Fall 2015 Sports Preview

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW CROSS COUNTRY : DANCE : FOOTBALL : GOLF : SOCCER : TENNIS : VOLLEYBALL

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

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2015

Lady Spartans soccer team ready for 2015 season

Members of the Spearfish High School 2015 girls soccer team are: front row, Madison Gould, Madiera Lister, Taya Lucas, Emily Nachatilo, Olivia Ellerton, and Kara Morford. Middle row, Brittney Case, Fahbia Ahmed, Madelynn Geppert, Riley Ullrich, Caitlyn Miner, and Lauren Sparrow. Third row, head coach Connor Schuck, Taylar Johnson, Kady Dufloth, Desiree Lennartsson, Amanda Dean, Sela Fitzgerald, Daesha Erskin, Saidee Short, and assistant coach Katrina Chord. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ soccer team looks to improve on its 4-8 record from last season.

Lady Spartans head coach Connor Schuck said the 2014 squad played hard every game.

“We were competitive in most of our games last season,” said Schuck. “We had a lot of players that were young and had some inexperience, but they came through during the year and played tough against some of the tough teams in the state, and we are really looking to build on that this year.”

Spearfish lost two seniors from last year’s team to graduation, so they will be fielding a veteran club this season.

“We have eight seniors on this year’s team and a bunch of sophomores, and two freshmen, and that will be our starting lineup. We will have five or six players on the bench,” Schuck said.

Fall practices began Aug. 10 and Schuck said the team is moving down to Class A this season, and is looking to compete for the state title.

The Lady Spartans opened its season on the road Tuesday at Pierre and lost by a score of 8-1.

“Our pressure on the ball was good to start the game, but then after that we got a little bit lazy,” said Schuck.

“Starting the second half we got our heads where they needed to be and we were able to pressure the ball and play some team defense, and when we did that the score really stayed the same.”

Saturday the Lady Spartans lost to Sioux Falls O’Gorman 4-1, in Spearfish.

“For what we had to deal with today, we played well,” Spearfish head coach Connor Shuck said. “We can make some adjustments, but we’ll be better this year.”

A cold wind that Shuck estimated at blowing between 30 and 40 miles per hour went in an east-west direction.

Shuck said that wind turned the contest into a one-half game.

“We did everything possible to slow them down,” Shuck said of O’Gorman. Spearfish added an extra defender to try eliminating shots on target.

Shuck said the Spartans’ defense was fairly good in the first half, and the score could have been higher.

The teams switched ends for the second half, and this meant Spearfish had the wind at its back.

Lauren Sparrow got a shot goal for the Spartans early in the second half. Goalkeeper Taylar Johnson made a pair of saves.

“We knew that we had to play defensive for the first half,” Shuck said. Spearfish had that wind in its face for those 40 minutes.

“We do well on the ball when we keep possession then we play well against teams, but when that falls apart we have a rough time.”

Depth will be a big advantage for the Lady Spartans this season.

“We have a couple of players that are injured, but will be healthy in the next week, but depth wise we will be ok,” said Schuck. “We are playing some tough teams right off the bat and then we get into our Class A schedule, so we’re excited about our deep bench. We are about eight or nine deep and I’m thinking we aren’t going to have any problems player wise.”

Defending state A champion Belle Fourche and St. Thomas More will challenge Spearfish for the state A title.

“We are obviously concerned about St. Thomas More and Belle Fourche. Belle Fourche is a rival game and we hope to pick up a win against them this season,” Schuck said.

Consistency will determine if Spearfish will be in contention for a state A title, or not.

“We have such big age gaps with our players. It will tough to develop consistency with the way we play. We want to keep possessions as we go forward. If we can keep some poise we will do okay this year,” Schuck said.

Spearfish girls’ soccer schedule Aug. 29 at Mitchell 11a.m.

Sept. 5 at Sturgis Brown 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosts Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 hosts Rapid City Central 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosts Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 hosts St. Thomas More 1 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosts Rapid City Stevens 1 p.m.

Spearfish and Sioux Falls O’Gorman battle for the ball during Saturday’s girls’ soccer match in Spearfish.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Fall 2015

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Broncs soccer hope to repeat as state A champs

Members of the Belle Fourche High School 2015 girls’ soccer team are: back row, assistant coach Kyle Parks, head coach Kaysie Linch, Raymie Keegan, Bree Pierce, Hannah Rehmeier, Alyssa Brill, Kortni Grubb, Rebekah Ruby, team manager Gracie Neiman, and assistant coach Jordan Aspen. Middle row, Taylor Hunsley, Makenna Ward, Jayme Peterson, Jade Kellem, Brittany Hunsley, and Autumn Bushnell.

Front row, Sierra Rosales, Marissa Dahlvang, Jessica Ryan, Molly Ryan, and Sarah Graves.

Courtesy photo

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche returns a great deal of experience from the girls’ soccer team that won the 2014 state A championship.

The list begins with senior forward Jessica Ryan, who received the Gatorade South Dakota Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year honor last fall. Fourth-year head coach Kaysie Linch also listed senior forward Brittany Hunsley, senior forward Alyssa Brill, and senior midfielder Marissa Dahlvang as key returning players.

Belle Fourche edged St. Thomas More 2-1 in last season’s state title game. The victory capped a final record of eight wins, three losses, and one tie.

“We had high hopes to make it there,” Linch said as she reflected on the championship game. “The players were very determined, ready to work hard, and keep improving.”

Bailee Ward, Jordan Aspen, Alexa Pierce, Mary

Hubanks, Janie McAmis, and Kayla Foos graduated from last season’s squad.

Linch said many of the players on last year’s team return for this fall, but the roster is young.

The varsity lineup as of press time includes three juniors: midfielder Sierra Rosales, goalkeeper Hannah Rehmeier, and defender Rebekah Ruby.

“The defense is young, but there is a lot of determination,” Linch said. “The players are working hard.”

Defender Kortni Grubb is one of five sophomores on the varsity roster. The others are midfielder Sara Graves, defender Raymie Keegan, defender Jade Kellem, and defender Autumn Bushnell.

Ninth-grader Molly Ryan plays defender and forward positions. The rest of the varsity roster features eighth-graders Jayme Peterson (midfielder), Bree Pierce (defender), Makenna Ward (midfielder), and Taylor Hunsley (defender, midfielder). Kyle Parks serves as the assistant coach.

Linch said the Broncs’ youth is a concern. She added

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another goal is trying to find team chemistry, as some members are playing in new positions.

Winning that state title for the first time in three attempts removes some of the pressure, according to Linch.

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Belle Fourche girls’ soccer schedule Sept. 1 hosts St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at St. Thomas More 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Sturgis 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Rapid City Stevens 11 a.m.

Sept. 22 hosts Spearfish 4 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Rapid City Central 11 a.m.

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Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans soccer team ready to challenge for state A title

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School boys’ soccer team are: front row, Matt Burditt, Lucas Hogrefe, Caleb Ardis, Carter Jones, Edgar Meza, and Isai Rodriguez.

Middle row, Seth Fitzgerald, Sam Gray, Rigel Roberdeau, Tyler Waterson, Mason Krier, and Nate Baker. Back row, assistant coach McKenzie Marta, assistant coach Kevin Baltrusch, Nate Terveen, Cesar Mendez, Devon Torgerson, Logan Lucas, Randy Zacarias, Chanley De Cook and Jacob Burr. Not pictured is head coach Jim Hill, Thayne Hites and Weston Verhulst. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School boys’ soccer team is ready to contend for the state A championship this season.

“Last season went real well. It was our first time being sanctioned by the SD High School Activities Association, so it was a little different than what we were used to, but we did well,” said Jim Hill, Spartans head soccer coach.

“We finished the season 10-2-1 and then went into a quarterfinal game against Sioux Falls Lincoln and got beat 3-2.

That was the closest match they had until the championship game.”

The Spartans lost seven seniors from last years squad, and Hill knows this year’s team will need time to develop.

“We are replacing those seniors pretty well. Everybody is stepping up. In our game against Pierre we really showed our talent and our willingness to work hard,” Hill said.

The Spartans tied the Govs 1-1 in its season opener, Aug. 18, in Pierre.

The Spartans defeated Sioux Falls Roosevelt 2-1 and Sioux Falls O’ Gorman 2-0, Aug. 21 and 22, in Spearfish.

The game was played in heavy rain, causing poor field conditions.

“We had one that would have been a goal, but it hit a

puddle and stopped a yard short of the goal,” said Hill.

“We had another one that hit in front of the goal and just stopped. But you know, the conditions were the same for both teams.”

When fall practices began Aug. 10, Hill said the Spartans had one goal.

“Just the willingness to work hard no matter what the situation is,” Hill said.

Spearfish is moving down from Class AA to Class A this season, and he thinks his team has a good shot at winning the state title.

“We have the people, we have the talent, but can we put it together, that’s the key. Can we put it together all at the same time, at the right time,” he said.

Team cohesion will be a strong point for Spearfish this season.

“The kids right now, even after only one game, work very well together,” said Hill. “You know that’s always the toughest part, bringing them together. New seniors, new leaders, and they are all responding really well.”

The Spartans must play smarter if they hope to be successful this season.

“We’ve got to make better decision making on our defense. We just let people run free when we shouldn’t.

Man marking them tight and not letting them receive the ball, and that comes with game experience,” Hill said.

Hill said there are three teams that will be roadblocks in the Spartans quest for a state A title.

“Usually it’s Sioux Falls Christian, Tea Area, and James Valley Christian at the top in Class A,” said Hill. “Tea Area beat Sioux Falls Roosevelt, a AA school, 3-2 on Aug. 15, and Roosevelt was second in the state last year.”

The Spartans play a mostly AA schedule this season, and Hill thinks the tough schedule will pay off, come playoff time.

“I think the added pressure and competition will make us have to play better. Not that there’s anything wrong with the A’s, there’s just a real fall off on how tough teams are once you get past that third and fourth spot in Class A,” he said.

Spearfish boys’ soccer schedule Aug. 29 at Mitchell 11a.m.

Sept. 1 hosts Hot Springs 5 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Sturgis Brown 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosts Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 hosts Rapid City Central 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosts Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 hosts St. Thomas More 1 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosts Rapid City Stevens 1 p.m.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs soccer team off to a solid start

Members of the 2015 Belle Fourche High School boys’ soccer team are: back row, assistant coach Nic Herman, Luke Lensegrav, Landon Thompson, Adam Trimble, Tevin Gomez, Cody McConville, Michael Ryan, Lucas Trimble, Alex Hendricks, student manager, John Maher, and head coach Anthony Bradley. Middle row left, assistant coach Randy Bradley, Cruz Kellem, Ryan Muhm, Eli Satzinger, Cain Birkeland, Brandon Muhm, Brett Reynolds, Dalton Mace, and assistant coach Mo Keller. Front row left, Cameron Hendricks, Kendal Schreier, Gunnar Johnson, Ethan Jones, and Josiah Trimble. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s varsity boys’ soccer team enjoyed a solid debut to its 2015 season last weekend.

The Broncs defeated Hot Springs 4-3, defeated Douglas 9-1, and defeated Groton 8-6, before losing to Sioux Falls Christian 5-2.

First-year head coach Anthony Bradley listed eight key returning players on the roster.

Returning are senior Cody McConville (midfielder, forward, defender), senior Adam Trimble (midfielder), senior Brandon Muhm (defender), senior Tevin Gomez (defender), junior Lucas Trimble (midfielder, forward), junior Alex Hendricks (midfielder, forward), junior Michael Ryan (defender), and sophomore Ryan Muhm (midfielder, forward).

That leadership is only one of the Broncs’ strong points, according to Bradley. “They also show teamwork and have a drive to want to be better,” he said.

“The seniors and juniors have played a lot of soccer to get here,” Bradley added.

Belle Fourche’s roster includes 12 other players as of press time. They are senior Brett Reynolds (forward), sophomore Cameron Hendricks (midfielder), sophomore Luke Lensegrav (midfielder), ninth-grader Dalton Mace (defender), ninth-grader Landon Thompson (goalkeeper), ninth-grader Kendal Schreier (midfielder), ninth-grader Cain Birkeland (goalkeeper), eighth-grader Eli Satzinger (midfielder), eighth-grader Gunnar Johnson (midfielder),

eighth-grader Ethan Jones (forward), eighth-grader Cruz Kellem (goalkeeper), and seventh-grader Josiah Trimble (forward).

Bradley’s staff includes four assistant coaches: Randy Bradley, Mo Keller, Nic Herman, and Jen Johnson.

Three players graduated from last season’s team. They were Isaac Collins, Kyle Rehmeier, and Alex Kiley.

A few things concern Bradley as the season begins. He said the goalkeeper is quite young, and another challenge will be to blend the young players and upperclassmen.

Belle Fourche finished 1-10 last season, scoring 16 goals while allowing 89. Bradley said team goals for this fall include doubling the win total, reducing the goals allowed number in half, and tripling the number of goals scored.

“We have the potential to be in each game,” Bradley said.

He added the biggest aim is to be competitive in each contest, and for the players to keep their heads up.

Aug. 21 and saw the Broncs travel east, where they picked upa n 8-6 win over Groton before losing to Sioux Falls Christian 5-2.

“Spearfish has moved down to our class, and they are very well-coached,” Bradley said of another team on a schedule that includes Sturgis, Rapid City Stevens, and Rapid City Central.

Practices officially began on Aug. 3. Conditioning, communication, and ball handing have been some of the points of emphasis.

“The seniors have made it their team,” Bradley said. He added they also provide input into practice sessions.

Despite being a first-year coach, Bradley is not a stranger to the Belle Fourche program. He coached the varsity from

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2001 to 2008 before moving to Eugene, Ore. Bradley said one of the reasons he returned to the Belle Fourche area is that the pace of life is calmer than in Oregon. He added he paid attention to the team since he left, and he wanted to see it come back.

Last season, Bradley officiated around the Black Hills and saw several Broncs’ games. He said they finished games hard.

“Be better than the day before, and do your best,” Bradley said when asked about his coaching philosophy.

“Constantly want to improve, and we want them to be proud they are soccer players.”

Bradley said he does not like singling out players on the field and added he does not yell. The 34-year-old added he has more maturity than before.

A strong defense is at the core of Bradley’s philosophy.

“The goalkeeper is the most important player, and we go from there,” he said.

The Broncs host St. Thomas More, Sept. 1, in Belle Fourche. .

Belle Fourche boys’ soccer schedule

Sept. 1 hosts St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at St. Thomas More 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Sturgis 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Rapid City Stevens 1 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosts Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Rapid City Central 1 p.m.

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Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan football team looking to regain its swagger

Members of the Spearfish High School 2015 football team are: (Not in order) Cole Richards, Dylan Reiners, Joey West, Sean Warnock, Seth Rice, Skyler Beringer, Jeremiah Harmon, Zeph Irion, Noah Mehmen, Eli Hansen, Isaiah Partridge, Boyce Harr, Brendan Rotert, Carson Sleep, Corey Hoffman, Devan Fox, Jackson Bogue, Jaxon Rosencranz, Matthew Woodard, Reece Walno, Thomas Undlin, Donovan Balsley, Michael Chaffin, Zailin Irion, Drake Dittman, Isaiah Childers, Bryce Mullaney, Zach Kozel, Marc Williams, Dillon Batka, Taylor Janovy, Jace Engesser, Hunter Seyer, Brodell Van Zee, Keithan Funk, Tavian Ashurst, Matthew Ackerman, Brayden Case, Brady Greger, Reese Hansen, Matt Sears, Parker DeaRouchey, Maxwell Nickles, Tyler Barkley, Josef Hiermeier, Taten Rhoades, Nicholas Satterlee, Cole Rardon, Wesley Dodd, Braeden Ferguson, Jarron Rowe, Rylan Nunez-Murray, Jordon Brinson, Cauy Jennings, Zane Schlabach, Harrison Merchant, Sam Tiffiny, and manager Austin Amick. Not pictured were: Cameron Koch and Kellen Runyan. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans football program is looking to regain its swagger from 2011 and 2012 when they had winning seasons.

Those were the year the Spartans were in Class A, and since then they have gone 0-16 the past two seasons in Class AA. Third year Spartans head coach Chad McCarty said he sees a different attitude from this year’s football team.

“The past couple of years haven’t gone the way we wanted at all,” said McCarty. “We’ve changed the offense up and gone back to some old stuff we used to do defensively, so I feel good about this year. We have a different feel in camp, and it’s a feel we haven’t had in a while, and it’s a good feeling. There’s a lot of intensity, a lot of positive attitude, so I’m excited for this year. It’s going to be a different year.”

Injuries played a big part in the Spartans 0-8 season in 2014.

“Injuries killed us. We started out this year and have a couple of guys hurt during camp this summer and they will be missed, but we’ve had some nice surprises with some young guys stepping up and getting after it,” said McCarty.

The 2015 Spartan football team has a new attitude.

“I think the new attitude is because of the success we had this summer,” said McCarty. “We went down to Laramie, Wyo., to a camp and got to see different schools from different areas, and had some good success, and that helped create some confidence in these guys. We have some talented athletes, they just have got to believe in themselves.”

McCarty said senior Dylan Reiners is the projected starting quarterback with Corey Hoffman backing him up.

“Quarterback will be one of our stronger positions on offense. Our front line is going to be good,” said McCarty.

“We are going to be a little thin on our front line losing (Austin) Amick, but with the other guys and some of those younger guys stepping up we should be OK, but quarter-

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backs and running backs we should be OK there.”

The Spartans will run the basic 4-3 defense this season, getting away from the 3-5 defense they ran the past two seasons.

SPARTAN FOOTBALL Pg 28

Spearfish football schedule

Aug. 29 hosts St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 hosts Pine Ridge 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 hosts Rapid City Central 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 hosts Mitchell 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Huron 6 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 hosts Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

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Fall 2015

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers football opens season at Red Cloud

Members of the Lead-Deadwood High School 2015 football team are: (Not in order) Reilly Andresen, AJ Lawver, Wade Shoop, Bailey Norton, Alex Cottrill, Tommy Sperlin, Colt Nelson, Hunter Lysne, Colt Bradley, Devon Schumacher, Coltan Radensleben, Riley Stokes, Nik Scott, Kristian Hanna, Ian Srstka, Brigham Williams, Jack Egemo, Zach Murray, Wyatt Hess, Christian Casias, Dylan Janke, Zak Mau, CJ Murray, and Hunter Gudith. Coltan Hanson, Zach Pearson, Jordan Wetz, Tyler Finster, Caleb Percy, Dylin Johnson, and Laine Maddux are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood opens its 2015 football season Friday, Aug. 28, when it travels to Red Cloud for a contest that kicks off at 1 p.m.

Thirty-one players are on the varsity roster as of press time. Tom Tieszen served as a Golddiggers’ offensive coordinator last season but moved to the head post after Ryan Gatch and his family moved to Forsyth, Mont., where he is activities director for the high school.

“We are moving things in a good direction and are leading up to this year,” Tieszen.

Lead-Deadwood finished 3-6 last season after dropping a first-round class 11B playoff game to eventual state champion Parkston.

Tieszen said the players worked really hard.

The Golddiggers’ lineup features 10 seniors, 10 juniors, six sophomores, and five ninth-graders.

Tieszen listed senior quarterback Bailey Norton, senior offensive lineman Wade Shoop, and sophomore running back Jack Egemo as key players. All three played extensively in 2014.

Reilly Andresen (tight end, linebacker), Alex Cottrill (wide receiver, defensive back), Coltan Hanson (offensive lineman, defensive lineman), AJ Lawver (offensive lineman, defensive lineman), Colt Nelson (running back, linebacker), Zach Pearson (offensive lineman, defensive lineman), Tommy Sperlin (offensive lineman, defensive lineman), and Jordan Wetz (running back, linebacker) comprise the rest of the senior class.

Graduation claimed only three Golddigger players from last year’s team: Joel Fish, Cole Gackle, and Riley Roberts.

Tieszen said work ethic has been a strong suit in the 2015 preseason. “They have been putting in a lot of time and are learning a new system,” he added.

Lead-Deadwood is aiming for a more balanced attack, and Tieszen said the hope is to simplify things.

Tieszen was asked where Lead-Deadwood needs work as the season progresses.

“We must always work to understand the different schemes and limit our mistakes,” he said.

Having past experience in the Golddiggers’ program before becoming head coach has benefited Tieszen tremen-

dously. He said this has helped to build the offense around players’ strengths.

The 2015 schedule provides some uncertainly for LeadDeadwood. An eight-game regular season includes contests against Newcastle (Sept. 4) and Upton/Sundance (Oct. 16): teams the Golddiggers have not faced for some time.

DIGGERS FOOTBALL Pg 28

Spearfish football schedule

Aug. 28 at Red Cloud 6 p.m.

Sept. 4 hosts Newcastle, Wyo. 6 p.m.

Sept. 11 at bennett County 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 hosts St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 OPEN Oct. 2 at Pine Ridge 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Little Wound 6 p.m.

Oct. 16 hosts Upton/Sundance, Wyo. 6 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosts Custer 6 p.m.

Page 8

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs football fielding senior laden squad

Members of the 2015 Belle Fourche football team are: ( not in order) Jace Horman, Cody Tupper, Breck Young, Trinity Tippman, Ryan Nelson, Noah Pierce, Jalen Powers, Bryson Westland, Daniel Pepin, Tucker Chytka, Owen Fox, Cahdyn Howrey, Brady Leverington, Chris Brown, Kory Gabert, Zach Lange, Corey Hockenbary, Chase Irwin, Jeremy Peters, Tate Gatzke, Noah Nixon, Jake O’Byrne, Louis Budmayr, Justis Quenzer, Joey Russo, Dylan Burns, Braxton Turbiville, Riley Birkeland, Joe Hansen, Tate Hostetter, Collin Hockenbary, Taten Fox, Jaredon Dosch, Brady Labrier, Zane Rankin, Hunter Mitchell, Tye Davis, Jesse Thybo, Jackson Mailloux, Bryce Nicholas; assistant coaches Mathew Raba, Clay Schleusner, Josh Schleusner, Tommy Coyle, Brit Porterfield, and Jeff Otterman; and head coach Scott Slotten. Tucker Hohn, Gavin Geib, and Carson Gubbrud are not pictured. Courtesy photo

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Fifteen seniors will lead the Belle Fourche football team into a 2015 season that begins Aug. 29, when the Broncs square off against Sturgis at Spearfish’s Lyle Hare Stadium.

That represents a profound departure from 2014, when the roster boasted only four seniors. Belle Fourche finished 5-5 on the season, including a 10-0 loss to Hot Springs in a state 11A quarterfinal playoff.

Second-year Broncs’ head coach Scott Slotten listed four of those seniors as key returning players. They are Bryson Westland (running back, linebacker, defensive back), Tucker Chytka (offensive tackle, defensive tackle), Chris Brown (offensive guard, linebacker), and Ryan Nelson (defensive back).

The 11 other seniors are Jace Horman (wide receiver, defensive back), Cody Tupper (wide receiver, defensive back), Breck Young (quarterback, defensive back), Trinity Tippman (wide receiver, defensive back), Noah Pierce (fullback, linebacker), Jalen Powers (tight end, offensive guard, linebacker), Daniel Pepin (center, defensive end,

linebacker), Owen Fox (kicker, defensive lineman), Cahdyn Howrey (offensive lineman, defensive lineman), Brady Leverington (offensive guard, defensive lineman), and Kory Gabert (offensive lineman, defensive tackle). Slotten also looks for Young and Horman to play significant roles.

Eight juniors, five sophomores, and 15 ninth-graders round out the roster. Slotten said one of those juniors, Jake O’Byrne, is a key returning player on the offensive line.

“The first practice this year was so much better than it was last year,” Slotten said. He added the senior leadership has really shown in preseason practices.

Slotten said that last season, the Broncs won some games they maybe should not have, but they played their best at the end of the year.

Wyatt Pearson, Taylor Tupper, Skye Martin, and Damian Tobar graduated from last season’s team.

Slotten said Belle Fourche must be a better tackling team on defense. He also would like for the Broncs to be more two-dimensional and not rely so heavily on the run.

“Everyone from the defense is returning,” Slotten said.

“With one more year in the offense, we can expand.”

“We will not downplay anyone,” Slotten said when asked about the schedule. “We open with a tough game against

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Sturgis, and Todd County is a regular five to seven win team.”

Belle Fourche has a target on its back from last season’s games against Sturgis (a 20-16 win) and Spearfish (a 31-28 triumph), Slotten said. “We must play our A game to beat them,” he added.

Slotten said Belle Fourche also has some long road trips (Mobridge-Pollock and St. Francis).

BRONCS FOOTBALL Pg 28

Belle Fourche football schedule

Aug. 28 plays Sturgis Brown (at BHSU) 4 p.m.

Sept. 4 hosts Todd County 6 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Mobridge Pollock 6 p.m.

Sept. 18 hosts Cheyene-Eagle Butte 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Frances indian 6 p.m.

Oct. 9 hosts Spearfish 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosts Douglas 7 p.m.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU football ready to move up in the RMAC

Members of the 2015 Black Hills State University football team are: ( not in order) Steven Reed, Vincent Gullia, JJ Kilgore,Damon Goldhammer, BJ Gonzales, Conrad Rice, Eriq Swiftwater, Ben Sjobakken, Kade Wasson, Darius Frimpong, Zach Meyer, Daniel Fagbuyi, Bradley Adamson, Jake Phelan, Taran Whelchel, Trey Fleming, Tanner Gamble, Josh Gurnaby, Melvin Bobo, Ryan Hommel, Dietrik Becker, Jess Edens, Jacob Romero, Keelan Thompson, Brady Ennis, Erick Hairston-Belcher, Larry Reed, Travis Tweeten, Matt Singleton, Miles Robertson, Jamil Bond, Drew Hebel, Bryce Arnold, Cody McCombs, Shane Brooks, Christian Hernandez, Owen Harris, Jack Mazurie, Garrett Boner, Phydell Paris, Kyle Harris, Caleb Guarino, Travis Groves, Raymond Thomas, Clayton Bernstein, Christian Fuentes, Wylee Knudsen, Austin Meester, Thayer Sauter, Rob Nuttall, Cody Jolovich, Cody Okray, Austin Goddard, Jarrell Ganaway, Ade Hennis, Lane Lawson, James Marshall, Jesse Marshall, Kolten Johnson, Nate DeSpiegler, Keith Marson, Paul Temple, Michael Deichert, Lorenzo Tanner, Judd Stewart, Connor Thrush, Aaron Montoya, Alden Giang, Richard Nava, Cody Cole, Nate Taylor, Riley Edwards, Antonio Flores, Nathan DeWitt, Andrew Blaylock, Daylon Stutz, Mitchel Smith, Josh Dotson, Cody Hult, Zane Lindsey, Brennan Walk, Shandon Jones, Christian McNair, Eddie Warren, Liam Heaney, Gereth Bushong, Jerome Krysl, Riley Hagar, Walker Carricco, Clayton Peden, Cory Feiler, Elijah Campbell, Austin Bertram, Conor Heaney, Cody Benne, Harry Ulricksen, Dylan Weasa, Rico Stubbs, head coach John Reiners, and assistant coaches Evan Eastburn, Anthony Kerr, Jared Petrino, Shawn Schnabel, Ben Lewien, Randy Doran, John Faircloth, Neil Novak, Luke Donovan, and David Riedl. Photo courtesy BHSU Athletics Department

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University held its Media Day Monday afternoon, in the Hall of Fame Room, at the Donald E. Young Center, in Spearfish.

Yellow Jackets’ head football coach John Reiners said he was excited about the upcoming season.

“Like everybody we are looking forward to the 2015 season, and for many reasons,” said Reiners. “We’ve got an outstanding group of seniors this year. Although small, it’s a very good group of leaders, and I’m excited to see how they are going to lead us through this season.”

Black Hills State lost 19 seniors and will return 24 letter winners from last year’s team.

“We will have six seniors and only a handful of juniors, and there are going to be a lot of guys that are going to be asked to step up, and we are very excited about that,” Reiners said.

Reiners said Black Hills State has high expectations for this season after finishing 3-7 in 2014.

“We know that over the past few years we have got to find ways to win close games,” said Reiners. “That’s kind of been the thing we haven’t gotten over the hump yet.

We’ve made some good strides in some areas and we’ve closed that gap with some places, but we’ve got to try and

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make sure we know how to win those close games when we get in them.”

One of the biggest decisions Reiners is facing is who will be the Yellow Jackets’ starting quarterback Sept. 5, when they travel to Pocatello, Idaho to face the Idaho State Bengals.

“We still haven’t decided on a quarterback. We plan on making a decision Thur., Aug. 27,” said Reiners. “It’s a hard decision. They both have things they do well and they both have things to work on.”

Sophomore running back Phydell Paris said he is expecting big things from the Yellow Jackets offense, no matter who the quarterback is..

“I expect a big year from our offense. We’ve come a long way from spring, and our offense fits well with our personality and our tempo and the things we want to do, I think we are going to put up a lot of points and hopefully wear some teams down in the fourth quarter and hopefully win those close games,” Paris said.

On defense the Jackets will be going with a 3-4 look, and junior outside linebacker Damon Goldhammer is excited about the new defensive scheme.

“We have a lot of young guys that have been picking up our new scheme the last few days,” said Goldhammer. “I really like that it’s a lot less thinking and just flying around and playing football.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a simpler defense, but I’d say it’s a

lot easier as a player with this style of defense to just fly around.”

Black Hills State opens its season with three straight road games, against Idaho State, South Dakota School of Mines, and Fort Lewis, and Reiners said the Yellow Jackets have to win some road games if they want to improve from their 3-7 record last season.

“We have to be better on the road,” said Reiners. “We did not win a game on the road last year, and we have to be better on the road.”

Black Hills State football schedule Sept. 5 at Idaho State 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 12 at SD School of Mines 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Fort Lewis noon Sept. 26 host Colorado Mines noon Oct. 3 at Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

Oct. 10 hosts Western State Colorado 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Adams State 1 p.m.

Oct. 24 hosts Chadron State noon Oct. 31 hosts Colorado State-Pueblo noon Nov. 7 at New Mexico Highlands 1 p.m.

Nov. 14 hosts Western New Mexico noon

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Page 10

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2015

Lady Spartans’ volleyball team thinking state title

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School girls’ volleyball team are: Front row, Madylynn Geist, Jewel West, Rickie Engesser, Taylor Ferguson, and Alyssa Griffith.

Middle row, Lanae Spargur, Emma Murphy, Ashton Burditt, and Halle Seyer. Back row, Hallie Schmidt, Sydney Knutson, Shelby Dittman, Mikayla Koistinen, Jelsie Dean, and head coach Jayna Morrill.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The past two seasons, the Spearfish High School girls’ volleyball team was one game away from going to the state tournament and failed to punch a ticket to state.

Spearfish was 26-5 a season ago, and lost to Huron in a region matchup, and was again denied a chance of playing in the state tournament.

“Last year we ended the season how we didn’t want to.

We didn’t expect it to end like that,” said Jayna Morrill, the Spearfish head volleyball coach. “This year we’ve talked about it a little bit, and it’s more of a motivation. We don’t want to have it be that close and not reach where we needed to be.”

The Lady Spartans have several seniors on this year’s team, and they are all expected to make key contributions.

Ashton Burditt, Rickie Engesser, Shelby Dittman, Jelsie

Dean, Alyssa Griffith, Lanae Spargur, and Hallie Schmidt have played together since they were freshmen.

“It’s always tough to lose the seniors we had the year before, but this year, with this group of seniors, it’s their fourth year and my fourth year, and we’ve come a long ways from freshmen to senior,” said Morrill. “A couple of them played their freshman year and most of them played their sophomore year and it’s a great addition for us to have and experience is going to help us out this season.”

With the first game coming up Saturday in Mitchell, the Lady Spartans have been working hard to get ready for the upcoming season,. Morrill said practices have gone a lot smoother since they have a veteran laden team.

“From the first year to the fourth year it’s a lot easier.

We’re focused and we came in ready to go, so we are already ahead of where we were last year, and the girls have a lot more motivation and ambition to finish this season better than we did last year,” Morrill said.

LADY SPARTANS VOLLEYBALL Pg 28

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Good luck to all of our area sports teams!

Spearfish girls’ volleyball schedule Aug. 29 at Mitchell 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 hosts Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 hosts Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 hosts Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Rapid City Stevens 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Huron 10 a.m.

Oct. 5 hosts Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Custer 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct.23 hosts Red Cloud 6 p.m.

Oct. 26 hosts Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Rapid City Central 7 p.m.

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Fall 2015

Page 11

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Diggers volleyball hoping to return to state

Members of the 2015 LeadDeadwood’s girl’s volleyball team are: back row, head coach Joe Williams, Sydnee Hamann, Carolyn Groeger, Miranda Gallagher, Hannah Rogers, Ashley Sandidge, Grace Campbell, assistant coach Samantha Grant, and assistant coach Ashley Schreurs. Front row, Alexis Simpson, Jade Derby, Hanah Cerkoney, Evelyn Groeger, and Ally Specht. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood Golddiggers return to the court Sept. 1, roughly 10 months after their best season in years, when they travel to Hot Springs.

Lead-Deadwood forged a 24-8 record during a 2014 season that ended with a sixth-place finish at the state A tournament. The vast majority of those players return from the team’s best campaign since 1996.

“We did really well for a young team,” second-year head coach Joe Williams said of that 2014 season. That squad lost Megan Erickson, Aisha Baum, and Taylor Anderson to graduation.

Seven players returning from that team are now seniors. The listing features Hanah Cerkoney (setter), Miranda Gallagher (outside hitter, middle hitter), Jade Derby (outside hitter, defensive specialist), Sydnee Hamann (middle hitter), Evelyn Groeger (defensive specialist), Hannah Rogers (right-side hitter, defensive specialist), and Ashley Sandidge (middle hitter, outside hitter).

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

They are junior defensive specialist Alexis Simpson, junior setter Ally Specht, sophomore right side hitter Carolyn Groeger, and sophomore outside hitter Grace Campbell.

“We work very well as a unit,” Williams said.

Williams agreed the returning experience is a strong suit for the Golddiggers. “Everyone works together,” he said. “There is not one person who does not fit in.”

From an on-court standpoint, Williams said the team’s biggest strength has always been the offense. “We have a lot of good hitters and blockers,” he added. “Our servers are top notch.”

PLAY hard have FUN

What will Lead-Deadwood need to work on in 2015? Williams said the biggest thing is to keep working on defense. He added the defense is by no means poor, but it does not come as naturally as the offense does.

“We have a decently hard schedule,” Williams said. “Just being in this region is enough.”

Williams said Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Belle Fourche, and Spearfish are contenders for the Black Hills Conference title.

The Golddiggers play Custer on Sept. 17. Lead-Deadwood squares off against Belle Fourche on Sept. 29 and Oct. 15. The Lead-Deadwood match against Spearfish is set for Oct. 26.

“It will be a very hard-fought region and conference,” Williams said. He added Sturgis is also in the conference; the teams meet Oct. 1 in Lead.

Williams said the Golddiggers should do well against the conference’s other teams.

“On any night, anyone can win,” he said. “We have a lot of respect for Spearfish and Belle Fourche.”

Williams said this season would be successful if LeadDeadwood continues to grow from last season. He added winning follows if the Golddiggers do their best.

Practice sessions got underway Aug. 14. Williams said the players worked on every possible aspect including serve receive, defense, offense, conditioning, and weight room work.

Williams said confidence is the biggest thing Lead-Deadwood may use to build on from last season. “We know how well we can play, and we need to do so,” he added.

He would like the Golddiggers to maintain their work ethic and team essence in 2015 while having a higher percentage of what he called “perfect passes.”

Lead-Deadwood girls’ volleyball schedule

Sept. 1 at Hot Springs 7 p.m.

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

Sept. 10 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosts Edgemont 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 hosts Custer 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Hill City triangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct 1. hosts Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

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

Oct. 8 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 hosts Red Cloud 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 hosts Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

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Page 12

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2015

Lady Broncs volleyball preparing for upcoming season

Belle Fourche is getting ready for a volleyball season that gets underway Aug. 29 in Sturgis. Team members are, back row left, Sierra Ward, Bret Woelber, Tiann Garman, Mandee Williamson, Addison Middleton, Fallon Budmayr, Bricee Bisgaard, Dylana Ward; front row left, TeaLayna Hill, Tera Williamson, KeAnna Ward, Sami Dittman, and Emily Vinyard.

Head coach Loree Schlichtemeier is not pictured. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s varsity volleyball squad opens its 2015 season Aug. 29 in Sturgis.

The Broncs return eight key players from a team that finished 23-10 last season and dropped the Region 8A championship match to Lead-Deadwood in a match lasting the five-game limit.

“A lot of them had good playing time last year,” said Belle Fourche head coach Loree Schlichtemeier, who begins her eighth season here. “They gel together quite well and have fun playing. Their skills have gotten better.”

Three of those returning players are seniors: setter KeAnna Ward, middle hitter Emily Vinyard, and defensive specialist TeaLayna Hill.

Outside hitter Addison Middleton is one of four juniors returning from last season. The others are outside hitter Bret Woelber, defensive specialist Bricee Bisgaard, and middle hitter Tiann Garman.

Sophomore outside hitter Sierra Ward completes Schlichtemeier’s list of key returning players.

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

They are senior outside hitter Tera Williamson, senior defensive specialist Sami Dittman, junior defensive specialist Dylana

Ward, sophomore middle hitter Mandee Williamson, and sophomore setter Fallon Budmayr.

Nicole Kling, Kylie Boston, Alix Thorstenson, Autumn Thorstenson, and Alicia Absher graduated from last season’s team.

“I was very pleased with how the girls did,” Schlichtemeier said in recalling the 2014 campaign. She added it was sort of a rebuilding year, and the Region 8A title match was one of the team’s best of the season.

Schlichtemeier said a player can always improve in every area of the game. She added they also must get used to playing with different teammates.

“We have a really nice schedule,” Schlichtemeier said. One of the new events is set for Oct. 1, when Belle Fourche and Douglas go to Chadron (Neb.) for a triangular.

The Broncs return to the Redfield Tournament Oct. 10, which Schlichtemeier said gives them a chance to see East River teams.

“Many of the Black Hills Conference teams are tough, and that will be very challenging,” Schlichtemeier said. She added Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish, and St. Thomas More could contend for the title.

LADY BRONCS VOLLEYBALL Pg 28

Belle Fourche girls’ volleyball schedule

Aug. 29 at Sturgis Brown 2:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 4 hosts Hot Springs 1 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 hosts St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Newell 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 hosts Custer 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosts Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 29 hosts Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosts Sturgis Brown 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Redfield Tourney TBA Oct. 15 at Lead-deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Dpouglas Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 19 hosts Spearfish 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 hosts Douglas 7 p.m.

B B

Fall 2015

Page 13

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU volleyball returns veteran team

Members of the 2015 Black Hills State University women’s volleyball team are: Front row, Chloe Zimmer, Sydney Ederhoff, Lacy Stevens, Shelby Mayer, Sammi Ausborn, Kenzie Kazmer, Brynn Eckhardt, and Sierra Stugelmeyer. Back row, head coach Kristin Carmichael, Fehrin Ward, Tess Thomas, Ellise Lech, Cassidy Steele, Jessy Hibl, Shayla Wickett, Danielle Torpey, and assistant coach Korie Lebeda. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The 2015 Black Hills State University women’s volleyball team hopes to improve on a 10-18 overall and 7-11 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference record last season.

Second-year head coach Kristin Carmichael said her team made big strides in being competitive in the RMAC last season.

“We were really excited to have a chance at making the post season on that final game last year, and we just missed out. So, this season we are looking to build on that,” Carmichael said.

The Lady Yellow Jackets will have to find a way to replace middle hitters Holly Hamlin and Meghan Sipe, who were a big part of last season’s success.

“They were dynamic seniors for us; both were scoring threats at the net, making plays all the way around,” said Carmichael.

“Definitely big shoes to fill, but we have some experienced players returning. We have a big junior class that saw a lot of playing time as sophomores, and we are excited to see what they will bring.”

Offensively, junior Danielle Torpey paces the returning

group.

Torpey demonstrated value as a double threat last season, finishing with 229 kills and 73 digs.

Senior Shelby Mayer chipped in 185 kills and 42 solo blocks during the 2014 season.

“I’m really excited about this season,” said Mayer. “I think we have a lot of talent on our team, and we have four new freshmen that we are expecting great things from. We didn’t make the top eight in the RMAC last year and that was our long-term goal, but I really believe we can do that this year.”

Senior defensive specialist Sammi Ausborn said she is looking forward to her final season at Black Hills State.

“I’m looking forward to my final season here; it’s bittersweet. I’m really excited to play with this team, and I think we are going to do great things this year as a team,” Ausborn said.

Junior Lacy Stevens commands the Yellow Jacket defense.

She rounded out the 2014 season with 531 digs. Her 5.36 digs per set was good enough to lead the RMAC in digs.

Junior setter Brynn Eckhardt was named to the 2015 Preseason All-RMAC team. Eckhardt clocked in with 676 set assists in 2014, which placed her sixth in assists in the RMAC

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Black Hills State women’s volleyball schedule

Sept. 4-5 at Washburn, Kansas Tourney TBA Sept. 11-12 at Augustana Showcase TBA Sept. 18 at Colorado Christian 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Colorado Mines 5 p.m.

Sept. 25 hosts New Mexico Highlands 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosts Western New Mexico 5 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Colorado-Colorado Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Metro State Denver 4 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosts SD School of Mines 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 hosts Chadron State 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 hosts Regis College 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Western State Colo. 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Colorado State-Pueblo 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 hosts Fort Lewis 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 hosts Adams State 5 p.m.

Oct. 30 hosts Westminster, Utah 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 hosts Colorado Mesa 5 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Regis College 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 at SD School of Mines 7 p.m.

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Page 14

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans’ tennis team ready for 2015 season

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School varsity and junior varsity girls’ tennis team are: Front row, Madison Kaitfors, Abby Rabenberg, Annelise DeBaumont, Hannah Brun, and Hannah Dunn. Middle row, Taytum Reman, Shawnda McDaniel, Gabby Lewis, Maddy Boe, Cecily Munro, and Maren Long. Back row, head coach Doug Dexheimer, Breonna Beasley, Abby VanFleet, Elaina Sparrow, AnneMarie Rolando, Sierra Hauff, and assistant coach Joe Doerges.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ tennis team is preparing for the 2015 season.

Last season, the Spartans were an inexperienced team.

“It was a pretty good season overall,” said Doug Dexheimer, Spearfish head tennis coach. “We had four seniors last year, but our girls’ didn’t have a lot of experience.

We got a lot of good leadership from our seniors last year. They helped teach some of our younger kids.”

Fall practices started Aug. 10 and Dexheimer said he has been pleased with the enthusiasm the girls have exhibited in practice.

“Our practices have gone pretty good.

We’ve been working on some of the basic fundamentals, and we are trying to get their conditioning worked up slowly and then increase things a little bit and make sure

they are stretching properly so there are no injury problems,” Dexheimer said.

Consistency and the development of younger players will be big keys for Spearfish this season.

“We need to be consistent and improve our conditioning and get in shape a little bit better, because we will need that as our matches start to get stacked up,” said Dexheimer. “We also want to improve on their technique, because that is going to help them stay injury free.”

On the varisty side, Spearfish will be led by seniors Hannah Dunn, Madison Kaitfors, Gabby Lewis, Cecily Munro, and Abby VanFleet..

“We want our seniors this year to provide a lot of leadership for some of younger players,” Dexheimer said.

Other varsity players include sophomore Maren Long and AnneMarie Rolando and freshman Sierra Hauff.

The JV team includes seniors Breonna Beasley and Taytum Reman; juniors Emily

Do, Shawnda McDaniel, Abby Rabenberg, and Elaina Sparrow; sophomore Maddy Boe; and freshmen Hannah Brun, Annelise DeBaumont, and Sierra Hauff Dexheimer said it is too early to tell how his team will stack up against other teams on its schedule.

Spearfish’s varsity girls’ tennis team dropped two duals at the West River Roundup, held Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 in Rapid City.

The Spartans dropped a 9-0 decision to Madison in their Friday dual. Madison won all six singles and three doubles matches.

Saturday’s play ended with Spearfish falling 5-4 to Aberdeen Roncalli.

Dunn (Flight 5) and VanFleet (Flight 6) earned singles victories for Spearfish.

Madison Kaitfors and Dunn (Flight 2), along with Rolando and Hauff (Flight 3), paired for doubles victories.

Spearfish next competes at the Rapid City Invitational Aug. 28 and 29, in Rapid City.

Spearfish girls’ tennis schedule

Sept. 5 hosts Rapid City Stevens 9a.m.

Sept. 5 hosts Rapid City Central 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosts Campbell County 4 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Brandon Valley 9 a.m.

Sept. 12 at Brandon Valley 9 a.m.

Sept. 17 hosts St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Mitchell 11 a.m.

Sept. 21 East/West Invite (Rapid City) 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 East/West Invite (Rapid City) 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 Rapid City Central 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Rapid City Stevens 6:30 p.m.

Fall 2015

Page 15

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish cross country moving down to class A

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Spearfish High School’s cross country team returns to the Class A ranks, after spending the past two seasons in Class AA. In 2011 and 2012, the girls’ team won back-toback state titles.

Andy VanDeest, beginning his first year as the Spearfish head cross country coach, said he is using those titles as a source of motivation.

“It’s a good motivator. It kind of gets the kids going,” said VanDeest. “We’re kind of using those state titles to try and encourage the kids to get out there and compete, and know that they can compete in Class A, and I think it will be a useful tool throughout the year.”

The 2014 season saw the girls’ team battle inexperience and injuries.

“I was happy with how we developed. We had a pretty young team, and we had quite a few injuries thoughout the year. Our young girls really stepped up and kind of led us going into state,” VanDeest said.

The boys’ team enjoyed valuable senior leadership from Joseph Barnes, and hopes to build on that this season.

“We got some good leadership from Joseph Barnes and we are going to miss him this year,” said VanDeest. “ Our boys’ learned last year from Joe putting in a lot of hard work and doing what needed to be done. Hopefully this year they are using that knowledge and will have a strong year.”

The Spartans lost two seniors on the boys’ team, while the girls’ team didn’t lose anyone.

“We’ve been trying to get into a base these first couple of weeks. Getting in the mileage and trying to keep everybody healthy,” VanDeest said.

Numbers are up this year on both teams, which is a good sign what direction the Spearfish cross country program is heading in.

“We are very happy our program is continuing to grow,” said Van Deest. “This is the biggest team we’ve ever had, so the interest just keeps growing and growing. It’s a unique group and is a fun sport to join.”

The girls have high expectations going into the season.

“Angela Hovdenes was our top finisher at the girls’ state tournament last yea,r and hopefully Gretchen Blain returns to top form, we kind of missed her last year due to injuries. Hopefully we can get her healthy and going again before we get in the conference and region,” VanDeest said.

The boys’ team will rely on a couple of veterans to provide leadership.

“Justin Harris is one of our seniors, and Logan CROSS COUNTRY Pg 20

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School girls’ cross country team are: (not in order): Gretchen Blain, Mackinzie Briggs, Lily Dennison, Shelby Dittman, Brooke Grout, Lauren Hight, Chelsea Hintgen, Mackenzie Hoffman, Angela Hovdenes, Faith Hovdenes, Taylor Koch, Anna Pochop, Morgan Roberts, Annabel Schulz, Tessa Sleep, Jaden West, Samantha Pedneau, head coach Andy VanDeest, assistant coach LeAnn Vette, and assistant coach Charlie Neilson. Not pictured is Hannah Young. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Logan Broeder, Jackson Dana, Kadin Gifford, Connor Glasford, Steven Glasford, Justin Harris , Ryan Harris, Stran Holben, Matt Hovdenes, Rylee Niesent, Matt Parker, Rigel Roberdeau, Isai Rodriguez, Jakob Rodriguez, Connor Speirs, Zachary Thoresen, Bryce Thorman, Carter Thorman, Shaun Torgerson, John Trimble, head coach Andy VanDeest, assistant coach LeAnn Vette, and assistant coach Charlie Neilson. Not pictured are Gus KrusKamp, and Brenden Lahr.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Page 16

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2015

Lead-Deadwood cross country numbers growing

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Numbers are slowly increasing for the Lead-Deadwood cross country program, which opens its season Aug. 28 at the Douglas Invitational in Box Elder.

“What’s exciting to me, is already doubling the numbers from last year,” said firstyear head coach Will Malde. He assisted longtime coach Lorna Squyer last season and moved into the top spot when she retired.

The Golddiggers’ program consisted of five runners when the 2014 season began.

Nine athletes are on the team as of press time.

Malde said the team is in the process of adding to those totals, and the middle school program is growing.

Senior Maddisen Larsen leads the Golddigger girls’ squad. She qualified for last season’s state A meet and finished 27th.

“She works very hard and is a great leader for the girls,” Malde said of Larsen. “She pushes her teammates and is excellent at offering encouragement.”

Four other runners comprise the girls’ team as of press time. They are juniors Sydney Auld and Delaney Voigt, sophomore Mara Jacobs, and seventh-grader Madelaine Rogers. Malde said Rogers will start on the middle school team and move to the varsity when the time is right.

Four new runners make up the boys’ team: senior Alex Cottrill, junior Chris Engel, sophomore Nathan Chipman, and ninth-grader Trinity Brady. Malde said all three runners bring things like ability, intensity, and hard work to practice.

Lead-Deadwood lost Courtney Gould and Nathan Finster from last season’s team due to graduation.

“We had a good year,” Malde said in describing 2014. “We had a smaller team, but all individuals made huge strides and competed very well.”

Malde said Lead-Deadwood has long had quality runners, but growing numbers is important. He added another key is getting the new runners comfortable with things.

“We want to build the culture that this is fun and something to enjoy,” Malde said.

The Golddiggers’ schedule features the state’s best girls’ teams in Custer and defending champion St. Thomas More, Malde said. He added Rapid City Central

and Rapid City Stevens appear at some of the bigger meets.

St. Thomas More and Custer are Malde’s favorites in the Black Hills Conference.

“I see us doing well,” Malde said of the conference race. “Our top runners are there, but St. Thomas More and Custer have more depth than we do.” Malde said Lead-Deadwood success depends on the athletes enjoying what they do, along with reaching personal goals. “We want them to love what they’re doing, and keep everyone healthy,” he added.

Practice sessions began on Aug. 17.

“Many of our runners saw competitive success in cross country and track,” Malde said when asked about a foundation for this season. He added they reached state or came very close to doing so.

Numbers are the biggest improvement the Golddiggers would like to make from last season to this, according to Malde. “We’ll take it meet by meet.”

Malde was asked what lessons he learned from Squyer, who ended a 21-year coaching career.

“It was the passion and love of what she was doing,” Malde said. He added she showed what she did to help things run smoothly and wished him well on the first day of practice.

Lead-Deadwood cross country schedule

Sept. 3 at Spearfish Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Custer Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Rapid City Invite 3 p.m.

Sept. 29 hosts Lead-Deadwood Invite 2:30 p.m.

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

Oct 8 at Black Hills Conference (at Red Cloud) 2 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Region 5A (Custer) 2 p.m.

Members of the 2015 Lead-Deadwood High School cross country team are: back row, Chris Engel;. Middle row, Alex Cottrill, Maddisen Larsen, Mara Jacobs, and Sydney Auld. Front row left, Madelaine Rogers, Delaney Voigt, Nathan Chipman, and Trinity Brady. Head coach Will Malde is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Fall 2015

Page 17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs cross country getting ready for season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Six high schoolage runners comprise the Belle Fourche boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, whose season begins Aug. 28 at the Douglas Invitational in Box Elder.

Five of those runners make up the girls’ squad. They are junior Lauren Christy, sophomore Hannah Juelfs, sophomore Susy Jewett, ninth-grader Ally Drabek, and ninth-grader Hanna Bricker. Jewett and Bricker are in their first season in the sport.

Cory Sowers, a junior, is the lone high school boy as of press time.

“We’ve had a numbers struggle for a long time, but we have some good high school athletes,” head coach Chris Riley said. He

guided the Broncs’ middle school program last fall and moved to the high school spot after coach Phil McNally passed away.

Riley said some people could think the Broncs’ inexperience may be a weakness, but he chooses a different perspective.

“It may be a positive,” Riley said. “We don’t know what we’re capable of.”

Riley said some of the runners have past track experience. Others put in a lot of summer mileage and have a great work ethic, he added.

The program also includes nine seventh-graders and one eighth-grader. Riley was asked if any of those runners could move up and said, “We’ll see how the season goes.”

Belle Fourche’s schedule ranks with the toughest a team will find, according to Riley.

The Broncs will see teams like Custer, Spearfish, Hill City, and defending state A girls’ champion St. Thomas More.

“There is no one you may take for granted,” Riley said. “We want to run against good runners.”

Riley picks St. Thomas More and Custer as the girls’ favorites in the Black Hills Conference. He said Spearfish and Custer should be very solid in the boys’ division.

How will the Broncs define success this season? Riley said this would occur if athletes come to practice, have a positive attitude, be consistent, and have fun. He added that has been the case ever since official practices began Aug. 17.

Those early practices centered on basic mileage runs, core and form work, flexibility, and some speed workouts.

Riley said returning runners are bringing

excitement and experience from last season. He added they understand what they must do in practice.

Increasing the numbers is one thing Riley agreed the Broncs must improve on. He said the runners cannot be afraid to dig, and they will feel fine a short time after the race.

Riley said the middle school and high school programs are now one entity after being separate for last season. He explained this was a coaching decision and part of a change in the overall culture.

Belle Fourche cross country schedule

Aug. 28 at Douglas Invite at 9 a.m.

Sept. 3 at Spearfish Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Custer Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Rapid City Invite 3 p.m.

Sept. 29 hosts Lead-Deadwood Invite 2:30 p.m.

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

Oct 8 at Black Hills Conference (at Red Cloud) 2 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Region 5A (Custer) 2 p.m.

Belle Fourche cross country runners are getting ready for the season, which begins Aug. 28. Pictured are, from left, Hanna Bricker, Ally Drabek, Susy Jewett, Lauren Christy, and Hannah Juelfs. Cory Sowers and head coach Chris Riley are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU cross country looks to improve in 2015

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s and men’s cross country teams are looking to improve from last season.

Scott Walkinshaw enters his 18th season as the Yellow Jackets’ head cross country coach, and he said he was pleased with both how the women’s and men’s teams finished last season.

“On the women’s side we improved four or five places from the year before as a team at the conference meet in Gunnison, Colo. I was proud of how the men ran as well. I thought both of our teams ran as good as we were going to going up in that elevation,” Walkinshaw said.

Black Hills State’s women’s team finished 10th at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships, led by Courtney Chase, who crossed the 6K finish line in 36th position in 24:22.60, while Becca Ellis finished 40th in 24:42.10.

Sierra Miles and Anna Yanchek finished in 62nd and 67th, respectively as Miles clocked in at 25:36.30 and Yanchek at 25:49.80.

The men’s cross country team finished 10th at the 2014 RMAC Championships.

Senior Alec Baldwin (Spirit Lake, Iowa) became the first Black Hills State University cross country runner to be named First Team All-Rocky Mountain

Athletic Conference after finishing seventh at that meet.

Baldwin finished the 8K race in 26:17.50, just two seconds behind fifth-place finisher Mart Andrie of Colorado Mines.

Baldwin was also Baldwin tabbed as a 2014 NCAA Division II Cross Country All-Region honoree by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

He placed 53rd overall at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship.

Gone from last year’s cross country team are Chase and Sarah Coomes.

“Our big loss is Courtney Chase” said Walkinshaw. “She had a solid four years.

She’s a gamer and she competed when it counted. She had two of her best races at the conference meet and at regionals.”

Walkinshaw said that he was excited about the freshman runners on the women’s team, which includes Alexandra Bartmess (Eureka, Mont.), Savannah Huntley (Rapid City Christian), Tori Moore (Ipswich, S.D.), Rebecca Pierson (Miles City, Mont.), and Cailey Roth (Freeman, S.D.).

Returning upperclassmen are senior captain Sierra Miles (Montrose, S.D.), junior Shelby Stoltz (Dickinson, N.D), and sophomore Katelyn Woten (Potter, Neb.).

On the men’s side, seniors Baldwin and Kendall Murie (Eagle Point, Mont.) will lead the team.

Missing will be Gage McSpadden, who would have also been a senior.

McSpadden was killed after tragically by lightning back in mid-July.

Walkinshaw said Baldwin, Murie, and McSpadden would be the Yellow Jackets captains this season.

“You know, Gage’s spirit will be with the team every day,” said Walkinshaw. “Gage was well-liked by everybody he met. He was a great teammate; he was great for our younger kids, but he was just a solid performer.”

Walkinshaw said he wasn’t sure what impact the loss of McSpadden will have on this year’s team.

“The impact, good or bad on the team this year, will come out. How it will manifest itself we don’t know yet. You can think the team is handling it pretty well, but it’s been hard on every upper classmen,” Walkinshaw said.

The Yellow Jackets will have three talented young runners from Alaska. They are: Levi Fried (Kodiak, Alaska), Jonah Theisen (Kenai, Alaska), and Michael Marshall (Seward, Alaska).

Freshmen Jackson Binstock (Dickinson, N.D.) and Jake Iverson (Winnett, Mont.) are also expected to do great things for the Yellow Jackets’ cross county team.

Parker Harrison (Rapid City Stevens), Keegan Her Many Horses (Lander, Wyo.), Zach Watson (Lamar, Colo.) are expected to compete for a spot on the seven man cross country team.

Veterans returning for the Yellow Jackets

are Baldwin and Murie, along with sophomores Josh Davis (Lamar, Colo.), Isaac Iverson (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Nathan Fredrick (Cheyenne, Wyo.), and Austin Williamson (Casper, Wyo.); and juniors Donnie Decker (Frankfort, S.D.) and Aaron Schone (Rapid City Stevens).

Walkinshaw said he has been pleased with the way everybody has trained this summer to get ready for the upcoming cross country season.

Black Hills State hopes to move up in the RMAC standings this season.

“I hope that both teams are going to be improved team wise. A lot is going to depend on how these freshmen transition.

All the women are going to be moving up from 4K to 6K, and the men are moving from a 5K to an 8K, which is 3.5 miles,” Walkinshaw said.

The BHSU cross country team has added graduate assistant Scott Foley to the coaching staff.

Foley is from Cheyenne, Wyo. and ran collegiately at Boise State.

The Jackets open their season Sept.

4 at the South Dakota School of Mines Invitational, in Rapid City.

Black Hills State cross country schedule

Sept. 4 at SD School of Mines Invitational TBD Sept. 11 hosts Yellow Jacket Invitational TBD Sept. 26 at Griak Invitational TBD Oct. 9 at Yellowjacket Invitational (Billings, Mont.) TBD Oct. 24 RMAC Championships (Alamosa, Colo.) TBD

The Black Hills State women’s and men’s cross country teams get in some running during a practice on Friday, Aug. 21, in Spearfish.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Fall 2015

Page 19

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan golfers return a veteran team

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans boys’ golf team lost only one senior from last season, and are expecting big things as they drop down to compete at the Class A level.

“Last season, I thought, was pretty successful,” said Eric Ligtenberg, Spartans head golf coach. “We had some young golfers that got some valuable experience.

They kind of show where they could go by looking at how young they were.”

Spearfish will be returning a veteran team for the 2015 season.

“I thought for how inexperienced they were last year, they showed a lot of maturity and a lot of golf knowledge and a lot of upsides, so coming into this season I have a lot of expectations for this team,” Ligtenberg said.

The Spartans have competed in a couple of tournaments so far this season, and Ligtenberg likes what he has seen.

“They are right on track,” said Ligtenberg. “The very first tournament, of the year, in Sturgis, we shot a 356. You can kind of gauge your kids on that score, because there is nobody playing defense, and we’ve had decent weather conditions.

It’s kind of like track; you can see how fast they are running. So, a score in golf it is not actually that hard to see how a kid is.”

The day after that tournament, Ligtenberg took a group of different kids down to Hot Springs.

“Hot Springs is a harder course, and we shot a lot better. We shot a 339. I saw a lot of improvement, a lot of consistency,” Ligtenberg said.

On Aug. 28, Spearfish traveled to Rapid City to compete in the West River Open.

“We had another really top-notch day.

We shot a 340,” said Ligtenberg. “If you break that 350, 340 barrier, you can start to measure yourself against some of the other competition.

“Rapid City Stevens, who has always been a very good school, shot a 335, so they beat us by five strokes. Anytime we can get close to Stevens that means we are doing something right, because they are a team to measure yourself against.”

This year Spearfish gets dropped from Class AA to Class A, and Ligtenberg sees this as a good thing for his team.

“It’s tough to compete against those AA schools when they are so much bigger and they have so many strong golfers. Class A also has very strong golfers. There’s actually very good golf teams in the Northern Black Hills,” said Ligtenberg.

“Custer has a really nice team, and so does Lead-Deadwood. We are kind of shaping

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School boys’ varsity and junior varsity golf team are: (not in order) Matt Peterson, Drew Gusso, Kyler Cark, Dawson Sundsted, Parker Louks, Tyler McBurnett, Kevin Kolb, Devon Braun, Logan Burket, Zac Tipton, Slayton Luedens, Jesse Sornison, David Zacher, Calvin Stanley, Jake Braun, Max Ellingson, Logan Ammerman, Sam Grout, Carson Selk, Dane Burghduff, Kain Smith, and coach Eric Ligtenberg. Not pictured are Drew Jewett and Grffin Smith.

Pioneer photo by Mark Watson

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ourselves into those top three in our region, I would say, but now that we are class A it gives those kids a little more shining hope that they can compete with those other teams.”

Ligtenberg said he wants to see consistency throughout the year in his team’s play.

“If they have a bad day, their bad day might be around a certain score like around 350. That’s a bad day. On a good day we’re breaking 330. That’s 20 strokes difference, but our guys are going to get better and we are going to get more guys shooting in the low 80’s, maybe breaking 80,” Ligtenberg said.

Spearfish boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 1 at Lead Triangular 3 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Sturgis Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 8 hosts Spearfish Quadrangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Douglas Tourney 10 a.m.

Sept. 15 hosts Spearfish Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Lakeview Tourney 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 21 at Black Hills Conference (Sturgis Brown) 10 a.m.

Sept. 28 Region 8A (Belle Fourche) 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 West River Tourney (Meadowbrook) 10 a.m.

Page 20

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood golfers return state experience

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Four athletes who qualified for last season’s state A boys’ golf tournament return to pace Lead-Deadwood this fall.

Senior Cameron Enright tied for 14th place, and senior Joey Fox finished in a 25th-place tie. Junior Brett Mattson and eighth-grader Kayd Varland also qualified for the season’s final event.

“Those four guys all have varsity experience, know the courses, and what to expect,” first-year Golddiggers’ head coach Zach Wevik said.

Four other players are on the roster as of press time. They are sophomore Alex Ulmer, ninth-graders Maxx Percy and Lucas Fish, and eighth-grader Payton Grodzin.

“It sounded like it would be a lot of fun,” Wevik said when recalling his hiring.

Activities Director Joe Williams approached Wevik, who knew the Golddiggers had a good crew of players.

Wevik agreed that past experience is a strong suit for the team. He said the players must work on finding consistency.

Lead-Deadwood shot an 18-hole 345 in Sturgis and a 324 in Hot Springs. That is a huge difference, according to Wevik.

The Golddiggers’ schedule is quite consistent from year to year, and Wevik likes it.

“West River has really good teams, and that helps prepare us for state,” he said.

Lead-Deadwood will host a Sept. 1 triangular at Lead Country Club: its home course. The Golddiggers will also compete at the Black Hills Conference tournament Sept. 21 in Sturgis, plus the Region 4A tournament Sept. 28 in Belle Fourche.

Milbank plays host to the state A tournament, set for Oct. 5-6.

Wevik said Custer, St. Thomas More, Spearfish, and Lead-Deadwood should contend for the conference title.

“We should be able to compete at each meet and give ourselves a chance to win,” Wevik said.

Lead-Deadwood has entered three tournaments so far. Wevik said the Golddiggers played decently at Sturgis, very well at Hot Springs, and decently at the West River Open in Rapid City.

How will Wevik and Lead-Deadwood define success in 2015? “We have to stay the course, stay tough mentally, and keep getting better each day,” Wevik said.

He would also like to see the team qualify for state, compete on the first day, and put itself in a great position to achieve its goals on the second day.

Official practice sessions began Aug. 10.

Some players used the time to get rid of the proverbial rust, and others competed with one another.

Everyone also worked on the basics.

“We must have an urgency sense,” Wevik said of this season. He would like to see the athletes learn and improve from last year’s lessons.

Consistency, and gaining more experience, is what Wevik would like to see the Golddiggers sustain for this season.

Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 1 hosts Lead Triangular 3 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Sturgis Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 8 at Spearfish Quadrangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Douglas Tourney 10 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Rapid City dual TBA Sept. 15 at Spearfish Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Belle Fourche Triangular 3 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Black Hills Conference (Sturgis Brown) 10 a.m.

Sept. 28 Region 8A (Belle Fourche) 9 a.m.

Members of the 2015 Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf team are: Maxx Percy, Joey Fox, Cameron Enright, Kayd Varland, and Brett Mattson.

The Golddiggers are coached by Zach Wevik.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

from Pg 15

CROSS COUNTRY Broeder will be the two guys that will lead us,” said VanDeest. “They had a strong summer of training and I think a lot of the guys saw that they worked hard.”

Spearfish will face another tough schedule.

“Our schedule early on, on the girls’ side, we are going to transition from 4K to a 5K. Hopefully some of these early meets

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we can get some 4K’s in, and as the season goes along, we can get into some bigger meets they’ll get used to getting in the 5K,” VanDeest said.

VanDeest said Spearfish should be in the running to win the state title.

“Lucky for us that on both sides we get to compete against a couple of the top teams in Class A against St. Thomas More and Custer,” said VanDeest. “They always seem to put be well together, and running against them just about every week.”

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Fall 2015

Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche golf team starts season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche boys’ golf team is relying on a five-player core as it attempts to navigate the 2015 season.

Andrew Ringling and Ayden Drabek represent the senior class. The co-captains have combined to earn three letters.

Juniors Austin Mette and Riley Meyer have combined for three state A tournament berths; both reached the 2014 state event, with Mette tying for 28th place. The other player is ninth-grader Michael Leverington, who lettered a season ago.

Clark Gusso is beginning his 17th season of coaching the Bronc boys, who opened their season at Sturgis on Aug. 17 and traveled to Hot Springs the following day.

Belle Fourche placed 10th at Sturgis and eighth in Hot Springs.

Clay Schaeffer graduated from last season’s squad.

“The players are enthusiastic and willing to listen,” Gusso said in describing this year’s team. “They are good kids to be around.”

Gusso said the players have varying skill levels, and there is currently not a lot of depth.

“A lot of it is consistent ball contact,” Gusso said when asked what the players need to work on, besides the traditional areas of chipping and putting. He added the players may also use this to progress down the course.

In recapping the Sturgis and Hot Springs tournaments, Gusso said the putting was not bad at all.

He added this is ironic, since a recent hailstorm resulted in the players not getting a lot of practice in that area.

Gusso said Leverington was not nervous in this season’s first two tournaments because he got to play some varsity in 2014.

He added Mette also benefited from that earlier in his high school career.

Belle Fourche’s schedule includes many of the traditional events, but Gusso said the 2015 slate is a bit more difficult.

“Sturgis is in its second year in the conference, and that adds a stronger team,” Gusso said.

Boulder Canyon Country Club west of Sturgis hosts the Black Hills Conference tournament Sept. 21. Belle Fourche plays host to the Region 4A tournament on Sept.

28. Gusso tabs Sturgis, Spearfish, Custer, and Lead-Deadwood as the conference favorites. Spearfish, Custer, and LeadDeadwood are his favorites in the region.

He sees the Broncs battling for fifth place or somewhere in that area.

How will Gusso and the Broncs define success this season?

“For individuals, it’s qualifying for state,” Gusso said. “As a team, if we get three or four, that would be a very successful season.”

Practice sessions for the season began on Aug. 10.

Chipping and ball contact served as the major points of emphasis.

Gusso said the players would begin concentrating on their home course this week. Plans include practice sessions of playing two intense holes, over and over.

Belle Fourche qualified two players for last season’s state tournament. Gusso said he would like to see that number increase.

He would like to see the scores improve this season to where the average is six to 10 shots lower than current numbers. Gusso said ball contact and course management are also keys.

Belle Fourche boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 1 at Lead Triangular 3 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Sturgis Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 8 at Spearfish Quadrangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Douglas Tourney 10 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Rapid City Tourney TBA Sept. 15 at Spearfish Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 18 host belle Fourche Triangular 3 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Black Hills Conference (Sturgis Brown) 10 a.m.

Sept 24 at Rapid City Central Dual 3 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosts Region 8A (Belle Fourche) 9 a.m.

Members of the 2015 Belle Fourche boys’ golf team are, from Michael Leverington, Ayden Drabek, Austin Mette, Andrew Ringling, and Riley Meyer. Head coach Clark Gusso is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU golfers excited about 2015 season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The 2015 Black Hills State University women’s golf team is hoping to improve on its ninth-place finish at the Ricky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships, last season.

The Lady Yellow Jackets finished with a two-day total of 676, squeezing past Chadron State for ninth place as the Eagles tallied 677 strokes.

“I thought if we played really well we could be above that, but I thought that’s where we would be, and we played really well that second day to get into that spot after playing poorly that first day,” said Jamie Bentley, BHSU’s head golf coach.

The Lady Jackets lost senior standout Amanda Kopren to graduation, and Bentley said Kopren will be missed.

“She was awesome for us last year.

She was obviously our No. 1 player, a great leader, and she was just a great teammate,” said Bentley. “She led by example on and off the golf course.

Her performance showed how good of a golfer she was in our tournaments, and she will definitely be missed this year.”

“Fall practices started Monday, and we were getting to know the team a little bit again,” said Bentley. “We have some new players and that always plays into a different team dynamic, with the skill level and what we did over the summer and where we need to go from there.”

Black Hills State returns three seniors from last year’s team.

Paige Erickson, Kaitlin Stevens, and Kelsey Williams are expected to provide leadership for this year’s team.

“I expect good leadership from them.

They all played in the top five last year. It’ll be nice,” said Bentley. “We’ve never had

three seniors in that position before, and I think it will be fun from a team standpoint by having a little more experience and not being the young team out there, and we are expecting them to lead by example.”

The Lady Jackets also will be adding two freshmen to this year’s team: Kiley Phares of Rapid City Stevens, and Madison Bradenberger of Aberdeen Roncalli.

2 freshmen “I expect them to come in and compete for a spot. Phares had a great senior year in high school, and I think she will come in and compete for a spot in that top five.

Brandenberger is a new face, and she’s played in the state tournament the last two years;’ so she’s had tournament competition,” Bentley said.

The Lady Yellow Jackets face a tough fall schedule, with no home tournament.

“Our schedule is always hard because we have to travel so much,” said Bentley.

“That first tournament in Pueblo, Colo.,

gives us an idea what to expect for the fall season.

Hopefully we can come out and compete right away.

Sometimes it takes a little while to get used to being back in that competitive mode, but we’re looking to start making an impact and not have any slips.

“We have a more experienced team this year, and I think we can do that.”

Bentley said that Black Hills State needs to be sharp in its short game and putting, if they want to be competitive this season.

“Putting and chipping is where you save strokes, so we spend a lot of time on the putting and chipping greens. I think the girls’ may get a little bored sometimes, but it’s important,” Bentley said.

BHSU women’s golf schedule

Sept. 7-8 at Farmers Insurance Samuel Proal Invitational ( Pueblo, Colo.) TBD Sept. 14-15 at RMAC No.1 (Longmont, Colo.) TBD Sept. 26-27 at Mustang Invitational (Marshall, Minn.) TBD Oct. 12-13 at RMAC No. 2 (Albuquerque, N.M.) TBD

Left, Black Hills State golfer Amanda Kopren surveys her putt during a 2015 spring exhibition golf match against SD School of Mines and Technology, in Spearfish. Right, Ashlyn Pearson watches her ball on its flight to the green during a tournament during the 2015 spring golf season. Photos courtesy BHSU Athletics Department

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Page 23

2015 Spearfish High School football cheerleaders

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School football cheerleading squad are: front row, Kylie Takats, Nicole Meza, Addie Wegin, Coral Abrahamson, Allison Kephart and Karla Meza.

Back row, cheerleading coach Pam Waterson and Emily Shuck. Pioneer photo

by Dennis Knuckles

2015 Spearfish High School dance team

Members of the 2015 Spearfish High School dance team are: Front row, Brook Tigert, Lauren Grove, and Taylor Koch. Middle row, Elise Everson, Haley Jensen, Carly Cooper, Alexis Powell, Madison Walker, and Kayla Huber.

Back row, Courtney Parker, Dava Kegler, Rachel Jensen, Molly Zvorak, Jordan Sacrision, Shelby Engelhaupt, Kenna Comer, and Jaelyn Grove. Not pictured are Izzy Drumm and coach Jesie Jeffery. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

WRANGLE UP A WIN! Go Broncs!

605-892-4773 • 500 State Street, Belle Fourche

Page 24

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2015

2015 Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Members of the 2015 Lead-Deadwood High School cheerleading squad are: back row, Shari Croft, Kaitlyn Meade, Isabella Jones, Taylor Statler, and Grace Jacobs. Front row, Ashtynn Gibson, Kaitlynn Zellers, Kaelin O’Leary, Leeara Porter, and Alexis Kohler. Melinda Grass, Brianna Tish, and advisor Wendy Rogers are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

2015 Lead-Deadwood High School dance team

Members of the 2015 Lead-Deadwood High School dance team are: Back row, Isabella Jones, Grace Jacobs, and Cassidy Taborski. Front row, advisor Stacey Ross, Angelica Jones, Rose Losey, and Jaedyn Mehlberg. Kaeler Quenzer and Melinda Grass are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2015 Belle Fourche High School cheerleaders

Page 25

Members of the 2015 Belle Fourche cheerleading squad are: back row, Alexis Carlson, Kennedy Ager, Monique Ramirez, Kaylee Sloan, Destanie Miranda, Marissa Piekkola, and Destiny Kerg. Middle row, Ashley Jewett, Kiara Poitra, Lindsay Dommer, Hadlie Jensen, Amanda Jewett, Hannah Jones, and Alexia Kerg. Front row, Allisa Hayduk, Moriah Gonzales, Mercedes Harrison, and Mariana Meza. Fey Ramirez, Sierra Lawrence, and advisor Denise Horman are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

2015 Belle Fourche dance team

Members of the 2015 Belle Fourche dance team are: back row, Kathryn Anderson, Hannah Baker, and Sarah Millar.. Front row, Tayler Clendening and Tessa Kauffman. Advisor Michelle Deyo-Amende is not pictured. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

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Page 26

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU softball playing six games this fall Pioneer Staff Reports

FISH — Black Hills State head softball coach Lane Leedy nced the Yellow Jackets fall softule. en and Gold have two weekends eginning in Mitchell at Dakota University. low Jackets face Mount Marty at e University of Mary at 1 p.m.

College at 3 p.m. on Saturday,

owing day, the Green and Gold

face Northern State University at 9 a.m.

The BHSU softball team will also be making an appearance in Spearfish during the fall season for the first time since 2013, Black Hills State plays host on Oct. 4 to Williston State at noon and Dickinson State at 4 p.m. Williston and Dickinson each play each other at 2 p.m. at the Yellow Jacket Softball Field.

The 2016 Yellow Jacket regular season schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

Also, Alexis Williams was named as a graduate assistant coach for the Lady

Yellow Jackets softball team.

Williams, a native of Columbus, Ohio, spent her collegiate career at the College of Saint Rose where she played in 112 career games, including 91 starts at catcher.

“Alexis is going to come in and fill a void with our catchers and have them trained and ready for performance much earlier,” said Leedy. “She comes to Spearfish already having coaching experience at a very high level in travel ball.”

Williams spent four years as an assistant coach for the Ohio Stingrays Softball Organization, working specifically with

the 16U squad. She was also the college coach liaison for the annual Stingrays Tournament.

“We are excited for her enthusiasm and knowledge of the game and can’t wait to see what she brings to the table,” Leedy added.

Williams was named to the Northeast 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll while named to the College of Saint Rose Dean’s List during her academic career while majoring in Psychology. She will be pursuing her Master’s of Science in Strategic Leadership at Black Hills State.

Thoughts from the sports desk Should kids who play baseball, soccer sponse in a kid like “Hey, you were a part and the like receive trophies for participatof something, you tried, you did good, and ing? even if you didn’t win you still tried your That question seems to have caused a lot hardest.” of people to get their feathers ruffled.

They also argue that giving kids particIt came to the forefront recently when ipation trophies teaches kids about good Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James sportsmanship and they teach them to acHarrison said he was going to return the cept when they lose because they tried. participation trophies that his 6Both sides make valid points and 8-year-old sons were given and I’m not sure how I feel about for playing football. participation trophies.

Former San Diego Chargers I am kind of leaning towards linebacker Shawne Merriman those who oppose participation agreed with Harrison saying trophies, because it kind of diwhile he understands they are minishes those who get trophies children and games/activities for MVP, all tournament, or some are suppose to be fun, but other special award for their exgiving them awards just to do cellence in sports. something is setting them up for Dennis Maybe they should give out failure in life because the world Knuckles certificates of participation indoesn’t work that way. stead of participation trophies.

Merrimam’s point was “if they feel The certificate could say John/Jane Doe showing up is all they have to do in order was a member of whatever sports team they to get rewarded what will happen when life played on. challenge them? The attitude of ‘At least I This way everybody gets recognized for came’ or ‘at least I showed up’ won’t make being on a team and only those who excel you successful in anything.” in sports will get trophies.

A veteran news anchor in Washington, It will be an incentive for kids to work D.C. said it was child abuse to give a kid a towards. trophy that he has not earned an it is a parSomehow I see this debate going on for a ent’s responsibility is to teach a kid how to long time. deal with the real world.

Hopefully not as long as Deflategate.

People in favor of giving participation The fall sports season is underway and trophies say the trophies are used to give some area teams are preparing for the fall kids the motivation to try. sports season, while other teams have alThey argue they promote a healthy reready begun their season.

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I have a chance to visit with several coaches in recent weeks and I have a better idea where teams are going to be once their season begins.

One burning question on Spearfish fans minds is will the Spartans football team rebound from two straight 0-8 seasons and get back to the AA playoffs.

Chad McCarty is in his third year as the Spartans head coach.

Since the Spartans moved back up to Class AA in 2013, they have yet to win a game.

McCarty said he has noticed a different mentality in this year’s team.

He said this team has the same swagger the Spartan football teams had in 2011 and 2012 when they sported winning records and advanced deep into the Class A playoffs.

I hope so, because I can’t imagine what it would be like to not win a game during one season, let alone two straight seasons.

The Spartans are working hard at practice and if they can stay injury free they will surprise a lot of teams in the Class AA ranks.

I am also anxious to see how the Spearfish volleyball team does this season.

Jayna Morrill is in her fourth season as the Lady Spartans head coach and she sports records of 8-13, 18-9 and 26-5 in her previous three seasons, reviving the Spearfish volleyball program from a cellar dweller to a bona fide state title contender.

The past two seasons Spearfish has come

within one game of making the state AA tournament.

This year the Lady Spartans move down to Class A, but their road to a state tournament appearance won’t be easy.

They will have to go through defending Region 8A champs Lead-Deadwood, Belle Fourche, and St. Thomas More if they want to punch a ticket to state.

I always enjoy talking with coach Morrill, because she tells it like it is.

Reminds me of me.

She has a good rapport with the girls and is a tough coach, but fair.

Her players trust and respect her, and that’s two things a coach needs from their players if they want to be successful.

Yes this fall sports season is shaping up to be the stuff memories are made of.

I can’t wait to the see the area football, volleyball, golf, cross country, tennis, and dance teams in action.

I encourage everyone to get out and support your local team.

I also encourage you to exhibit good sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Remember, attending a sporting event is a privilege not a right.

Let the young athletes know you are behind them 110 percent and all you ask is they do the best they can do on the field, court, or golf course.

Yes indeed, I have a feeling this fall sports season is going to be special.

See you at the sporting events!

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 27

2014 fall sports action

Football, golf, volleyball and soccer were just a few of the sports that saw action in the fall of 2014.

Pioneer file photos

Page 28 from Pg 13

BHSU VOLLEYBALL last season.

“My job is to make smart decisions on watching where the other team has the blockers set up and getting our hitters involved and set them up for a ball that is hittable, in an area where they can put it down,” said Eckhardt.

“We have to have better communication throughout the whole game, no matter if we are down, we just have to stick together as a team and play how we’ve been playing.”

The Yellow Jackets are slated to finish 10th in the 2015 RMAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, and Carmichael said her team felt they should be ranked a little higher.

“The girls were pretty disappointed with that ranking because

from Pg 12

LADY BRONCS VOLLEYBALL Belle Fourche faces St. Thomas More on Sept. 1 and 17. The Broncs square off against Spearfish on Sept. 10 and Oct. 19. Belle Fourche and Lead-Deadwood square off on Sept. 29 and Oct. 15.

These dates do not include tournaments.

How does Schlichtemeier see Belle Fourche stacking up with the other conference teams? “We’ve got as good a shot as anyone else,” she said.

Schlichtemeier added that a won-lost record does not necessarily determine success. Daily improvement, and doing things

from Pg 10

LADY SPARTANS VOLLEYBALL Spearfish moves down this season and instead of having to compete with Rapid City Stevens, Rapid City Central, and Sturgis Brown to earn a trip to state, they will have to go through LeadDeadwood, Belle Fourche and St. Thomas More if they want to contend for a state title.

“Moving down from Class AA to Class A, we’re ready for it,” said Morrill. “We haven’t added any teams to our schedule that we haven’t played before, we’re still playing in the Black Hills Conference which is a very difficult conference. The girls know what’s going

Fall 2015

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER they wanted a little bit more respect. I think we will have to go out and earn that respect. I definitely see us in the top eight of the conference and making the playoffs,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael said she has been pleased with how her team has been performing in practice.

“There’s been a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement,” said Carmichael. “They are definitely fired up. We haven’t had to spend as much time relearning things, we’ve been able to just push forward.”

Carmichael said the Lady Jackets have what it takes to make the playoffs.

“We’ve make total contributions across the board. I don’t think we’ll have one standout player that we will have to rely on night in and night out. I think everybody will contribute to us scoring points and winning games,” Carmichael said. not really expected, more closely reflects success.

“The girls come in and know what is expected of them,” Schlichtemeier said. Official practices started Aug. 17; players concentrated on footwork and other basic skills.

“We’re hungry for the season and would like to start on a good note,” Schlichtemeier said.

“Sturgis will be a good challenge, and we’re really excited to get started.”

Belle Fourche brought a rather young team to the court in 2014, and Schlichtemeier hopes the returning players will compete with a lot more confidence this year.

The Broncs’ first home match at Edwin Petranek Armory is Sept. 4, when Hot Springs comes to town. on and we don’t get that extra chance to go to state like we did in Class AA, now it’s one-and-done, so they understand what’s at risk.

“Our mindset is take it one game at a time and when we get to November, we get to November.”

Morrill is 52-29 in her three previous seasons at Spearfish and hopes to keep the team at the top level for years to come.

“As coaches, we talked about that at the end of last season. How are we going to maintain where we are at, and we really have a good core of juniors this year and sophomores that understand their main goal is to play JV and get our varsity ready, and they know that their time will come and we aren’t going to have a year of rebuilding, and we’ll continue where we are at,” Morrill said.

from Pg 8

from Pg 6

BRONCS FOOTBALL

SPARTAN FOOTBALL

He added Spearfish and St. Thomas More will also be quite strong.

Belle Fourche competes in the Black Hills Conference’s Rushmore Division. Slotten said he picks St. Thomas More as the favorite because the Cavaliers know how to win every year.

“Our first goal is to win the first game,” Slotten said. “We’re taking one game at a time.

“Our main goal is the conference title, then to push through the playoffs, and then Vermillion (for the state title game),” Slotten said. He added the players must stay healthy, maintain their grades, and concentrate on the task at hand.

Practice sessions started Aug. 13. Slotten said the main emphasis was that everyone needs someone to push him in drills. “We’re one team as a whole,” he added.

Going into this season, Slotten said he wants to see the players learn from their errors and score more touchdowns. He added he would like to see improvement in scoring and for the offense to be more two-dimensional.

“Our linebackers will be our strength on defense.

Sean Warnock will lead our defense at middle linebacker and Dylan (Reiners) at free safety. We have Cole Richards at a corner and Seth Rice at the other corner and we finally have Thomas Undlin healthy from his injury. Defensively I feel really good about things,” McCarty said.

The 2015 fall sports season has seen every Spearfish sport, except football, move down to Class A. McCarty said his team has accepted the fact they will be underdogs all year.

“We’ve talked about it,” said McCarty. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight it’s the size of the fight in the dog, and it’s OK. We can be the underdog.

“Everybody wants to beat us up because we haven’t won a game in two years, so nobody is going to want to lose to us. We just have to go in and we keep stressing that you’ve got to earn it and you’ve got to go get after it.”

The Spartans open its 2015 football season Saturday, Aug. 29, against St. Thomas More, in Spearfish, and the schedule gets tougher from there with games against Pine Ridge, Rapid City Central, Douglas, Mitchell, Huron, Belle Fourche, Sturgis Brown, and Hot Springs.

“I think opening against a tough team like St, Thomas more helps us. It’s a wakeup call right off the bat and see where we are at. We feel like if we can match up with those guys (St. Thomas More), we can hold our own through the year,” said McCarty.

“Sometimes it can hurt us if we get a lot of injuries right off the bat, then we’re struggling throughout that tough part of the season.

“Our conference is not going to be easy with St. Thomas More, Douglas, and Belle Fourche. Those teams are solid, so I think the Black Hills Conference will be as tough as it has been the pas t couple of years. It should be a fun year.”

McCarty said he expects one thing from his team each and every game.

“I want them to fight every game and on every play. If you get knocked down get right back up and keep trying and keep that intensity,” McCarty said.

from Pg 7

DIGGERS FOOTBALL Tieszen said Red Cloud’s lineup boasts athletic players, and Lead-Deadwood travels to Martin for a Sept. 11 rivalry game against Bennett County.

Lead-Deadwood competes in the Black Hills Conference’s Crazy Horse division with Custer, Bennett County, Pine Ridge, Red Cloud, and Little Wound.

Tieszen picked Custer as the division favorite.

“They are well-coached and work their scheme to their strengths,” he said.

Lead-Deadwood will stack up well against its opponents if it limits its mistakes and concentrates on its strengths, according to Tieszen.

Success for the Golddiggers depends on what Tieszen called the three P’s: preparation, performance, prevailing.

“This is our team motto,” Tieszen said.

“Preparation” centers on what happens Monday through Thursday in practices, with Friday games marking the “performance” aspect.

The “prevailing” is the hoped-for result.

Official practices began Aug. 13. Players worked on agility and learning their positions during those early days.

Last season will help Lead-Deadwood set a foundation for 2015. Tieszen said going up against teams like Parkston helped the Golddiggers see what is required to reach the next level.

“We need to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Tieszen said. He added that accountability is key.

Tieszen’s coaching philosophy is that winning teams will make mistakes but hope to learn from them. “The student-athletes need to be accountable socially, academically, and athletically,” he said.

from Pg 3

LADY BRONCS SOCCER She said the players can have fun, but they want to get back to that contest this year.

Success for this season hinges on three factors, Linch said. They are game-to-game improvement, finding team chemistry, and continuing to work hard.

“We have a difficult schedule every year, and that helps us improve and get better,” Linch said. The 12-game regular season includes two games against St. Thomas More (Sept. 1 and Sept. 12) two against Spearfish (Sept. 8 and Sept. 22), Rapid City Stevens (Sept. 19), and Rapid City Central (Sept. 26).

Belle Fourche started practicing Aug. 3. Players worked a lot on fundamentals during the first week, with positioning entering the picture after that time.

“It shows that determination and hard work pay off,” Linch said when asked what the Broncs can use to build on for this season. “Losing tough games by one goal helps up learn a lot.”

What would Linch like to see from the Broncs going forward? She cited consistent improvement, work on offense and defense, and shooting improvement.

“Everyone is excited,” Linch said. “The first game settled some nerves.”

Home games on Sept. 1 (against St. Thomas More), Sept. 19 (against Rapid City Stevens), and Sept. 22 (against Spearfish) are played at the Black Hills Roundup grounds.