2017 Fall Sports Preview

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Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Spartans soccer team look to be competitive

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School girls’ soccer team are: front row from left, Madison Gould, Madiera Lister, Taya Lucas, Riley Ullrich, Shelby Swets, and Olivia Elerton. Back row from left, Hannah Schoon, Tessa Lucas, Daesha Erskin, Lyndey Dean, Taylar Johnson, Amanda Dean, and Sela Fitzgerald. Spearfish is coached by Katrina Huft, and assistant coached Cody Wellman and Kara Morford. Pioneer photo

by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans girls’ soccer team is off to a 0-3-1 start to begin the 2017 high school soccer season.

They lost to Pierre 7-0, lost to Sioux Falls Washington 4-3, lost to Sioux Falls Lincoln 2-1, and battled St. Thomas More to a 2-2 tie.

Last season Spearfish finished 5-9 in 2016, losing to Vermillion in the state Class A quarterfinals “We had a fairly young team. We had two seniors and a great junior group,” said Katrina Huft, the Lady Spartans head soccer coach. “We started out rough, playing some tough teams from the beginning. We had a lot of injuries

thoughout the season, but we ended really well. We came back and made it to the playoffs, and overall had a quite successful season.”

Huft said she is really excited about this team.

“We have a strong group of seniors that I started coaching five years ago,” said Huft. “We’ve come a long way, and I’m very excited to see what their future holds.”

Huft said fall practices have gone extremely well.

“Summers are hard. Everyone is just really busy, but our girls have put in work when we had some open fields we would have camps and the girls’ definitely put in some time this summer,” Huft said.

Conditioning has been a focal point

2017 Fall Sports Preview is produced by the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD, 57783, (605) 642-2761 • (800) 676-2761 • www.bhpioneer.com Letitia Lister, publisher Mark Watson, managing editor Dru Thomas, advertising manager Dennis Knuckles, layout The publisher will not be responsible or liable for misprints, misinformation or typographic errors herein contained.

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the first two weeks of practice.

“We’ve done a lot of running, and a lot of getting back into the groove of things,” said Huft. “They are hard workers, and they are looking good.”

Huft said she is proud of the leadership her seniors have shown.

“I think our leadership with my seven seniors is one of our strongest points.

They have been playing together for a number of years and they understand what it’s like to be the younger girls, and I think they are doing a good job in supporting all grades and all their team members,” Huft said Huft said they will have a lot of young players playing again this season and their development will be a key as to LADY SPARTANS Pg 28

Spearfish girls’ soccer schedule

Aug. 31 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 hosting Rapid City Central at 1 p.m.

Sept. 12 hosting Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 at hosting St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Belle Fourche 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Douglas 5 p.m.

Sept. 23 hosting Rapid City Stevens 1 p.m.

Fall 2017

Page 3

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans soccer team young, but talented

Front row from left, Ethan Johnson, Gabe Feeser, Ashton Covell, Yohannes Peterson, Elias Grimsley, Korben Harris, Max Krier, Bridger Meyer, and Jacob Schaffer. Second row from left, Weston Verhulst, Alex Oedekoven, Benjamin Wise, Bridger Roberdeau, Holden Owens, Kjellen Bogard, Brock Bacon, Robert Erskin, Clay Donovan, and Tyler Borchgrevink. Third row from left, Rigel Roberdeau, Caleb Ardis, Mason Krier, Ryan Rafferty, Gene Glover, Jay Sayler, James Odenbach, Cash Clendenen, Lucas Rodgers, and Jensen Damberg. Back row from left, Ian Scholten, Tim Doerges, Ryan Peldo, Carson Isburg, Eli Riggs, Gabe Ardis, Jayden Deichert, Gordon Adamski, and Gabe Knudsen. The Spartans are coached by head coach Jim Hill, and assistant coaches Luke Donovan, Avery Greenwalt, and Travis Frederickson. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — What a difference a year makes.

In 2016 the Spearfish High School boys’ soccer team were state Class A champions.

This season the are 1-2-2 to start the season and are struggling with a young team.

“We’re a very young team this year,” said Jim Hill, the Spartans head soccer coach.

“This is the first time a lot of these kids have ever played together as a group. The biggest thing is just getting that playing time.”

The Spartans were state champions last season and Hill said it doesn’t get much better than that.

“Last year we had a great group of kids, and we have a great group of young kids returning. This year we are going to be one of those surprising teams. We are going to have to grow as a team. We are going to have a lot of young players to start off, and they are going to need to grow in their playing experience and by the end of the season I think we are going to be a surprising team,”

Hill said.

The Spartans’ return three starters from the state championship team, and three other players that saw varsity playing time in 2016.

Hill said the fall practices have been challenging since the South Dakota High School Activities Association made some changes to the fall practice format.

“This year has been a little different. They changed our heat acclimation rules to where for the first five days we could only practice once a day, no matter what the conditions were,” said Hill. “For us it doesn’t help because we used to do all our conditioning early in the morning, and then have an evening practice doing technical work. So, we are little behind the curve now.”

Hill said the team spent two weeks working on their defense.

“Most of our kids last year were seniors except for one, Mason Krier who was our starting defender,” said Hill. “We have three new defenders that we have to work really hard with them and get it organized so we can do well.”

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Hills said this years team has a lot of young, quality players.

“The quality of our young players is great. We are just young. We are going to depend on a number of freshmen to give us varsity time, and when you do that you just don’t know what you are going to get from game to game,” Hill said.

This year the Spartans move back up to Class AA. “Our schedule didn’t really change, we play the same teams and two of the Sioux Falls schools,” said Hill. “It doesn’t make a lot of difference except for how our seed points are scored.”

The first few games of the season Hill said he hopes to see tenacity out of his players.

“We want to play hard. We want to get after it,” Hill said.

Hill said the Spartans are looking to make the playoffs as at least a No. 5 seed.

“If we play well we could be in the op five to seven teams. We just don’t have a total Class AA school where our power points are going to allow us to get higher than that,” Hill said.

Spearfish boys’ soccer schedule

Aug. 29 at Mitchell 11 a.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 R.C. 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosts Sturgis 7 p.m.

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

Sept. 22 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 hosts R.C. Stevens 1 p.m.

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Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Bronc girls aiming for state A tournament berth

Belle Fourche girls’ soccer schedule

Aug. 29 hosting St.Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 at St. Thomas More 11 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Sturgis 5 p.m.

Sept. 16 hosting R.C. Stevens 9 a.m.

Sept. 19 hosting Spearfish 4 p.m.

Sept. 23 at R.C. Central 11 a.m.

The Belle Fourche varsity girls’ soccer team opened its season Aug. 14 by defeating Douglas/Rapid City Christian 8-0. Team members are: back row left, Raymie Keegan, Jade Kellem, Reese McKenna, Bree Pierce, Kathleen Stairs; middle row left, Elainna Brill, Molly Ryan, Brook McConville, Savannah Rosales, Dru Keegan, Ava Walker; front row left, Sarah Graves, Lauren Collins, Taylor Hunsley, and Alexis Allen. Mackenna Ward, assistant coach Chrissy Montgomery, assistant coach Coree Kudlock, and head coach Kyle Parks are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche aims to reach the state A girls’ soccer tournament this season after falling just short in 2016.

The Broncs posted a record of three wins, six losses, and three ties last season. They finished seventh in class A: just one spot short of that tournament.

Kyle Parks returns for his second season as the Belle Fourche head coach.

Parks said the 2016 went well, and it was a learning experience for everyone involved. “The girls gave it their best shot, played hard, played well,” he added.

Hannah Rehmeier, Sierra Rosales, and Rebekah Ruby graduated from last season’s team. Parks said they were talented players and great individuals.

“Losing seniors always affects you, but now we have seniors this year that are stepping up and ready to fill the spots,” he said.

This season’s roster includes four seniors. They are defender Raymie Keegan, defender Jade Kellem, midfielder Sarah Graves, and midfielder Kathleen Stairs.

“The whole team is just really stepping up,” Parks said.

Twelve other players are on the varsity as of press time.

They include junior midfielder-forward Molly Ryan and defender-goalkeeper Brook McConville.

Sophomores are forward Savannah Rosales, midfielder Mackenna Ward, defender-midfielder Jayme Peterson, defender Bree Pierce, and defender Taylor Hunsley. Lauren Collins (midfielder-forward) and Elainna Brill (midfielder-forward) represent the ninth-grade class.

Three eighth-graders and one seventh-grader round out the roster.

Eighth-graders are goalkeeper Sydney Bridge, midfielder-defender Reese McKenna, and defender Dru Keegan.

Midfielder-forward Ava Walker is in the seventh grade.

Parks said the Broncs have a family-type aura on and off the field.

“Defense is strong and solid,” Parks added.

He added the Broncs have an offensive attack but need to develop a goalie because last year’s starter, Rehmeier, graduated.

“Overall, it’s a young, ready-to-go, ready-to-prove-something kind of team,” Parks said.

Communication is something Parks said needs work. He added the players are pretty quiet, and they need to work on leaving their comfort zone and helping one another vocally.

He said field awareness also needs work. “Seeing things, trying to get it from left to right, and still going forward with that in possession,” he added.

Parks said the Broncs’ schedule has some good teams on it. The lineup includes a number of class AA schools like Douglas/Rapid City Christian, Spearfish, and Sturgis. He anticipates tough games against St. Thomas More and West Central.

How does Parks see the Broncs stacking up against other BRONC GIRLS Pg 28

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Fall 2017

Page 5

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche earned a split in the first two games of its varsity boys’ soccer season. Team members are: back row left, head coach Anthony Bradley, Luke Lensegrav, John Maher, Matt Preisner, Cruz Kellem, John Baxendale, Cameron Hendricks, Michael Leverington, Landon Thompson, Riley Hoard, manager Jen Johnson; front row left, Josiah Trimble, Jaden Schmidt, Cordell Seyersdahl, Ethan Jones, Gunnar Johnson, Ryan Muhm, Kendal Schreier, Dalton Mace, and Barak Minor. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Bronc boys adjusting in season’s early stages

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s varsity boys’ soccer team split its first two games of the 2017 season, falling 2-0 to Hot Springs and edging Douglas/Rapid City Christian 3-2.

Anthony Bradley is in his third season as the Broncs’ head coach. He said the team looked completely different in the second game as opposed to the opener.

“What I saw from the first two games was our ability to get things back together, become a team, and address problem areas quickly,” Bradley said.

Bradley was asked who has emerged as key players for the Broncs after the first two games. He cited senior forward Luke Lensegrav, senior striker Ryan Muhm, junior goalkeeper Landon Thompson, junior midfielder Kendal Schreier, sophomore defender-midfielder Cruz Kellem, and ninthgrade midfielder Josiah Trimble.

Midfielder John Maher, defender Cameron Hendricks, and senior midfielder Riley Hoard also represent the senior class on the roster. Other juniors are defender Dalton Mace and midfielder Michael Leverington.

The roster also includes six other sophomores: midfielders Gunnar Johnson, John Baxendale, Matt Preisner, and Ethan Jones; defender Cordell Seyersdahl; and forward Barak Minor. Ninth-grade defender Jaden Schmidt rounds out the

roster.

Belle Fourche finished the 2016 regular season sixth in class A, which meant a playoff spot. The Broncs fell 9-1 to Sioux Falls Christian to end the campaign.

Bradley said Belle Fourche defeated Rapid City Central in the regular-season finale to qualify for the playoffs. He added he thought the team could have achieved more.

Alex Hendricks, Lucas Trimble, and Michael Ryan graduated from last season’s squad.

Communication and passing are two of the areas Bradley said the team must work on as this season progresses.

Belle Fourche’s schedule includes Sturgis, St. Thomas More, Rapid City Central, Rapid City Stevens, and Spearfish.

Bradley said the slate is one of the most difficult in class A. Bradley said Belle Fourche could encounter problems scoring, and team speed is lacking. He added the Broncs are a young team.

How will Bradley and the Broncs define success, besides daily improvement?

“Keeping our attention to detail and not get frustrated if games kind of get out of control,” Bradley said. He also cited players staying competitive and continuing to learn when situations are not going well.

Fall practices officially started July 31. Those sessions focused on agility and conditioning.

Bradley said perseverance is the biggest lesson players can take from last season to this.

He said the Broncs started last season with three wins and a tie in the first five games. Bradley said a loss to St. Thomas More started a stretch in which Belle Fourche let teams back into games.

“It’s not over until it’s over,” he said. “That’s going to be important with how our team is built this year.”

Bradley said the squad needs to persevere, and it can still accomplish a lot of things.

The Broncs have a total of six home games. They host St. Thomas More on Aug. 29, Rapid City Stevens on Sept. 16, and Spearfish on Sept. 19.

Home games are at the Black Hills Roundup sports complex in Belle Fourche.

Belle Fourche boys’ soccer schedule

Aug. 29 vs. St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Sept. 1 hosting James Valley Christian 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 5 hosting Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 hosting St. Thomas More noon Sept. 14 hosting Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Rapid City Stevens 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 hosting Rapid City Central 11 a.m.

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Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU women’s soccer building for the future By jason gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University will begin its second women’s soccer season on Aug. 31 when it hosts Minot State at 7 p.m. on Ronnie Theisz Field, in Spearfish.

Mike Greco is beginning his first season as Yellow Jackets’ head coach. He succeeded Rob Blake, who stepped down this summer.

“I know how important soccer is to the area,” said Greco, who has worked with South Dakota athletes for a long time. “I’m really honored to be a part of the building phase.”

Seven starters return for Black Hills State, which finished 0-12 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and 1-16 overall. They include sophomore forward Katie Nielson and sophomore midfielder Rose Miller, who earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors a season ago.

Nielson tallied a team-high five goals for the Yellow Jackets last season and finished with 11 points (two points for a goal and one for an assist). Miller followed with nine points: three goals and three assists.

Senior forward Danielle Heerts is one of the other returning starters. The other four are sophomores: goalkeeper Theresa Wilhelmi, defender Courtney Woodring, defender Jamy Shassetz, and defender Grace Baumgarten.

Senior forward Tori Dungey is one of four players returning from the Yellow Jackets’ debut season of 2016. The others are forward Lauren Sparrow, defender Danielle Wellman, and goalkeeper Zoe Baldwin.

Eight newcomers will also lend their skills to the program. They are midfielders Kiana Ayers, Cait Kelly, Kayley Neville, and Morgan Wood; midfielder-forward Jayden Judy; and defenders Abigail Carlson, Bella Goddard, and Mikayala Hernandez.

“The team really has solid, solid building blocks,” Greco said. “We’re going to be young. We’re going to be inexperienced, but that’s what building a program is all about.”

The Yellow Jackets will look to learn when it comes to competition, according to Greco. He said they must be efficient and learn as much as possible from every game.

“Overall, we’re more physical than last year,” Greco said. “I don’t think we’re physical enough, but I think we have learners on our team.”

Black Hills State is a bit smaller than other teams, but Greco said the players have a lot of heart.

Players are getting to know one another, and Greco said goal-setting would be discussed soon.

“Hard work is always part of what I want,” Greco said in discussing the team’s

Black Hills State University women’s soccer schedule

Aug. 31 hosting Minot State 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 at Northern State TBD Sept. 4 at Wayne State College TBD Sept. 8 MSU Billings TBD Sept. 10 at University of Mary TBD Sept. 15 Western State Colorado TBD Sept. 17 at UC-Colorado Spriings TBD Sept. 22 at New Mexico Highlands TBD Sept, 24 at CSU-Pueblo TBD Oct. 6 hosting Fort Lewis College 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 hosting Adams State 1 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Regis University TBD Oct. 15 at Metro State-Denver TBD Oct. 20 hosting Colorado Mines 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosting Colorado Christian 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 hosting Westminster College 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 hosting Colorado Mesa 11 a.m.

WOMEN’S SOCCER Pg 28

Members of the 2017 Black Hills State University women’s soccer team are: (not in order) Therese Wilhelmi, Raven Johnson, Janie McAmis, Kiana Ayers, Juliann Mecham, Jayden Judy, Lauren Sparrow, Katie Nielson, Abigail Carlson, Danielle Heerts, Rose Miller, Jamy Shassetz, Caitlin Kelly, Grace Baumgarten, Alexandria Lisenbe, Morgan Wood, Isabella Goddard, Mikayla Hernandez, Brooke Woods, and Zoe Baldwin. The Lady Jackets are coaches by head coach Mike Greco. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Fall 2017

Page 7

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan football team gaining confidence

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School boys’ football team has high expectations for 2017.

Last season the Spartans finished 6-5, and made it to the semifinals of the state AA playoffs before losing to Harrisburg.

“We were really happy with last season.

It seems our football program is turning the quarter and we are getting a little better each year,” said Chad McCarty, the Spartans head football coach. “I expect us to get a little better this year and our ultimate goal is to make it to the Dakota Dome this year and win it.”

The Spartans will be without some key seniors from the 2016 team.

“Brendan Rotert, Reese Walno, and Michael Chaffin on the line will be tough to replace. Our backfield will be without Jackson Bouge and Boyce Harr,” McCarty said.

McCarty said young players like Jordan

Brinson and Reese Hansen, and Wesley Dodd are doing a great job in fall practices, and practices are going pretty good.

McCarty said he was happy with the overall team speed.

“It’s hard to gauge right now, but our team speed seems to be up a little bit,” said McCarty I don’t know if we are actually faster than we were last season, but overall it seems like we are a little quicker.”

The Spartans will not be making a lot of changes with their offensive and defensive schemes.

“Our seniors this year, it will be their fourth year of running this offense, so we are progressing just fine. I feel pretty good about where we are at right now, so we are hoping for the best,” McCarty said.

The Spartans will have a new quarterback this season, with Tyler Barkley and Brady battling for the starting job.

“I’ve been impressed with both of them,” said McCarty. “Tyler (Barkley) is doing a great job and his reads are right on spot. Brady Greger is doing a good job

also, so we are still kind of up in the air as who our quarterback will be, but they are both competing and getting after it and really doing a good job.”

The Spartans have been concentrating on their offensive line during their first two weeks of fall practices.

“We have been working on getting our offensive line going in the right direction, and putting them together as a unit,” McCarty said.

Last year as the season progressed the line starting to mesh together well, and McCarty is hoping for the same thing this season.

“Our line working together and controlling the line of scrimmage is obviously going to be a key for us again this year, he said.

The defense will be the strong part of the Spartans team this season.

“Our linebackers with Brinson and Hansen, those two our bright spots,” said SPARTAN Pg 25

Spearfish football schedule

Sept. 1 at Rapid City Stevens 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosting Brookingsl 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Huorn 6 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Mitchell 6 p.m.

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School football team are: front row left, Gavin Rosenau, Dillon Craig, Joe Hiermeir, Tashon Clark, Max Nickles, Sean Wenzel, Gabrel Nible, Logan Langenfeld, Trenton Schlacht, Hunter Millis, Tayan Patterson, and Justin Steedley. Second row from left, Bryce Mullaney, Dillon Batka, Braden Baker, Jack Beringer, Matt Ackerman, Elijah Zuniga, Joel Gifford, Dawson Craig, Jackson Jones, Branden Yackley, Cael Citrowska, Max Sailor, Taven Aga, Jace Engesser, and Tyler Barkley. Third row from left, Jordan Brinson, Justin Carter, Gavin Feeser, Jack Berringer, Evan Harr, Derek Webster, Trey Schlacht, Taylor Janovy, Cole Arseneau, Kelby Kruse, Reese Hansen, Tyler Crabtree, Zach Kozel, and Wesley Dodd. Fourth row from left, John Nickles, Timmy Moore, Camern Koch, Chris Ivers, Keithan Funk, Brady Rickels, Jacob Johnson, Gavin Leary, Brady Greger, Hunter Seyer, Kadin Gifford, Cade Lyon, Erik Rothe, Braeden Ferguson, and Connor Speirs. Back row from left, head coach Chad McCarty, and assistant coaches Darin Douglas, Jeremy Beehler, Nathan Naasz, trainer Jarron Rowe, assistant coaches Cody Powers, Aaron Nida, Jum Martin, and Steve Gabriel.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers’ football team off to early start

Lead-Deadwood’s football schedule calls for the team to play three games before Labor Day. Squad members include: back row left, Dylan Janke, Dylin Johnson, Gage Mau, Jake Alley, Chris Lipp, Wyatt Hess, Brigham Williams; middle row left, CJ Murray, T.K. Rainey, Domenic Lucero, Zach Murray, Zak Mau, John Jones, Max Johnson, Jordy Stulken; front row left, Charlie Hanel, Dawson Janke, Mekieh Hon, Joey Burrows, Rob Lester, Cody Rakow, and Dylan Schumacher. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood started its 2017 football season with A 42-36 loss to Red Cloud on Aug, 18, and 42-6 to Upton/ Sundance on Aug. 24 “That’s a tough one for us right off the bat,” Lead-Deadwood head coach Tom Tieszen said. “They’re looking forward to having that competition right away this year.”

The Golddiggers and Tieszen hope to improve on a 3-6 record from a season ago. Lead-Deadwood fell 35-16 to Bennett County in a first-round playoff game.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that really contributed a lot last year,” said Tieszen, who is starting his third year here. “They are going to contribute even more this year.”

Coltan Radensleben, Chris Engel, Riley Stokes, Christian Burmeister, Nik Scott, Colt Bradley, and Devon Schumacher graduated from that team. However, the cupboard is not bare for this season.

Senior Zach Murray returns to the quarterback position, but suffered a leg injury against Sundance/Upton and his availability is in question. Senior Brigham Williams anchors the offensive line.

Tieszen also cited junior lineman Zak Mau, senior wide receiver-defensive back John Jones, senior wide receiver-defensive back Dylin Johnson, senior wide receiver-defensive back Jake Alley, and senior wide receiver-linebacker Chris Lipp as key returning players.

The remaining roster as of press time includes seniors Dylan Schumacher (lineman) and Wyatt Hess (tight end-linebacker);

juniors Dylan Janke (running back-linebacker) and CJ Murray (lineman); sophomores Max Johnson (quarterback-defensive back), Jordy Stulken (wide receiver-defensive back), and Robbie Lester (lineman); plus ninth-graders Joey Burrows (lineman), Charlie Hanel (running back-linebacker), Mekieh Hon (wide receiver-defensive back), Dawson Janke (running back-linebacker), Gage Mau (running back-defensive back), T.K. Rainey (wide receiver-defensive back), and Cody Rakow (running back-linebacker), and Domenic Lucero (running back-linebacker).

Tieszen said the sense of community and togetherness are Lead-Deadwood’s strong suits going into this season. “They’re really working well as a unit,” he added. “They’re really playing off each other’s strengths.”

Numbers are a bit low for Lead-Deadwood, whose roster includes only 22 players.

“You can never have too much focus,” Tieszen said. He stressed the importance of staying focused in every aspect of the game: on and off the field.

The Golddiggers’ schedule includes the likes of Bennett County and Custer.

“They’re always tough fought games where if we come out on top, it really digs under their skin,” Tieszen said. “If they beat us, it really gives us something to work for the next year.”

Bennett County earns Tieszen’s nod in the Black Hills Conference division. He looks for Custer to contend as well.

As for class 11B, Tieszen said St. Thomas More and Winner also represent West River well.

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“We talk about the three P’s of success,” Tieszen said. “We’re there to prepare to our best ability, perform to the best of our ability, and then prevail.”

Fall practices officially began Aug. 7.

Athletes have done a lot of conditioning work, half-line plays offense against defense, and spending time in the weight and meeting rooms.

Tieszen said he would like to see LeadDeadwood finish better in 2017. Playing a complete game is also the biggest improvement he would like to see from the Golddiggers.

Tieszen said the Golddiggers competed during the 2016 season, and the team was in a lot of games and won a decent number of those.

Lead-Deadwood, 0-2, travels to Pine Ridge Seppt. 21 to take on the Thorpes.

Lead-Deadwood football schedule

Sept. 1 at Pine Ridge 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Little Wound 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 hosting Crow Creek 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Bennett County 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at McLaughlin County 6 p.m.

Oct. 7 OPEN Oct. 13 hosting Custer 6 p.m.

Fall 2017

Page 9

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Young Broncs seek to grow on football field

Belle Fourche football team members include: back row left, Darin Hanson, Chase Bickerdyke, Hunter Mitchell, Brady Labrier, Cooper Crago, Tye Davis, Jesse Thybo, Braxton Turbiville, Hunter Mez, Gavin Geib, Michael Streeter; third row left, Colby Nowowiejski, Angel Tingley, Morgen Garrett, Jackson Mailloux, Carson Gubbrud, Dylan Burns, Logan Goeders, Jackson Tyndall, Sage Geib, Aiken Crowley, Ryan Bauer; second row left, Brextin Garza, Kelby Olson, Tate Larson, Bryce Nicholas, Zane Rankin, Taten Fox, Keaton Benson, Lan Fuhrer, Hunter Quenzer, Diego Tarno; front row left, Blake Vissia, Joe Hanson, Tate Hostetter, Tee McAmis, Gunner Jensen, Brody Ager, Austin Wood, and Justis Quenzer. Jaredon Dosch, Collin Hockenbary, and head coach Scott Slotten are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — A very young Belle Fourche team is taking to the field this season, which began Aug. 26 against Sturgis at Spearfish’s Lyle Hare Stadium.

Head coach Scott Slotten said this year’s roster includes only a few seniors. They are running back-linebacker Dylan Burns, running back-linebacker Cooper Crago, center-defensive lineman Braxton Turbiville, lineman Gavin Geib, and running back-linebacker Justis Quenzer.

“A lot of these juniors did get playing time last year, but they’ve got to continue to grow as the season moves on,” he added. “They’ve kind of got to be our seniors, too.”

Belle Fourche seeks to turn the page on a 4-5 season in 2016 in which they did not qualify for the playoffs.

Slotten said the 2016 campaign was a growing year because the roster had so few seniors. Many sophomores saw a lot of playing time and grew as the season progressed, he added.

Jake O’Byrne, Zach Lange, Noah Nixon, Louis Budmayr, Chase Irwin, and Joe Moore graduated from that squad. Several other key players return for Belle Fourche this season: all juniors. Slotten listed running back-quarterback Tate Hostetter, offensive linemen Tye Davis and Jesse Thybo, defensive lineman Hunter Mitchell, running back Morgen Garrett, wide receiver Jackson Mailloux, and linebacker-fullback Taten Fox. “We’re balanced all the way around,” Slotten said in describing the Broncs’ strong points. “We’ve kind of been known as a running team since I’ve been here.”

What will Belle Fourche need to work on as this season progresses?

“Last year, our main downfall was tackling,” Slotten said. “We’ve been hitting that hard every day since football started.”

Belle Fourche’s schedule is difficult, but Slotten said it is kind of what he asked for.

“We knew if we wanted to get to the next level of talent in class A, we’ve got to play the big dogs,” he said.

Madison comes to Belle Fourche for a Sept. 1 game. The Broncs travel to Dell Rapids on Sept. 8. Madison won last season’s state 11A football title and is top-ranked in the preseason poll, with Dell Rapids ranked fourth.

St. Thomas More (ranked fifth in the preseason poll) is on Belle Fourche’s slate once again. Slotten said the rest of the Black Hills Conference’s teams have improved a lot.

Slotten said St. Thomas More is always the conference favorite. He sees Douglas giving the Cavaliers a push and hopes Belle Fourche can do likewise to everyone.

“I think we have a good group of boys that are going to work their butts off,” Slotten said. “We are hoping to compete in every game.”

Slotten said the Broncs have a bit more depth than in past seasons.

Belle Fourche has goals every year that include competing for the conference title and qualifying for the playoffs.

Slotten includes another criterion to measure success.

“We’re going to judge our success on how the kids grow on and off the field,” he said.

Fall practices officially started Aug. 10. Tackling was the main defensive emphasis, and focal points on offense

5 on 5 Men’s Basketball

included trying to use players in different ways.

Last year’s senior class supplied a lot of vocal leadership, Slotten said. He added the team currently doesn’t really have a vocal leader because the kids are not really talkative.

What other improvements would Slotten like to see from this year’s Broncs?

“We need to start early and compete early,” he said. He added there were some games last season in which the Broncs got down early and were not able to recover.

Belle Fourche has three other home games on its schedule. They are Sept. 22 against Hot Springs, Oct. 6 against Pine Ridge, and Oct. 13 against St. Thomas More. Those contests are at Lou Graslie Field in Belle Fourche.

Belle Fourche football schedule

Sept. 1 hosting Madison 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Dell Rapids 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Little Wound 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosting Pine Ridge 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Douglas 6 p.m.

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Page 10

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU football excited to start 2017 season

Matthew Collier, J.J. Kilgore, Chris James, Riley Glenn, Dylan Reiners, Keyshawn Farmer, Eriq Swiftwater, Ben Sjobakken, Ryan Hommel, Collin Powers, Dimitri Butts, Bradley Adamson, Jamie Johnson, Tyler Hammons, Taran Whelchel, Trey Fleming, Tanner Gamble, Trey Nachticall, Josh Gurnaby, Luis Bach, Jess Edens, KJ Edwards, Keelan Thompson, Erick Hairston-Belcher, Hunter Stephens, Bailey Rosenstrauch, Junior Ramirez, Jack Walbye, Anthony Allman, Jamil Bond, Drew Hebel, Darius Frimpong, Jake Phelan, Shane Brooks, David Brandt, Christian Hernandez, Garrett Dunn, Payten Gilmore, Jack Mazurie, Clayton Koch, Austin Goddard, Phydell Paris, Brady Morris, Sebastian Sefcovic, Tanner Tadra, Cody Hooker, Lathen Stevens, Jordan Cliff, Wylee Knudsen, Sam Garcia, Caleb Measner, Thayer Sauter, Justin Davis, Paul McLaughlin, Jarrell Ganaway, Jimmy Pio, Isaiah Tivis, Grant Tubridy, Jamie Gray, Isaiah Birkel, James Marshall, Jesse Marshall, Kolten Johnson, Chris Marcopoulos, Brett Lamb, Isiah Hirtler, Keith Marson, Darrick Bowman, Michael Deichert, Clayton Dry, Mitchell Pias, Judd Stewart, Aaron Montoya, Alden Giang, Adam Burtschi, Rico Stubbs, Austin Czarnecki, Darian Warford, Kenton Hewitt, Jr., Nate DeWitt, Kade Gifford, Joseph Moraga, Cody Holt, Keilar Harpham, Brenden Johnson, Jake Basinger, Anthony Johnston Jr., Brennan Walk, Shandon Jones , Jordan Pace, Markez Boykin, Trig Olson, Liam Heaney, Gereth Bushong, Jarett Jenson, Zane Lindsey, Ryan Olsen, Gage Vindiola, Cass Lytle, Jared Tiefenthaler, Anthony Ibarra, Coleman Johnson, Chris Franklin, Conor Heaney, Greg Ebach, Dartanian Vukota, Brennen Blaylock, Daylon Stutz, Cole Miller, Marquise Clayton, Head coach John Reiners, and assistant coaches, Anthony Kerr, Evan Eastburn, Shawn Schnabel, Jay Smith, Randy Doran, and graduate assistants Ryan Conrad, John Kocurek, Tim Schroer, and Ryan Smith.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University’s football team is understandably excited about the 2017 football season. The Yellow Jackets forged a 7-4 record in 2016 after going 0-11 the year before.

“You can’t expect that any success you had in the past is going to translate into success this year,” sixth-year head coach John Reiners said. He added what the players have done to get ready for this season is above and beyond what they did a season ago.

Junior quarterback Ryan Hommel and senior running back Phydell Paris lead Black Hills State’s offense. The defense returns junior All-American defensive

back Drew Hebel, senior defensive back J.J. Kilgore, and senior linebacker Isaiah Birkel.

Hommel will begin his third year as the Yellow Jackets’ starting quarterback.

Last season he was 192-of-380 passing (50.5 percent) for 2,277 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

“We do need to take it game by game,” Hommel said. “When we do lose games, it’s how we recover and how we get better.”

Hommel said he would like to improve his completion percentage to at least 60 percent this season. He added his improvement is largely from his teammates, and it is fun to be part of things.

Paris is BHSU’s all-time leading rusher. Last season he ran for 1,314 yards and 13 touchdowns, and he now has

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3,047 yards career rushing yards Sophomore Payten Gilmore ran for 463 yards in 2016, and will spell Paris at running back.

Other running backs that could see some time include junior Shane Brooks, sophomore Jamil Bond, and redshirt freshman Jack Walbye.

Senior Shandon Jones will lead a veteran wide receiver corps. In 2016, Jones had 35 catches for 665 yards, and was named to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s First team offense.

Jones said the team’s motto for this season is The Edge.

“We’re all ready to jump off this cliff and hopefully dive into greatness together,” he said. He added the most eager BHSU FOOTBALL Pg 28

Black Hills State University football schedule

Sept. 2 hosting Adams State (Family Day) noon Sept.9 hosting Fort Lewis (Swarms Day) 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Dixie State 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 hosting S.D. School of Mines (Battle for Homestake Trophy) noon Sept. 30 at N.M. Highlands noon Oct. 7 at Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

Oct. 14 hosting Western State Colorado noon Oct, 21 at Colorado State-Pueblo 2 p.m.

Nov. 4 hosting Chadron State (Senior Day) noon Nov. 11 at Colorado Mines noon

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Page 11

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans tennis team excited for new season

Pictured are members of the 2017 Spearfish High School girls’ tennis team. Front row from left, Marissa Moulton, Hannah Brunn, Jane Doerges, and Maddy Reichert. Middle row from left, Lily Douglas, Silvee McCoy, Lizzy Gray, Kahra Campbell, and Anna Engen. Back row from left, Head coach Doug Dexheimer, Lauren Strand, Anne-Marie Rolando, Maren Long, Ella Hancock, Sierra Hauff, and assistant coaches Joe Doerges and Matt Waters. Not pictured is Annelise DeBeaumont. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish tennis team is off to a good start for the 2017 season.

The Lady Spartans opened their season with a 5-4 win over Madison on Aug. 17.

“It went pretty well, I think the girls were probably a little nervous. They started out kind of slow in a couple of situations and then caught up,” said Doug Deheimer, the Spearfish girls’ head tennis coach. “Our doubles did pretty well with two wins, and in singles we got three wins. We know what we need to work on, and the girls’ are staying pretty positive.”

Spearfish followed that up with wins over Aberdeen Roncalli and Rapid City Central, a loss to St. Thomas More, and a win over Rapid City Christian.

“I am happy with how they are competing. We had some frustrating losses for some of our girls, but they were battling and playing hard, and overall our team is looking good,” Dexheimer said.

Dexheimer said he was pleased with how the 2016 season went.

“We had two of our players, Sierra Hauff and Ella Hancock, place seventh at state,” said Dexheimer. “We had a couple of disappointments at state where we lost a couple of close matches, but overall we did pretty well.

Dexheimer said he was disappointed that matches against Rapid City Christian and Rapid City Stevens were cancelled because of rain, but he said he is happy with how his players are working hard at practice.

“Our practices have been going well. I have been trying to get them focused. Each individual player has things they need to

work on, and we have things to work on as a team too. Our players are showing some enthusiasm and I’m liking what I see so far,” Dexheimer said.

Positive attitude will be a strength for the Lady Spartans this season.

“They all have positive attitudes,” said Dexheimer. “They are all eager to improve, and that’s something I like to see from them.”

Consistency and conditioning will be keys to Spearfish having a successful season.

“I want to see them have a little more consistency to start with. We want our conditioning to start improving,” said Dexheimer. “We want to add a little variety in some of our games and develop some shots we aren’t to good with right now, so we have a little broader bag of tricks to use in our match situations.”

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Spearfish girls’ tennis schedule

Sept. 3 hosting R.C. Stevens 9 a.m.

Sept. 3 hosting R.C. Central 1 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Campbell County 4 p.m.

Sept. 9-10 at Brandon Valley Jamboree Sept. 15 hosting St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Mitchell 11 a.m./1 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Harrisburg 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 at S.F. Roosevelt 3 p.m.

Sept. 20 at S.F. Washington 8 a.m.

Sept. 20 at Soux Falls Lincoln noon Sept. 23-24 at Pierre T.F. Riggs Invite Sept. 29 at Rapid City Invite 4/6 p.m.

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Page 12

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2017

Lady Spartans volleyball has high expectations

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ volleyball team is expecting big things for the 2017 high school voleyball season.

In 2016 the Lady Spartans finished 11-13.

“Last season went really well. We had a lot of girls that were younger and got a lot of playing time and this year they come back with experience,” said Jayna Morrill, the Lady Spartans head volleyball coach. “Last year was our rebuilding year and this year we are refocusing.

We’ve had a lot of good things working through the tough times we had last season.”

Morrill said she is pleased with how fall practices have started.

“This year we have great senior leader-

ship, and we also have some younger kids that will be playing for us, and our expectations are high for them. They are excited and eager to play,” she said.

Morrill said defense has been the main focus at practice.

“We have been working on our defensive fundamentals,” said Morrill. “We are focusing on where we need to be at on defense, and those fundamentals that will hopefully wear out their bigs, and we will have that advantage.”

Morrill said this team is unified.

“Everybody gets along. They are very focused, they are competitive, and those are huge traits for us. They are willing to do everything I ask them to do, and that helps out a lot, because whether you starting or we put someone else in they are going to do exactly what we need them to, and they won’t be upset when they come out,”

Morrill said.

Spearfish hopes their younger players began to improve as the season goes along.

“We want our younger players to get better and get them used to the faster game, and working on the fundamentals. You can never stop working on fundamentals,” Morrill said.

This year Spearfish moves up to Class AA, and will have a tougher road to get to state.

“Moving up to Class AA is a pretty big difference, but we already had a schedule where we played a lot of AA schools,” said Morrill. “A team at the start of the season is going to be a different team than they are at the end of September and October.”

Morrill said she isn’t worried about the new Sweet 16 format where the top

16 teams will be seeded according to Power Points, and battle to see what top eight teams advance to the state tournament.

“Like I tell Jordan Bauer (the Spearfish activities director) just tell me when we play. It’s just one of those things you can’t control and you show up and play, it doesn’t matter who you play, you just play the game you are supposed to,” Morrill said.

At the Huron Invitational Aug. 25 and 26, Spearfish lost to Sioux Falls Roosevelt 25-20, 25-21, Spearfish lost to Sioux Falls Washington 27-25, 25-11, the Lady Spartans lost to Sioux Falls Lincoln 14-25, 27-25, 25-20, and Spearfish lost to Sioux Falls O’Gorman 25-17, 25-14.

Spearfish will travel to Belle Fourche to take on the Lady Broncs on Friday, Sept. 8.

Spearfish girls’ volleyball schedule

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School volleyball team are: front row left, Mikayla Tracy, Ashtyn Reiners, Jalyn Carter, Ellie Greger, and Chandi Jackson. Middle row from left, Britain Menzel, Jenna Geist, Taylor Hersch, Kennedy Kaitfors, Cora Tobin, Kyla Jarvis, and Elina Espeland. Back row from left, assistant coach Heidi Work, assistant coach Gretchen Weir, Sam Wood, Emma Murphy, Jacey Keller, Alexsis Kemp, Jensen Markley, Kenni Easton, assistant coach Christine Skoglund, and head coach Jayna Morrill. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Sept. 8 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosting Douglas 7 p.m, Sept. 20 hosting Rapid City Stevens 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 29 hosting Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosting Custer 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Douglas tourney 8:30 a.m.

Oct. 18 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting Rapid City Central 7 p.m.

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Fall 2017

Page 13

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers’ VB team seeks greater consistency

Lead-Deadwood’s volleyball team members are: back row left, Kaali Allmendinger, Natalie Janssen, Carolyn Groeger, Anna Campbell, Hannah Campbell, Isabel Fredericksen; front row left, McKayla Norton, Gracie Kosters, Blake Mehlberg, Kelsey Stuen, Carly Mehlberg, and Olivia Rogers.

Head coach Kim Hansen is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Lead-Deadwood seeks to improve its passing and hit more consistently during the 2017 volleyball season. The Golddiggers got that first chance Aug. 25-26 at the Custer Tournament.

“We cannot let one, or two, or three points be made on the other time just because we can’t serve-receive,” second-year head coach Kim Hansen said.

As for hitting, Hansen said that aspect was not where it needed to be in 2016. She added the Golddiggers must be bigger hitters and put the ball down on the opponent’s side of the court.

The Golddiggers will look to a group of four returning players for leadership and guidance.

Hansen liste senior McKayla Norton, senior Gracie Kosters, senior Carolyn Groeger, and sophomore Anna Campbell.

Eight other players are on the varsity roster. They are seniors Kelsey Stuen and Isabel Fredericksen; juniors Carly Mehlberg, Olivia Rogers, and Kaali Allmendinger; and sophomores Blake Mehlberg, Natalie Janssen, and Hannah Campbell.

A rounded-out top six was not available

at press time. Hansen said things would be more solidified by the time of the Custer Tournament, including the positions for each player.

Lead-Deadwood finished 11-18 last season and dropped a three-set decision to Belle Fourche in a Region 8A tournament first-round match. Alexis Simpson, Madison Andersen, Miranda Luze, and Kanicee Gilmore-Bears graduated from that squad.

“Coming back my second year, the first day of practice, I noticed that we were communicating well,” Hansen said of team strengths along with the returning experience.

She added the team learned how to do that last season, and it is carrying over.

“Those teams that have traditions are always going to have traditions,” Hansen said in assessing the Golddiggers’ schedule. “Those are the teams that are on our radar this year.”

Hansen said St. Thomas More and Belle Fourche will be top contenders in the Black Hills Conference. She sees the Golddiggers being able to compete with other conference teams as well.

What will mark success for LeadDeadwood?

“We have a very high goal of getting our feet into the Sweet 16,” Hansen said.

She added last year’s players saw the opportunity to be able to reach that level this year.

Region tournament play will continue until two teams remain in each of the state’s eight regions.

Those squads are then seeded 1 through 16 statewide. Number 1 plays number 16, with 2 hosting 15, 3 hosting 14, and so on for a total of eight matches.

Winners of those eight matches advance to state, set for Nov. 16-18 in Rapid City.

Aug. 10 marked the first day of official practice. Players worked on ball control, and Hansen that showed a lot of improvement from last year.

“I want them to be gritty on the court,” Hansen said when asked what she would like to see the players carry over from last season.

“That type of philosophy just flows within you team.”

At the Cunster Invitational Friday and Saturday in Custer, the Lady Golddiggers defeated Pine Ridge 16-25, 25-20, 25-15, they Hill City 25-13, 25-16, they defeated Newell 25-13, 25-14, they defeated Moorcroft 25-15, 20-25, 29-27, they defeated Custer 25-22, 25-22, and they defeatedEdgemont 21-25, 25-18, 25-21.

Lead-Deadwood plays a total of seven home events this season.

Others home games are Sept. 5 against Edgemont, Sept. 14 against Custer, Sept. 28 against Sturgis, Sept. 30 at its home tournament, Oct. 10 against Red Cloud, and Oct. 12 against Belle Fourche.

Lead-Deadwood girls’ volleyball schedule

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

Sept. 8 hosting Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Edgemont 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Custer 2:45 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting triangular 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 27 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 hosting a tournament 9 a.m.

Oct. 4 hosting Harding County 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

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Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche volleyball team begins 2017 season

Belle Fourche’s volleyball team has started its 2017 campaign. Squad members are: back row left, Fallon Budmayr, Ashley Byrd, Payson Birkeland, Sierra Ward, Tristan Garman, Mandee Williamson; front row left, Heaven Lane, Alexis Cherveny, Emma Singer, Morgan Rancour, Taryn Stedillie, and Rylee Young. Head coach Loree Schlichtemeier is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — A roster of five seniors, five juniors, and two sophomores is leading Belle Fourche into a volleyball season that started Aug. 22 against Sturgis.

Outside hitter Sierra Ward, middle hitter Mandee Williamson, setter Fallon Budmayr, right-side hitter Heaven Lane, and defensive specialist Morgan Rancour represent the senior class for this season. Rancour is a transfer from Wall.

Juniors on the varsity roster as of press time are outside hitter Rylee Young, setter Payson Birkeland, libero Emma Singer, middle hitter Tristan Garman, and right-side hitter Ashley Byrd. Setter-defensive specialist Taryn Stedillie and middle hitter Alexis Cherveny represent the sophomore class.

Loree Schlichtemeier is the head coach, and she begins her 10th season in that role.

The Broncs finished 25-8 last season and fell to St. Thomas More three games to two in a Region 8A tournament second-round match.

Their performance pleased Schlichtemeier, who recalled the year was fun.

Tiann Garman, Bret Woelber, Dylana Ward, Emily Collins, Bricee Bisgaard, and Addison Middleton graduated from that squad.

What does Schlichtemeier see as the team’s strengths for this season?

“Belle Fourche always has girls that work really hard,” she said. “They like to have fun.”

Schlichtemeier said the younger players are also excited to get an opportunity, and they want to get better.

“A big thing is just getting used to playing with totally different kids,” Schlichtemeier said. “Just kind of building that teamness.”

Moving from junior varsity to varsity is a big step. Schlichtemeier said the varsity game is a lot faster.

Belle Fourche has what Schlichtemeier called a nice schedule. Broadus, Mont., is new on the schedule, but the Broncs will again play at the Redfield Tournament. Chadron and Douglas will join Belle Fourche in a triangular.

Spearfish and Lead-Deadwood could be in the mix for conference honors, according to Schlichtemeier. She said it would be interesting to see how teams fill spots due to graduating seniors.

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Schlichtemeier said in describing the conference race. “I don’t know if there will be anybody that just kind of clearly stands out.”

What will mark success for the Broncs, besides improving every day? Schlichtemeier said there is more to it than simply wins and losses.

“You get some kids that come out for you, and they make it through the season,” she explained. “They work really hard, and they’re better people after they’ve gone through your program. They’ve done some good things in school.”

The Broncs started fall workouts on Aug. 10. Sessions centered on skill work, which Schlichtemeier said is wanted so the squad can start working on more team things.

This will mark the second year of the Sweet 16, in which the top two teams from each of the state’s eight regions battle for a state tournament berth.

Schlichtemeier said a big lesson from last year was learning how the Sweet 16 format worked.

As for improvements, she said she would like to see the players continue to step on the court and compete, and play consistently.

Belle Fourche’s Edwin Petranek Armory hosts 11 Broncs’ events this season. That includes a Sept. 23 tournament and the aforementioned Sept. 28 triangular.

Belle Fourche girls’ volleyball schedule

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

Sept. 1 hosts Hot Springs TBA Sept. 7 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 hosts Powder River 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 hosts St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosts Custer 7 p.m.

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

Sept. 28 hosts Douglas 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosts Chadron, Neb. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Red Cloud 5 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Redfield Tourney 8 a.m.

Oct. 12 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Douglas Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 16 hosting Spearfish 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Fall 2017

Page 15

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU volleyball team eyeing RMAC playoffs

Black Hills State women’s volleyball schedule

Valerie Blake, Sydney Ederhoff, Reilley Baty, Kenzie Kazmer, Makayla Bell, Sierra Stugelmeyer, Fehrin Ward, Abby Moerkerke, Tara Hall, Ellise Lech, Tess Thomas, Jessy Hibl, Cheyenne Palu, Laurel Lech, Carisa Becerra, and Peyton Bodeman. The Lady Jackets are coached by Kristin Carmichael. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University is getting ready for a volleyball season that is hoped will include a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament berth.

Kristin Carmichael begins her fourth season as head coach and said the squad seems very driven and organized.

Black Hills State finished 6-12 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, 8-18 overall, last season. Lacy Stevens earned co-De-

fensive Player of the Year honors; she and Brynn Eckhardt received second team All-RMAC status.

Cheyenne Palu was named to the RMAC’s Honorable Mention team.

Danielle Torpey, Chloe Zimmer, Eckhardt, and Stevens graduated from last year’s team.

The Yellow Jackets open their 2017 season Sept. 1-2 in a tournament at Sioux Falls. They face William Jewell College, the University of Sioux Falls, Fort Hayes State, and Arkansas-Fort Smith.

“I definitely anticipate we’ll be

very talented at blocking again,” Carmichael said. “We return our two middles, which always helps.”

Those players are Fehrin Ward and Palu: both seniors.

Palu collected 183 attacking kills and 153 blocks last season.

Ward’s numbers included 120 kills and 125 blocks.

Carmichael said she has seen a lot of growth in blocking from younger players. She added the sophomore-junior class has progressed very well on attacking.

Juniors Sierra Stugelmeyer and Ellise Lech are Black Hills State’s two other returning start-

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Sept. 17 hosting Ft. Lewis 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Colorado St.-Pueblo 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 at N.M Highlands 6 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Colorado Mines 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Colorado Christian 5 p.m.

Oct. 4 at SD School of Mines (vs.

Augustana) 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 hosting Regis (Colo.) 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 hosting Chadron State 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 hosting SD Mines 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 hosting Westminster 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 hosting Colorado Mesa (Senior Night) 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosting Western State Colorado (Parent’s Night) 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 at University of ColoradoColorado Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 at MSU Denver 5 p.m.

Nov. 4 at Regis (Colo.) 7 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Chadron St. 6 p.m.

Nov. 8 at SD Mines 7 p.m.

Nov. 11 hosting University of ColoradoColorado Springs 7 p.m.

ers. Stugelmeyer is a middle hitter-rightside hitter; Lech plays outside hitter and defensive specialist positions.

The roster includes seven other returning players. Defensive specialist Sydney Ederhoff, outside hitter-rightside hitter Kenzie Kazmer, and outside hitter-defensive specialist Tara Hall represent the senior class.

Sophomores Jessy Hibl (defensive specialist), Laurel Lech (setter), setter Tess Thomas (setter), and freshman Abby Moerkerke (outside hitter) round out that list.

Newcomers include defensive

specialist-setter Reilley Baty and rightside hitter-outside hitter Carisa Becerra. They come to Spearfish from Northwest Community College and Casper BHSU VOLLEYBALL Pg 28 County Community College, respectively.

Three other newcomers in their first college year are defensive specialist Valerie Blake, middle hitter Makayla Bell, and middle hitter-rightside hitter Peyton Bodemann.

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Page 16

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2017

Spearfish cross country begins season Aug. 26

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ and boys cross country team looks toi improve in 2017 Spearfish Cross Country head coach Andy VanDeest said he was happy with how his teams performed in 2016.

“The boys ended up third overall at state after placing second at the Black Hills Conference meet. They nipped out Custer at the state met, which was what we were shooting for and we couldn’t have asked for a better ending on the boys side,” said VanDeest. “On the girls side we were a little banged up going into state. We finished fourth at the region meet and failed to qualify a complete team by one place. This year we are looking to improve on that.”

Spearfish moves back up to Class AA this season.

“It’s going to be a little more competitive on the girls side when we get to state, but we are guaranteed a team at state this year. I like our numbers this year. Angela Hovdenes is looking really, really strong, and we are looking for her to have a good season,” VanDeest said.

On the boys side, the Spartans have only Stran Holben returning from the top six that went to state last season.

“We are loaded with seniors this year who have been around for four or five years, so they are well experienced and hard workers, and we’re looking for them to have a good year,” said VanDeest.

On the girls side, VanDeest said Spearfish

didn’t lose very many runners from last season.

“We were young last year. Hovdenes was our leader. This year she is a junior and we are looking to have a pretty good year on the girls side,” he said.

VanDeest said he liked the condition his team was in when fall practices began Aug. 10.

“The kids came in and looked like they had a good summer training, and had been working hard,” said VanDeesr. “They knew they had some work to do towards the end of last season, so I know a lot of them did quite a bit of work over the summer.”

The schedule won’t change, even though they are moving up in class.

“The schedule isn’t going to change and the competition we see is going to be the same week in and week out, so pretty much the only thing we are going to see different when we get to the state meet we are going to see those Sioux Falls schools,” VanDeest said.

VanDeest expects both teams to be competitive this season.

“Last year on the boys side we were comparing ourselves to Rapid City Stevens. They placed third at state last year, I think on this side of the state they are a good team to key off of, and we will be looking to match up against them,” said VanDeest. “On the girls side we tend to focus more within the Black Hills Conference. Custer has been strong statewide for a number of years, along with St. Thomas More, and we compare our team to them. We see them almost every week, so its nice to compare against them.”

Pictured are members of the Spearfish High School girls’ cross country team: front row from left, Front row, Jadyn Johnson, Morgan Roberts, Anna Schneiter, and Angela Hovdenes. Back row from left, assistant coach Marcie Holben, Shalaya Sandness, Logan Bunney, Lily Dennison, Mackenzie Hoffman, Ella Kruskamp, Head Coach Andy VanDeest, and assistant coach Charlie Neilson. Not pictured is Olivia Murray. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Spearfish cross country schedule

Sept. 1 hosting Spearfish Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Custer Invite 2 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Douglas Tourney 10 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Rapid City dual TBA Sept. 17 at Huron Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 23 at Rapid City Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at L-D Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Black Hills Conference Invite (Box Elder) 2 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Region (Custer) 2 p.m.

Pictured are members of the Spearfish High School boys’ cross country team: front row from left, Carson Selk, Taylor Sandness, Rigel Roberdeau, Zach Thoreson, Will Sayler. Back row from left, assistant coach Marcie Holben, Isaiah Childers, Ryan Harris, Stran Holben, Head Coach Andy VanDeest, Keegan Brunson, Carter Thorman, and assistant coach Charlie Neilson. Not pictured is Tanner Hanson, Brendan Lahr, Demarco Smith, Cole Hansen, and Thomas Heinert.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Page 17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood cross country teams trying to grow

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood cross country team is making final preparations for the 2017 cross country season Third-year head coach Will Malde said the Golddiggers had a great 2016 season. He explained the program is trying to get more people into the sport, and two athletes (Madelaine Rogers and Trinity Brady) qualified for state.

“Every kid that ran had a new personal record on the year,” Malde said. “There was a lot of growth.”

Lead-Deadwood did not lose anyone from last year’s team because of graduation. This year’s program boasts a total of 23 runners, grades six through 12. The breakdown is 14 girls and nine boys.

Many of those runners are returning after competing on the team a year ago.

Rogers is a ninth-grader; Brady is a junior.

Senior Mara Jacobs is also a key returning runner, according to Malde.

Sophomore Pratt Williams will concentrate on cross country this fall after splitting time with football a year ago, Malde said.

Other members of the girls’ program are senior Brandy Morris; junior Angelica Jones; ninth-grader Zariah Jones; eighth-graders Rachel Janssen and Emma Jones; seventh-graders Morgan Gravelis and Clarissa Heisinger; and sixth-graders Winter McMahon, Katie Jones, Haylee Jankord, Sara Jones, and Abby Keehn.

The boys’ program also includes senior Blake Ingham; junior Carson Pinske; eighth-graders David Morris and Landon Williams; seventh-grader James Pierce; and sixth-graders Ethan Hess and Cope Williams.

“I definitely see strength in our numbers,” Malde said. They include a total of nine runners in grades nine through 12: five girls and four boys.

“Everyone’s got someone to kind of compete against in practice and train with,” Malde said.

“I think that’s a huge strength for our group that we’ve never had and what I’m really excited to see.”

Malde said some of the newer athletes will work on mental toughness, and others have not really been involved in a sport as physically demanding as this.

So, they are learning what their bodies are capable of doing and being comfortable with pushing themselves beyond what is easy, he added.

“We just need to keep working on our confidence,” Malde said.

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He added excitement is high when the season begins, but the situation can seem daunting later on.

Malde said the Golddiggers’ schedule is brutal, partly because a number of teams are in Region 5A: arguably the state’s toughest. Plans also call for a trip to Sioux Falls for the Sept. 1 Augustana Invitational.

“That’s why, I think, we need to focus on our mental training so much and our confidence,” Malde said. He added the competition is making the athletes better.

Boys’ favorites for Malde in the Black Hills Conference include Custer and St. Thomas More.

He tabbed Hill City, St. Thomas More, and Custer in the girls’ division.

“I think we’re going to look pretty good,” Malde said in comparing the Golddiggers to other conference teams as well. He added Lead-Deadwood should have complete varsity teams if everyone stays healthy and training goes well.

Malde was asked what would make this season a success for Lead-Deadwood.

He and the athletes are seeking daily progression. He said he would like to see improvement on last year’s times at the respective meets.

Numerical success would be reached if the Golddiggers had full teams for boys and girls.

“In the end, it would be great to have some kids fall in love with the sport and see how many kids we can get in (the state meet),” Malde said.

Fall practices officially began Aug. 10. Runners are increasing their mileage base and getting their

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ cross country program features 14 runners as of press time. Team members include: back row left, Madelaine Rogers and Mara Jacobs; third row left, Haylee Jankord, Angelica Jones, Zariah Jones; second row left, Winter McMahon, Sara Jones, Emma Jones, Morgan Gravelis, Clarissa Heisinger; front row left, Rachel Janssen, Katie Jones, and Brandy Morris. Abby Keehn is not pictured.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

CROSS COUNTRY Pg 28 bodies used to that. Hill running was added a few days later as a change of pace.

“We have an awesome team culture,” Malde

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Lead-Deadwood cross country schedule

Aug. 26 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 1 at Spearfish Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Custer Invite 2:45 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Rapid City Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 hosting L-D Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Sturgis Brown Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at BHC Invite (Box Elder) 2 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Region 8A (Custer) 2 p.m.

The Lead-Deadwood boys’ cross country program features nine runners as of press time. Team members include: back row left, Pratt Williams, Ethan Hess, Trinity Brady, Carson Pinske; front row left, Cope Williams, James Pierce, Landon Williams, and David Morris. Blake Ingham is not pictured.

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Page 18

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2017

Belle Fourche cross country team members gathered for a photo after a recent workout in the rain.

Squad members include: back row left, Molly Rhoads, Ally Drabek, Taylor Hanson; middle row left, Megen Keegan, Hanna Bricker, Anah Pomrenke, Jessica Dudley; front row left, Radley Wendt, Devin Nowowiejski, Sawyer Clarkson, Cole Hockenbary, Wyatt Keegan, and Weston Watson.

Dylan Burns, Hannah Juelfs, Hayley Wilbur, Austin Olson, EJ Lambert, Lane Longbrake, and Nic Lambert are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Broncs’ cross country team includes 5 letter winners

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s cross country program includes 20 athletes as the Broncs are ready for the 2017 cross country season. Third-year head coach Chris Riley said the Broncs had a great 2016 season as far as building a program was concerned.

He added Corey Hockenbary was the first Bronc boy in five years to qualify for state, and younger athletes did some really good things.

Alyssa Juelfs, Corey Hockenbary, Seth Pomrenke, and Cory Sowers graduated from last season’s squad. Riley said they left a bit of a legacy for the younger runners to follow.

How would Riley describe that legacy?

“They were just a group that kind of did their talking with their work ethic,” he said.

Runners for this season include five letterwinners whom Riley cited as key returnees. They are junior Ally Drabek, sophomore Megen Keegan, ninth-grader Hayley Wilbur, eighth-grader Cole Hockenbary, and eighth-grader Molly Rhoads.

Senior Hannah Juelfs, junior Hanna Bricker, and ninth-grader EJ Lambert also lettered a season ago.

The program contains 12 other members as of press time. They are seniors Taylor Hanson and Dylan Burns; ninth-grader Austin Olson; eighth-grader Wyatt Keegan; and seventh-graders Sawyer Clarkson, Nic Lambert, Lane Longbrake, Devin Nowowiejski, Weston Watson, Anah Pomrenke, Jessica Dudley, and Radley Wendt.

“I think their strong point is just their willingness to get after it and push each other,” Riley said.

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Riley said the youth is a concern as far as growing the volume of training. “It’s just a little bit of an adjustment to get used to that extra mileage,” he added.

Being in the Black Hills Conference and Region 5A appeals to Riley.

He said the Broncs will see many of the state’s top teams and runners.

“You work for every position you get in these races up here; that’s for sure,” he added.

Custer earned Riley’s nod in both boys’ and girls’ divisions of the conference race.

He also looks for St. Thomas More and the Hill City girls to contend.

Riley would like to see the Broncs finish somewhere in the middle of the conference standings.

He said the third spot — after Custer and St. Thomas More — is wide open.

“Success for us is, we take it one race at a time. We have kids step it up because

everyone’s going to have a bad race every now and then,” Riley said.

Other success milestones for Riley include the Broncs running their best at year’s end and having some athletes qualify for state.

“If we’re still having fun, that’s a big part of it, too,” he said.

Fall practices officially started Aug. 10.

Athletes engaged in core and strength workouts as well as mileage runs.

Middle school runners got out and competed against bigger schools last year.

Riley said he would like to see them build on that for this season.

As far as improvements for this year, Riley said, he would like to see some athletes become more aggressive when races begin.

He also said the runners are having more confidence and the ability to handle more mileage.

Belle Fourche cross country schedule

Aug. 26 at Douglas Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 1 at Spearfish Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Custer Invite 2:45 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Rapid City Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 hosting L-De Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at BHC Invite 2 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Region 5A (Custer) 2 p.m.

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 19

BHSU cross country ready for new challenges

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Scott Walkinshaw begins his 20 season as the Black Hills State University head cross country coach.

Walkinshaw said the men and women both had a good season in 2016.

He will be assided by Scott Foley, who was hired this year as a full time assistant coach, and Seth Mischke.

“The men began the year being ranked sixth in the region,” Walkinshaw said. “At the Griak Invite both teams ran well, and our men were third. So we went from not ranked to being ranked 17th nationally.”

Walkinshaw said the women was ranked ninth in the region, which was the first time the team had been ranked since the school moved up to Division II in 2012.

Previously BHSU had competed in the NAIA. Walkinshaw also praised Chance Dooley.

“He was in our top four runners every meet, and he was second in BHSU’s home meet, losing barely to teammate Josh Davis,” Walkinshaw said.

The men’s team finished sixth out of 28 teams at region, and just missed making nationals as a team by seven points.

“Josh Davis got hurt and that cost us points. It wasn’t his fault. It was a long

season and it just wasn’t meant to be,” said Walkinshaw.

At Black Hills State’s home meet both the women and the men won team titles, while Josh Davis and Christine Thorn were individual champions.

Walkinshaw said Black Hills State hosted the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships and that was tough, because he wasn’t around the team much.

Thorn managed to earn second team all-conference honors, while the men fell out of the regional rankings.

At region, the men finished sixth out of 28 teams, while the women finished 12th out of 27 teams.

Jonah Theisen was the lone Yellow Jacket to qualify for Nationals. Theisen, Thorn, and Kendal Murie were named to the all-region team.

Theisen finished 64th out of 247 runners at nationals, and was named to the USTFCCCA (United State Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) Academic All-American team, as well as being voted Yellow Jacket Athlete of the year at the universities sports banquet in the spring.

Josh Davis was named the Schallenkamp Award winner as the top academic athlete at BHSU. Black Hills State lost Shelby Stoltz, Christine Thorn (All-Region), Aaron

Schone,Garrett Peterson, and Kendall Murie (All-Region) to graduation.

Walkinshaw said the women’s team has began to flourish and he credits Thorn for the program’s turn around.

“Our women’s team has become more competitive, and I’m going to attribute a lot of that to having Christine (Thorn).

She helped the competitiveness permeate through the team,” Walkinshaw said.

Walkinshaw said his team showed up for fall practices and have been very competitive.

“I see a competitiveness with both teams.

Of course there is going to be that competitiveness to be in the top seven on the team,” said Walkinshaw. “I think the team has a chance to be very competitive. We have 18 runners on the team and this may be are most depth ever.”

Walkinshaw clarified that statement about depth by saying, “our 10th guy may be the best 10th guy we’ve ever ha d here.”

Walkinshaw reflected a little bit on his 20 seasons at BHSU, and 40 years of coaching.

“It’s so enjoyable to help guide an athlete to do dome things that maybe they didn’t think they could do, and to help guide a team to accomplish something that maybe the team didn’t feel they could do,” said Walkinshaw. “It’s enjoyable to be around

young athletes that are trying to do something for their team and their teammates at Black Hills State University.”

Black Hills State opens their 2017 cross country season on Saturday, Sept. 2 at the South Dakota Mines Classic, in Rapid City.

Black Hills State cross country schedule

Sept. 2 at SD Mines Classic TBA Sept. 8 hosting Gage McSpadden Memorial Invite TBA Sept. 23 at Roy Griak Invite TBA Oct. 8 at Billings Yellowjacket Invite TBA Oct. 21 at RMAC Championships (Spearfish)

Members of the 2017 Black Hills State University men’s cross country team are: (not in order) Walter Bordewyk, Josh Davis, Chance Dooley, Nathan Fredrick, Levi Fried, Keegan Her Many Horses, Isaac Iverson, Jake Iverson, Chris Johnson, Clay Johnson, Keith Osowski, Matt Parker, Joe Rath, Bobby Russell, Chase Smith, Jonah Theisen, Jordan Theisen, Justin Thorstad, and Austin Williamson. The Lady Jackets are coached by Scott Walkinshaw, Scott Foley, and Seth Mischke.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

Members of the 2017 Black Hills State University women’s cross country team are: (not in order) Nicole Allerdings, Zoe Bigsley, Hayley Bowen, Savannah Davis, Nicole Davis, Abbie Fredrick, Mayson Hudyma, Isabel Litzen, Tori Moore, Cailey Roth, and Kelsey Van Den Hemel. The Lady Jackets are coached by Scott Walkinshaw, Scott Foley, and Seth Mischke. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

Page 20

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan golfers have high expectations

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans have moved up to the Class AA ranks after finishing as runner-ups at the 2016 Class A state tournament.

“We didn’t have any seniors on last year’s team. There’s a few kids that didn’t go out this fall, but the true core of boys that were contributed to the varsity team last year are back,” said Eric Ligtenberg, the Spartans head golf coach.

Spearfish started their 2017 season sending a group of players to Sturgis. They finished fourth in the team standings.

Parker Louks fired an 18-hole 80 to pace Spearfish, and finished fifth in the

individual standings. Griffin Smith contributed a 91, Zac Tipton finished with a 93, Slade Larson a 97, Jack Hight shot a 109, and Josh Sundsted finished with a 110.

Another group of Spartan golfers competed at the Sioux Falls Washington Invite.

Spearfish finished with a team score of 331 and finished 12th in a tournament.

Sam Grout fired an 80, Dawson Sundsted shot an 81, Jesse Sacrison shot an 84, Dane Burghduff and Drew Gusso both finished with an 86, and Tyler McBurnett shot an 87.

We’ve had a really good season so far.

We took our top six boys to Sioux Falls and Brandon Valley. They performed well as a

team there, and then we had another split squad go to Sturgis and Hot Springs, and they did some good things at those courses,” said Ligtenberg.

Ligtenberg said he is excited about this year’s team.

“My boys are kind of golf course rats.

They are out on the course a lot, so we didn’t do a whole lot of technical stuff with the top boys because they’ve been playing so much,” he said. “We put them out on the course and they did a lot of qualifying.

We have been giving them rounds, a lot of repetition, and a chance to kind of establish themselves as far as an order in that group.”

Ligtenberg talked a little bit about the 2016 season that saw the Spartans finish as

runner-ups at the state Class A tournament.

“We had a great season last year. Across the board we were pretty dominant. We were Black Hills Conference champions, Region 4A champions, and second at state,” said Ligtenberg. “We had a bad first day at state, but blew off the door on the second day and made up a lot of ground. Second place is bittersweet, but it’s still awesome to have.”

Now the Spartans will be competing in Class AA, but Ligtenberg said expectations for this season are still high despite moving up a class.

“Class AA has more quality golfers, but I think by the time we get to the end of October, we’ll be competitive, for sure,” Ligtenberg said.

Spearfish boys’ golf schedule

Front row from left, Drew Gusso, Drew Jewett, Grffin Smith, Zac Tipton, and Kevin Kolb. Back row from left, assistant coach Tory Duvall, Dawson Sunsted, Parker Louks, Sam Grout, Dane Burghduff, Tyler McBurnett, Jesse Sacrison, and head coach Eric Ligtenberg. Pioneer photos by Dennis Knuckles

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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.

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Fall 2017

Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood golfers relying on team effort

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf team is in a bad-news, good-news scenario this season.

Only three athletes are on the roster. However, all three return to build on the experience they gained from las t season.

Maxx Percy represents the junior class on the roster. Kayd Varland and Payton Grodzin are sophomores.

Varland tied for 13th place at last season’s state A tournament. The Golddiggers graduated Brett Mattson, who shared thirdplace honors at that event.

Second-year head coach Tim Hansen said all three returnees are in a good position because they are making strides within their games.

“Kayd (Varland) is a very dedicated golf-

er,” Hansen said. “He’s always out golfing, and it’s something that is a major focus of his.”

Percy and Grodzin have improved their swings considerably from last season, Hansen said. “We’re looking at them to start scoring better and maybe looking to be able to place at some of the meets we’re in.”

Varland finished second in Sturgis and third in Hot Springs to open the season.

Hansen said Varland has displayed a lot of confidence as the team’s number 1 golfer.

Grodzin and Percy are looking to get back into the swing of things: no pun intended. Hansen hopes they will be able to improve throughout the year and reach a point where at least one qualifies for state.

Every golfer, regardless of ability, can work on the short game. Hansen cited some other things on which athletes need work.

Varland can work on things like manag-

ing a course and shaking off a bad shot or hole, according to Hansen. The coach said he would like to see Percy and Grodzin develop consistency in the swing.

“It’s a really challenging schedule,” Hansen said of a slate that includes class AA schools like Spearfish, Sturgis, Rapid City Stevens, Rapid City Central, Pierre, and Aberdeen Central.

Hansen said St. Thomas More boasts a solid team led by Nick Lust, who placed second at last season’s state A tournament.

Lead-Deadwood hosts the Region 4A tournament at Tomahawk Country Club, Sept. 25. Hansen said the hope is that the team can use that to its advantage and possibly qualify all three for state.

St. Thomas More is the team to beat in the Black Hills Conference, Hansen said.

Custer hosts that tournament on Sept. 18.

“Individual achievements aside, we want to see these guys develop an appreciation

and understanding of the game,” Hansen said.

Fall practices officially started on Aug. 7.

Hansen said sessions included course management and getting up to competitive speed.

“We’re helping to build upon that confidence in themselves, and the confidence in their swing and their shot,” Hansen said in what he would like to see carry over from last season to now.

Hansen said he would like to see greater consistency for this season.

Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf schedule

Sept. 2 at Sturgis Brown 9 a.m.

Sept. 6 hosting quadrangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 12 at Rapid City Central 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 16 hosting triangular 4 p.m.

Sept. at BHC (Rapid City) 10 a.m.

Sept. 26 at Region 4A (Rapid City) 10 a.m.

Sept. 29 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Members of the Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf team are: from left, Maxx Percy, Payton Grodzin, Kayd Varland, and head coach Tim Hansen. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 22

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Young Broncs begin golf season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche boys’ golf team is taking a day-by-day approach this season.

Head coach Clark Gusso is in his 19th year with the team.

“We do have a couple of returning state qualifiers,” Gusso said in describing this year’s team. “We have a couple of freshmen that, hopefully, will continue to improve.”

Gusso said the golfers are good kids.

“They listen, and they want to get better,” he added.

Senior Chris Wahlfeldt and ninth-grader Lance Sutter qualified for last season’s state tournament. Another senior, Zach O’Brien, earned a letter while ninth-grader Alex Voyles played on the Broncs’ region tournament team.

Jacob Pursel and Reese Ribordy are juniors; Aden Beisel is in the ninth grade.

Albert Key represents the eighth-grade

class, with four others in the seventh grade.

Those athletes are Conner Curran, Ashton Dean, Jayce Mitchell, and Ryan Rhoads.

The Broncs’ 2016 season was one of pleasant surprises, according to Gusso.

Austin Mette placed 20th at the state A tournament, and Belle Fourche qualified four players for that event.

Belle Fourche lost Mette and Meyer to graduation from last year’s team. Meyer also competed at state.

Gusso said the players will need to work on ball contact as well as the short game. “It’s a work in progress,” he added.

“It seemed like the first two meets, we were better on the second nine than the first nine.”

The Broncs’ schedule is similar to that in past years. Gusso said the Black Hills Conference and Region 4A tournaments are on nine-hole courses.

Custer hosts the conference tournament on Sept. 18, with Tomahawk Country Club in Lead hosting the Region 4A tournament

Sept. 25.

Both tournaments are on nine-hole courses.

Gusso said it is not quite as hard as an 18hole course, especially for the more inexperienced golfers.

“An 18-hole tournament on a nine-hole course is much better, because they get to play it again,” Gusso said.

Belle Fourche is competing to get better this season and see how many it can possibly qualify for state, according to Gusso.

“Anything can, and will, happen.”

St. Thomas More and Spearfish are Gusso’s favorites in the Black Hills Conference. He also sees Sturgis being in the hunt for top honors.

Daily improvement would make this season a success for the Broncs.

“Getting better in golf means not just a score, but also learning the game and liking the game,” Gusso said.

Fall practice sessions officially started Aug. 7. Gusso observed the players on the driving range for the first couple of days and learned

where they were in terms of ability.

What lessons would Gusso like to see the returning players take from last season coming into this year? “You work hard, listen, focus.

Anything’s possible,” he said.

Consistent ball contact and focus around the green are a couple of the improvements Gusso said he would like to see the players make for this season.

He also listed the need to relax, especially for the younger team members.

“That’s a tough one. It’s true of any sport,” he said.

Belle Fourche hosts three events at Belle Fourche Country Club this season. They are a quadrangular on Sept. 5 and triangulars on Sept. 11 and 15.

Belle Fourche boys’ golf schedule

Aug. 28 Aug. 28 Spearfish Triangular 3 p.m.

Aug. 29 at Pre-BHC (Custer) 10 a.m.

Sept. 5 hosting Quadrangular 3 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 11 hosting Triangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 12 atSpearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 15 hosting Triangular 2 p.m.

Sept. 18 at BHC (Custer) 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 21 at Rapid City 4 p.m.

Sept. 25/2017 at Region 4A (Lead) 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 28 at Lead-Deadwood 4 p.m.

Oct. 2 at State A (Dakota Dunes) TBA Oct. 3 at State A (Dakota Dunes) TBA

Members of the Belle Fourche boys’ golf team include: back row left, Jacob Pursel, Albert Key, Lance Sutter, Reese Ribordy, Alex Voyles; front row left, Jayce Mitchell, Ashton Dean, Aden Beisel, and Ryan Rhoads. Chris Wahlfeldt, Zach O’Brien, Connor Curran, and head coach Clark Gusso are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2017

Page 23

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU golfers will face challenges in 2017

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH – The Black Hills State University women’s golf team hopes to continue to improve off of its 2016 springgolf season.

“I really liked how are spring season went,” said Jamie Bentley, the Lady Jackets head golf coach. “We continued to improve and we had are best showing at Montana State University-Billings Yellowjacket Spring invitational.”

The Lady Yellow Jackets shot a team 667 over the two days, which was their lowest team score of the season.

The improved by 19 shots on the final day of the invite and moved up from sixth to fourth place in the final team standings.

Black Hills State finished 11th at

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships placing 11th.

“The first day of the RMAC Championships I thought we played great.

The second day we didn’t play as well as I know we can, and I think that everyone felt that, but then again being at that level and put things together for one day that’s a huge step for our program and we hope to build on that this year,” Bentley said.

Bentley said the team has put in some time on the links this summer.

“Definitely our returners have, and we have some freshmen coming in, and they’ve been keeping me updated on summer practice,” said Bentley. “This will give us a good practice foundation to build going into the season.”

Returning are senior Madison Hand, juniors Kiley Phares and Taylor Miles, and Sophomore Haley Franke.

“We are led by our lone senior, Madison Hand, and this will be her fourth year at Black Hills State, so she has a lot of experience. We have two juniors, Kiley Phares and Taylor Miles. Taylor was new to us last year, and Kylie has been one of our more consistent players since she got here. Hale Franke is a local kid from Rapid City, and she made some huge steps last spring,” Bentley said.

Bentley said the Lady Jackets will also have a couple of freshmen from Wyoming, who will help the team.

Practices officially began Aug. 24.

“Before that we decided to have a few meetings to get everybody on the same page, and make sure we get to know each other,” said Bentley. “We are really dedicated to being a consistent team this year and helping each other out.”

Bentley sees her team as being competitive this season in the RMAC. “I would like to see us compete. We have the RMAC Fall Preview and Colorado as our second tournament. I would like to see us make the top 10, and I think we have to play really well to do it, but I think we possibly could, so it’s a good goal for us to have,” Bentley said.

Bentley said the second half of the season looks promising.

“We’ve got some other events in Minnesota and Nebraska at the end of the season where I think we can break into at least the top half of the field,” she said.

Black Hills State opens their 2017 golf season Sept. 4 and 5 at the Samuel Proel Invitational, in Pueblo, Colo.

BHSU women’s golf schedule

Sept. 5-6 Samuel Proel Invite (Pueblo, Colo.) TBA Sept. 12-13 at RMAC No. 1 (Aurora, Colo.) TBA Sept. 24-25 at Mustang Invite (Marshall, Minn.) TBA Oct. 10-11 at RMAC No. 2 Alamosa, Colo.) TBA

Sophomore Haley Franke and junior Kiley Phares will be two of the returning golfers for the Black Hills State University women’s golf team. Other team members include: Senior Madison Hand, junior Taylor Miles, and freshmen Molly Butler, and Taryn Mayr. Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 24

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU triathlon begins third season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University’s women’s triathlon team has a five-event competitive season that starts with the Southern Hills Triathlon, set for Sept. 2 in Hot Springs.

Eight athletes are on the team as of press time. They are graduate student Kaylee Lamb; seniors Taylor Ihmels, Sage Riss, and Katie Christy; juniors Cayley Schmitt and Sunshine Roberts; and sophomores Mathilder Bernard and Emma Stone.

Connie Feist is in her first season as head coach after serving as an assistant in 2016.

Lamb and Katie Christy have been with the program since its 2014 formation, with Riss joining the team one semester later.

Feist said they have turned into exceptional athletes who will help the newcomers.

The Yellow Jackets had three athletes compete at last season’s national event.

Feist said that set a really good foundation to continue to build on.

“We’ve set some lofty goals ourselves,” Feist said. “I think the athletes are really responding well to training so far.”

Kate Griffin and Krista Steinbeisser graduated from last season’s team.

“Triathlon is such a unique sport in that it’s really three different sports in one,” Feist said

when asked about team strengths. She added that Bernard is strong in all three disciplines and is the front athlete, training-wise.

Practice sessions started the week of Aug. 21 and have centered on aerobic conditioning and longer, slower practices. Later sessions will be more race-specific with more speed drills.

As for the schedule, Feist said the Yellow Jackets would compete almost every other weekend. Plans call for targeting the three national events (Sept. 4, Oct. 7, Nov. 4) and using the other two as training events.

NCAA triathlon meets have Division I, Division II, and Division III athletes competing together. Feist sees the Yellow Jackets

The Black Hills State University women’s triathlon team will start its season Sept. 2 at the Southern Hills Triathlon in Hot Springs. Squad members include: back row left, Emma Stone, Sage Riss, Sunshine Roberts, Kaylee Lamb; front row left, Mathilde Bernard, Taylor Ihmels, and Cayley Schmitt.

Katie Christy, swim coach Amber Rotramel, and head coach Connie Feist are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

stacking up quite well with the other Division II athletes.

How do Feist and the Yellow Jackets define success? “That we place a full team at nationals,” she said. “You can score three athletes; you can bring five.”

Athletes must meet time standards the team sets to qualify for nationals. They contribute to the decision of whether or not to compete there.

“It’s pretty high pressure, and it’s a draft-legal event,” Feist said. “You can get lapped out, and you have to get off the course and be done.”

She said team goals center on good progression and training results throughout the season.

BHSU triathlon schedule

Sept. 3 at Southern Hills Triathlon (Hot Springs) Sept. 5 at Women’s Collegiate Triathlon (Napierville, Ill.) Sept. 17 at Littlefoot Sprint Triathlon (Lakewood, Colo.)

Oct. 8 at Women’s Collegiate Triathlon West Region Qualifier (Berkley, Cailf.)

Oct. 22 at Powell Triathlon Challenge (Glenn Canyon National Park, Utah) Nov. 5 at at Women’s Collegiate Triathlon Championship (New Orleans, La.)

BHSU rodeo team ready for new season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University rodeo team hopes to build off the success it had during the 2016-17 rodeo season.

“It was a good year for us overall. We definitely had a talented team and had a lot of success throughout the year. Our goal is to compete for a national title, but I thought our student athletes had a lot of good performances and I thought they represented BHSU well,” said Glenn Lammers, the BHSU head rodeo coach.

At the beginning of the year Lammers said liked the depth of the team.

“We have a good balance between our returners, transfers and freshmen,” said Lammers. “I felt we would be very competitive in the region as long as we were consistent.”

The women’s team finished the year as Great Plains Region champions, while the men’s team finished second in the region.

“I thought during the regular season our

women had a lot of depth on that team.

They had an outstanding year, and they finished sixth at nationals, so that wasn’t too bad of a season I guess,” said Lammers.

“Our men’s team had a good year. For both of our teams to qualify I thought that represented BHSU well.”

The Yellow Jackets also competed at the College National Finals Rodeo.

The women’s team finished sixth overall while Samantha Jorgenson earned the Reserve All-Around Champion with 143.3 points. The men’s team placed 56th overall.

The Yellow Jackets concluded with three top-10 finishes led by sophomore Carlee Johnston in the goat tying and a fourth place finish.

Johnston timed in with a 6.8 in the short go, the third fastest of the round. She totaled a 26.8 over four runs placing her in a tie for fourth place.

“The last go-round in the finals I thought we finished strong. There is a lot of pressure in that short-go round. The crowd, the environment there it just puts on added pressure, and probably a little bigger stage

than they’ve ever been on,” said Glenn lammers, BHSU’s head rodeo coach. “But I thought they stayed real calm and performed well in the short round.”

Jorgenson, a senior, earned a fifth place finish in the team roping as she teamed up with Chandler Comfort of Mid Plains Community College for an 11.5 in the short-go. The duo totaled a 37.7 over four runs for the fifth place finish.

Carson Johnston garnered a seventh place finish in the steer wrestling after compiling a 7.0 in the short round to total a 25.1 over four runs.

Black Hills State capped off the weeklong event with Jorgenson receiving a ring for winning the third-go of the breakaway roping. She tied a facility record with a 1.9 in the third go.

BHSU’s rodeo team lost five athletes to graduation, and Lammers said his seniors helped lead the BHSU rodeo program, both in and out of the arena.

“They have meant a lot to our program.

Their leadership and what they have done in and out of the arena has done a lot to

shape our team and they obviously contributed a lot to the success our team had,” Lammers said.

The women’s team lost Jorgenson, Katie Lensegrav, Madison Huber to graduation.

The men’s team lost Jake Herman and Lane Rossow to graduation, but Lammers thinks this year’s team will be competing for a region title on both the women’s and men’s side.

“We did graduate some good talent out, but in the process that gives an opportunity the younger ones to step up and be in the spotlight a little more,” said Lammers. “Our seniors will be missed, but I am looking forward to working our new class and some of those other ones who were at the CNFR and the other student athletes that aren’t graduating out. In rodeo you have to have a short memory. Take a few days to reflect and look back on the season, and then start getting ready for next season.”

Black Hills State opens the fall portion of their 2017-18 schedule Sept. 8 and 9 at the University of Wisconsin Rodeo, in River Fals, Wisc.

Fall 2017

Page 25

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2017 Spearfish High School football cheerleaders

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School football cheerleading team are: tanding from left, Kaitlyn Adams, Madyson Pfeifle, Blake Williams, Coach Pamela Waterson, Alivia Ruff, and Nicole Meza.

Sitting from left, Maureen Hoogland, Sage Forsting, Annora Garness, Carolyn Peterson, Ciarra Schoon, Ashley Burr, and Sandra Danielson. Courtesy photo

2017 Spearfish High School competitive dance team Spearfish dance schedule

Sept. 1 at Belle Fourche Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 3 at Pierre T.F. Riggs Invite 11 a.m.

Sept. 27 at Sturgis Brown Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Lead-Deadwood Invite Oct. 4 at Rapid City Stevens Invite 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 13 at Sturgis Brown Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Aberdeen Central Invite TBA (Sturgis Brown) 10 a.m.

Members of the 2017 Spearfish High School Competitive Dance team are: Front row from left, Jaelyn Grove, Grace Chiak, and Courtney Parker. Middle row from left, Kenna Comer, Rachel Lauren Jensen, Kayla Schlinkert, Shelby Engelhaupt, and Mackenzie Briggs.

Back row from left, Kamryn Olness, Baylee Hazeldine, Lyric Williams, Rachel Lucille Jensen, Abby Hoffman, isabel Silva, Lanee Powers, and Izzy Drumm. They are coached

by Jessie jeffery.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles from Pg 7

SPARTAN McCarty. “Our cornerbacks are a year older with Jace Engesser, Braeden Ferguson, Taten Rhoades, and Joseph Fairmeir. Those guys are going to be better.”

The Spartans hope to control the game

more this season by dominating the time of possession.

‘We just have to be better at controlling the clock and controlling the line of scrimmage,” McCarty said.

McCarty is happy with the direction the program is going in.

“It seems like the players have bought into out philosophy, and we have guys

doing the right thing,” said McCarty. “I’m happy with where we are at. We ran some drills that in the past players might of bellyached or complained about a little bit, but these guys aren’t. They are just digging in whatever we throw at them, they just strap it up and get after it.”

The Spartans hope to once again battle for the top spot in the Class AA ranks.

“I would hope we are at the top. Douglas is going to be solid, they are always good.

Harrisburg is going to be up at the top and us, Huron, Mitchell are kind of in the same boat and will be battling to be up at the top of Class AA.” Spearfish travels ro Rapid City on Sept.

1, to take on Rapid City Stevens.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

bhpioneer.com Your Area Sports Connection

Page 26

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Lead-Deadwood’s cheerleading squad for this fall includes: back row left, Kiyah Austin, Kaelin O’Leary, Katerina Marlow, Wanbli Pearson, Alexandra Valenzuela; front row, Mackenzie Wetz. Ashton Gibson, assistant coach Samantha Rogers, and head coach Wendy Rogers are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Lead-Deadwood High School competitive dance team

The Lead-Deadwood competitive dance team is preparing for its season.

Squad members include: back row left, Kaitlyn Meade, Alexandra Valenzuela, Kiyah Austin; front row left, Mackenzie Wetz and Kaelin O’Leary. Kaitlynn Zellers, Cassie Nelson, Kat Marlow, and head coach Samantha Rogers are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Lead-Deadwood dance schedule

Sept. 1 at Belle Fourche Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 3 at Pierre T.F. Riggs Invite 11 a.m.

Sept. 27 at Sturgis Brown Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Lead-Deadwood Invite Oct. 4 at Rapid City Stevens Invite 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 13 at Sturgis Brown Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Aberdeen Central Invite TBA (Sturgis Brown) 10 a.m.

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

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Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche High School cheerleaders

Page 27

Belle Fourche cheerleaders will be hard at work this fall as they hope to spur the Broncs to victory. Team members include: back row left, Serena Davis, Kiana Tingley, Kyra Greenfield, Telsie Comer, Marissa Piekkola, Breanna Brinson, Theresina Seaman, Fey Ramirez; middle row left, Neyda Ocasio, Destiny Flynn, Hailey Rodriguez, Elizabeth Kerg, Juliann Lange, Amanda Jewett, Stormie Merkel, Destiny Kerg; front row left, Bailey Sigler, Lindsay Dommer, Hannah Jones, Ashley Jewett, Kennedy Ager, Hadlie Jensen, Destanie Miranda, and Kiara Poitra. Evelyn Lyons and head coach Denise Horman are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Belle Fourche competitive dance The Belle Fourche competitive dance squad is getting ready for a season that includes nine events. Team members are: back row left, KarandaKay Davis, Jayden Scott, Kathryn Anderson, Sarah Millar; middle row left, Savanah Allen-Richards, Tayler Clendening, Krystal VanAntwerp; front row left, Tessa Kaufmann and Akeilah Anderson. Head coach Michelle DeyoAmende is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Belle Fourche dance schedule

Sept. 11 at Spearfish Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Custer Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Rapid City Stevens Invite 11 a.m.

Sept. 26 at Sturgis Invite Sturgis 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Lead/Deadwood Invite 5 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 12 at Black Hills Conference (Spearfish) 5 p.m.

Page 28 from Pg 10

BHSU FOOTBALL anticipating is seeing how much the players’ hard work has paid off.

Other players expected to make contributions at wide receiver are senior Erick Hairston-Belcher, seniors Trey Fleming and Bradley Adamson, junior Eriq Swiftwater, and sophomore Christian Hernandez.

On defense, Birkel registered 50 tackles in 2016. Senior Luis Bach, juniors Austin Goddard and Jack Mazurie, and sophomores Jarrell Ganaway and Grant Tubridy, will also be mainstays at the linebacker position.

The Jackets’ line includes several returners who have started at times throughout their careers. They include senior Darian Warford and junior Judd Stewart at tackle and seniors Aaron Montoya at center and Jesse Marshall at guard.

Senior Thayer Sauter also plays on the defensive line. He said the line is senior-dominated, and members better un-

Fall 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER derstand the entire defense.

Sauter’s role on the team has changed a bit. He has taken more of a vocal leadership role and said that process has gone well.

“Our coaching staff and our defensive motto is to be even-keeled,” Sauter said.

Also looking to step in is junior transfer Clayton Dry from Glendale Community College.

Hebel leads Black Hills State in the defensive backfield. He intercepted a nation-high nine passes last season. Kilgore plays here as well.

“Last year was just our first step,” Hebel said. He added players spent a lot of time together in the off-season being more of a family.

Hebel was quick to credit his teammates.

“You can’t leave out the defensive line; they are incredible,” he said. “They are the guys that really make those plays happen.”

Hebel said his role has changed. He described it as being more vocal and making sure everyone is flowing as one defense.

from Pg 15

BHSU VOLLEYBALL An area of concern centers on the fact that the Yellow Jackets graduated a libero and setter, Carmichael said. She added that setter Laurel Lech received a lot of playing time last year.

“The main goal for the season is reaching playoffs,” Carmichael said. “It’s all about one game at a time.” Eight teams qualify for the RMAC tournament.

Carmichael said increased offensive production would give Black Hills State the best chance to reach that goal. She tabbed Colorado Mesa as an RMAC favorite, with Regis also very solid.

As for the rest of the RMAC, “All those teams are our teams that match up really well with us,” Carmichael said.

“Playing at their place, we’ve got to bring just that little more edge,” she said. The schedule includes road trips from Sept. 1-16 and Oct. 6-21: a total of 16 matches.

She would like to see the team bring confidence from Pg 6

WOMEN’S SOCCER identity. “You can always choose to work hard, no matter what the circumstance.”

Greco also cited respect and care for one another, as well as the team showing class.

What will mark success for the Yellow Jackets when all is said and done?

“I think team unity and shaping team identity are big, big objectives,” Greco said. “We need to know how to recruit and who we’re bringing in.”

Having a better record than in 2016 is key to Greco, who said the team can set a goal of reaching the RMAC tournament. The top eight teams qualify.

Judy is a newcomer and said she really likes the from Pg 17

CROSS COUNTRY said. “We have a very supportive team: a team that loves to be together.”

That confidence is something Malde would like to see improved from last season to this season.

He said cross country is a hard sport and, with

What are Hebel and the Yellow Jackets looking forward to the most?

“Just flying,” he said. “We love playing, and our defense is fast.”

Other returning players are senior Dimitri Butts, junior Taran Whelchel, and sophomores Josh Gurnaby and Darius Frimpong.

Junior Jess Edens returns as a kicker and punter (43 punts, 35.09 average).

Reiners said Jacob Parks, a highly touted recruit out of Arizona, could compete for both positions. Redshirt freshman Jordan Cliff is also in the mix at placekicker.

Reiners said 7-4 will not be good enough this season, and the team wants to be in the conversation for a conference title. He added the Yellow Jackets are seeking greater consistency across the board.

Camaraderie is the Yellow Jackets’ biggest strong suit now, along with depth and returning experience. “The way they want to play for each other is uncanny,” he said.

“We’re on the edge of what we feel is something special.”

Reiners said staying healthy is the biggest concern in the conference. He added

from last season into this one. Improvements go back to offensive production, ball control, and emotional consistency, she said.

Ederhoff said the team’s chemistry is better than it has been in a long time. She thinks it should carry the squad a long way.

Palu said the newcomers are bringing a lot of competition. She added that makes the returning players show how they are capable of performing.

Ward said the players are putting in a lot of hard work off the court to make themselves even better athletes.

“We really want to be top-eight; that’s been our goal for a while,” Ward said. “Now that we’re seniors, it’s our last chance.”

Black Hills State has nine home matches during the season. The first is Sept. 22 against CSU-Pueblo, followed by Sept. 23 (New Mexico Highlands), Sept. 29 (Colorado Mines), and Sept.

30 (Colorado Christian).

The Yellow Jackets then have five straight home matches between Oct. 27 and Nov. 7. They host archrival South Dakota School of Mines & Technology on that latter date. work that has been put in from the first day. She added she is excited to see how things progress.

Many players have taken Greco’s advice of ‘Don’t wish things were easier; wish you were better’ to heart, according to Judy. She added this has been a huge motivator.

Baldwin recalled last year’s young squad went up against older, more experienced opponents. She said the team did not have experience to lean on during games.

The Yellow Jackets have eight straight road games from Sept. 2-24. They return home to face Fort Lewis on Oct. 6 and Adams State on Oct. 9.

Following an Oct. 15 game at Metro State, the Yellow Jackets return home for four games. They are against Colorado Mines on Oct. 20, Colorado Christian on Oct. 22, Westminster on Oct. 27, and Colorado Mesa on Oct. 29. the team being in Region 5A, it can be easy to get discouraged.

Lead-Deadwood will host an invitational meet Sept. 26 at Tomahawk Country Club. The Black Hills Conference meet is set for Oct. 5, with the Region 5A meet set for Oct. 12 at Hart Ranch by Rapid City.

Hart Ranch will host the state meet, in all three classes, on Oct. 21.

things can spiral downhill if it has one or two injuries but says the depth can hopefully help weather that storm.

“I think we’ve earned some respect, but now you have to continue to do that,” he said. Black Hills State is ranked fifth in the RMAC preseason poll.

The Yellow Jackets lost Damon Goldhammer, Kade Wasson, Matt Singleton, Travis Groves, Hebreu Maxis, Cody Cole, AJ Flores, Andrew Blaylock, Jonathan Wimbley, and Cody Benne to graduation.

They return about 40 letter winners, including 16 starters.

“The leadership that we’ve had from our guys across the board has been tremendous,” Reiners said.

Black Hills State opens its season Sept.

2 at home against Adams State. Other home games are Sept. 9 against Fort Lewis, Sept. 23 against South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Oct. 14 against Western State, and Nov. 4 against Chadron State.

Home games are played at Lyle Hare Stadium in Spearfish.

from Pg 4

BRONC GIRLS teams on their schedule?

“When it comes down to it, it’s up to the girls and how we prepare,” he said. “Stacking up, we’re 1-0 every day.”

Belle Fourche has adopted the “Bronc Strong” motto for this season. Parks described it as giving full effort each day. He defined practice success as players banding together, working hard, and keeping the team first.

Fall workouts officially started on July 31. Parks said many players trained and played on club teams during the summer.

Focal points of early practice sessions included basic touches and trying to get into game shape.

Players also worked on supporting movement, positive-negative space, from Pg 2

LADY SPARTANS how well the Lady Spartans do this season.

“We will keep working on bringing those young players along,” said Huft. “Some of these young girls have never played together before, so we are learning to be a whole new team.”

This year Spearfish moves back up in the Class AA ranks after spending the past five seasons in class A. Huft doesn’t see this moving up in class as a problem.

“The cool thing is were are playing pretty much the exact same teams that we’ve been playing the last five years, it’s just the points will count differently,” said Huft. “They know what they bring to the table. I just expect my girls to go out and play their best each and every time, giving it their all, and we’ll see how the score ends.”

and smoothly moving the ball down the field.

Passion for the game, the never-quit mentality, and players sticking together are what Parks would like to see the Broncs take from last season into this season.

He also cited leadership and caring for one another. “You don’t really coach those things,” he said. “That’s something those girls have chosen to have, and I want those girls to never lose that.”

Seeing the field, making outstanding passes, and taking shots are a few of the improvements Parks would like to see Belle Fourche make this season.

The Broncs defeated Douglas/ Rapid City Christian 8-0 in their home opener Aug. 14. It was the first of six home games for Belle Fourche; the final two are Sept. 16 against Rapid City Stevens and Sept.

19 against Spearfish.

The Lady Spartans lost their opening game of the season to Pierre T.F. Riggs, 7-0, Tuesday, in Pierre.

Huft said the score was not an indication of how well her team played. ”Overall I think we did really well, coming out with this being our very first game of the season,” said Huft.

“There’s always going to be things that we need to improve on. We had girls that never played varsity before, or had never played with our returning varsity players before, so as a whole I thought it was a solid performance.”

Spearfish hosts Sioux Falls Washington tonight at 6 p.m. at Black Hills Energy Stadium, in Spearfish.

Huft said playing at home is huge.

“Its extremely important to get to play at home. We looking forward to getting our support system and fans there, and enjoying being back on home turf,” Huft said.