sioux Park) 4 p.m.

April 19 at Rapid City Stevens (Sioux Park) 2 p.m.

April 19 at Rapid City Central (Parkview) 5 p.m.

April 26 vs. Huron (Pierre Riggs) noon April 26 at Pierre 2 p.m.

April 29 at Rapid City Tourney TBA April 30 at Rapid City Tourney TBA May 2 hosting St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Spearfish track and field

April 1 at West River Preview (Sioux Park) noon April 2 at Douglas 9 a.m.

April 8 hosting Queen City Classic 9 a.m.

April 16 at Center of the Nation Invite (Belle Fourche) 9 a.m.

April 16 at Rapid City Track-O-Rama 9:30 a.m.

April 22 at Custer Invite noon April 26 at Northern Hills Qualifier (Belle Fourche) noon April 30 at Sturgis Brown Invite 9 a.m.

April 6 at Howard Wood Relays TBA May 7 at Howard Wood Relays TBA May 7 at Mountain West (Lead) 9:30 a.m.

May 10 at Rapid City Qualifier 2 p.m.

May 13 at Custer Invite 10 a.m.

May 19 at Regional meet (Sturgis) 9 a.m.

May 27 at State meet (Madison/Sioux Falls) TBA

Spearfish Post 164 baseball

May 1 at Sheridan noon/2:30 p.m.

May 3 hosting St. Thomas More (9 innings) 6:30p.m.

May 8 hosting RC Post 320 1:30/3:30 p.m.

May 14 hosting RC Post 22 1/3p.m.

May 20 hosting Gillette, Wyo. 5:30/7:30 p.m.

May 22 hosting Miles City, Mont.2/4 p.m.

May 25 RC Post 22 (9 innings) 7 p.m.

May 28 at Gillette 9:30 a.m./2:30 p.m.

May 29 at Gillette, Wyo. noon May 30 at Gillette, Wyo. 2:30/5 p.m.

June 2 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7:30 p.m.

June 4 hosting Scottsbluff 1/3 p.m.

June 5 hosting Sheridan 11 a.m./1 p.m.

Tue. June 7 at Sturgis 5:30/7:30 p.m.

Fri, June 10 Alliance, Neb. 8:15 p.m.

June 11 hosting Laramie, Wyo. 6 p.m.

Jun 11 hosting Douglas, Wyo. 8:15 p.m.

June 12 hosting Tellinghuisen Tourney game 5 p.m.

June 14 hosting Miles City Mont. 5:30/7:30 p.m.

June 17 at Laramie, Wyo. Tourney 5 p.m.

June 18 at Laramie, Wyo. Tourney 7 p.m.

June 19 at Laramie, Wyo. Tourney 1 p.m.

June 21 hosting Piedmont 5:30/7:30 p.m.

June 23 at Dickinson, N.D. Tourney (Manitoba, Calif.)

4:30 p.m.

June 24 at Dickinson, N.D. Tourney (Dickinson) 4:30 p.m.

June 25 at Dickinson, N.D. Tourney (Bismarck) 9 a.m.

June 25 at Dickinson, N.D. Tourney (Billings, Mont.)

11 a.m.

June 26 at Dickinson Tourney (TBA) 5 p.m.

June 29 at RC Post 320 5/7 p.m.

July 1 hosting Chadron, Neb. 5:30/7:30 p.m.

July 6 at Gillette, Wyo. 5:30/7:30 p.m.

July 7 hosting Sturgis 7:30 p.m.

July 9 at Piedmont 5:30/7:30 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf

April 7 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

April 11 /hosting Quadrangular 3 p.m.

April 14 at Custer Quad TBA April 21 at Pre-Region Hot Springs 10 a.m.

April 26 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

May 5 at Pre-BH Conference (Hart Ranch) 9 a.m.

May 10 at Sturgis Invite 3 p.m.

May 12 at BH Conference (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 16 at Rapid City Central Dual 4 p.m.

May 17 at Belle Fourche Invite 10 a.m.

May 27 at Region (Hot Springs) 10 a.m.

Lead-Deadwood track and field

April 8 at Queen City Classic 9 a.m.

April 16 at Center of the Nation (Belle Fourche) 9 a.m.

April 22 at Custer Invite 9 a.m.

April 26 at Northern Hills Qualifier (Belle Fourche) noon April 30 at Sturgis Invite 9 a.m.

May 7 hosting Mountain West Invite 9 a.m.

May 10 at Rapid City Qualifier 2 p.m.

May 13 at BH Conference (Custer) 10 a.m.

May 19 at Region (Sturgis) 9 a.m.

Lead-Deadwood baseball

April 3 hosting Platte 3 p.m.

April 10 at Winner 1/3 p.m.

April 16 hosting Chamberlain 3 p.m.

April 19 hosting St. Thomas More 5/7 p.m.

April 21 hosting Sturgis 5:30/7:30 p.m.

April 26 hosting Belle Fourche 5/7 p.m.

May 3 at Belle Fourche 5/7 p.m.

May 7 hosting Martin 4:30 p.m.

May 15 hosting Billings, Mont. (doubleheader) TBA

BHSU track and field April 2 at Vance Butler Invite (Sioux Falls) TBA April 9 at Bauer Invite (Rapid City) TBA April 14 at Mt. SAC Relays (Walnut, Calif.) TBA April 15 at Mt. SAC Relays (Walnut, Calif.) TBA April 16 at Mt. SAC Relays (Walnut, Calif.) TBA April 16 at Blue Hawk Invite TBA April 27 at Drake Relays (Des Moines, Iowa) TBA April 28 at Kip Janvrin Invite (Indianola, Iowa) TBA April 28 at Drake Relays (Des Moines, Iowa) TBA April 29 at Kip Janvrin Invite (Indianola, Iowa) TBA April 30 at Drake Relays (Des Moines, Iowa) TBA May 1 at Drake Relays (Des Moines, Iowa) TBA May 6 at RMAC Outdoor Championships TBA May 7 at RMAC Outdoor Championships TBA May 8 at RMAC Outdoor Championships TBA May 26 at NCAA DII Outdoor Championships (Bradenton, Fla.) TBA Fri. 27 at NCAA DII Outdoor Championships (Bradenton, Fla.) TBA Sat. 28 at NCAA DII Outdoor Championships (Bradenton, Fla.) TBA BHSU women’s golf

March 29 at South Dakota Mines Invitational (Billings, Mont.)

TBA March 30 at South Dakota Mines Invitational (Billings, Mont.)

TBA April 11 at Maverick Spring Invitational (Grand Junction, Colo.) TBA April 12 at Maverick Spring Invitational (Grand Junction, Colo.) TBA April 18 at RMAC Championship (Goodyear, Ariz.) TBA April 19 at RMAC Championship (Goodyear, Ariz.) TBA

BHSU softball

Belle Fourche golf

April 4 at Rapid City Triangular 3:30 p.m.

April 7 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

April 14 at Custer Quadrangular 3 p.m.

April 21 at Pre-Region (Hot Springs) 10 a.m.

April 25 at Hulett Invite TBA April 26 at Box Elder Invite 11 a.m.

May 2 at Sturgis Dual 4 p.m.

May 5 at Pre-Conference (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 12 at Black Hills Conference (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 17 at Belle Fourche Invite 10 a.m.

May 26 at Regions (Hot Springs) 10 a.m.

May 31 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

June 6 at State (Hot Springs) TBA June 7 at State (Hot Springs) TBA

Belle Fourche track and field

April 30 at Sturgis Invite 9 a.m.

May 6 at Howard Wood Relays TBA May 7 at Howard Wood Relays TBA May 7 hosting Mountain West Invite 9 a.m.

May 10 at Rapid City Qualifier 2 p.m.

May 13 at BH Conference (Custer) 10 a.m.

May 19 at Region (Sturgis) 9 a.m.

April 8 at Queen City Classic 9 a.m.

April 16 at Center of the Nation (Belle Fourche) 9 a.m.

April 22 at Custer Invite 9 a.m.

April 26 at Northern Hills Qualifier (Belle Fourche) noon

April 2 at New Mexico Highlands noon/2 p.m.

April 3 at New Mexico Highlands 11 a.m./1 p.m.

April 9 hosting Chadron State noon/2 p.m.

April 10 hosting Chadron State 11 a.m./1 p.m.

April 12 at Dickinson State 3/5 p.m.

April 16 at Colorado Christian noon/2 p.m.

April 17 at Colorado Christian 11 a.m./1 p.m.

April 23 hosting MSU Denver noon April 23 hosting Colorado Mesa 4 p.m.

April 24 hosting Colorado Mesa 11 a.m.

April 24 hosting MSU Denver 3 p.m.

April 25 hosting Dakota Wesleyan 2 p.m.

April 25 hosting Dakota Wesleyan 4 p.m.

BHSU Rodeo

April 8 at Jackrabbit Stampede TBA April 9 at Jackrabbit Stampede TBA April 15 at Cornhusker Stampede TBA April 16 at Cornhusker Stampede TBA April 22 hosting Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede TBA April 23 hosting Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede TBA April 29 at Bobby Gottsch Jr. Memorial College Rodeo TBA April 30 at Bobby Gottsch Jr. Memorial College Rodeo TBA May 6 at BlueHawk Stampede TBA May 7 at BlueHawk Stampede TBA

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