2019 Spring Sports Preview

SPECIAL SECTION

SPEARFISH SPARTANS | LEAD-DEADWOOD GOLDDIGGERS | BELLE FOURCHE BRONCS | STURGIS SCOOPERS NEWELL IRRIGATORS | SPEARFISH SASQUATCH | BHSU YELLOW JACKETS TRACK AND FIELD : BOYS TENNIS : GIRLS GOLF : BASEBALL : SOFTBALL : RODEO

SPORTS PREVIEW

spring 2019

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2019

Spartan track teams looking to be competitive

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School track and field teams will rely on some young athletes to continue the success they had in 2018.

“You know, I was pretty happy with some of our performances. Our boys 4x800-meter relay did a nice job. Tavian Ashurst ran well in the 400-meter, Braeden Ferguson in the 300-meter hurdles. We had a young pole vaulter make

it to state, so we had some nice things happen individually at the state meet. I thought in our conference we competed well as a team on the boys’ side, so I was happy,” Nida said of last season.

“On the girls’ side, Mikayla Tracy performed well at state and won in the 100and 200-meter dashes. Chandi Jackson was there in the pole vault and Halle Rogers in the high jump, so we had some nice things going, and we have a couple of throwers back that qualified for state last year. We had quite a few younger

athletes that went to state last year, so we’ve got them back, and hopefully they will be a little stronger this year.”

Nida said there are a few athletes on the boys’ side who he’s counting on to have a good year.

“Braeden Ferguson in the hurdles and relays, I think he is going to have a really good year. Gavin Feeser in the pole vault has been doing really well

SPARTAN Pg 31

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School girls’ track and field team are, front row from left: Jalyn Carter, Grace Walker, Erin Rotert, Maddison Doren, Shelby Clark, Cora Tobin, Chandi Jackson, Kennedy Kaitfors, Alexia Lee, Shantayl Walton, Kora Lloyd, Savanna Sewell, Chelsea Williams, Mikayla Tracy, Grace Karp, and Halle Rogers; second row from left: Mia Schultz, Echo Palmgren, Lauren Strand, Cloie Tracy, Hanna Lagher, Hannah Schoon, Dylan Reman, Stella Marcus, Justine Mitchell, Dillan Richards, Ella Torres, Lyndey Dean, Alexis Louis, and Kaylee Johannesen; third row from left: Samantha Walters, Cheyenne Dice, Bailey Ackerman, Tessa Lucas, Jayden Johnson, Logan Bunney, Eden Shank, Natalie Dean, Karstin Dupont, Ella Kruskamp, Natellie Shockey, Halle Fjelland, Rachel Crosswait, Rebeccah Anglin, and Journey Childers; back row from left: Emmy Moore, coach Erik Skoglund, head coach Aaron Nida, coach Chad McCarty, coach Jeremy Beehler, coach Brynn Croteau, coach Rick Meyerink, coach Andy VanDeest, coach Callie Ackerman, and coach Cassey Schuurman. Not pictured are: Rebeccah Anglin, Angela Hovdenes, Savannah Jeffery, Marissa Moulton, Maia Pochop, Ashtyn Reiners, Morgan Roberts. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School boys’ track and field team are, back row from left: Bryce Ackerman, Aiden McCarty, coach Erik Skoglund, coach Aaron Nida, coach Chad McCarty, coach Jeremy Beehler, coach Brynn Croteau, coach Rick Meyerink, coach Andy VanDeest, coach Callie Ackerman, coach Cassey Schuurmans, AJ Veldman, and Carson Diedrich; fourth row from left: Paxton Klug, Matthew Marrs, William Williams, Cadence Jones, Gabe Knudson, Ben Wise, Yohannes Peterson, Bridger Roberdeau, Gabe Feeser, Justin Carter, Christian Green, Tyler Kunka, and AJ Covell; third row from left: Keenan Urdiales, Nathon Terrasas, Jack Beringer, Rigel Roberdeau, Tim Doerges, Braeden Ferguson, Cole Herrman, Ryan Rafferty, Ryan Peldo, Cade Lyon, Connor Gosse, and Austin Crotteau; second row from left: Conner Kugler, Derek Webster, Justin Steedley, Max Braun, Connor Glasford, Jayden Deichert, Gavin Feeser, Cole Hanson, Evan Hehr, Dawson Craig, Sam Tobin, and Alex Engelhaupt; fifth row from left : Brady Crotteau, Zander Brost, Chase McArther, Jonathan Bloom, Ty Cermack, Logan Gosse, Drason Craig, John Nichols, Peyton Millis, and Jacob Johnson.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Spearfish High School’s girls’ and boys’ track and field teams hope to continue the succcess they had in 2018.

Pictured are, clockwise from the top: Mikayla Tracy, far right, competes in the girls’ 200-meter dash. Jayden Deichert clears the bar in the high jump. Jack Berringer gets ready to make a landing in the triple jump.

Pioneer file photos

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

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

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Motivated Golddiggers set for track season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s track teams are bringing motivation and a strong work ethic into a campaign that includes 14 varsity meets before state.

“We’ve got a lot of kids that are very excited about track,” Golddiggers’ head coach Will Malde said in describing his teams’ strong suit. He added track is something these athletes want to do, so they are motivated and want to work hard.

Malde said the Golddiggers have very good athletes at the top of the lineups, and new athletes are stepping up. Malde is in his fifth year as LeadDeadwood’s head coach.

Key returning athletes Malde cited for this season include senior Trinity Brady; and juniors Jordy Stulken, Kadden Dillman, Rob Lester, Natalie Janssen, and Anna Campbell.

Brady finished fifth in the

Class A boys’ 400-meter dash at state last season and qualified in the 800 run. Stulken and Dillman were part of the Golddigger boys’ 4x400-meter and sprint medley relays that qualified for state. Lester qualified for state in the Class A boys’ discus.

Campbell qualified for the Class A girls’ 300-meter hurdles at state last season.

The remaining boys’ roster features senior Eric Schumacher; juniors Dominic Williams, Dylan Schumacher, Pratt Williams, Pablo MunozFraga, and Jared Harrison; sophomore Taylor Arehart; and ninth-grader David Morris.

Williams and Arehart were members of the state qualifying boys’ 4x400-meter and 1,600 sprint medley relays last season. Other girls’ team members are senior Olivia Rogers; juniors Isabel Ward; sophomores Zariah Jones and Paige Knabel;

ninth-graders Chloe Wisser, Rachel Janssen, Courtney Stoltenberg, and Emma Jones; and seventh-grader Sara Jones.

Sara Jones placed 13th at the state A cross country meet last fall.

Lead-Deadwood will need to get the new athletes comfortable with events’ intensity.

“For some of these kids, this is their first competitive sport of the season,” Malde said.

“It will be getting into it and see how they handle being competitive,” Malde said. He added increased confidence is something else the teams are trying to address this season.

Lead-Deadwood is one of seven schools in Region 8A, which Malde agrees is a major component of the team’s difficult schedule.

“We are blessed to be in an area like we are, and competing against the people that we do,” Malde said. “I feel like we’re so ready for the next level.”

Members of the 2019 Lead-Deadwood High School girls’ track and field team include, back row left: Paige Knabel, Isabel Ward, Rachel Janssen, and Anna Campbell; front row left, Zariah Jones, Chloe Wisser, and Olivia Rogers. Natalie Janssen, Courtney Stoltenberg, Sara Jones, Emma Jones, and head coach Will Malde are not pictured.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

St. Thomas More, Custer, and Hill City are Malde’s early favorites in the Black Hills Conference. Spearfish hosts this meet on May 10.

Malde said St. Thomas More and Custer usually boast good depth and quality athletes. He added Hill City also has a good program.

How does Malde see LeadDeadwood faring in the conference?

“Our depth isn’t as great, but we do have kids spread out in different events,” Malde said.

He added the Golddiggers have solid kids and are currently in the middle of the pack.

Athletes’ improvement and increased confidence levels will make this a successful season, according to Malde.

He said he wants to see the younger athletes achieve personal records.

“I want them to find success in that they feel confident.

They know that they’re good at

this, and they’ve seen growth,” Malde said in describing the younger team members.

How about the more experienced Golddiggers?

Malde said he would like to see them reach state qualifying standards and increase their feelings of belonging.

“All the kids that qualified for us last year at the region meet have the opportunity to do that, have the ability to do that,” Malde said. He added some of them hope to place at state this season.

DIGGERS Pg 31

Members of the 2019 Lead-Deadwood High School boys’ track and field team include, back row left, Taylor Arehart, Pratt Williams, Eric Schumacher, Pablo Munoz-Fraga; middle row left, Jordy Stulken, Rob Lester, and Dylan Schumacher; front row left, Dominic Williams, Kadden Dillman, and David Morris. Trinity Brady, Jared Harrison, and head coach Will Malde are not pictured.

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Spring 2019

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Three of the returning athletes from 2018 are, clockwise from the top, Pratt Williams in the boys’ pole vault, Kadden Dillman in the boys’ triple jump, and Zariah Jones in the girls’ 4x800-meter relay. Pioneer file photos

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2019

State experience to guide Broncs’ track season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Six returning state place winners and several other qualifiers from a season ago will guide the Belle Fourche track teams into a season that will end in May at the state Class A meet.

Rosters rosters feature 32 boys and 26 girls. Those who earned top-eight medals at state last season were Jackson Tyndall, Kelby Olson, Makenna Ward, Harley Fischer, Aspen Braning, and Bella Jensen.

Tyndall earned sixth place in the boys’ triple jump at last season’s state meet and also qualified in the long jump. Olson was part of the boys’ 1600-meter sprint medley relay that finished eighth.

Jensen earned fourth place in the girls’ triple jump at last season’s state A meet and was part of the state-qualifying 4x400-meter relay team. Braning tied for seventh in the high jump. Ward and Fischer helped the girls’ 1600-meter sprint medley relay team finish fifth. Fischer and Laney Brill also ran on the 4x400-meter relay team at state, with Ward on the 4x100 relay. Brill qualified for state in the long jump.

Belle Fourche placed second in the girls’ team race.

Bill Abell is in his sixth season as Broncs’ head coach.

“There is some experience coming back,” Abell said. He added team members who have competed for the last couple of years are getting used to performing on a bigger stage.

“I think our biggest strength at this moment is, overall, the chemistry of the team and the team attitude,” Abell said. “It’s been the best I’ve ever had starting a season.”

Official practices began Feb. 25, but the winter weather forced everyone indoors most of the time.

Abell said he was able to clear the track of snow twice the second week of March, so members came outdoors.

The Bronc girls’ 4x100-meter relay set a personal record at last season’s state meet. Abell said they proved to themselves they

could compete at that level.

The rest of the boys’ roster includes seniors Taylor Erickson, Nathan McKenney, and Bryce Nicholas; juniors Sage Geib, Ethan Jones, Gunner Johnson, Colby Nowowiejski, Michael Streeter, and Diego Tarno; sophomores Guy Davis, Brextin Garza, Logan Goeders, Darin Hanson, Isaac McKenney, Colton Shelley, and Blake Vissia; ninth-graders Charles Alberts, Devin Burns, Jason Carr, Hunter Cherveny, Brooks Clooten, Ryan Evans, Aiden Giffin, Ashton Hartling, Cole Hockenbary, Ethan Jensen, Wyatt Keegan, and Elijah Pomrenke; and eighth-grader Sawyer Clarkson.

Nowowiejski and Garza ran on the Broncs’ 4x200-meter relay at last season’s state meet.

The remaining girls’ roster features senior Emma Singer; juniors Winter Goodwin, Katelynn Ruby, and Hannah Satterfield; sophomores Morgan Collins, Serena Davis, Layla Hockenbary, Shyanne Howell, Jazmyn Hunt, Jasmyn Jensen, Katie Kerr, Amity Middleton, Heather Mitchell, and Hayley Wilbur; and ninth-graders Nevaeh Balderas, Kaylin Garza, Isabelle Jackson, McKenzie Lyons, and Molly Rhoads.

Belle Fourche is taking a “business as usual” approach to the season. Team members are working on the same things as they do every year.

Abell said he loves the Broncs’ schedule, which includes the oth-

Members of the 2019 Belle Fourche girls’ track and field team include, back row left: Morgan Collins, Katie Mailloux, Amity Middleton, Jasmyn Jensen, Hayley Wilbur, Bella Jensen, and Molly Rhoads; middle row left, Shyanne Howell, Hannah Satterfield, Katie Kerr, Heather Mitchell, Emma Singer, Katelynn Ruby, Harley Fischer, and Kaylin Garza; front row left, student manager Mina Huang, Serena Davis, Dru Keegan, Nevaeh Balderas, McKenzie Lyons, and Isabelle Jackson. Aspen Braning, Winter Goodwin, Layla Hockenbary, Jasmyn Hunt, Laney Brill, Makenna Ward, and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

BRONCS Pg 31

Members of the 2019 Belle Fourche boys’ track and field team include, back row left: Taylor Erickson, Nathan McKenney, Cole Hockenbary, Michael Streeter, Aiden Giffin, Brooks Clooten, Logan Goeders, Brextin Garza, Kelby Olson, Colby Nowowiejski, Guy Davis; middle row left, Isaac McKenney, Charles Alberts, Elijah Pomrenke, Ashton Hartling, Bryce Nicholas, Blake Vissia, Tate Larson, Jackson Tyndall, Ethan Jones, Sage Geib; front row left, Hunter Cherveny, Jason Carr, Ethan Jensen, Sawyer Clarkson, Colton Shelley, Diego Tarno, and Darin Hanson. Devin Burns, Ryan Evans, Gunnar Johnson, Wyatt Keegan, and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured.

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Pictured clockwise from the left: Kelby Olson (running events), Laney Brill (girls’ triple jump), and Colby Nowowiejski (girls’ hurdles) are three of the returning athletes from the Broncs 2018 track and field team. Pioneer file photo

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU track preparing for RMAC Championships

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University track and field teams are setting their sights on the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships, set for April 26-28 in Rapid City.

The Yellow Jackets placed seventh in the men’s team standings at the 2018 conference meet, and the women’s squad finished eighth.

Black Hills State head coach Seth Mischke said the teams left that conference meet feeling excited about its accomplishments, but their finish did not match that.

“Our goal moving forward is to try to have what it feels like, be what it is, when it comes to the team placing,” Mischke said.

Returning athletes for the men’s team include junior Tristan Hepp (hurdles-multi events), junior Taylor Hepp (sprints), senior Jonah Theisen (distance), junior Jordan

Theisen (distance), senior Levi Fried (distance), and sophomore Allan McDonnell (jumps).

Women’s returning team members include senior Ally Richards (jumps-multi events), senior Tori Moore (distance), sophomore Jordyn Huneke (pole vault), and sophomore Whitney Scott (pole vault).

Scott won the women’s pole vault at the 2018 conference meet. She and Huneke qualified for last season’s outdoor national meet.

Mischke is in his ninth season as Yellow Jackets’ head coach.

“We have talked about trying to be able to cover more events with more competitors,” Mischke said when discussing team strengths. “I think we’ll be covered a little bit better this year.”

It fits more into Mischke’s vision, which he described as having a well-rounded, all-encompassing program.

Mischke said things to work on include

becoming used to the outdoor environment.

He added the indoor-outdoor turnaround is quick, and athletes must start an entirely new season outdoors.

The conference meet should feature the traditional squads battling for the top spots.

Mischke tabbed the Adams State men and women, Western State men and women, and Colorado Mines men as favorites.

“Certainly, our kids can compete with the best in the conference. That’s been proven,” Mischke said. He added goals are always to finish higher than in the previous season, and to perform consistently throughout the year.

Mischke discussed how the Yellow Jackets would define success besides daily improvement and the higher conference finishes.

“You can have good things happen and then still feel a little bit disappointed from a team placing standpoint,” Mischke said.

“That’s what we’re working towards: to

keep both of them feeling good.”

The weather has not affected training, as the team uses the Donald E. Young Center when needed. “Now, it’s just a matter of our kids continuing to push forward, sharpen up, and continue to prepare,” Mischke said.

Mischke said carryover from last season to now goes back to establishing good energy in some events where Black Hills State is battling for top spots. “We just need that to trickle down to some of those kids that are trying to work their way to that situation,” he said.

Other desired improvements for Mischke center on athletes finding ways to overachieve, and taking advantage of opportunities.

The Yellow Jackets’ remaining slate includes the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls (May 3-4), Last Chance meets (May 12), and the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships (May 23-25 in Kingsville, Texas.

The Black Hills State University outdoor track and field teams hope to have a successful spring season. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Pictured clockwise from the top left: Kyla Sawvell (hammer throw),, Allan McDonnell (high jump), Matter Peterson (distance), and Jordyn Huneke (pole vault) will compete this spring for the Yellow Jackets.

Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scooper track teams prepare for 2019 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The weather has been a challenge for the Sturgis Brown track team, with only a couple days of practice outside in the parking lot due to the deep snow cover at Woodle Field, in the first days of the season “Overall the season looks

very promising. However, it is going to be a process due to the weather this spring,” said Black Proefrock, Sturgis’ head coach. “We have been practicing in the high school mainly. We have been able to get outside in the parking lots and on the streets a few days, but the weather has been very difficult on the team.”

This year, the Scoopers have about 100 athletes competing: 15 seniors, 19 juniors, 29 sophomores, and 37 freshmen.

Returning athletes that placed at the state Class AA meet last year will be Ethan Brenneman, state champion in the boys’ 800-meter run; Sydney Shaw in the girls’ 300 hurdles; Makayla Keffeler in

the girls’ triple jump; Loralee Stock in the girls’ triple jump; Cassidy Jorensen in the girls’ pole vault; and Gavin West in the boys’ 110-meter hurdles.

Everyone returns from the Scoopers’ state champion boys’ 1600-meter sprint medley relay and girls’ 800 relay.

SCOOPER TRACK Pg 30

Members of the 2019 Sturgis Brown High School girls’ track team include, back row left: Jessica Matthew, Shanayah Johnson-Landol, Lexi Long, Kaylee Whatley, Micah Wilde, Kaitlyn Theis, Bethany Schaefer, Sydney Belitz, Cassidy Jorensen, Annie Calhoon, and Makayla Keffeler.

Kneeling from left: Josie Kaufman, Fauna Pearmann, Brooklyn Hanks, Jade Breidenbach, Jamie Munger, Haley Ferguson, Kiara Rath, Trinity Legner, Isa Castillo, Rachel Cammack, Elisabeth Ortiz, and Payton Hedderman. Front from left: Torre Buus, Madison Zylstra, Hope Burkhalter, Hannah Aston, Zoey Goebel, Kenna Goebel, Madison Schaefer, Tylee Oswald, and Zeni Gallosa. Breezy Paul, Loralee Stock, Sydney Shaw, Olivia Jolley, Brittany Delzer, Rachel Burkhalter, Braelyn Juve, Tatum Ligtenberg, Dezmond Rhodes, Eden Schone, and Ashley Schulz are not pictured.

Pioneer photos by Tim Potts Members of the 2019 Sturgis Brown High School boys’ track team include, back from left: Kyler Maslen, Tanner Geil, Steven Permann, Mitch Knutson, Nate Andersen, Ethan Brenneman, Gabe Rambow, Alec Keffeler, Mason Neumiller, Wyatt Engbrecht, Adrian Budino-Martinez, Tayler Opstedahl, Justin Burnham, Oskar Voldsund, Connor Korth, Josh Fowler, Gavin West, and Blane Breth. Kneeling from left: Mason Osowski, Peter Pulling, Ridge Inhofer, Taylor Tobias, Nathan MasonSalazar, Traeton Monahan, Jared Sailer, Trevor Christman, Casey Taul, Brody Brink, Brady Buchholz, Travis Cassen, and Jarrod Duran.

Front row left: Zane Zimbleman, Konner Berndt, Carson Pankratz, Slade Kierleber, Will Vliestra, Paul Pulling, Devon Dubray, Caleb Pilatos, Isaak Bailey, Ray Henderson and David Musilek.

Brodie Eisenbraun, Zach Shoun, Gage Shoun, Blake McNaught, Layne Matthew, Daylen Rhodes, Anthony Hayford, Buck Fickbohm, Zaven Osborne, Kaden Heid, Dan Lamont, Gavin Smith, and Clay Tedder are not pictured.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Experienced Newell Irrigators returning to track

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — Newell’s track teams enjoyed a great deal of success in 2018.

Virtually everyone returns for this season.

“Everybody kind of knows what they’re in for, what their goals are, and what to expect,” head coach Kyle Sanderson said. He is beginning his sixth year here.

The Irrigators earned third place in the B girls’ team standings at state. Newell qualified a boys’ relay and individual for the season’s final meet.

Senior Dana Youngberg returns for the girls’ squad. She qualified for last season’s state B meet in the girls’ shot put and discus events.

Austin Alexander represents the junior class. She ran on the second-place girls’ 4x800-meter relay at state last year, was on the fourth-place sprint medley relay, and placed fifth in the triple jump.

Sophomore Lexa Burtzlaff and sophomore Kayden Steele also return for the girls’ squad.

Burtzlaff was part of the 4x800-meter and medley relays. She also qualified for state in the triple jump and ran on the 4x400 relay.

Steele ran on the 4x800-meter and medley relays. She was also part of the 4x400 relay and competed in the 1600 run.

Sophomore Kyla Emmert qualified for last season’s state meet in the girls’ high jump and ran on the 4x400-meter relay.

Senior Aryann Hoffer and ninth-grader Sydnee Kjellsen were part of the state qualifying girls’ 4x200 relay.

Other girls’ team members as of press time are senior Shailey Mahaffy; sophomores Mckalee Mahaffy, Elizabeth Philipsen, and Sarah Wallace; and ninth-grader Bailee Yule.

The boys’ lineup starts with seniors Brock Kjellsen, Payton Burtzlaff, and Ben Parrow.

Burtzlaff qualified for the state meet in the boys’ 200- and 400-meter dashes.

He, Kjellsen, and Parrow were part of the 1600-meter sprint medley relay.

Nathaniel Kirby represents the junior class. He was also part of the sprint medley relay team at state last season.

Other boys’ team members as of press time include seniors Jaden Gartamaker and Jacob Rieniets; sophomores David Morell, Elijah Stomprud, and Neuly Mahaffy;

The Newell track teams are preparing for their season. Members include: back row left, assistant coach Cara Muckridge, Bailee Yule, Elizabeth Philipsen, Jaden Gartamaker, Nathaniel Kirby, David Morell, Elijah Stomprud, Neuly Mahaffy, Jacob Rieniets, head coach Kyle Sanderson; front row left, Sydnee Kjellsen, Mckalee Mahaffy, Sarah Wallace, Austin Alexander, Lexa Burtzlaff, Kayden Steele, and Jaden Tennis. Dana Youngberg, Aryann Hoffer, Payton Burtzlaff, Brock Kjellsen, Ben Parrow, Kyla Emmert, Caleb McGregor, and Shailey Mahaffy are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross and ninth-graders Jaden Tennis and Caleb McGregor.

“They’re ready to push themselves and push their teammates,” Sanderson said in describing the seniors. “One thing we stress here at our schools: at small schools, all the teams have to work together.”

That experience naturally emerges as a team strength. Sanderson said youth and great attitudes are also positive traits.

“We hopefully bring those young kids along and see what we can do building for the future,” Sanderson said.

He added athletes must work on fitness levels as the season progresses. Athletes in different sports use other muscles, and Sanderson said they must now get used to using their “track” muscles.

The schedule particularly appeals to Sanderson, who said the Irrigators see a lot of competition at meets featuring class AA and A schools.

“I think that helps us at the end of the year. We kind of see how good people can be out there,” he explained.

Sanderson said that strong schedule helps Newell with a confidence boost when it

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comes time for the conference meet. The Irrigators compete in the Little Moreau Conference, which features other class B schools.

Lemmon will host the conference meet May 10. Newell is the two-time girls’ team champion, and Sanderson sees the Irrigators as the favorite.

Timber Lake earned Sanderson’s nod as the boys’ team favorite in the conference.

Sanderson sees the Newell boys as being very competitive in the conference. He said the hope is for several top-three finishes.

Success for Newell depends on giving allout effort at practices and meets, Sanderson said. He added personal records come down to effort.

“We’d like to see some medals and stuff at state,” Sanderson said. “But we know that’s not the only indicator of success.”

Practices officially began Feb. 25. Team members have spent time in the weight room and conducted mostly indoor workouts.

Sanderson said he would like team members to have confidence in knowing they can compete, and have competed with the best.

He said he would like to see younger athletes take the next step. The big challenge centers on who will step into those leadership roles, he added.

The Irrigators were slated to begin their season March 30 at the Douglas Early Bird meet. Lemmon will host the Region 8B meet on May 16.

Sioux Falls hosts the state B meet on May 24 and 25.

Delaney Leber graduated from last season’s squad.

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish girls’ golf team on the rise

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ golf team hopes to move up the Class AA rankings by the time the state tournament rolls around the first Monday and Tuesday in June.

The golfers officially began practice on March 25, and Eric Ligtenberg, the Lady Spartans golf coach, said the team has managed to get some work in despite only being able to be outside twice during the first eight days of practice.

“We got to work outside a couple of days the first week of practice,” said Ligtenberg. “The first day we didn’t get to go outside because it was getting to know the players and doing paperwork.

So many young kids on the team they didn’t know what the practice schedule would look like. The second and third day we were outside and then were inside for the other two days.”

April 1 was picture day, but Ligtenberg said he wasn’t to upset about not having a practice on that day since the weather was bad outside.

“I would have been more upset if

it was a nice day and we weren’t able to go outside and get some work in,: Ligtenberg said.

A cold, and snowy spring in 2018 prevented the Lady Spartans from getting off to the start they wanted too.

“Last year we had it rough weather wise. The first two weeks of practice was completely inside. We had lots of tournaments canceled. We went to a tournament and never had a single practice outside,” Ligtenberg said.

Ligtenberg said the team started getting better as the season moved along.

“We got a lot better towards the end of the season. We definitely got better in late May, early June, and that’s what you want, but I think we kind of started behind in march early April,” said Ligtenberg. “We just weren’t quite where we could have been, even though you have so much time off over the winter.”

Ligtenberg said the team saved its best tournament for state.

“We had our best scores at state, and that was a hard course in Aberdeen,” Ligtenberg said.

Spearfish returns a veteran golf team for the 2019 spring season.

“I only brought four girls to state, and I have four girls coming back. We have a lot of girls returning, I didn’t lose any girls through graduation, or transferring to another school,” said Ligtenberg. ”It’s a nice mix, I have two seniors, four juniors, it’s a nice sprinkling. I don’t have a big group in one class.”

Ligtenberg said he hopes to see improvement during the first couple of tournaments in the season.

“Hopefully we had a golf simulator membership this last winter. As their coach I put a requirement of them putting in so many hours in that golf simulator. I know we are ahead of schedule than we were last year. The girls don’t put a ton of time in over the summer, June and July, so instead of trying to be so rusty and new through the winter months, I wanted to get a head start on it,” Ligtenberg said.

The Spartans were 15th out of 18 teams at state last year.

Ligtenberg is hoping for better things at state this year.

“Getting hardware, that would be a huge jump, because they only give out hardware for the top six. If we could move up in the pack that would be a success,” said Ligtenberg. “We could move up fairly substantially, if I think that hard work paid off in the simulator. We could get middle of the pack. I think that would be a crazy, successful season.”

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School girls’ golf team are, front row left: Kali Lantis, Myah Franke, Sydney Gusso, Piper Johner, and Tiffany Valintine. Middle row left: Anna Engen, Olivia Williams, Lexi McElroy, Lexi Sheeler, Tullulah Kelly, Madeline Kelly, Ava Berlerick, and Antonia Hill. Back row left: Kayene Delahoyde, Danielle Hill-Klunkel, Lyric Williams, Rachel Jensen, Jenna Geist, Halle Parks, Kylee Jo Symonds. Not pictured is Katie Mandlock.

Pioneer photo

by Dennis Knuckles

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Page 14

Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

L-D girls’ golf building for the future

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf team is using the 2019 campaign to set a foundation for the future.

This season’s roster includes returning players Emma Hess (senior) and Madi Rystrom (sophomore).

Other players on the eight-member roster as of press time are juniors Hannah Campbell, Raygan Mattson, and Rebecca Groeger; eighth-graders Ashley Lary and Charlee Gardner; and seventh-grader Alayna Bauernfeind.

Tanner McGinnis is in his fourth season as Golddiggers’ head coach.

“I just want to grow as a team and get better,” McGinnis said. He added an aim is for the squad to play solidly by the middle and end of the season.

The Golddiggers have a lot of

youth and inexperience, according to McGinnis. He added this season could be a building process.

“Golf is not an overnight process,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

McGinnis said players must work on a consistent swing as practice sessions and tournaments progress. He added it is vital for players to learn something from each tournament.

Lead-Deadwood’s schedule is similar to that of past seasons.

The 2019 campaign was set to open April 8 at the Rapid City Triangular.

Belle Fourche will host the Black Hills Conference tournament on May 9.

Custer hosts the Region 4A tournament on May 23. The state A tournament is June 3-4 in Aberdeen.

“We’re down at Custer this year

quite a few times,” McGinnis said.

“That’s a course we haven’t been to in a couple of years.”

McGinnis tabs Belle Fourche as the Black Hills Conference favorite.

He said St. Thomas More and Hot Springs could also contend.

He said it is very early in the season, and it is impossible to guess what scores players will record this season.

Success for Lead-Deadwood includes growing through the season, improving, and having fun, McGinnis said.

Official practice sessions started on March 25. Players have engaged in light workouts, gone on walks, conducted some weight room sessions, and hit some foam golf balls.

McGinnis said younger players may

apply what they learned last season to this year’s efforts. Desired improvements center on more solid short-game play, he said.

Hailey Trewhella, Gracie Kosters, and Emily Fox graduated from last season’s team.

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf team is preparing for the start of its season. Members include: back row left, Madi Rystrom, Raygan Mattson, Hannah Campbell, Ashley Lary; front row left, Alayna Bauernfeind, Rebecca Groeger, and Charlee Gardner.

Emma Hess is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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Madi Rystrom and Emma Hess are two returning golfers for the LeadDeadwood High School girls’ golf team. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche golf team small but experienced

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s varsity girls’ golf team knows what it will face as it works to defend its state A team championship from last season.

“We have a big target on our backs,” Broncs’ head coach Don Hazledine said.

“We are the defending state champs, so everybody — and I mean everybody — will be up for us.”

To that end, Hazledine is telling the Broncs to play their game. He said that includes staying mentally focused, keeping physically relaxed, maintaining tempo on the golf swing, and making wise decisions.

Payson Birkeland, Avery Middleton, Caitlin Ringling, and Juliann Lange return from that squad. Birkeland claimed the individual championship.

Ringling, Middleton, and Birkeland are seniors. Lange represents the junior class.

“What I liked about them was their heart,” Hazledine said. He added team members loved to compete and were very receptive to his teachings.

Five other players are on the roster as well. They are senior Rylee Young and seventh-graders Reese Larson, Rose Sprigler, Sloan Young, and Chloe Schmoker.

Belle Fourche’s 2019 season is set to open April 8 at the Rapid City Stevens triangular.

Hazledine begins his first season as head coach. He assisted Clark Gusso last season.

Hazledine had retired from 35 years of pharmacy work and also served as a tennis professional. Both involved teaching and coaching people; he missed doing that when coming to Belle Fourche.

Golf was not in Hazledine’s original background, but a brother was a PGA professional. Don picked up the game and loved playing.

Hazledine offered his services to Gusso as a volunteer assistant. He received the head coaching position following Gusso’s retirement.

How does Hazledine define his coaching philosophy? “Kids come first,” he said, adding that includes personal development and academics.

“You try to present things in a way that makes it interesting and fun for them, and still allow them to learn quite a bit,” Hazledine said.

Returning experience naturally serves as a strong suit for this season.

Belle Fourche displays some of the hardware it earned during the 2018 girls’ golf season. The Broncs opened the 2019 campaign April 8 at the Rapid City Triangular. Team members are: from left, Reese Larson, Juliann Lange, Rylee Young, Avery Middleton, Payson Birkeland, Caitlin Ringling, Rose Sprigler, Sloan Young, and Chloe Schmoker. Head coach Don Hazledine is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross Hazledine said he asks for a 10 percent improvement this year.

“That doesn’t seem like much, but consider competitions are lost when performance dips or decreases 2 or 3 percent,” he said.

Hazledine said the Broncs must be better from 100 yards in this season. He estimated 75 to 80 percent of golf shots are incurred from that range.

Belle Fourche’s schedule will be more difficult than last season’s because of that state title.

The Broncs will host three events this season. They are the pre-Black Hills Conference tournament on April 18, a dual against Sturgis on May 6, and the conference tournament on May 9.

Hazledine puts Belle Fourche at the top of the conference race, with St. Thomas More and Hot Springs following.

The Region 4A tournament is in Custer on May 23. Aberdeen will host the state A tournament on June 3 and 4.

Hazledine refuses to buy into the press and hype surrounding the team.

“We’re going to work as hard or harder than we worked last year,” Hazledine said. “We’re going to be as focused as we were last year. We’re not taking anybody for granted.”

Broncs’ success centers on continuous, quality improvement across four areas, Hazledine said. Those are the mental, physical, technical, and tactical spectrums.

Official practice sessions began Feb. 25. Broncs’ players have participated in seminars on mental techniques and visualization, along with breathing technique.

Hazledine said the Broncs are ahead of the game for this year. He added re-

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turning players are aware of what he is teaching, and practice sessions have helped younger players move toward mastering ball striking.

Jade Burr graduated from last season’s team.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2019

BHSU women’s golfers to begin spring schedule

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University will compete in three events to complete the spring portion of its women’s golf season.

That Lady Jackets golf team opened its season on April 8, finishing third at the Dickinson State Spring Invite, which was held in Rapid City.

Adrianna Weeldreyer finished third in the individual standings, carding 32-over 174. Taryn Mayer was sixth, shooting 38-over 180. Hayley Franke finished tied for eighth at 40-over 182. Gracie Johnson was 15th with a score of 55-over 197, and Katie Welniak was 69-over with a score of 211 to finish 18th.

Chandler, Ariz., will host the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference

Championships set for April 21-23.

Black Hills State’s roster features junior Hayley Franke, sophomores Taryn Mayer and Adrianna Weeldreyer, and freshmen Gracie Johnson and Katherine Welniak.

Kelly Welker is in her first full season as Yellow Jackets’ head coach.

“I think the strength is our team chemistry,” Welker said in describing the squad. She added practices have been very positive and featured a lot of energy.

“Our program is starting to get to the point where we’re all on the same page, and we all want the same things,” Welker said. Those things include continuing to improve the program.

Focus over 18 holes is the biggest thing for players to work on, according to Welker. She added focus is fine for nine holes, but it wanes as fatigue sets in.

Because of that, Welker said, conditioning has been worked into spring practice sessions.

Black Hills State entered four events during the season’s fall portion. That included second place at the Hardrocker Invitational in Rapid City.

That portion of the season was more difficult because the team faced more Colorado schools, Welker said.

Welker said the fall campaign was a type of adjustment period. She added the players were getting accustomed to her, and she was learning about each team member.

Welker said the Colorado schools are favored in the conference because they have been able to practice outdoors. She cited CSU-Pueblo and Colorado Christian also because of their strong fall seasons.

“If we just limit our mistakes and accept a bogey isn’t a bad score, I think we’re going to be very competitive,” Welker said.

Success for the Yellow Jackets goes beyond the scores for Welker. She cited the players competing well, helping the program improve, doing well in the classroom, helping the community, and growing as individuals.

Recent practice sessions have essentially been limited to chipping and putting indoors.

“We’ve got to work harder than we have in the past if we want to achieve the things we want to achieve on the course,” Welker said.

Desired improvements from the fall season to now center on that focus level and doing the little things correctly, she added.

Pictured from left are: Hayley Franke, Taryn Mayer, Gracie Johnson, and head coach Kelly Welker. Adrianna Weeldreyer and Katherine Welniak are not pictured.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Pictured are clockwise, from top left: Gracie Johnson, Taryn Mayer, Hayley Franke, and Adrianna Weeldreyer, members of the 2019 BHSU spring golf team. Pioneer photos

by Jason Gross

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis Brown girls’ golfers prepare for 2019 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Brown High School girls’ golf team is looking forward to the season, as this is the first time in years there were enough golfers to compete as a team.

The Scoopers have six golfers out for the season and have been practicing inside due to the weather.

“The Sturgis lady golfers started practice this past Monday and was actually able to practice outside for a few days,” said Steve Keszler, Sturgis’ head coach.

Returning to the team with previous experience is senior LeAnn DeRouchey, and juniors Kennedy Bush and Ainsley

Sabers. Newcomers to the Scooper team include freshmen Makenna Rock and Lilly Forbes, along with eighth-grader Abbie Culver.

“We are excited for the opportunity to field a full team, and we hope to see improvement throughout the year during practice and meets,” Keszler said.

The team has been able to practice inside because of the recent purchase of a golf net system that Keszler said just came and he set up on Monday.

“I am really excited for the season. We have enough people to make a team this year, which is the first time since my eighth-grade season,” said Sabers.

“Last year at state, I was just outside the top 25, and so my goal this year is to be in the top 20,” Sabers added.

DeRouchey, the only senior on the team, has golfed in seventh and eighth grade, and then as a junior last year.

“My goal for the season is to have fun, improve from last year and years before,” said DeRouchey.

“I plan to encourage our new team members and help them in any way I can and help them have fun,” DeRouchey added.

The Black Hills Conference tournament is scheduled for May 9 at Belle Fourche and the state AA tournament will be held June 3 and 4, in Watertown.

Members of the 2019 Strugis Brown High School girls golf team include, from left: Kennedy Bush, LeAnn DeRouchey, Ainsley Sabers, Lilly Forbes, and Abbie Culver. Makenna Rock is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Irrigator golfers aim to build on successful past

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — Newell’s girls’ and boys’ golf teams enjoyed a successful 2018 campaign and look to build on that foundation this season.

The Irrigators finished seventh in the girls’ team race at last season’s state Class B tournament, and the boys’ placed 15th.

The Irrigators did not lose any seniors to graduation from last season.

Boys’ team members for this season include juniors John Jackson, Huttson Weeldreyer, and Hunter Wetz; and ninth-grader Chase VanDerBoom. All four qualified for state last season and were part of the Region 6B championship team.

Junior Kai Banks, junior Caleb Mutchler, and seventh-grader Charlie Clements round out the boys’ team as of press time.

Junior Abbie Nelson, sophomore Kassidy Weeldreyer, eighth-grader Kelsi Clements,

and eighth-grader Katie McTaggart qualified for the girls’ state tournament last season and are returning. Nelson earned 17th place in the individual standings.

The girls’ team for this season also includes eighth-grader Brynn Grubl and seventh-grader Megan Jackson.

Mike Phelps is beginning his seventh season as Irrigators’ head coach.

“They play fairly consistently, so we look to improve on what we did last year,” Phelps said when asked about the teams’ strong suits. He added the boys’ squad finished strongly last season.

Phelps said players will need time on their short game. He added it is difficult to get on good-conditioned greens this time of year (late March) to work on how putts feel.

Newell’s schedule will be fairly difficult this season, according to Phelps. He said the team has entered the Class B Classic in Mitchell, which should feature some of the state’s best teams. That opened the season

on April 5.

Newell will also play a tournament in Wyoming: the Devils Tournament on April 30.

“We get to see all of our region teams numerous times throughout the year,” Phelps said. “So, it’s a fairly tough schedule.”

Newell will host the Little Moreau Conference Tournament on April 26, along with a dual against Sundance on May 7.

Rapid City’s Hart Ranch will host the Region 6B Tournament on May 20. The state Class B tournament is June 3-4 in Mitchell.

Phelps said the Newell boys could have a decent chance in the Little Moreau Conference race, and things will be up in the air. He added the girls’ race is unknown for this season.

“I think we compete very well with them,” Phelps said in describing how Newell stacks up with its Little Moreau Conference opponents. “I’m hoping we can

compete for a conference championship on both sides.”

Newell’s teams have lofty goals for this season. Phelps said they include qualifying both teams for the state B tournament and having a couple of top-25 placers.

Official practice sessions began March 25. Players began working on their short game inside the gym. Future plans include getting onto the driving range to get the feel of swinging some clubs.

Last season’s success will help the Irrigators prepare for this campaign.

“It definitely leads into building blocks for what we want to do this year,” Phelps said. “I think it gives them a little extra fire, knowing where they finished last year.”

Desired improvements center on overall consistency, Phelps said.

“Golf’s one of those games where you have ups and downs,” he said. “It’s just being able to forget about a bad hole or bad shot, and moving on from that.”

Members of the Newell girls’ and boys’ golf teams include: back row left, Chase VanDerBoom, Caleb Mutchler, John Jackson, Kai Banks, Hunter Wetz, Huttson Weeldreyer; front row left, Abbie Nelson, Charlie Clements, Kelsi Clements, Katie McTaggart, Megan Jackson, and Kassidy Weeldreyer. Brynn Grubl and head coach Mike Phelps are not pictured. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish boys’ tennis team hits the courts

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School boys’ tennis team has begun its 2019 season.

Doug Dexheimer, the Spartans’ head coach, said 2018 was a learning year for the players.

“Last season with boys I saw some improvement. We didn’t lose too many players from last season, so we are back with a good crew,” said Dexheimer. “We are definitely seeing this year some good significant change this year on how they handle themselves on the court, so I think we made some good progress from last year to this year.”

Dexheimer said he was happy where the

numbers are for the team this season.

“We’ve got 21 guys right now. We’ve got some middle schoolers that are looking good, so our numbers are very good,” Dexheimer said.

Practice officially began March 11, and Dexheimer said the team made the most of the days they were able to go practice outside.

“When the weather was good, it was just getting back to the getting into the groove to make sure their positioning is good, footwork is picking up so that they get in position for the ball, and then smoothing out the strokes a little bit,” said Dexheimer. “We got in a little doubles play for our matches, so that’s helped out when we finally got to play matches.”

Spearfish opened its 2019 season March

28 and 29 at the West River Invite in Rapid City, losing to Aberdeen Central and Rapid City Stevens by the same score of 9-0, and they lost to Rapid City Christian 6-3.

Dexheimer said he was proud of his team’s effort, and one thing stuck out in his mind after the West River Invite.

“That there was improvement over the whole two days. We started off against Rapid City Stevens, who was petty tough, and our guys played pretty well. We got used to a little bit of a harder ball coming at them,” said Dexheimer.

“Aberdeen Central was pretty good, and I thought we played against them fairly well.

Then they did really well against Rapid City Central. Some good matches on our guys’ part there. The one I was pleased the most was our match against Rapid City

Christian. We had some good wins, a lot of really close matches, and I know that some of those players have been taking lessons year-round indoors, so I was happy to see our guys being competitive against those players.”

Going forward, Dexheimer wants his team to keep its focus and adapt to playing against different styles and different players.

“I want them to stay positive and focused a little bit more on what’s happening on the court, and being able to plan some strategies,” said Dexheimer. “For some of the guys it’ still not clear what to do when they are out there, and I want to give them some plans when they get out there so they know where to hit the ball against each type of opponent.”

Members of the 2019 Spearfish High School boys’ tennis team are, front row from left: Kooper Dana, Andrew Krum, Will Becker, and Josh Tucker. Middle row, from left: Bridger Janvrin, Ethan Johnson, Robert Erskin, Kjellen Bogard, and Sean Wenzel. Third row, from left: Ty Sieber, Logan Larsen, Braden Yackley, Tayan Patterson, and Will Sayler.

Back row, from left: assistant coach Joe Doerges, Tyler Huber, Jay Sayler, Jensen Damberg, Rudy Isburg, Tim Doerges, Brock Bacon, and head coach Doug Dexheimer.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish tennis team in action

Pictured clockwise from above, Tim Doerges, Ty Sieber, and Jay Sayler are show in action during matches in the 2018 seaso. All three players return to the Spartan tennis team for the 2019 season. Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU softball team aiming for RMAC tournament

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Qualifying for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tournament serves as a main focus for the Black Hills State University women’s softball team this season.

The Yellow Jackets were 6-11 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), 9-16 overall, heading into the April portion of the schedule.

Black Hills State is currently eighth in the conference standings. A top-eight finish means a berth in the conference’s postseason tournament.

The Yellow Jackets finished 9-23 in the conference, 9-31 overall, in 2018. That represents the program’s highest victory total as an RMAC member.

Almost all of the starting players from that team are back for this season.

Fifth-year head coach Lane Leedy cited seniors Katelyn Odle (second base), Morgan Smith (outfielder), and Alex Wiley

(pitcher); juniors Samantha Schoen (shortstop), Kindall Bethke (third baseman), and Maddie London (catcher); and sophomore Maddi Fidler (first base).

Other players on the roster include senior Samantha Gill (catcher); juniors Makenzi Strong (outfielder) and Dominique DiManna (first base); sophomores Brittany Henricksen (outfielder), Breanne Henricksen (pitcher), Bryce Henricksen (utility player), Crystal Koch (catcher), Darian Gottfried (pitcher-outfielder), McKayla Perry (utility player); and freshmen Crystal Amaral (pitcher), Lizzy Johnson (outfielder), Hailey Franklin (utility player), Caitlyn Graves (outfielder), and Seanna Simpson (third base).

Returning experience is a strength of the Yellow Jackets this season. The team’s batting average of .292 is 32 points higher than that of last season, and Leedy said the team has enjoyed a lot more production on offense.

April doubleheaders started April 6 at Metro State and April 7 at Dixie State.

Black Hills State’s home opener was scheduled for an April 13 doubleheader against UC-Colorado Springs.

Other slated home doubleheaders are April 14 against UC-Colorado Springs, and April 19-20 against Colorado Christian.

Leedy said communication and confidence are things for the team to work on.

She added errors tend to occur when the games are tight.

“We have a very strong conference,” Leedy said in describing the team’s schedule. She cited the travel and opponents make things tough, with not a lot of difference up and down the board.

Colorado Mesa is leading the RMAC standings, followed by Colorado Christian and Colorado School of Mines. Leedy said no one in the conference is dominating everyone else.

“We know if we put in our best game, we can beat anybody in this conference,” Leedy said. She added that is a good feeling heading into the season’s latter half, and the squad is working towards consistency.

Leedy defines success partly as the squad being better than in 2018, which she said has happened on offense and defense.

Returning players from last season have worked to guide and lead younger teammates, Leedy said. She added players are trying to control what they can.

Claire Fergusson graduated from last season’s squad.

Morgan Smith, Kindall Bethke, Alex Wiley, Brittany Henricksen, Branne Henricksen, Bryce Henricksen, Crystal Amaral, Lizzy Johnson, Crystal Kock, Hailey Franklin, Darian Gottfried, Caitlyn Graves, Dominique Dimanna, McKayla perry, Seanna Simpson, Katelyn Odle, Maddie London, Samantha Schoen, Maddi Fidler, Makenzi Strong, Samantha Gill, assistant coach Kylie Gross, and head coach Lane Leedy. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Spring 2019

Page 25

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured from top left: Katelyn Odle prepares to swing at a pitch. Madi Fidler runs the bases.

Bryce Hendricksen runs out a ground ball to first base. Alex Wiley fires a pitch to homeplate.

Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department and Pioneer file photos

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Seniors’ time to shine for Digger baseball team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — A senior-dominated lineup will bring Lead-Deadwood into a high school baseball season set to begin April 4 in Sturgis.

This season’s roster features 18 players. Nine are seniors, two juniors, five sophomores, and two ninth-graders.

Head coach Bob Nelson listed seniors Carter Nelson and Wyatt VandeVelde; and sophomores Cody Rakow, Dawson Janke, and Domenic Lucero as key returnees. Coach Nelson is beginning his seventh season here.

Other players are seniors Chayton Bower, Luke Fish, Dylan Janke, Zak Mau, CJ Murray, Maxx Percy, and Carson Pinske; juniors Max Johnson and Pablo Munoz-Fraga; sophomores TK Rainey, Tyler Rohn, and Jack Hallock; and ninth-grader Rocke Rainey.

The first seven games on LeadDeadwood’s preliminary schedule are on the road; a season-opening double-

header set for March 30 was postponed.

Six straight home contests — starting with an April 25 matchup against Hot Springs — end the regular season. Home games are played at Deadwood’s Keene Park.

Coach Nelson said this year’s team will be different from those of past campaigns. He added some players he has not coached for several years chose to join this year’s team.

“They may have been away from the game for a while, but they’re athletes,” coach Nelson said. “It doesn’t make me nervous that we can’t perform.”

He said it is absolutely vital for players to love the game, and they must care for one another.

Players will need to work on situational baseball as practices and games proceed, according to coach Nelson. He said that includes understanding the sport’s finer points.

Lead-Deadwood competes in West Region 4B with Hot Springs, Pine Ridge,

St. Thomas More, and Todd County. East Region 4B consists of Winner-Colome, Platte-Geddes, Gregory-Burke, and Chamberlain.

Coach Nelson said the schedule is a bit down from past seasons based on the number of games. He added the competitive levels are still high.

“Every program seems to be evolving into a better team, better talent on the field,” coach Nelson said.

Coach Nelson said he wants the Golddiggers to be the West Region favorite. He added that depends on playing cleanly and hitting at key times.

What will make this season a success for Lead-Deadwood?

“I want the kids to have fun, number 1,” said coach Nelson. “A state tournament is always our goal, staying on top in our region, and playing clean baseball.”

Practices began in mid-February, with most sessions spent in the batting cage.

About 10 percent of the time has been centered on throwing.

“Fundamentals, and we have to stay close as a group,” coach Nelson said, when asked what the team can take from last season into this one.

Nelson said desired improvements center on physical strength. He added the team seemingly lacked some power in the past.

He said the team has changed, and he credits the other athletic programs.

“They’ve had these kids in the weight room getting bigger, stronger and faster,” he said.

The Golddiggers forged a 7-7 record during the 2018 season.

Their campaign ended with a 10-0 loss to Winner-Colome in the 4B Super Regional tournament.

Coach Nelson said young players showed growth and development throughout the campaign, but the end was disappointing.

Chris Lipp, Zach Murray, Jack Egemo, Anthony Corkins, and Thad Kulp graduated from last season’s squad.

Members of the 2019 Lead-Deadwood High School baseball team include, back row left: Carter Nelson, Rocke Rainey, CJ Murray, Zak Mau, Luke Fish, and TK Rainey; front row left: Maxx Percy, Tyler Rohn, Dawson Janke, Dylan Janke, and Jack Hallock. Carson Pinske, Domenic Lucero, Max Johnson, Cody Rakow, Wyatt VandeVelde, Chayton Bower, Pablo Munoz-Fraga, and head coach Bob Nelson are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Spring 2019

Page 27

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis baseball returns veteran team

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scooper baseball team looks forward to the 2019 season with seven seniors and eight pitchers. They are cautiously optimistic.

“Overall this season looks promising, and I’m cautiously optimistic about the 2019 season,” said Wade Huntington, Sturgis’ head coach. “The players have improved greatly the past couple seasons. This year I have seven seniors out including two outstanding athletes who have not previously played high school, ball but I expect them to make us better,” Huntington said the team has been practicing indoors since early February and making progress each day.

“If we can consistently play to our potential, we will be tough and our 2019 season is aggressive with us playing several East River schools. Winning games and collecting power points is important, and hosting super regionals is a goal,” Huntington said.

The weather of late has made everything tough for baseball and as of April 1, there is still snow at Strong Field in the outfield.

The team has been in the gym and working on most skills and have an indoor cage, but it is not the same, and the

boys get restless in a hurry. All things considered, the team has worked on skills and are getting the needed repetitions to improve.

Seniors on this year‘s team include: Ryan Garland, Cedrick Stabber, Alec Keffeler, Josh West, Carl Nash, Manny Gallosa, and Daniel Walter.

“We hope to be strong in all facets of the game, but I expect our pitching to always be strong, and our hitting will improve as the boys get quality at-bats and begin to gain confidence at the plate,” Huntington added.

The team goal is to compete for a championship, so the coach commented the defense needs to improve greatly.

“Defense has always been our weakness, so improving this area is paramount to consistently winning,” he added.

Seniors that will be missed this season from last year include: Brian Duran, Nick Anderson, Devin Odle, Jaren Puhlman, and Covey Ulmer.

The 2018 season for the Scoopers was a bit tough.

The weather caused much grief so they missed games, and in the end they had to rush games in to meet the postseason requirements. The team lost some important games late in the season costing them valuable power points.

“In our super regional game the boys played outstanding and we dropped a 2-0 game to Pierre,” said Huntington.

“It was a scoreless game until the sixth when Pierre got a couple runs and we couldn’t answer in the seventh. Tough loss, but it was to a good team, and I was proud of the boys,” said Huntington.

Pierre went on to lose to Brandon Valley in the AA championship game.

The Scoopers have 26 players out for high school baseball: seven seniors, seven juniors, four sophomores, four freshmen, three eighth-graders, and one seventh-grader.

New to the program this year are Garland and Stabber. Gallosa and Gabe Legner are back after taking last year off. Also new to the program are Thor Sundstrom, Connor Cruickshank, Kain Peters, Owen Cass, and Beau Peters.

Athletes to watch to this season include the entire varsity squad.

“To compete for a championship we will need everyone to contribute, and it will be exciting to see how quick Garland, Stabber, and Gallosa shake the rust off their baseball skills,” Huntington said.

Having excellent athletes is a bonus.

The Scoopers’ pitching will be a strength of Tristan Walter, Nash, Gage Murphey, David Anderson, West, Ridge Inhofer,

Cruickshank, and John Fischer. The team has several outstanding underclassman who play good baseball and will be pushing upperclassman to play well or risk losing a varsity spot.

Last season’s highlights included a big win over Pierre and simply seeing the team improve over the season.

“Playing an excellent game against Pierre in the super regional round helped the program recognize our improvements and the confidence to compete with anyone,” Huntington said.

New assistant coaches this year include Jared Pearson and Dominic Bradford. Chris Olson returns.

Huntington has coached or managed baseball the past 27 years in some capacity and six years in Sturgis.

The 2019 Sturgis Scooper varsity baseball team members, back from left: Ryan Garland, Daniel Walter, Dylan Gillespie, Josh West, Tristan Walter, David Anderson and Carl Nash. Front from left: Cedrick Stabber, Colton Cruickshank, Manny Gallosa, Alec Keffeler, Gage Murphy and Ridge Inhofer.

Pioneer photo

by Tim Potts

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Page 28

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spring 2019

Sasquatch has new coach, plus new and returning players Pioneer Staff Reports

— May 24: opening day against Hub City SPEARFISH — Expedition — July 3: against defending League baseball returns to champion Western Nebraska Black Hills Energy Stadium — July 4: against Western this summer, when the Nebraska Spearfish Sasquatch will host — Aug 1: Fan Appreciation 32 games during a season Night against Wheat City. This spanning from May through is Spearfish’s final home game of August. the regular season.All four games All teams have 64 games will begin at 7:05 p.m. scheduled.

Bybee recalled the sense of The Expedition League is Adam Core community that was displayed a collegiate wood-bat circuit Spearfish Sasquatch last year. featuring 10 teams in the head baseball coach “I honestly just enjoyed seeing Great Plains Region. Players smiles on people’s faces, and behave the opportunity to optiing able to see them enjoying themselves,” mize their development and potential to he said. play professionally.

The Sasquatch will have a new coach “That first year was successful in when it begin Expedition League play. the eyes of myself, the president (Steve Adam Core will be the new Sasquatch Wagner), and the other owners withhead baseball coach. in the league,” Sasquatch co-owner He replaces Ryan Wright who guided Kevin Bybee said. “As a league, all Spearfish to a 24-38 record in the 2018 deeight teams pulled in about 160,000 but season. fans.”

“I’m very excited for the opportunity Most fans attending Sasquatch games Kevin (Bybee) and Eric (Schmidt) have came from the Spearfish area. Bybee said given me to manage this ball club and to fans also arrived from areas like Belle be a part of the Spearfish community. I’m Fourche; Lead; Deadwood; Sundance, looking forward to getting started this Wyo.; and Rapid City. summer and creating a great experience Bybee said last season was a learning period, and he expressed hope the commu- for our players and fans. Our goal is to bring an EL championship to Spearfish nity impact was good. this year,” Core said.

“We were bringing something to town Core brings a range of experience and that had never been in town as far as a baseball knowledge to the Sasquatch entertainment is concerned,” Bybee program. said.

Core is currently serving as the volunGames featured different themes and teer assistant coach at Southern Illinois on-field activities, with the aim of attractUniversity in Carbondale, Ill., where he ing people of all ages. coaches the catchers and assists with Bybee said the entertainment schedule the development of the hitters while also for 2019 is in the works, but one thing has serving as the camp coordinator. He most been finalized. Fireworks are scheduled recently served as a graduate assistant on four dates during the season:

Samson, The Spearfish Sasquatch mascot will again make his presence felt at Spearfish Sasquatch games this summer.

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coach at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn., and as an assistant at Harris-Stowe State University.

A Nashville, Tenn., native, Core played collegiately at Dyersburg State Community College and Harris-Stowe State University, where he was a team captain and academic all-conference selection. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harris-Stowe with a degree in Business Administration in 2017.

“We are thrilled to bring Adam on board for the 2019 season, as his name quickly rose to the top of our baseball inner circle. He certainly checks all of the boxes we are looking for in a head coach and we’re really excited to see him lead our team this summer as he brings high energy and a competitive edge to our program,” said Eric Schmidt, the Sasquatch general manager.

Joining Core’s coaching staff will be: hitting coach Seth McLemore, Pulaski, Tenn. (Central Methodist University); pitching coach JJ Schwennen, Calamus, Iowa (Mount Mercy University); and assistant coach Brooks DuBose, Nashville, Tenn. (Covenant College).

The Sasquatch and the Expedition League begin their second season on May 24.

Bybee said the team is still seeking Spearfish-area host families, who give players a place to stay during the season.

The commitment is for about two months, with players on the road about half the time.

“Without host families and their support, there’s no way that we would be able to pull this off,” Bybee said. He considers these families to be the program’s backbone.

Families hosting one player receive two free season tickets. Those hosting two players receive up to five season tickets.

Interested individuals may visit the Spearfish Sasquatch website and click on the “Host Family Program” tab. An online application must be filled out, and the organization will be in contact.

Expedition League teams follow.

Clark Division: Casper (Wyo.) Horseheads, Fremont (Neb.) Moo, Hastings (Neb.) Sodbusters, Spearfish Sasquatch, Western Nebraska (Gering) Pioneers.

Lewis Division: Badlands Big Sticks (Dickinson, N.D.), Hub City (Aberdeen) Hotshots, Pierre Trappers, Souris Valley (Minot, N.D.), Wheat City (Brandon, Manitoba) Whiskey Jacks.

The Sasquatch roster includes a mixture of old and new faces, as well as a familiar face returning to the Spearfish area.

Returning players are: Riley McSherry (RHP), Rapid City (freshman at South Dakota State University); Brandon Soucy (LHP), Rapid City (junior at Dixie State University); Hayden Hastings (C/OF), San Diego, Calif. (sophomore at Palomar College); and Drake Berman (LHP), Wauconda, Ill. (junior at Benedictine University).

New faces are: Chad Call, (SS/2B), Mission Viejo, Calif. (freshman at Cal State Northridge); Z Westley (OF), Midland, Mich. (junior at Central Methodist University); Jagun Leavitt (OF), Washington, Utah (sophomore Dixie State University); Luke Lampros (IF), St. Louis, Mo. (sophomore at Harris-

SASQUATCH Pg 31

Spring 2019

Page 29

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU rodeo ready for spring season Pioneer Staff Reports

tying average (16.9 total seconds on two go-rounds).

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State Courtney Peters placed fifth in breakUniversity rodeo team is geared up for the away roping average for the women’s spring season. team (7.5 total seconds on two go-rounds), The Yellow Jackets’ rodeo teams endwith Taylor Hanson sixth in average (8.9 ed a successful fall rodeo season at the on two). Savana Johnston Sisseton Wahpeton College placed third in the long goRodeo, on Nov. 2. round for this event in 3.0 I thought we had a solid seconds. start on both sides, the Cedar Jandreau and men’s and women’s. I Lockhart tied for second feel like we are in a good place in the goat tying long position coming into the go-round. Both turned in spring and that is what times of 8.5 seconds. we wanted, was to create Jordan Staton and Reed coming into the fall and Marmon paired for the give yourself a chance with team roping title. The duo’s both teams to get in the top total time was 17.7 seconds two (in region) by the end on two go-rounds. Dalton of the year.

Glenn Lammers Magilke and Opal Harkins Carlee Johnston earned placed third in team roping BHSU rodeo coach the women’s all-around average (37.7 on two). title.

Colton Backhaus claimed third place The women’s team collected 540 points in tie down roping average (23.1 total secfor first place, and the men’s team finonds on two go-rounds). Staton finished ished third. fifth at 30.1 on two.

Johnston won the barrel racing averThe BHSU women’s rodeo team finage title by finishing two go-rounds in a ished first, and the men finished third at total time of 36.82 seconds. She also placed Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo, Sept. 7, in fourth in goat tying average (17.7 total secRiver Falls, Wisc. onds on two go-rounds).

Lockhart earned the Reserve AllAlyssa Lockhart earned the breakAround title, while the men’s team away roping average title, completing finished in third place at the Mid Plains two go-rounds in a total time of 6.3 Community College Rodeo, Sept. 18, in seconds.

North Platte, Neb. Teammate KeAnna Ward won goat

On Sept. 30, the BHSU women’s team came home with a team record of 1,000 points, which earned them first place at the Triton Stampede in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

The men’s team came in fourth with 255 points. Lockhart won the Women’s All Around with 400 points.

On Oct. 14, the BHSU men’s team took fifth with 290 points, while the women were third with 165 points, at the North Dakota State University rodeo. Carson Johnston won the men’s all-around, while Yellow Jackets were the top three in the women’s all-around, led by Sarah Scott with the title. In tie down roping, Carson Johnston took first with 24.7 seconds on two go-rounds, while Chandler Comfort was fifth with 31.7 on two.

On Oct. 21, the BHSU women’s team took first, while Lockhart won the allaround.

KeAnna Ward won the goat tying event with a total of 14.3 seconds on two go-rounds, while Lockhart (second) and Savana Johnston (third) both were 14.8 on two. Tayle Brink and Carlee Johnston tied for fourth, both with 15.0 on two. Sarah Scott was sixth with 15.3 on two.

Lockhart rounded out her weekend with a victory in barrel racing, with 28.31 on two. Joeni Lueders was third with 28.75 on two, and Carlee Johnston was fourth with 28.84 on two.

The women’s team won the rodeo with 740 points, while individually, Lockhart

scored 400 points to earn the All-Around title.

The Yellow Jacket rodeo teams begin their spring season April 12-13 hosting the Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede, at the Seven Downs Arena, in Spearfish.

The women are sitting in first place in the Central Plains Region, while the men are currently sitting in third place.

The top two teams go to the College National Finals Rodeo June 9-15, in Casper, Wyo. “I told our men’s team only the top two teams go to the CNFR, so we need to bump that up a little. That’s really the goal during the regular season is to get yourself qualified and get the chance to go and vie for national titles.

Colton Backhaus and Alyssa Lockhart are two members of the Black Hills Sate university Rodeo team that will be compete this spring.

Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2019 Spring sports schedule

Spearfish girls’ golf

April 16 at Sturgis Brown Quad 3 p.m.

April 18 at Belle Fourche Invite 10 a.m.

April 23 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

April 30 hosting Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 2 at Hot Springs Invite 9 a.m.

May 7 at Sturgis Brown Invite 3 p.m.

May 9 at Belle Fourche BHC 9 a.m.

May 16 at Rapid City Invite 3 p.m.

May 20 at Sturgis Brown Invite 3 p.m.

May 21 hosting Spearfish Invite 3 p.m.

Spearfish boys’ tennis

April 23 at Pierre noon April 26 at RC Invite noon April 27 at RC Invite 8 a.m.

April 7 at St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

May 13 at Rapid City Christian 4 p.m.

Spearfish track and field

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

April 18 at Pierre Region Relays noon April 18 at Custer Invite 9 a.m.

April 23 at Belle Fourche NH Qualifier 9 a.m.

April 23 at Sioux Park Relays 1 p.m.

April 27 at Black Hills Track Classic 9 a.m.

May 3 at Howard Wood TBA May 4 at Howard Wood TBA May 7 at Rapid City Qualifier noon May 10 hosting Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

May 14 at Last Chance (Douglas) noon May 24 at State (Brandon Valley) 8 a.m.

May 25 at State (Sioux Falls) 8 a.m.

Spearfish Post 164 baseball

May 3 at Gillette 5 and 7 p.m.

May 8 hosting RC Post 22 (9 inings) 6 p.m.

May 14 at Post 320 (9 innings) 5:30/7:30 p.m.

May 22 at RC post 22 (9 innings) 6 p.m.

May 31 hosting Renner 5 and 7 p.m.

June 1 hosting Scottsbluff 1 and 3 p.m.

June 7-9 hosting Tellinghuisen Tourney TBD June 14-16 at Rapid City Black Hills Classic TBD June 18 hosting Bozeman, Mont. (9 innings) 7 p.m.

June 20-23 at Laramie Tourney TBD June 25 at Sturgis 5:30/7:30 p.m.

June 27 hosting Alliance, Neb. 5:30/7:30 p.m.

June 29 at Winner 1/3 p.m.

July 2 hosting Miles City 5:30/7:30 p.m.

July 8 at Alliance, Neb. 5 and 7 p.m.

July 10 at Torrington 5 and 7 p.m.

July 14 at Scottsbluff 1 and 3 p.m.

July 16 hosting Sturgis 5:30/7:30 p.m.

Spearfish Sasquatch baseball

May 24 hosting Hub City Hotshots 7:05 p.m.

May 25 hosting Hub City Hotshots 6:35 p.m.

May 28 hosting Pierre Trappers 6:35 p.m.

May 29 hosting Pierre Trappers 6:35 p.m.

May 30 hosting Pierre Trappers 6:35 p.m.

May 31 at Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

June 1 at Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

June 2 at Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 3:35 p.m.

June 3 at Hub City Hotshots 6:35 p.m.

June 4 at Hub City Hotshots 6:35 p.m.

June 5 hosting Western Nebraska Pioneers 6:35 p.m.

June 6 hosting Western Nebraska Pioneers 6:35 p.m.

June 7 at Hastings Sodbusters 5:35 p.m.

June 8 at Hastings Sodbusters 5:35 p.m.

June 9 at Hastings Sodbusters 1 p.m.

June 10 at Hastings Sodbusters 5:35 p.m.

June 11 hosting Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

June 12 hosting Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

June 13 hosting Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

June 14 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 6:35 p.m.

June 15 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 6:35 p.m.

June 16 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 3:35 p.m.

June 17 at Casper Horseheads 6:35 p.m.

June 18 at Casper Horseheads 6:35 p.m.

June 19 at Pierre Trapppers 6:05 p.m.

June 20 at Pierre Trappers 6:05 p.m.

June 21 hosting Badlands Big Sticks 6:35 p.m.

June 22 hosting Badlands Big Sticks 6:35 p.m.

June 23 hosting Badlands Big Sticks 3:35 p.m.

June 24 at Pierre Trapppers 6:05 p.m.

June 25 at Pierre Trapppers 6:05 p.m.

June 27 at Pierre Trapppers 6:05 p.m.

June 28 hosting Casper Horseheads 6:35 p.m.

June 29 hosting Casper Horseheads 6:35 p.m.

June 30 hosting Casper Horseheads 3:35 p.m.

July 1 at Western Nebraska Pioneers 6:35 p.m.

July 2 at Western Nebraska Pioneers 6:35 p.m.

July 3 hosting Western Nebraska Pioneers 7:05 p.m.

July 4 hosting Western Nebraska Pioneers 7:05 p.m.

July 5 hosting Hub City Hotshots 5:35 p.m.

July 6 hosting Hub City Hotshots 5:35 p.m.

July 7 hosting Hub City Hotshots 3:35 p.m.

July 8 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 6:35 p.m.

July 9 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 6:35 p.m.

July 10 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 6:35 p.m.

July 11 hosting Casper Horseheads 6:35 p.m.

July 12 hosting Casper Horseheads 6:35 p.m.

July 13 hosting Casper Horseheads 3:35 p.m.

July 15-17 All-Star break (Minot, N.D.) July 18 at Hub City Hotshots 5:35 p.m.

July 19 at Hub City Hotshots 5:35 p.m.

July 20 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 6:35 p.m.

July 21 hosting Hastings Sodbusters 3:35 p.m.

July 23 at Badlands Big Sticks 6:35 p.m.

July 24 at Badlands Big Sticks 6:35 p.m.

July 25 at Pierre Trappers 6:05 p.m.

July 26 at Pierre Trappers 6:05 p.m.

July 27 at Pierre Trappers 6:05 p.m.

July 28 at Pierre Trappers 3:05 p.m.

July 30 hosting Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

July 31 hosting Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

Aug. 1 hosting Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 7:05 p.m.

Aug. 2 at Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

Aug. 3 at Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 6:35 p.m.

Ag. 4 at Wheat City Whiskey Jacks 3:35 p.m.

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Lead-Deadwood track and field April 13 at Center of the Nation 9 a.m.

April 18 at Custer Invite 9 a.m.

April 23 at Belle Fourche NH Qualifier 9 a.m.

April 27 at Black Hills Track Classic 9 a.m.

May 3 at Howard Wood TBA May 4 at Howard Wood TBA May 4 at Mountain West Track Meet 9 a.m.

May 7 at Rapid City Qualifier noon May 10 at Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

May 16 at Regions (RC Christian) 9 a.m.

Lead-Deadwood girls’ golf

April 18 at Belle Fourche Pre-Region 4A 10 a.m.

April 23 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

April 30 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 2 at Hot Springs Invite 10 a.m.

May 7 at Sturgis Invite 3 p.m.

May 9 at Belle Fourche BHC 0 a.m.

May 13 at RC Central 4 p.m.

May 14 at Custer Invite 10 a.m.

May 23 at Custer Region 4A 10 a.m.

May 28 at Douglas Invite 3 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood baseball

April 14 at Chamberlain/Kimball/Lyman 2 p.m.

April 15 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

April 22 at Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian 2 p.m.

April 25 hosting Hot Springs 2 p.m.

May 5 hosting Winner/Colome 1 p.m.

May 9 St. Thomas More Cavaliers 6 p.m.

May 10 hosting Todd County 6 p.m.

May 12 vs. Gregory (Rapid City) 6 p.m.

Belle Fourche girls’ golf

April 18 hosting Pre-Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

April 23 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

April 30 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 2 at Hot Springs Invite 9 a.m.

May 6 hosting Sturgis Brown 2:30 p.m.

May 9 hosting Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

May 14 at Custer Pre-Region 4A 10 a.m.

May 23 at Custer Region 4A 10 a.m.

May 28 at Douglas Dual 3 p.m.

June 3-4 at State A (Aberdeen) TBA

Belle Fourche track and field

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

April 18 at Custer Invite 9 a.m.

April 23 hosting Northern Hills Invite 11 a.m.

April 27 at Sturgis Black Hills Classic Invite 9 a.m.

May 3 at Howard Wood Relays 9:30 a.m.

May 4 at Howard Wood Relays 8 a.m.

May 4 at Lead Mountain West Invite 9 a.m.

May 7 at Rapid City Qualifier noon

from Pg 10

SCOOPER TRACK “As a team, we will need to stay positive and deliberate in our training and just know that we need to be prepared as the sun will be coming,” Proefrock said.

Proefrock talked about the team goals for this season.

“As a team, our goal is always to place in the top eight at state and contend for the Black Hills Conference titles,” said Proefrock. “We have been pretty successful the last few years and would like to continue the strong tradition that Sturgis has on the track.”

The Scoopers also hope to be strong in

SCHEDULE Pg 32

many of the field events, boys’ distance, and many relays, as they are returning three state placing relays.

Proefrock said there a few athletes to watch this spring.

“Gavin West in 110 and 300 hurdles, and pole vault, Alec Keffeler in triple jump and long jump, Makayla Keffeler in triple jump and long jump, Loralee Stock in triple jump, Ethan Brenneman in the 800-meter run, Sydney Shaw in the 300-meter hurdles, Olivia Jolley in high jump, and Cassidy Jorensen at pole vault,” Proefrock said.

Seniors that graduated and will be missed from last year include: Taylor Eby, Noah Wamsher, Cameron Brinkman, Austin Permann, Tom Shaw, Reegin Kehn, Carlee Steeves, Ashlyn Simons, and Alexa Delbridge.

Spring 2019 from Pg 4

DIGGERS Spring practices officially began on Feb. 25. Most of the workouts have been indoors.

Sprinters’ practices have centered on short, fast repetitions with a lot of technique. New drills are focusing on running technique.

“We’ve tried to put more of an emphasis on field events as much as we can,” Malde said. He added that centers on getting those athletes more prepared for early-season meets.

Distance runners have used clear outside roads along with flat areas for speed work.

Lead-Deadwood’s team does not have many seniors. Malde said he hopes the current seniors and juniors are ready to lead the squad.

from Pg 6

BRONCS er teams from Region 8A. Custer, Hill City, and St. Thomas More are part of the field.

“By the time we show up to the state meet, our hardest meets are behind us,” Abell said. “We go there,

Last year’s seniors were very competitive, according to Malde. “They showed, I would say, this entire school what our athletes are capable of doing,” Malde said.

He added he would like to see that standard and expectation to continue for this season.

Malde agreed the increased confidence is the biggest improvement he would like to see in the team this season.

“I keep telling the kids only one person can win the whole thing,” Malde said. “You’ve got to be proud of your accomplishments and what you’ve done. You’ve got to really believe that you are getting better, and you are good at this.”

The Golddiggers’ season began March 27 at the Rapid City Developmental meet. Lead-Deadwood hosts the Mountain West meet on May 4.

and we can compete with anybody.”

Abell cited St. Thomas More, Hill City, and Custer as favorites in the Black Hills Conference race.

How will the Broncs define success this season?

“We want to score points at the state meet, and get more kids qualified than we did last year,” Abell said.

from Pg 30

SCHEDULE May 10 at Spearfish Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

May 16 at Region 8A (RC Christian) 9 a.m.

from Pg 2

SPARTAN in practice He made state last year as a sophomore, so he has a couple of years left,” Nida said. “Our boys’ 4x800-meter relay (Kadin Gifford, Ryan Peldo, Cole Herrman, and Ryan Rafferty) placed at state last year and they are all back. We have some mid-distance guys and younger sprinters and stuff, so I think we are still a young squad for the most part, but we have some experience coming back to lead us.”

On the girls’ side, they also return some experience.

“Mikayla Tracy is a solid sprinter for us, a great kid. Chandi Jackson in the pole vault is going to be back, and Cora Tobin and Kennedy Kaitfors in the shot put and discus. They made state the last couple of years. It’s their senior year now and hopefully they can do some nice things there,” said Nida. “Angela Hovdenes in the distance (one mile and two mile), we are looking for some good things from her too.”

Weather hasn’t allowed the Spartans to get outside much, but that hasn’t slowed them down for preparing for the upcoming season.

“We are pretty lucky because we can go over and work at the college (Black Hills State University) in the Young Center, so we’re in pretty good shape right now for this time of year. We’ve been able to get

April 13 hosting Will Lantis Stampede TBA April 26 at UNL Cornhusker Stampede TBA April 27 at UNL Cornhusker Stampede TBA May 3 at DSU Blue Hawk Stampede TBA May 4 at DSU Blue Hawk Stampede TBA

Sturgis Brown girls’ golf

BHSU track and field

April 21 at RMAC Championships (Chandler, Ariz.)

April 22 at RMAC Championships (Chandler, Ariz.)

April 23 at RMAC Championships (Chandler, Ariz.)

April 16 hosting Sturgis Quad 3 p.m.

April 18 at Belle Fourche Pre-BHC 10 a.m.

April 23 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

April 30 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 2 at Hot Springs Invite 9 a.m.

May 6 at Belle Fourche Quad 2:30 p.m.

May 7 hosting Sturgis Invite 9 a.m.

May 9 at Belle Fourche BHC 9 a.m.

May 10 at Mitchell Invite 9 a.m.

May 14 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

May 16 at Rapid City West River Challenge 3 p.m.

May 20 hosting West River Challenge 3 p.m.

May 21 at Spearfish West River Challenge 3 p.m.

May 28 at Douglas Invite TBA May 14 at Douglas Last Chance noon

BHSU softball

Sturgis Brown track and field

BHSU rodeo

Sturgis Brown baseball

April 18 at Long Beach Invitational April 19 at Bluehawk Invite (Dickinson, N.D.) April 20 at Mt. Sac Relays April 26 at RMAC Outdoor Championships April 27 at RMAC Outdoor Championships April 28 at RMAC Outdoor Championships May 3 at Howard Wood Relays May 4 at Howard Wood Relays May 12 at Last Chance Meet

BHSU women’s golf

April April April April April April

13 14 19 20 26 27

hosting U-C Colorado Springs noon/2 p.m. hosting U-C Colorado Springs 11 a.m./1 p.m. hosting Colorado Christian noon/2 p.m. hosing Colorado Christian 11 a.m./1 p.m. at Chadron State 2 p.m. at Chadron State 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

April 12 hosting Will Lantis Stampede TBA

from Pg 28

SASQUATCH Stowe State University; Hank Forrest (OF), Eugene, Ore. (junior at Seattle University); Austin Mowrey (2B/SS), Tustin, Calif. (sophomore at Columbia University); Spencer Weston (INF), Irvine, Calif. (freshman at Irvine Valley College); Braden Stutzman (C/UTL), Twin Falls, Idaho (junior at Dixie State

Page 31

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

April 18 at Pierre Legion Relays noon April 23 Belle Fourche Northern Hills Invite 11 a.m.

April 27 hosting BH Track Classic 9 a.m.

May 3 at Howard Wood Relays 9:30 a.m.

May 4 at Howard Wood Relays 8 a.m.

May 7 at Rapid City Qualifier noon May 10 at Spearfish Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

University); Josue Rangel (SS/2B), Maracay, Venezuela (freshman at St. Petersburg College; Ben Tallman (C/ OF), Billings, Mont. (freshman at North Dakota State); Brennen Bales (1B/3B/ RHP), Nebraska City, Neb. (sophomore at Northeast CC in Nebraska); Brayden Spears (RHP), Brentwood, Calif. (freshman at Boise State); Trace Hamby (OF), Madison, Miss. (junior at Mississippi College); Sam Waterman (OF), Bend, Ore. (freshman at Yakima Valley CC);

some things done,” said Nida. “Our throwers haven’t been able to get out but a couple of days, so they’re a little bit behind and our triple jumpers haven’t had sand to jump into. On the track and in the pole vault, high jump stuff, we’re on a pretty good pace right now on our schedule with those kids.””

Nida said he wants the boys’ team to develop this spring.

“We want our boys to develop this year.

We have a couple of good upper classmen with Ferguson and those guys, but the core of our team is pretty young right now, so seeing development, getting better, basically growth from the boys team,” Nida said.

Nida said he also wants to see development with the girls’ team.

“Same thing, we have a lot of young girls that we’re looking to have step in and help us out. I want them to improve, and work hard. Right now we have a pretty good team. They are working hard and doing what they are supposed to do, and that’s the nice thing about this team right now, they seem pretty dedicated,” Nida said.

Spearfish opened its season March 27 at the Rapid City Developmental Meet, in Rapid City. The 4x800-meter relay team captured first place with a time of 8 minutes and 42.62 seconds.

Two Spearfish girls’ athletes garnered top honors. They were Mikayla Tracy (1 minute 3.21 seconds in the 400-meter dash) and Jayden Johnson (13:21.45 in the 3,200-meter run).

April 13 vs. Watertown and SF Lincoln 7 p.m.

(Chamberlain) April 16 hosting Gillette, Wyo. 5 p.m./7 p.m.

April 23 at Gillette, Wyo. 5 p.m./7 p.m.

April 27 vs. SF Washington and SF O’Gorman (Chamberlain) noon/2 p.m.

May 1 at RC Stevens 7 p.m.

May 3 at RC Central 5 p.m./7 p.m.

May 9 hosting RC Central Varsity 5 p.m.

May 11 at Brookings 4 p.m./6 p.m.

May 14 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Newell boys’ and girls’ golf

April 19 at Philip 9:30 a.m.

April 23 at Sundance Invite TBA April 26 hosting Newell/LMC 9:30 a.m.

May 3 at Lemmon 9:30 a.m.

May 7 hosting Sundance TBA May 10 at Bison Marjen Huber Memorial 9:30 a.m.

May 1 at Black Hills Golf Classic 9:30 a.m.

May 20 at Region 6B Tourney (Hart Ranch) 9:30 a.m.

Newell track and field

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

April 18 at Wall Invite 9 a.m.

April 18 at Custer Invite 9 a.m.

April 23 at Belle Fourche NH Qualifier 9 a.m.

April 27 at Lemmon Harold Severson Invite 10 a.m.

May 3 at Howard Wood Relays 9:30 a.m.

May 4 at Howard Wood Relays 8 a.m.

May 4 at Lead Mountain West Invite 9 a.m.

May 7 at Rapid City Qualifier noon May 10 at Lemmon Little Moreau Conference 10 a.m.

May 16 at Lemmon Region 8B 10 a.m.

Ben Larson (RHP), Port Orchard, Wash. (freshman at Gonzaga); Jamie Roustio (RHP), Granite City, Ill. (freshman at Harris-Stowe State University); Dillon Holliday (RHP), Moorpark, Calif. (freshman at Dixie State University); Logan Wensley (LHP), Bakersfield, Calif. (freshman at the University of Northern Colorado); Thomas Davenport (RHP), Pauls Valley, Okla. (freshman Murray State College in Oklahoma); Zachary Filos (RHP), Murietta, Calif.

(junior at Corban University); Joe Yorke (1B), Campbell, Calif. (freshman at Boise State University); and Broc Selstrom (RHP), Centralia, Wash. (freshman at Lower Columbia College).

The familiar face is Jaxon Rosencranz (OF), a native of Spearfish, and a sophomore at Northeastern Junior College). Rosencranz was a standout baseball player for Spearfish Post 164’s American Legion baseball team, and a graduate of Spearfish High School.

Page 32

Spring 2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

HOME GAME

SCHEDULE MAY-AUGUST 2019 MAY 5/24, 7:05 ... HCH * 5/29, 6:35 ... PTR 5/25, 6:35 ... HCH 5/30, 6:35 ... PTR 5/28, 6:35 ... PTR

JUNE 6/5, 6:35 ..... WNP 6/6, 6:35 ..... WNP 6/11, 6:35 ......WCW 6/12, 6:35 ......WCW 6/13, 6:35 ......WCW 6/14, 6:35 ... HAS 6/15, 6:35 ... HAS

6/16, 3:35 ... HAS 6/21, 6:35 ... BBS 6/22, 6:35 ... BBS 6/23, 3:35 ... BBS 6/28, 6:35 ... CHH 6/29, 6:35 ... CHH 6/30, 3:35 ... CHH

JULY 7/3, 7:05 ..... WNP* 7/4, 7:05 ..... WNP* 7/9, 6:35 ..... HAS 7/10, 6:35 ... HAS 7/11, 6:35 ... HAS 7/12, 6:35 ... CHH

7/13, 6:35 ... CHH 7/14, 3:35 ... CHH 7/20, 6:35 ... HAS 7/21, 3:35 ... HAS 7/30, 6:35 .....WCW 7/31, 6:35 ......WCW

AUGUST 8/01, 7:05 ..... WCW*

EXPEDITION LEAGUE Lewis Division BBS — Badlands Big Sticks HCH — Hub City Hotshots PTR — Pierre Trappers SVS — Souris Valley Sabre Dogs WCW — Wheat City Whiskey Jacks

Clark Division CHH — Casper Horseheads FRM — Fremont Moo HAS — Hastings Sodbusters SPS — Spearfish Sasquatch WNP — Western Nebraska Pioneers

*Fireworks Game For complete game schedule, visit spearfishsasquatch.com

HOST A

SPEARFISH Collegiate Wood Bat Baseball Team TICKETS

ONLY $7-$14

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW AT

SPEARFISHSASQUATCH.COM INDIVIDUAL GAMES | SEASON TICKETS GROUP PRICING | PARTY DECK

FRIDAY

FUN

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4$

Tickets Hot Dogs Drinks

only FONREE

40

To reserve the Party Deck, purchase group tickets, inquire about advertising opportunities, or for more information, contact Eric at eric@spearfishsasquatch.com or call 605-559-0214.

PROMOTIONAL NIGHTS

KIDS

SUNDAYS

FIREWORKS NIGHTS MAY 24 | JULY 3&4 | AUGUST 1

6/5 Super Hero/Princess Night | 6/23 Youth Baseball/Softball Night 6/28 Star Wars Night | 7/10 Bark in the Park 7/11 Ladies Night | 7/13 80s Night | And More!

Visit our website at spearfishsasquatch.com for our full promotional schedule.

MERCHANDISE

Will clean own drain Wooded area preferred Extra shampoo required Please, no photos Host families of Spearfish Sasquatch players provide beds, meals, and a place to call home for the season. Host families will receive 2 free season tickets to home games as well as other great benefits.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

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

350 W. HWY 14 • 605-559-0214 • SPEARFISHSASQUATCH.COM •

@SPRFSHSASQUATCH