Spring Sports Preview

SPRING 2017 SPORTS PREVIEW

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

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2017

Spearfish track and field team ready to compete

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School track and field team hopes to have another great season.

Last year at state, the Spartan boys finished third in the team standings while the girls placed fourth.

“Last year’s girls competed well. We made a run at the conference title and had a good showing at state. We had a couple of placers and had a pretty solid performance.

I was really pleased with the way we competed. We had a lot of seasoned veteran performances at the end, so I was happy with that,” said Aaron Nida, the Spartans’ head track and field coach. “The boys’ side competed well. Because of the weather at the state meet, we had that 4x400 relay team

that was leading the state but not being able to run it was kind of a little letdown, but it’s nobody’s fault but the weather, but that’s part of being an outdoor sport.”

Nida was pleased with the turnout this spring.

“Numbers are really good right now. We have about 110 kids out and five managers.

This is the most girls we’ve ever had, and we are right at the high point for the boys’ team. We are fairly young. We don’t have a lot of seniors out,” Nida said.

Spearfish will have some key athletes returning this year.

“Ashley Odenbach in the 100- and 200-meter dash, Lauren Hight in 200 and 400 meter dash, so we have a couple of quality sprint girls. Chandi Jackson has been practicing in the pole vault, and I think she will make a splash this year. We’ve got

a couple of throwers that should do well on the girls’ side,” said Nida. “On the boys’ side we have Brendan Rotert, and we have some quality athletes in different spots.”

Nida said he has been pleased with how hard his team has been working at practice.

“Practices have gone real good. Our weather has been better this year it seems like than in previous years. We’ve been forced inside a couple of times, and we go inside to the 100- and 200-meter track. The kids have been working hard and are getting some good base built right now,” Nida said.

The Spartans will use the first couple meets of the season to evaluate the team.

“Basically the first meet or two of the season, we are trying to get some base times to see where we are starting at and where we need to go where we can set our

training off of that. They will give us a good measurement of where we are at this point,” Nida said.

Nida said the Black Hills Conference has a lot of good teams.

“St. Thomas more will have a good team.

Custer is always strong in the conference.

Sturgis is going to be there too. The Black Hills Conference has a lot of quality kids and some teams have some decent depth, so right now I’m not real sure where the teams are going to fall,” said Nida.

“We lost some upperclassmen last year, and we’ll have to see who steps up from the lower age groups,” Nida said. “I’m hoping we can be competing in the top half of the conference and pushing for some titles.”

Spearfish will host the Queen City Classic on April 7.

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School girls’ track and field team are front row from left: Mackenzie Briggs, Mackenzie Hoffman, Chandi Jackson, Jalyn Carter, Cora Tobin, Samantha Pedneau, Halle Seyer, Madison Gould, Lauren Hight, Hannah Young, and Gretchen Blain. Second row from left: Eden Shank, Hannah Brun, Bailee Ackerman, Joey Barden, Emma Murphy, Kennedy Kaitfors, Nicole Meza, Chelsea Williams, and Courtney Parker. Third row from left: Anna Schneiter, Olivia Murray, Alexis Louis, Ashtyn Reiners, Caitlin Cottrill, Morgan Roberts, Lilly Dennison, Angela Hovdenes, Taylor Hersch, and Hannah Tysdal. Back row from left: Marissa Moulton, Sage Forsting, Olivia Williams, Isabell Jensen, Journey Childers, Isabell Silva, Shantayl Walton, Makenna Hartwig, Carolyn Petersen, Echoe Palmgren, and Madeline Boe. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School boys’ track and field team are front row from left: Tayven Aga, Hunter Seyer, Brodell Van Zee, Max Ellingsen, Carson Sleep, Chanley DeCook, Marc Williams, Brendan Rotert, Jordon Brinson, Ryan Rafferty, Jarron Rowe, and Drake Dittman. Second row from left: Tavian Ashurst, Owen Servaty, Thomas Undlin, Matt Parker, Justin Steedley, Chris Ivers, Cade Lyon, Kody Koistinen, Ryan Peldo, Jake Powell, Rigel Roberdeau, Ryan Harris, and Drew Jewett. Third row from left: Creadon Harris, John Nickles, Connor Speirs, Reese Hansen, Taylor Woods, Brendon Fuhr, Mason Krier, Thomas Heinert, Nathan Terrasas, Bridger Janvrin, Hunter Millis, Sam Tobin, and Jakob Rodriguez. Back row from left: Ty Cermak, Gus Kruskamp, Brendan Lahr, Paxton Klug, Braeden Ferguson, Jayden Deichert, Q Pierce, Mason Larson, Gavin Feeser, Jack Beringer, Jacob Johnson, Brayden Case, DeMarco Orange-Smith, and Stran Holben. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Brodell Vanzee, left, and Gretchen Blain are returing members from the 2016 Spearfish High School track and field team.

Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

L-D looking forward to upcoming season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — A roster of 34 athletes is preparing for Lead-Deadwood’s track seasons, with one a defending class A champion and a second earning a top-eight placing at last season’s state A track and field meet.

“There are a lot of things to look forward to,” said Golddiggers’ head coach Will Malde.

Malde is in his third year as Lead-Deadwood’s head track and field coach.

Twenty-two boys and 12 girls are on the roster.

Junior Carolyn Groeger, sophomore Olivia Rogers, ninth-grader Anna Campbell, ninth-grader Natalie Janssen, sophomore Carly Mehlberg, and ninth-grader Hannah Campbell highlight the returning girls’ team. Groeger is the defending state A pole vault champion and placed fourth in the high jump. Three juniors, one sophomore, one ninth-grader, and one eighth-grader complete the girls’ roster.

Chris Engel, Coltan Radensleben, Dan Rynders, and

Nik Scott represent the senior class.

Junior Gavin Haefs, junior Dylin Johnson, junior Wyatt Hess, sophomore Dylan Janke, and sophomore Trinity Brady are among the key returning athletes for the boys’ team. Haefs tied for seventh place in the pole vault at last season’s state meet.

The rest of the boys’ roster includes six juniors, two sophomores, and five ninth-graders.

Malde said Lead-Deadwood boasts some very talented ninth-graders who have the ability to do many good things.

“We always just seem to do really well in field events,” Malde said when asked about the Golddiggers’ strengths. He added the athletes work really hard, and the coaches excel. Jumps, pole vault, and throws comprise the field events.

Lead-Deadwood athletes will keep working on strength and speed, according to Malde. He said that will help in field events, and runners must get more comfortable coming out of the starting blocks.

This year’s schedule is quite similar to the past. Malde said

Lead-Deadwood is in the state’s best class A region. St. Thomas More, Custer, Hill City, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, and Spearfish join the Golddiggers in Region 8.

“I see it being very competitive; I see it being very difficult,” Malde said in assessing the schedule that also includes Sturgis, Rapid City Central, and Rapid City Stevens. “Every meet we go to: if you’re placing, I mean, you’re a talented kid.”

Custer and St. Thomas More L-D Pg 5

Members of the 2017 LeadDeadwood girls’ track and field team are back row from left: Natalie Janssen, Hannah Campbell, Carolyn Groeger, Olivia Rogers, Anna Campbell, and Kaali Allmendinger. Front row from left: Carly Mehlberg, Madelaine Rogers, Israel Burmeister, Blake Mehlberg, and Saige Van Tassel. Mara Jacobs and head coach Will Malde are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Members of the 2017 LeadDeadwood boys’ track team are back row from left: Garrett Kiefer, Zak Mau, Jake Alley, Dylin Johnson, Brigham Williams, Daniel Rynders, Gavin Haefs, and Wyatt Hess. Middle row from left: Trinity Brady, Dylan Janke, Pratt Williams, Coltan Radensleben, and Jared Harrison. Front row from left: Nik Scott, John Jones, Joey Ingham, Jordy Stulken, and Johnathan Ingham. Chris Engel, Nathan Chipman, Kobe Kubo, Brandon McCullock, and head coach Will Malde are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross from Pg 4

L-D are Malde’s favorites in the Black Hills Conference. He said the conference is quite strong from top to bottom.

“I see us doing pretty well,” Malde said of how he sees the Golddiggers stacking up against conference teams. “An encouraging thing is, our numbers continue to rise.”

Lead-Deadwood’s numbers represent an increase from the 2016 season.

How do the Golddiggers define success, besides daily improvement?

“We look competition to competition,” Malde said. “We like to see what progress is being made.” He added the team pays attention to personal records.

The first allowable practice occurred Feb. 27. Malde said athletes have worked on strength and speed, with emphasis on event-specific items to follow. Weight room work, plus injury prevention, has also been Carolyn Groeger, of Lead-Deadwood, competes in the high jump during a meet addressed. in 2016. Pioneer file photo Malde said the Golddiggers enjoyed a really

solid 2016 campaign. He added girls’ team members reached state and competed very well. Many boys’ team members turned in good individual efforts, according to Malde.

“We saw a ton of improvement through the entire team, from top to bottom,” Malde said.

“That’s what helped me know that our training was in the right place.”

What can the team use to build on from last season?

“I think they should have a ton of confidence,” Malde said. “I think they’re believing in the process that we’re going through.”

Malde also discussed improvements the team must make for this season.

“Individual events across the board, we struggle to have a team view all the time,” Malde said, adding that also falls on him.

“One of the points we talked about this year was just a 1 percent difference,” Malde said in addressing another improvement.

“What kind of dividends will that pay out in the end if you make one tiny sacrifice every single day?” Malde asked. He said the aim is to get athletes to see that the little things truly do matter.

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs excited about outdoor track season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — A reigning threeevent state A champion and two other state place winners will help lead the Belle Fourche track teams into the 2017 spring track and field season.

Junior Shayla Howell is one of 23 athletes on the girls’ roster.

She won the 400-meter dash, triple jump, and 200-meter dash to complement a seventh-place finish in the long jump at last season’s state A meet. Teammate Dylana Ward, a senior, captured third place at state in the discus.

Senior Mike Ryan is one of 26 names on the boys’ roster. Ryan ended last season by tying for second place in the class A pole vaulting event at state.

Head coach Bill Abell is starting his fourth season as the Broncs’ head track and field coach.

“I thought we finished on a pretty good note,” he said in reflecting on the 2016 campaign.

Howell, Ward, and Ryan are among the key returning athletes for the Broncs.

Abell also cited senior Corey Hockenbary, sophomore Hunter Mitchell, and ninth-grader Makenna Ward.

Sophomores Morgen Garrett and Jackson Mailloux are among the promising newcomers Abell noted.

Alyssa Juelfs is the other senior on the Broncs’ roster. The rest of that listing includes three juniors, five sophomores, seven ninth-graders, four eighth-graders, and one seventh-grader.

Bailey Lawrence and Seth Pomrenke also represent the senior class on the Belle Fourche boys’ roster. The rest of this listing includes one junior, seven sophomores, eight ninth-graders, one eighth-grader, and one seventh-grader.

Tevin Gomez and Kaylee Fischer graduated from last season’s squads.

“This is probably the best group of guys I’ve been able to work with: coach-ability, attitude, everything,” Abell said.

He added the middle-distance runners could have a great year, and he credited their coach Chris Riley for his efforts.

“Conditioning is something our athletes need to work on, but their attitudes are terrific,” Abell said.

Members of the 2017 Belle Fourche girls’ track team are back row from left: Bree Pierce, Aspen Braning, Shayla Howell, Hayley Wilbur, Bella Jensen, and Tayler Clendening. Middle row from left: Kobi Giffin, Brook McConville, Taryn Stedillie, Savannah Rosales, Megen Keegan, Laney Brill, and Kathleen Stairs. Front row from left: Emma Singer, Amity Middleton, Ally Drabek, and Katie McCoy. Makenna Ward, Alyssa Juelfs, Dylana Ward, Fallon Osana, Winter Goodwin, Ale Mesa, and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross How tough is the schedule?

“The Black Hills Conference is the most humbling experience a coach can witness,” Abell said. “To me, it’s harder than the state meet.”

Custer, St. Thomas More, Spearfish, Sturgis, Douglas, and Lead-Deadwood were among the teams Abell noted. He said he loves to have that level of competition, and it is important for coaches to help athletes keep up their attitudes.

St. Thomas More earned Abell’s nod as the Black Hills Conference favorite, with Custer earning marks in the girls’ division.

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Abell was asked how he sees the Broncs stacking up.

“At that point of the year where we’re at, we give it our best,” he said. “We try to win our heat.”

Abell has a simple formula for defining success, besides daily improvement.

“Ending the season with the same amount of kids I started with,” he said. “Having kids laugh and joke at the end of the year as they are now.”

Early practice sessions have centered on strength and flexibility work, along with conditioning. Abell said team members

have already started using things from last season to start setting a foundation for this year.

Boys’ middle-distance runners experienced success last year, and Abell said coach Riley’s numbers have doubled. Abell added some wrestlers are running middle distance and working hard.

Abell said he wants to see the athletes continue going in their current direction, and the major thing he wanted to see was a change in attitude, adding that this is clearly occurring.

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Members of the 2017 Belle Fourche boys’ track squad are back row from left: Zane Rankin, Angel Tingley, Chase Bickerdyke, Blake McNaught, Dylan Burns, Mike Ryan, Bryce Nicholas, Jackson Mailloux, and Kelby Olson. Middle row from left: Colby Nowowiejski, Morgen Garrett, Tate Hostetter, Corey Hockenbary, Tate Larson, Seth Pomrenke, and Diego Tarno. Front row from left: Joe Hanson, Jackson Tyndall, Wyatt Keegan, Cole Hockenbary, and EJ Lambert. Bailey Lawrence, Nicholas Peterson, Michael Streeter, Jaredon Dosch, and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured. Pioneer photo

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Mike Ryan, Corey Hockenbary, and Shayla Howell are returning members from the 2016 Broncs’ track and field team. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU outdoor track seeking to build momentum

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University track and field teams begin their second season of the school year, and they are looking to build momentum off an indoor season that ended a couple of weeks ago.

The Yellow Jackets competed indoors from early December through midMarch, when a men’s distance medley relay qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships.

Two weeks later, Black Hills State geared up for a two-month outdoor season ending May 26-27 with the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Bradenton, Fla. “I think we saw a little bit indoor in terms of who is competitive in this league, who can score points for us,” sixth-year head coach Seth Mischke said when asked about key athletes for this outdoor season.

Mischke said he expects big things from sophomore distance runner Levi Fried, redshirt sprinter Mark Fruechte, sophomore

distance runner Jonah Theisen, junior pole vaulter Bryce Boser, senior sprinter Abbi Klyaic, and freshman multi-event competitor Ally Richards.

“We have some nice quality that’s back,” Mischke said. “We definitely need to continue to enhance what races to do, and then bring along these younger groups of freshmen and sophomores.”

Theisen is the defending national champion in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase event.

Mischke said the athletes are young but have a sense of what the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is about, and what it takes to succeed.

“That’s OK,” Mischke said. “We talk to our kids a lot about being leaders, what is a leadership role, what does that mean, what are the characteristics. It doesn’t mean that only seniors can be leaders.”

Mischke said track teams, at this stage, are trying to produce another solid and competitive season, and those who ran cross country last fall are starting their third competitive season of the school year. He

added they need to take a step back and understand they must make a push to finish the year.

“That’s just what track and field is,” Mischke said. “It’s good. We get more opportunities to produce at championship meets than other sports do.”

Switching from indoor to outdoor track involves environmental changes. Mischke said that will be an adjustment, along with a longer track and different events.

Outdoor tracks measure 400 meters per lap as opposed to 200 meters for indoor tracks. Events like steeplechase, 400-meter hurdles, hammer throw, and javelin throw are also outdoors only.

“The outdoor season is not a long one,” Mischke said in describing the season’s length. “We’ve really got to be there mentally to make some progression.”

Mischke tabbed Adams State as Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference favorites, with Western State’s and Chadron State’s women to contend. Other men’s contenders include CSU-Pueblo and Colorado Mines, according to Mischke.

Preseason RMAC rankings place Black Hills State’s women sixth among 14 teams and the men seventh of 12 teams. Black Hills State has routinely finished in the middle of the RMAC standings.

The teams finished highly in the conference last year (women second, men sixth), and Mischke said that is where the Yellow Jackets consistently want to be.

“We have to find a way to do things differently, whether with the kids we’ve got, or bringing in new kids, or a combination of that,” Mischke said.

He added continuing to do the same things produces middle-of-the-pack efforts.

Athletes have engaged in different workouts right after the national indoor meet to push the proverbial “reset button.”

What can the team use to build on from last season? “If we put work in, and we have the right people in the right place, we can challenge,” Mischke said.

Mischke added the teams always want to try covering more events with more kids scoring points.

Members of the 2017 Black Hills State University outdoor track and field team are: (not in order) Nicole Allerdings, Taylor Arsaga, Alexandra Bartmess, Zoe Bigsley, Janae Bjorgum, Hayley Bowen, Olivia Byrns, Kathrine Campbell, Courtney Cassen, Haley Clark, Vanessa Clark, Nicole Davis, Abbie Fredrick, Kelsi Gamble, Kate Griffin, Kaitlyn Hadley, McKayla Haugeberg, Hailey Horob, Savannah Huntley, Hannah Kirk, Sheridan Klingensmith, Abbi Klyaic, Zoe Langseth, Atlanta Lundstrom, Jessica Malm, Brittney Marosok, Abby Moerkerke, Tori Moore, Meghan Ramey, Alexandra Richards, Cailey Roth, JoJo Sherman, Shayna Soderstrom, Shelby Stoltz, Christine Thorn, Kelsey Van Den Hemel, Heidi VanLishout, Dakotah Winsor, Katelyn Woten, Leighton Blanchard, Walter Bordewyk, Bryce Boser, Antonio Corrales, Josh Davis, Donald Decker, Chance Dooley, Benjamin Finch, Kyler Flock, Nathan Fredrick, Levi Fried, Mark Fruechte, Tanner Gillette, Dillon Gilpin, Kyle Harris, Taylor Hepp, Tristan Hepp, Keegan Her Many Horses, Payton Holloway, Isaac Iverson, Jacob Iverson, Chris Johnson, Clay Johnson, Cody Jolovich, Brian Kjerstad, Seth Kovar, Isaac Langi, Michael Marshall, Laketon McLaughlin, Ryan Mehalick, Drazen Moratzka, Ryan Olsen, Garrett Peterson, Austin Pinney, Joe Rath, Garrett Ravert, Bailey Rosenstrauch, Monyae Sanders, Aaron Schone, Chase Smith, Garrett Snook, Logan Stalder, Jonah Theisen, Jordan Theisen, Justin Thorstad, Dartanian Vukota, Austin Williamson, and Paden Wilson.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish golf facing a youth movement

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls golf team is coming off a 10th place finish at the 2016 state Class A golf tournament.

The Lady Spartans return three golfers from that team, Lyric Williams, Jenna Geist, and Rachel Jensen.

“We finished the season on a high note,” said Eric Ligtenberg, the Lady Spartans head golf coach. “We got third at region and when you get third at region you get to take the whole team to state, so that was definitely a high point. We had a few girls break the 100 mark at state, so I was kind of

happy with that.

With only one junior on the team, and the rest sophomores freshmen, and some seventh graders, Ligtenberg said his team will be young.

“We have three golfers from that state team that have a lot of experience. We also have two sophomores and a freshman that have experience as well. We won’t have a lot of experience out there, but we can start fresh and try and build something off that,” Ligtenberg said.

This spring the weather has been unseasonably warm in the Northern Black Hills, and Ligtenberg said the girls were able to get some time out on the links.

“They have gotten out on the course

a little bit, but not as much as I’d like, I could always wish for a little more,” said Ligtenberg Spring practice started March 27, two weeks later than normal.

“It gets them a break if they were playing basketball, or a winter sport. It’s hard to go from basketball or whatever they were doing and go straight to golf, so it’s not really that bad a deal,” Ligtenberg said.

With spring practice now underway, Ligtenberg said the team will be concentrating on the basics.

“We will be doing the fine, short, fundamentally short stuff,” said Ligtenberg.

“We’ll get out on the course a little bit, the range isn’t open yet, so we won’t hit a lot of

full shots unless we play, so we’ll be concentrating on the chipping, and putting right around the practice green and that’ll be 75 percent of our practice every day.”

This will be Spearfish’s last season in Class A before moving back to class AA for the 2017-18 sports season.

“This is our last year in Class A so you have to qualify, where in AA you don’t have to qualify, so it’s harder to get to state.

Those three that are my returning golfers will probably qualify,” Ligtenberg said.

He added, “I’d just like to get my girls to see steady improvement from right now, using this as a benchmark, and continue throughout the season, and lets see how they do at the end of May.”

Members oi the 2017 Spearfish High School girls’ golf team are Front row from left: Tiffany Valentine, Elizabeth Meyer, Savanna Sewell, Allyssa Iverson, and Brook Mischke.

Middle row from left: Ally Ball, Antonia Hill, Avery Murray. Madelyn Geppert, Anna Engen, and Sydney Gusso.

Back row from left: Bailey Hazeldine, Lyric Williams, Rachel Jensen, Jenna Geist, Kaylene Delahoyde, and Danielle Knunkel. Pioneer photo

by Dennis Knuckles

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The Spearfish High School girls’ golf team opens its 2017 spring golf season April 6 when it hosts an invitational at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2017

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Strong nucleus to guide L-D golf

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — A group of two seniors and three juniors will help bring Lead-Deadwood into a girls’ golf season set to begin April 6 at the Spearfish Invitational.

Taylor Beagle, Sydney Auld, Emily Fox, Hailey Trewhella, and Gracie Kosters represented the Golddiggers at last season’s state Class A tournament and combined for a seventh-place finish.

Beagle tied for 13th place in the individual standings.

All five of those players return for this season. Beagle (team captain) and Auld are seniors with Fox, Trewhella, and Kosters representing the junior class.

Second-year head coach Tanner McGinnis said a couple of younger players may gain further experience this season. They are sophomore Emma Hess and eighth-grader Madi Rystrom.

No seniors graduated from last season’s squad.

“I would say that is our biggest strength,” McGinnis said in describing the experience the Golddiggers return. “You can’t downplay experience at all.”

McGinnis said the players are a good group whose members get along, work well together, and help each other.

He added there will be a lot of competition, which will help the team improve as the season progresses.

As far as what needs work, McGinnis repeated a regular refrain.

“We can always just be more consistent, meet to meet,” he said.

McGinnis also talked about the players improving each week, especially on the short game.

He said there were many times last season when the team could have taken three or four shots off each girls’ score had the putting been better.

This season’s schedule calls for three trips to Rapid City’s Hart Ranch course. McGinnis said he looks forward to seeing how the Golddigger golfers play that course and grow throughout the season.

Hart Ranch hosts the pre-conference/region tournament

on April 20, the Black Hills Conference tournament on May 11, and the Region 4A tournament on May 25.

The state tournament is set for June 5-6 in Hartford. LeadDeadwood hosts Rapid City Central in a May 15 dual at the Tomahawk Lake Country Club.

McGinnis said picking a Black Hills Conference preseason favorite is tough because it is not known how players progress over the summer. He added LeadDeadwood would be one of the favorites along with Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, and Spearfish.

“It’s always, usually, a pretty tough conference,” McGinnis said of the conference. “I don’t see any reason why it’s not going to be competitive this year, too.”

McGinnis said Lead-Deadwood should be able to compete with any team in the area and state.

He attributed that to having the top five from last season back.

McGinnis’ signs of success for 2017 include the team doing a bit better than it did last season.

“As long as the girls are getting better, and they’re going out there and having a good time and enjoying themselves and enjoying the sport, that’s all that really matters,” he said.

McGinnis said the Golddiggers can “hit the ground running” this season because of that returning nucleus. He added everyone is more comfortable with each other, and they know how practices will look.

Members of the 2017 LeadDeadwood girls’ golf team are back row from left: Hailey Trewhella, Emily Fox, Gracie Kosters, Taylor Beagle, and head coach Tanner McGinnis. Front row from left: Madi Rystrom, Emma Hess, and Sydney Auld.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Lady Golddigger golfers in action

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf team opens its 2017 spring season April 6 at the Spearfish Invitational. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche golfers have experience

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche returns a wealth of experience to the course for a girls’ golf season set to begin April 10 at the Hot Springs Triangular.

Senior captain Emily Collins, juniors Jade Burr and Gabi Kiewel, and sophomores Payson Birkeland and Avery Middleton qualified for last season’s state Class A tournament and combined for an eighth-place team finish.

Burr earned fifth-place honors in the individual standings at state. Birkeland tied for 23rd place and received a medal in the process; those awards go to the top 25 finishers.

Seniors Jiaxin Huang and Sutapat Wattanalaouit, sophomore Kayla Olson, sophomore Caitlin Ringling, and ninth-grader Juliann Lange round out the roster as of press time. Ringling, Olson, and Lange played on the squad last season; the team did not have any seniors.

“We have a huge amount of experience,” Belle Fourche head coach Clark Gusso said in describing this season’s team. “We also have kids who can play. All the girls are good competitors.”

Chipping, putting, and the short game are things on which all golfers must work.

Gusso is starting his 17th season here this spring and outlined another emphasis point.

“We’re going to work on our ball-striking consistency,” Gusso said.

He added working on putting this time of year can be a bit counter-productive because of inconsistent greens.

Gusso said he region and state tournaments will take place in hotter weather, and players must make sure to take care of themselves physically.

Rapid City’s Hart Ranch hosts the Black Hills Conference tournament on May 11 and the Region 4A tournament on May 25.

The state A tournament is set for June 5-6 in Hartford.

Gusso said Hart Ranch is a difficult course and added tournament sites help determine a schedule’s caliber.

The Broncs’ schedule includes three home events at Belle Fourche Country Club. A quadrangular is set for April 13, with a dual scheduled for May 8 and the Belle Fourche Invitational on May 16.

Gusso said he envisions the Broncs being close to the top of the Black Hills Conference tournament standings. He add-

Members of the 2017 Belle Fourche girls’ golf are back row from left: Jiaxin Huang, Payson Birkeland, Emily Collins, Kayla Olson, and Avery Middleton. Front row from left: Sutapat Wattanalaouit, Caitlin Ringling, Juliann Lange, Jade Burr, and Gabi Kiewel.

Head coach Clark Gusso is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross ed Hot Springs should be solid, with other teams having various levels of depth.

The conference also includes players like St. Thomas More’s Alex Kandolin, Douglas’ Molly Schwartz, and Douglas’ Sophie Schwartz.

Kandolin placed fourth at last season’s state Class A tournament, with the Schwartz sisters finishing in the top 14 at the state Class AA event.

Daily improvement will mark a successful season for Belle Fourche along with qualifying a team for state, Gusso said.

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The Broncs have met that latter goal 15 times in the last 16 seasons by finishing third or higher at the region tournament, including last year’s runner-up finish.

Gusso was asked what the team can take from last season to start setting a foundation for this year. He cited two main items.

“One of the things, we talked the other day, is to make sure that we take care of our bodies,” Gusso said. He explained that includes staying hydrated and having snacks available during a round.

“Also to become more consistent and, if something goes wrong, to be able to rely on a B game,” he added.

Gusso said a state tournament is nothing to be afraid of now, since most Broncs’ players have competed in region and state events. “Every year is a building on the previous year,” he added.

Gusso said a big improvement is being able to play an 18th hole with the same strength as on the first 12. He cited the importance of being able to fix problems on the course.

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Lady Broncs’ golfers in action

The Belle Fourche girls’ golf team opens its 2017 spring golf season April 10, at the Hot Springs Triangular.

Pioneer file photos

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2017

Young BHSU golfers showing improvement

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH —The Black Hills State University women’s golf team is coming off a long break after its fall season, where it finished 11th at Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference #2: the final meet of the fall season.

Kiley Phares led the way for the Yellow Jackets with a two-day 165 and a tie for 30th. Ashlyn Pearson tallied a 173 for 46th while Hayley Franke placed 63rd with a 185. Madison Hand had a six-shot improvement from round one to round two and a two-day total of 190. Taylor Miles finished with a 234.

“I think for as young of a team as we had going into the fall, it went well and we learned a lot, and found out what we needed to improve on,” said Jaime Bentley, in her eighth season as BHSU’s head golf coach.

Black Hills State ended up finishing 12th overall for the championships.

“That’s right around where I thought we would finish at, in that 10th, 11th, 12th spot. I would obviously like to see us move up, which I think we are capable of,” said Bentley. “We’ve got Kiley (Phares) and Ashlyn (Pearson), who will probably be our strong ones returning from the fall, so hopefully they can continue to improve.

Madison (Hand) and Hayley (Franke), I

think they gained a lot of experience from the fall, so they will be a little more prepared and ready to go for the spring.”

With a nice fall and early spring, Bentley said the team has been able to hit the links more than usual.

“We’ve had a nice fall and early spring, so the girls have been able to get out. We emphasize the short game no matter what time of year it is. Over the offseason that’s kind of been our goal, and we’ve been working on our strength and conditioning to help us get stronger and help our endurance a little bit,” Bentley said.

Bentley said she hopes to see improvement from her team as it begins the spring golf season.

“We got a couple of transfers in. One being Nellie Enderby, who is originally from Spearfish, and she will real help our team out a lot going into the spring season.

The other one is Morgan Tomchuk from North Dakota,” said Bentley. “Having a couple of extra girls to push each other in practice and compete is a good thing to have.”

Bentley has high expectations for her team this spring.

“Going into the end of the year before our final RMAC Tournament, I think we have the potential to finish in the middle, get up to seventh or eighth place which would be our highest finish yet in the RMAC,” Bentley said.

Members of the 2017 Black Hills State University women’s golf team are: head coach Jaime Bentley, Kiley Phares, Taylor Miles, Ashlyn Pearson, Madison Hand, and Hayley Franke. Not pictured are Nellie Enderby and Morgan Tomchuk. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Jacket golfers in action

The Black Hills State University women’s golf team hopes to build on its 2016 fall season with a strong showing this spring. Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Spring 2017

Spartans’ tennis team to focus on consistency

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH —The Spearfish High School boys’ tennis team is hoping to be more consistent this year.

“We have been working on consistency and trying to get loosened up, and get a good feel for the ball,” head coach Doug Dexheimer said. “A lot of our kids are multisport athletes, and they don’t specialize in tennis. Some just came from basketball, so they are trying to get back in the groove.”

Dexheimer said he was pleased with how the team performed in 2016.

“I was pretty happy with how things went. We got some good play from our

guys. We had a couple of seniors, Nate Terveen and Bryce Thorman, who were good to rely on for results,” Dexheimer said. “It was a good year overall. Good enthusiasm and very competitive matches, and that was a good carry over for this year.”

The Spartans have good numbers out for tennis this year, especially on the middle school level.

“We have some good numbers on the high school level, but we actually have some great numbers on the middle school level. I have 14 out for high school, and we’ve got over 50 kids in grades six through eight.”

He added, “Some of them will probably play JV when they show some improvement.”

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School boys’ tennis team are front row from left: Michael Chaffin, Devan Fox, Boyce Harr, and Rylee Sundermann.

Middle row from left: Corey Hoffman, Tanner Hanson, Carter Thorman, and Timothy Doerges. Back row from left: manager Elaina Sparrow, head coach Doug Dexheimer, Matt Waters, and assistant coach Joe Doerges.

Logan Burket, Bret Hersch, Jacob Schlinkert, Jay Saylor, and Zac Tipton are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Despite losing two players from last year’s team, the Spartans will return a veteran team.

“It helps having veterans back. Corey Hoffman, Carter Thorman, Boyce Harr, Michael Chaffin, Logan Burket are returning. We’ve got some others there, Jacob Schlinkert, Riley Sundermann, Matt Waters, Tim Doerges, Jay Saylor, Taylor Hanson also played last year and they are back this year too,” Dexheimer said.

Dexheimer said he likes how his players work hard to get better.

“They have a good team effort,” said Dexheimer. “They cheer each other on, and they help each other with strokes and

things like that, trying to get more consistent and have a good year and have a fun time playing.”

The Spartanswant to keep improving.

“We need to work on getting a good foundation of consistency, and then start dialing things up, getting better and playing more consistently, and things like that to get ready for match play,” Dexheimer said.

Dexheimer said he has goals for this year’s team.

“I would like to see them be very consistent, not have many unforced errors.

Try and do some good evaluations on the courts and see some good strategy, and take the game from there,” he said.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish tennis team in action

The Spearfish boys’ tennis team travels to Brandon Valley High School on April 7 to face Brookings, Sioux Falls O’Gorman, and Brandon Valley.

Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU softball team building confidence

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The 2017 Black Hills State University women’s softball team continues its rebuilding process under thirdyear head coach Lane Leedy.

Last season, the Lady Jackets finished 6-35 overall and 6-28 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Black Hills State looks to continue to improve in 2017.

“With the majority of my starters being sophomores or freshmen, we just wanted to work on getting better ever day,” said Leedy. “Going into a season you want to set goals, but realistically the goals were to get better in every way building on last year’s stats, and so far we’ve done that. Our record may not show they, but we are competing better.”

Leedy said the team got a big win on Feb. 24, beating Adams State 20-4.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever beaten Adams State, and we’ve also beaten some good in-region teams,” she said.

The Lady Jackets (3-17 overall and 1-11 RMAC) have wins over Minnesota State University Moorhead 7-3, Minot State 1-0, and Adams State, 20-4.

Leedy said the team needs to learn to finish games.

“We could have easily won two games this past weekend (against Colorado Mines), but we still have some youth and a little bit of nerves,” said Leedy. “We’re trying to grow freshmen that are playing in crucial spots. Our record may not show it, but they are really competing.”

Leedy was quick to praise the fan support at BHSU’s home opner March 18 and 19 against top-ranked Colorado Mines.

“The community has been so supportive, especially during our first homestand. They were telling us ‘Wow, you really competed against the number 2 team in the RMAC in Colorado Mines, and you played right there with them,” Leedy said.

Leedy said the teem needs to find a way to get over “the hump” and win some close games.

“I look forward to seeing where we are playing wise at the end of the season and where we are as a team. This has been the greatest group of girls I’ve had here,” said Leedy. “They want to work, and they work together. They are very focused. They know that they’re right there. They’re not discouraged; they are focused and motivated to get better.”

Leedy said consistency is crucial for this year’s team.

“Last weekend our pitchers looked like

dynamite, and the weekend before not so much. It’s hard in this conference to pitch consistently every weekend, and that’s what we are looking for. Every weekend we want to go into the game and execute that game plan, and that they give their best effort,” Leedy said.

Leedy praised senior pitcher Stefanie Witman.

“She’s been here for four years, and she has had to work so hard to maintain on the mound,” said Leedy. “There was a transitional period when I came here, and it wasn’t easy. She’s mentally had to do some things to and rearrange her brain.”

Leedy said Witman has shown a lot of confidence in her abilty to pitch this season.

“She is more of the reserved type, but she came into my office at the beginning of the BHSU SOFTBALL Pg 21

Members of the 2017 Black Hills State University women’s softball team are (not in order) Kindall Bethke, Alex Wiley, Lexi Baker, Madison Richardson, Claire Fergusson, Pamela Sakuma, Kenya Grauberger, Alex Menke, Maddie Druse, Morgan Vasquez, Dominique DiManna, Madison Young, Stefanie Witman, Jordyn Ballard, Katelyn Odle, Maddie London, Samantha Schoen, Kelsea Nash, Makenzi Strong, and Lauren Lesniak. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

from Pg 20

BHSU SOFTBALL season and said, ‘Coach, I want the ball. I know that I want the ball,’ and that was huge for her.”

Leedy said in her two wins, and even her losses, Witman has pitched much better.

“She comes out to work every day, and she does what we ask of her, and she works hard, and she’s gonna come through. Last year she had 41 strikeouts, and this season she is already at 40 strikeouts with 28 games left,” Leedy said.

Leedy is also high on sophomore pitcher Alex Wiley.

“She’s having a much better season this year. It’s hard to go out there as a freshman and get raked around the bush a little bit,” said Leedy.

“This conference is all about hitting, so it’s hard to put a freshman pitcher out there and see them struggle. She’s come back this year with that same intensity, and she’s starting to learn the game as a pitcher.”

Leedy said she came to BHSU three years ago thinking she could turn the program around overnight.

“I knew this was going to be a building process, but what I thought was it was going to be built overnight,” said Leedy. “I took some time for me this past summer and really got my mind right and come to the realization that this is a building process, and it’s going to take time, and to see them grow and to see the athletes out there playing every day, we are in a good place.”

The Black Hills State University women’s softball team returns home April 9 for a pair of doubleheaders against Chadron State.

Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

L-D baseball team boasts versatility

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Bob Nelson brings a versatile Lead-Deadwood baseball team into the 2017 high school season.

Nelson is starting his fifth season as Golddiggers’ head coach.

“I have a pretty good group of seniors,” coach Nelson said in describing this year’s team. Those five players are infielder-pitcher Colt Bradley, first baseman Dillon Burns, infielder-outfielder Tyler Borsch, outfielder-infielder Max Nelson, and outfielder Riley Stokes.

“The junior class is full of kids that are all very talented baseball players,” Nelson said. Those athletes are pitcher-outfielder Chris Lipp, infielder-pitcher Zach Murray, infielder-pitcher Jack Egemo, infielder Anthony Corkins, infielder Thad Kulp, and outfielder Arthur Ng. Other players on the roster as of press time are sophomores Dylan Arehart (infielder), Carter Nelson (infielder), Luke Fish (infielder-outfielder), and

Wyatt VanDeVelde (catcher-outfielder); ninth-grader Ethan Foerster (outfielder); and eighth-graders Charlie Hanel (infielder) and Tyler Rohn (infielder).

Nelson said most of the athletes are quite diverse and can play almost anywhere on the diamond. He added they have been developed, since Little League, to be utility players, so they know how to play every aspect of the game.

“The kids I have are baseball players,” coach Nelson said. “They love the game; they know the game.”

He added team members play with confidence that has been building, and the Golddiggers will do fine if they can minimize mistakes.

The coach said the players must figure how to step into the batter’s box and have an approach. He added the proper mindset is that a batter looks for something while at the plate.

Batters see two different pitching speeds, with some players throwing three or four different pitches.

Coach Nelson seeks balanced offensive production and hopes to see the team

producing runs instead of manufacturing them. He said the team scores 11 runs in one game and only one or two in another contest.

This season’s schedule is similar to past years, but Lead-Deadwood has added Lennox and Tea Area to the lineup.

“We try to play somebody new every year,” coach Nelson said. “We’ve never played anybody from that region.”

St. Thomas More always poses a tough challenge in Region 4B’s Western Division, coach Nelson said. He added the Bennett County-Little Wound cooperative has increased numbers, and Hot Springs is returning after an absence.

“It’s anybody’s game,” Nelson said of that region. “I hope we’re on top at the end.” He added the Golddiggers have as good a chance as anyone.

Nelson said that, from a coach’s perspective, he wants a state tournament trip.

Other measures of success he cited include teamwork, getting the players to be able to trust one another, and competing on every pitch.

Nelson said the team showed overall

improvement last season and put in the required work and time. He added the squad came up short in games when it needed to perform.

Lead-Deadwood finished 5-6 in regional play and fell 3-2 to Bennett County in a first-round playoff. Colt Nelson, AJ Lawver, and Reilly Andresen graduated from last season’s squad.

Preseason practices got underway Feb. 14. Focal points included batting practice sessions, full infield and outfield work, and live pitching.

Coach Nelson said the importance of fundamentals is always something players can use from one season to start another.

What does coach Nelson see as the biggest improvements to make from last season to now?

“Being able to trust each other on the field defensively,” he said. “More confidence when they’re up to bat.”

Lead-Deadwood’s schedule includes five home dates at Keene Park in Deadwood.

This first of these is April 6, when the Golddiggers host Sturgis in a junior varsity-varsity doubleheader starting at 5 p.m.

Members of the 2017 LeadDeadwood High School baseball team are back row from left: Wyatt VanDeVelde Dylan Hart, Riley Stokes, Tyler Borsch, Dillon Burns, Colt Bradley, Zach Murray, Thad Kulp, and Luke Fish. Front row from left: Arthur Ng, Charlie Hanel, Anthony Corkins, Jack Egemo, Max Nelson, Carter Nelson, and Chris Lipp. Ethan Foerster, Tyler Rohn, and head coach Bob Nelson are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 23

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU rodeo has region title in sight

Pioneer Staff Reports

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University rodeo team will concentrate on working as a team and trying to win a region title when they begin their spring rodeo season April 7, at the Jackrabbit Stampede in Brookings.

“We need to pull it together. We have had good individual success but now we need to work as a team and finish the fall on a good note,” said Glenn Lammers, the BHSU head rodeo coach. “We need to stay consistent and focus on our fundamentals. We need to not be concerned about standings, and the results will come.”

Lammers said he like the depth his team has.

“I like the depth our team has. We have a

good balance between our returners, transfers and freshmen. I think we will be very competitive in the region. Consistency is going to be a key component to accomplish our goals,” Lammers said.

The Yellow Jackets closed out their fall season at the Bison Stampede in Fargo, N.D., with the women’s team ranked first in the region and second nationally.

Senior Samantha Jorgenson leads the way on the women’s team, and teammates Madison Huber and Jaydn Hollenbeck rank second and fourth in the region for the breakaway title. Teammates Carlee Johnston and Katie Lensegrav rank second and third, respectively, in goat tying.

On the men’s side, the Yellow Jackets currently rank fourth in the region with Colton Backhaus and Trey Huber leading

the way.

Backhaus ranks third in the region for team roping heeler, and Huber ranks fourth in the region for tie down roping.

Highlights from the fall rodeo season included the Triton and Cyclone Stampede rodeos, held in October in Fort Dodge and Ames, Iowa.

The Triton Stampede was a one-go round event, and Jorgenson brought home her third straight all-around title by placing second in the barrel racing with a time of 14.75 seconds and placing seventh in team roping with a time of 9.8 seconds.

Backhaus took home his first all-around title by placing first in team roping with his partner Jake Herman with a time of 8.0 seconds and placing second in tie down roping with a time of 11.0 seconds.

Behind Jorgenson, Cydney Peterson

placed third in barrel racing with a time of 15.19 seconds. Lensgrev took third in goat tying at 7.5 seconds while Hollenbeck placed fourth in breakaway at 4.3 seconds.

The women’s team placed first overall while the men placed fourth.

Carson Johnston took second place in steer wrestling with a 5.6-second time.

The Cyclone Stampede was a two-go round event, and Collin Palmer brought home his first all-around title. He placed first in team roping with an 18.1-second time after two go-rounds and finished fourth in tie down roping at 34.6 seconds after two go-rounds.

Jake Herman, Backhaus, and Carson Johnston tied for second place in the first round of team roping at 8.2 seconds.

Lane Rossow placed third after one round in steer wrestling at 5.0 seconds.

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 2016-17 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 Lammers. Also pictured, but not competing this spring, are Jake Herman, Wyatt Bice, and Herbie O’Daniel. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

2017 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 Dru Thomas, advertising manager Dennis Knuckles, layout The publisher will not be responsible or liable for misprints, misinformation or typographic errors herein contained.

Publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising deemed not to be in the best interest of the publication. © 2017 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2017

2017 Spring sports schedule Spearfish girls’ golf

April 6 hosting Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

April 10 hosting Spearfish Triangular 3 p.m.

April 11 at Rapid City Quad 3 p.m.

April 18 at Sturgis Quad 3 p.m.

April 20 at Pre Region (Hart Ranch) 9 a.m.

April 25 at Pierre Invite 9 a.m.

May 2 hosting Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 4 at Hot Springs Invite 10 a.m.

May 9 at Sturgis Invite 3 p.m.

May 11 at BHC (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 16 at Belle Fourche Invite 10 a.m.

May 18 at West River Challenge (Meadowbrook) 3:30 p.m.

May 22 at West River Challenge (Boulder Canyon) 3:30 p.m.

May 23 hosting West River Challenge 3:30 p.m.

May 25 at Region 4A (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 30 at Douglas Invite 3 p.m.

Spearfish boys’ tennis

April 1 at Aberdeen Central (Rapid City) 11:30 a.m.

April 7 at Brandon Valley, Brookings, O’Gorman (Brandon Valley High School) TBD April 11 hosting Pierre and Rapid City Christian TBD April 13 hosting Campbell County 4 p.m.

April 18 hosting Rapid City Stevens 2 p.m.

April 18 hosting Rapid City Central 5 p.m.

April 25 at Pierre T.F. Riggs 1/3 p.m.

April 28 at Rapid City TBD April 29 at Rapid City TBD April 30 at Rapid City TBD May 2 hosting Rapid City Stevens 4 p.m.

May 5 hosting Rapid City Central 4 p.m.

Spearfish track and field

April 7 hosting Queen City Classic 9 a.m.

April 13 at Belle Fourche Center of the Nation 9 a.m.

April 13 at Rapid City Track O’Rama 9 a.m.

April 21 at Custer track and field meet 9 a.m.

April 21 at Pierre Meet 1 p.m.

April 21 at Custer meet 9 a.m.

April 22 at Sheridan Dan Hansen Meet 10 a.m.

April 25 Belle Fourche Northern Hills Invite noon April 29 at Sturgis Brown Black Hills Classic Meet 8 a.m.

May 5 at Howard Wood Relays TBD May 6 at Howard Wood Relays TBD May 6 at Mountain West Meet 9 a.m.

Spearfish Post 164 baseball

April 29 hosting Douglas High School 4 and 6 p.m.

April 30 at Sturgis 1 and 3 p.m.

May 3 hosting Rapid City Post 22 (9 innings) 7-9 p.m.

May 5 hosting Gillette 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

May 7 hosting Miles City Outlaws 1 and 3 p.m.

May 10 hosting Lead-Deadwood (9 innings) 7:30-9:30 p.m.

May 12 hosting Aberdeen 5 and 7 p.m.

May 19 at Gillette 6 and 8 p.m.

May 21 at Rapid City Post 320 1 and 3 p.m.

May 24 at Rapid City Post 22 ((9 innings) May 29 at Scottsbluff 5 and 7 p.m.

May 30 at Alliance, Neb. 1 and 3 p.m.

June 3 hosting Scottsbluff 1 and 3 p.m.

June 4 at Miles City Outlaws 1 and 3 p.m.Tadasco Field June 7 vs. Douglas (Rapid City) 5:30,7:30 p.m.

June 9 hosting Tellinghuisen Tourney 8:15 p.m.

June 10 hosting Tellinghuisen Tourney 6 p.m.

June 10 hosting Tellinghuisen Tourney 8:15 p.m.

June 11 hosting Tellinghuisen Tourney 4:30 p.m.

June 14 hosting Sioux Falls East (9 Inning) 6 p.m.

Belle Fourche track and field

June 16 at Wahoo, Neb., Tourney 9:30 a.m.

June 16 at Wahoo, Neb., Tourney noon June 17 at Wahoo, Neb., Tourney 9:30 a.m.

June 18 at Wahoo, Neb., Tourney 11:30 a.m.

June 23 at Laramie, Wyo., Tourney 7 p.m.

June 24 at Laramie, Wyo., Tourney 7 p.m.

June 25 at Laramie, Wyo., Tourney (TBA) 7 p.m.

June 28 hosting Sturgis 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

June 29 hosting Rapid City 320 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

July 1 at Sturgis 1 and 3 p.m.

July 6 at Webster 5 and 7 p.m.

July 7 at Aberdeen 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

April 7 at Spearfish Meet 9 a.m.

April 13 hosting Center of the Nation Meet 9 a.m.

April 21 at Custer Meet 9 a.m.

April 25 hosting Northern Hills Qualifier Invite noon April 29 Sturgis Brown Black Hills Classic Meet 9 a.m.

May 5 at Howard Wood Relays 9:30 a.m.

May 6 at Howard Wood Relays 9 a.m.

May at Mountain West Meet 9 a.m.

May 9 at Rapid City Qualifier Meet 1 p.m.

May 12 at Black Hills Conference Invite (Sturgis) 10 a.m.

May 18 at Region 8A (Custer) 9 a.m.

Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf

BHSU track and field

April 6 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

April 10 at Rapid City Invite 3 p.m.

April 13 at Belle Fourche Invite 3 p.m.

April 20 at Pre-Conference/Region (Hart Ranch) 9 a.m.

April 25 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

May 2 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 4 at Hot Springs Invite 10 a.m.

May 9 at Sturgis Invite 3 p.m.

May 11 at BH Conference (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 15 hosting RC Central 4 p.m.

May 16 at Belle Invite 10 a.m.

May 25 at Region 8A (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 30 at Douglas Invite 3 p.m.

April 8 at Bauer Invite (Rapid City) April 22 at Colorado State University Invite May 7 at RMAC Championships Gunnison, Colo.

May 8 at RMAC Championships Gunnison, Colo.

May 9 at RMAC Championships Gunnison, Colo.

May 12 at Last Chance Meet TBA May 13 at Last Chance Meet TBA

BHSU women’s golf

Lead-Deadwood track and field

April 7 at Spearfish Meet 8 a.m.

April 13 at Belle Fourche Center of Nation Meet 9 a.m.

April 13 at Rapid City Track-O-Rama Meet 9 a.m.

April 21 at Custer Track and Field meet 10 a.m.

April 25 Belle Fourche Northern Hills Invite noon April 29 at Sturgis Meet 9 a.m.

May 6 hosting Mountain West Meet 9 a.m.

May 9 at Rapid City Qualifier 2 p.m.

May 12 at Black Hill Conference (Sturgis Brown) 10 a.m.

May 18 at Region 8A Custer Meet 9 a.m.

Lead-Deadwood baseball

April 1 at Hot Springs 3 and 5 p.m.

April 6 hosting Sturgis 5 p.m.

April 8 at Tea Area 1 and 3 p.m.

April 9 at Platte 12:30 p.m.

April 13 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

April 17 at Bennett County 3 p.m.

April 19 hosting Hot Springs 4 p.m.

April 29 hosting Mission 6 p.m.

April 30 vs. Gregory (in Rapid City) 3 p.m.

May 6 hosting Bennett County 3 p.m.

May 7 vs. Winner/Colme (in Rapid City) 2 p.m.

May 10 at Spearfish 5 p.m.

May 11 hosting St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Belle Fourche golf

April 17 at Maverick Spring Invitational (Grand Junction, Colo.) TBD April 18 at Maverick Spring Invitational (Grand Junction, Colo.) TBD April 24 at RMAC Championships (Chandler, Ariz.)

April 25 at RMAC Championships (Chandler, Ariz.)

BHSU softball

April 8 at Colorado Mesa noon April 8 at Colorado Mesa 2 p.m.

April 9 at Colorado Mesa 11 a.m.

April 9 at Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

April 15 at MSU Denver noon April 15 at MSU Denver 2 p.m.

April 16 at MSU Denver noon April 16 at MSU Denver 2 p.m.

April 19 at Dakota Wesleyan 2 p.m.

April 19 at Dakota Wesleyan 4 p.m.

April 22 hosting Regis noon April 22 hosting Regis 2 p.m.

April 23 hosting Regis 11 a.m.

April 23 hosting Regis 1 p.m.

April 25 at Dickinson St. 1 p.m.

April 25 at Dickinson St. 3 p.m.

April 29 hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs Noon April 29 hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs 2 p.m.

April 30 hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs 11 a.m.

April 30 hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs 1 p.m.

BHSU rodeo

April 6 Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

April 10 at Hot Springs Invite 3 p.m.

April 13 hosting Belle Fourche Invite 3 p.m.

April 20 at Pre-Region/BHC Invite (Hart Ranch) 9 a.m.

April 25 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

May 2 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 4 at Hot Springs Invite 10 a.m.

May 8 hosting dual 2:30 p.m.

May 11 at Black Hills Conference Invite (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 16 hosting Belle Fourche Invite 10 a.m.

May 25 at Region 4A (Hart Ranch) 10 a.m.

May 30 at Douglas Invite 3 p.m.

April 7 at Jackrabbit Stampede (Brookings) April 8 at Jackrabbit Stampede (Brookings) April 14 at Cornhusker Stampede (Lincoln, Neb.) April 15 at Cornhusker Stampede (Lincoln, Neb.) April 21 hosting Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede April 22 hosting Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede April 28 at Bobby Gottsch Jr. Memorial College Rodeo (Hastings, Neb.) April 29 at Bobby Gottsch Jr. Memorial College Rodeo (Hastings, Neb.) May 5 at Bluehawk Stampede (Dickinson, N.D.) May 6 at Bluehawk Stampede (Dickinson, N.D.) June 11-17 at College National Finals Rodeo (Casper, Wyo.)

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