Fall Sports Preview 2018

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T R O SP Lead-De • s n a t r a p S Spearfish

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Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan football team looking to improve

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans’ football team endured an injury-filled season in 2017, and ended up with a disappointing record of 2-7.

“Last year we were plagued with season-ending injuries. We ended up losing 11 players throughout the year, and one of those 11 was (Braeden) Ferguson pulling his hamstring, with two games left and not enough time to heal,” said Chad McCarty, the Spartans’ head coach.

McCarty said ACL injuries, a broken ankle, and a broken collarbone were just a few of the injuries the Spartans suffered during the season.

With the injuries though, came a silver lining. Younger players got playing time.

“We’ve got a lot of guys back. We ended up playing a lot of sophomores last year, so now those sophomores are juniors, and we are counting on them to do pretty good this season,” said McCarty. “We are low in numbers this year, and we are young. We think we have a lot of quality, just not a lot of quantity.”

McCarty said numbers are about 20 fewer what they had last year, but he said they are excited about the freshman class they have coming in.

“They’re big, strong, and fast kids. Our sophomore class looks as good as they have been. The junior class has a lot of experience, but they’re still young. Filter in a few seniors that we have left, and we’ll do the best we can,” he said.

McCarty said the offensive line needs to learn to play together as a unit.

“Our offensive line needs to get some unity. We have guys moving in to different spots they haven’t played just to fill in and have the pieces of the puzzle put together,” said McCarty. “(Justin) Steedley’s been a tight end and a tackle for us, and we have him playing center.

We have a sophomore center playing center and guard. They’re good guys. We just don’t have a bunch of them, so we have to move them around and get them in sync.”

Tyler Barkley returns as the starting quarterback for the Spartans.

“Barkley will be at quarterback. He’s a guy we can count on. We’re excited about him having a great offseason. He’s throwing the ball really well,” said McCarty.

“Our fullback and tailback put on another 15 pounds over the summer. Skill-wise,

I’m excited about our skill guys. We’ve got some good experience there; we should be pretty solid. It was just a matter of getting that puzzle put together for the front line, and dominate the line of scrimmage.”

McCarty said that in the first couple of games of the season, the Spartans will try and eliminate errors.

“We want to try and eliminate mistakes, be in the right formation, go to the right gap, go to the right hole, block down where you’re supposed to, and just eliminate those mistakes, and then play with confidence.

“Yeah we’re young, but play with confidence, and if they do that we’ll be OK,” McCarty said.

When ranking his team in the Black Hills Conference, McCarty said they are in the middle of the pack.

“We’re going to be right in the middle there. Evey game for us is going to be a battle,” said McCarty. “We obviously don’t want to be where we were last year. We want to be like we were a couple of years ago, up in the top end of the conference, and the top end of the division.”

Spearfish travels to Brookings on Sept.

7 for a big Class 11AA match up.

Spearfish football schedule Sept. 7 at Brookings 5 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosting Sturgis Brown 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosting Hot Springs (Homecoming) 6 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Huron 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 hosting Mitchell 6 p.m.

The 2018 Spearfish football team is getting ready for the season. Pictured are, Row 1 from left: assistant coach Randy Crotteau, assistant coach Jim Martin, Will Brien, Robert IronBoy, Jordan Backman, Ethan Warnock, Logan Gosse, Braiden Rogers, and head coach Chad McCarty. Row 2 from left: assistant coach Aaron Nida, assistant coach P.T. Thomas, Devin Jordan, Gabe Nible, Cadence Jones, Bryce Ackerman, Max Nickles, Wesley Dodd, Logan Langenfield, Jonathan Bloom, Alex Engelhaupt, assistant coach Steve Gabriel, and assistant coach Cody Powers. Row 3 from left: Austin Crotteau, Sean Wenzel, Conner Gosse, Max Sailor, Joe Hiermier, Peyton Millis, Tyler Barkley, Taten Rhoades, Jackson Jones, Austin Jensen, Chase McArthur, Mike Anderson, and Jordan Keifert. Row 4 from left: Braden Yackley, Brody Rickels, Conner Glasford, John Nickles, Braden Baker, Mason Borbely, Brady Crotteau, Jake Beringer, Carson Diedrich, Jordan Johnson, Aidan McCarty, Evan Hehr, and Kaidon Feyereisen. Row 5 from left: Wesley Dodd, Dawson Craig, Derek Webster, Will Brien, Nathan Terrasas, trainer Jarron Rowe, Cade Lyon, Justin Steedley, Justin Steedley, AJ Veldman, Jacob Johnson, and Issac Peterson.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

Fall 2018

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers seek to keep moving forward

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s football team seeks to build onto a 2017 season that was its finest in more than a decade.

The Golddiggers finished 5-4, with a 5-3 mark their first winning regular-season record since 2004. While seven seniors graduated, the vast majority of underclassmen return.

Lead-Deadwood dropped a 40-7 decision to Red Cloud in a class 11B playoff game to end last season.

The Golddiggers played at Red Cloud and Upton-Sundance before returning home to face Pine Ridge on Aug. 31.

Tom Tieszen is in his fourth season as head coach here.

Dylan Janke (running back-linebacker), CJ Murray (lineman), and Zak Mau (lineman) represent the senior class. Janke led the Golddiggers in rushing yardage and tackles a season ago.

Junior Max Johnson starts at quarterback while also playing defensive back. Classmate Jordy Stulken (running back-wide receiver-defensive back) paced Lead-Deadwood in receiving yardage during 2017.

Four other juniors are on the roster: Rob Lester (lineman), Dylan Schumacher (lineman), Pablo Munoz Fraga (wide receiver-linebacker), and Joey Ingham (wide receiver-defensive back).

Ten players represent the sophomore class as of press time. They are Domenic Lucero (quarterback-line-

backer), Cody Rakow (running back-linebacker), Charlie Hanel (running back-linebacker), Thomas Rainey IV (wide receiver-defensive back), Dawson Janke (running back-linebacker), Jacob Harris (wide receiver-defensive back), Mekieh Hon (wide receiver-defensive back), Gage Mau (offensive lineman-defensive back), Brevin Norris (lineman), and Tyler Rohn (lineman).

Five ninth-graders round out the roster. They are David Morris (wide receiver-defensive back), Rocke Rainey (quarterback-defensive back), Jagger Smith (running back-linebacker), Eli Heisinger (lineman), and Tristen Fierbach (wide receiver-defensive back).

“I think our linemen are going to be a strong point,” Tieszen said. “We’ve got six or seven guys that are really committed and doing a great job of protecting for those skill guys.”

Tieszen said Lester will play center, with Murray and Zak Mau anchoring the line.

The coach added that Schumacher, Gage Mau, and Rohn are stepping in well.

Senior numbers are low, but Tieszen looks on the bright side.

“We haven’t gained or lost a single player from that class since they were freshmen,” he said. “They’re great leaders and exactly what I want a football player to be.”

Tieszen said those seniors are committed, love football, work hard, and help teammates all over the field.

“Our numbers are higher than they

were last year, but conditioning is always a tough one,” Tieszen said. He added people will have to play a lot, and top physical conditioning is important to finish games in the fourth quarter.

Lead-Deadwood’s 2018 roster features 24 players, compred to 22 players in 2017.

The Golddiggers’ schedule includes the same opponents as in the recent past. Lead-Deadwood plays four games at home: Pine Ridge on Aug. 31, Little Wound on Sept. 7, Bennett County on Sept. 22, and McLaughlin on Sept. 28.

Tieszen tabbed Red Cloud and Custer as favorites in the Black Hills Conference’s Crazy Horse Division.

“If everybody plays I know the way they’re capable of, this group of kids has a great chance of doing great things this year,” he said.

Tieszen said preparing and performing to the best of a team’s ability measures success. “It’s taking every opportunity to improve, learn, and get better,” he added.

Official fall practices began Aug. 6.

Conditioning served as a focal point, along with developing team chemistry.

Zach Murray, Brigham Williams, John Jones, Dylin Johnson, Jake Alley, Chris Lipp, and Dylan Schumacher graduated from last season’s team.

Discipline is one of the things Tieszen would like to see the Golddiggers take from last season to now.

“When we’re tired, we’re doing the

right thing,” Tieszen said. “We did a good job of that last year.”

As for improvements, Tieszen said, he would like to continue getting players in the best positions for success.

Lead-Deadwood opened its 2018 football season with a 19-16 win at Red Cloud.

Lead-Deadwood football schedule Sept. 7 hosting Little Wound 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Crow Creek 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosting Bennett County (Prospector Bowl) 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 hosting McLaughlin (Homecoming) 6 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Custer 6 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood’s football team includes: back row left, Dawson Janke, CJ Murray, Zak Mau, Dylan Schumacher, Mekieh Hon, Jacob Harris; middle row left, Pablo Munoz Fraga, Gage Mau, Dylan Janke, Max Johnson, Domenic Lucero, Thomas Rainey IV, Tyler Rohn, Cody Rakow; front row left, Rob Lester, Jordy Stulken, David Morris, Tristen Fierbach, Rocke Rainey, Charlie Hanel, and Jagger Smith. Brevin Norris, Eli Heisinger, Joey Ingham, and head coach Tom Tieszen are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Broncs’ football team seeks growth

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s football team goes into this season intending to improve on last year’s 3-6 mark.

“We knew we were young going into the season with only five seniors,” Broncs’ fifth-year head coach Scott Slotten said in recalling 2017. He added players grew as a team throughout the year, and competition levels increased.

Dylan Burns, Luke Lensegrav, Braxton Turbiville, Gavin Geib, and Cooper Crago graduated from that squad.

Slotten cited key players who will use last year’s experience to set a foundation for this season.

Lineman Hunter Mitchell is one of 14 seniors on the roster, along with lineman Jesse Thybo and tight end Bryce Nicholas.

Slotten also cited junior Kelby Olson (running back-defensive back).

Belle Fourche’s other seniors are Joseph Hanson (wide receiver-defensive back), Zane Rankin (lineman), Tate Hostetter (quarterback-defensive back), Morgen Garrett (running back-defensive back), Taten Fox (fullback-linebacker), Jaredon Dosch (offensive lineman-linebacker), Tee McAmis (lineman), Bradey Labrier (lineman), Tye Davis (lineman), Carson Gubbrud (wide receiver-de-

fensive back), and Jackson Mailloux (wide receiver-defensive back).

Eight other juniors are on the press time roster. They are Sage Geib (tight end-linebacker), Colby Nowowiejski (quarterback-defensive back), Tate Larson (wide receiver-defensive back), Keaten Benson (wide receiver-defensive back), Jackson Tyndall (wide receiver-defensive back), Michael Streeter (lineman), Chase Bickerdyke (lineman), and Chandler Kerr (wide receiver-linebacker).

Seven sophomores and 16 ninth-graders round out the roster.

Slotten points to the returning experience as a strength, noting that several seniors have started for the previous two seasons.

“We’ve got good team camaraderie, and that’s the thing I pride myself on every year,” Slotten said. “We want to have a family here at Belle Fourche.”

As for what the team must work on, Slotten said the Broncs need to compete better. He added that tackling also needs to improve, and the squad must not give up the big play.

Belle Fourche’s schedule this year includes six playoff squads from a season ago. Opponents include a defending state champion (Madison) and teams that reached quarterfinal or semifinal playoff games (St. Thomas More and Dell Rapids).

“I believe it’s a grind,” Slotten said

in describing the schedule. “Every week, we’ve got to come out ready to play.”

Slotten said St. Thomas More is the team to beat in the Black Hills Conference’s Mt. Rushmore Division.

“I expect to compete in every game,” Slotten said. “We’ve got a lot of talent and a better amount of depth than we’ve had in years past.”

Slotten does not define success by Belle Fourche’s win-loss record.

He chooses to focus on weekly improvement in the classroom and community as well as on the football field.

“We want a chance, at the end of the season, to be competing for the Black Hills Conference title,” he said.

Fall practices started Aug. 9. Slotten said the team is much farther along on offense and defense than it has been in the past — because of that returning experience.

What can the Broncs take from last year into this year?

Slotten asks the players to remember the feeling of losing their last game, build off that, and learn from mistakes.

“Tackling’s been our main focus all summer,” Slotten said in describing needed improvements from 2017 to 2018.

Belle Fourche will play four more

regular-season games at Lou Graslie Field. They are Sept. 7 against Dell Rapids, Sept. 14 against Spearfish, Sept. 28 against Little Wound, and Oct. 18 against Douglas.

Belle Fourche football schedule Sept. 7 hosting Dell Rapids 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 hosting Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosting Little Wound (Homecoming) 6 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Pine Ridge 6 p.m.

Oct. 12 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Oct. 18 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Belle Fourche’s football team features: back row left, Tate Hostetter, Jackson Mailloux, Taten Fox, Bryce Nicholas, Carson Gubbrud, Chandler Kerr, Jesse Thybo, Hunter Mitchell, Tye Davis, Bradey Labrier, Zane Rankin, Joe Hanson, Morgen Garrett, Jaredon Dosch, Tee McAmis; third row left, assistant coach Josh Schleusner, assistant coach Adam Nowowiejski, assistant coach Mathew Raba, head coach Scott Slotten, Jet Tracy, Cade Bickerdyke, Aiden Giffin, Kelby Olson, Colby Nowowiejski, Brooks Clooten, Sage Geib, Logan Goeders, Michael Streeter, Chase Bickerdyke, Aiken Crowley, Blake Vissia, assistant coach Trey Horman, assistant coach Tommy Coyle, assistant coach Asher Pikula; second row left, Riley Newman, Dagan Burns, Cayden Wolfe, Cole Hockenbary, Sean Wahlfeldt, Lan Fuhrer, Tate Larson, Keaton Benson, Jackson Tyndall, Brextin Garza; front row left, Ashton Hartling, Ryker Audiss, Jason Carr, Gabe Heck, Devin Burns, Ethan Nail, Ryan Evans, Brody Ager, and Austin Wood. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Fall 2018

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scoopers trying to build team chemistry

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scoopers’ football team is concentrating this year on building team chemistry and finding leadership on and off the field.

“With a 3-7 record last year, it was good to see the boys have some success on the field, but I don’t think anyone was satisfied with three wins,” said Chris Koletzky, the Scoopers’ head coach.

This year, the number of athletes out for football are up with nine seniors, 14 juniors, 14 sophomores and 17 freshmen.

The Scoopers will be running the pistol wing-T offensive for the second year and are looking to give the quarterbacks some more flexibility. “I really like our skill guys that we have this year and am really excited to see what Ceddrick Stabber can do on the football field,” Koletzky said. “He was a guy we targeted last season that we knew could help us in a lot of ways.

“Gavin West is the type of player a lot of teams in the state would love to have,” Koletzky added. “With that being said, we want to have the abili-

ty to move West around a little to get the ball in his hands to make some plays.”

Koletzky said Zach Shoun, also a quarterback, will then be in the game in certain situations to utilize what he does best as well.

“Manny Gallosa is also set to have a big season. He just looks a step ahead of everyone else out there, and I think our fullback, Trevor Erlenbusch, is going to surprise some teams as he’s worked really hard to make the most of his junior season,” Koletzky added.

The team also look for big things from Jay Krull, all-conference defense end and honorable mention punter, not only in a statistical standpoint but in a leadership role as well.

“The defense really showed some toughness especially up front this summer, and I’m really excited to see these boys compete up front and get after offenses,” Koletzky said.

“Gallosa showed that he can go sideline to sideline and be the anchor for our linebackers, and in the defensive backfield, Gavin West and Ceddrick Stabber will be the leaders on the backend.”

“Expectations for the team are potentially hosting the first round of

playoff games and going at least .500 on the season or above,” said West, a senior quarterback. “I am very excited about the offensive line and their ability to play together as a solid line, and they are individually very strong and work together.” He added, “The whole line and all players are working together as a team and not as individuals.”

The Scoopers will be without some key seniors from the 2017 team; Noah Wamsher, Bailey Brengle and Joel Carpenter.

As far as the Black Hills Conference goes, Koletzky commented that he think it’s more of the same with most teams looking up at St. Thomas More.

Koletzky said Douglas is always wellcoached so the Patriots will be up there as well. “Belle Fourche returns several seniors and is looking make a run, and I don’t think you can ever count out Hot Springs with Morgan Harkless. With that being said, we are looking to compete for a conference title this year,” Koletzky said.

Making it to the playoffs was a goal of the Scoopers last season. They are looking to be able to compete and ultimately get past that first-round playoff game, something that has eluded

the Scoopers since 2008.

The Scoopers travel to Rapid City on Sept. 27 to face Class 11AA opponent Rapid City Central.

Sturgis Brown football schedule Sept. 7 at RC Central 8 p.m.

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

Sept. 21 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 hosting Pierre T.F. Riggs (Homecoming) 6 p.m.

Oct. 5 hosting Yankton 6 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Pine Ridge 6 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

The 2018 Sturgis Scooper football team includes, back row left: Ben Eberhand, Justin Green, Clayton Smith, Dylan Gillespie, Brett Konst, Cy Eixenberger, Zyairr JohnsonLandoll, Jay Krull, Gavin West, Zach Shoun, Sanden Graham, Cody Nelson, Daniel Walter, Jack Perkovich, Jaridyn Curtis, Hunter Harrison, Brad Williams, Buck Fickbohm, and Peter Pulling. Middle row left: Blake McNaught, Max Lowe, Konner Berndt, Wren Jacobs, Jorge Clark, Gabe Legner, Trevor Erlenbusch, Justin Burnham, Josh Fowler, Kaden Philips, Remington Sankey, Kaden Nelson, Tegen Thomson, Max Bartlett, Jarrod Duran, and Zane Heller. Front row left: Logan Desersa, Paul Pulling, Braden Temple, Wambli Hayes, Madison Schaefer, Ceddrick Stabber, Brandon Patino, Manny Gallosa, Zaven Osborne, Caleb Pilatos, Daylen Rhodes, Tanner Ortlieb, and Devon Dubray. Not pictured are: Chris Murray, Mitchell Knutson, Brodie Eisenbraun, Talon Elshere, Coy Fischer, and Logan Lemmel. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2018

Newell football returns a young team

By Colleen Brunner Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — The Newell Irrigators be low in numbers and very young, when they start the 2018 football season.

Newell competes in the nine-man football division in Class 9A, Region 4.

Practices have been going well.

We don’t have large numbers so it can be difficult but we have a good group of kids,” said Tyrell Bonnet, the Irrigators head football coach.

“We also have a handful of leaders that push the rest of the team to work hard. We have been working on the basics.

Bonnet said the team has alot of

young players.

“We have a pretty young team with some experience. I’m looking forward to picking up where we left off last year, and continuing to grow and progress from there.” Bonnet said.

Some of teams strengths include a willingness to be coached.

“The guys are willing to learn and try different things until we find what fits us as a football team,” Bonnet said.

Bonnet said he expects great things from the athletes both physically and mentally. He is starting the season with two out with injuries: Hunter Wetz and Jaden Gartamaker.

“Numbers are a little short, so these athletes need to fill in wherever they can and do so efficiently,” said

Bonnet. “This requires them to know every job and position on the field regardless of whether they play the position or not. Along with that, I expect a very high level of discipline and dedication from the athletes.”

Bonnet said his goals for the season include improving on the fundamentals and discipline, with everything else falling into place after that.

“Growth is the main thing I am looking for; football programs are not built in a year or two years,” said Bonnet. “They are something that takes time, starting with those basics and growing from there.”

Newell’s homecoming football game is early this year — ­ on Sept. 7 against Faith.

Newell football schedule Sept. 7 hosting Faith 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 hosting New Underwood 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Lemmon/McIntosh 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Harding County 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 hosting Dupree 7 p.m.

Members of the 2018 Newell Irrigators’ football team are, back row left: Huttson Weeldryer, Payton Burtzlaff, Evan Gray, Jon Jackson, Patrick Hamling, Tucker Gaer, and Morgan Stuen. Front row left: Hunter Wetz, Caleb McGregor, Ethan Preslicka, Chase VanDerBoom, Allen Gifford, and Jaden Gartamaker.

Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

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Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU ready for upcoming football season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The days before the 2018 football season are not moving quickly enough for Black Hills State University head football coach John Reiners.

“I’ve never been so eager to get going with a season,” said Reiners, who is getting ready for his seventh year as the Yellow Jackets’ mentor.

Reiners said the team accomplished a lot during the spring, and he wants to get started in the fall.

Black Hills State finished 4-6 last year, with all games in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Reiners said the team did not accomplish some things it wanted to.

“I think we’re back to having a bit of a chip on our shoulder,” Reiners said.

“This group is very motivated, very

eager — much like myself — to get started.”

Reiners said the Yellow Jackets have come with a purpose to fall practices.

Fourteen seniors graduated, but he said 15 seniors jumped right in to assume leadership and other roles.

Phydell Paris, the school’s all-time leading rusher, was one of the seniors graduating. Erick Hairston-Belcher, Shandon Jones, and Bradley Adamson were among the team’s four leading receivers a year ago as seniors.

JJ Kilgore, Zach Meyer, Thayer Sauter, Isaiah Birkel, James Marshall, Jesse Marshall, Michael Deichert, Aaron Montoya, Rico Stubbs, Darian Warford, and Jared Tiefenthaler were the other seniors on last season’s roster.

Black Hills State returns five starters on defense and four on offense.

Defensive starters are seniors Dimitri Butts (defensive back), Luis Bach (line-

backer), Drew Hebel (defensive back), Austin Goddard (linebacker); and junior Jarrell Ganaway (linebacker).

Senior quarterback Ryan Hommel is one of the returning starters on offense. The others are offensive lineman Clayton Dry (senior), tight end Zane Lindsay (senior), and offensive lineman Joseph Moraga (sophomore). Payten Gilmore will take Paris’ place. “There is nobody that’s worked harder than him this offseason and dedicated himself to being a leader and trying to step into a role,” Reiners said in describing Gilmore.

Jack Walbye, Shane Brooks, and Matt Collier will add depth to the backfield.

The wide receiver corps will include Tanner Gamble, Dylan Reiners, Eriq Swiftwater, Markez Boykin, Isaac

FOOTBALL Pg 36

Page 7

BHSU football schedule Sept. 8 hosting Colorado School of Mines (Family Day) 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Adams State 1 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Fort Lewis College noon Sept. 29 hosting Dixie State (Swarm Days) 1 p.m.

Oct. 6 at SD School of Mines (Battle of Homestake Trophy) 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 hosting N.M. Highlands 1 p.m.

Oct. 20 hosting Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Western State 1 p.m.

Nov. 3 hosting CSU-Pueblo (Senior Day) 1 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Robert Morris College 2 p.m.

Black Hills State University’s football team features (not in order) Jacob Parks, Matthew Collier, Chris James, Dylan Reiners, Eriq Swiftwater, Isaiah Tivis, Ryan Hommel, Collin Powers, Dimitri Butts, Riley Glynn, Taran Whelchel, Chance Eben, Trey Fleming, Tanner Gamble, Josh Gurnaby, Tyler Hammons, Luis Bach, Jason Stoddard, Jess Edens, K.J. Edwards, Josh Ahanonu, Hunter Stephens, Xavier Bonham, Isaac Jefferson, Jack Walbye, Bailey Rosenstrauch, Korby Campbell, Drew Hebel, Keyshawn Farmer, Darius Frimpong, Hasaan Williams, Jake Phelan, Nolan Susel, Shane Brooks, Colton Cogdill, Christian Hernandez, Ty Bolton, Payten Gilmore, Jack Mazurie, Clayton Koch, Austin Goddard, Brice Harkless, Brady Morris, Tanner Tadra, Cody Hooker, Lathen Stevens, Trey Young, Jace Horman, Vincent Gullia, Tyler Keys, Caleb Measner, Justin Davis, David Brandt, Trey Nachtigall, Jarrell Ganaway, Jimmy Pio, Tony Johnston Jr., Isiah Hirtler, Khiry Keith, Nick Clancy, Kolten Johnson, Brett Lamb, Keith Marson, Richard Harris, Dakota Lakey, Brock Jones, Clayton Dry, Matt Caesar, Troy Mittelstedter, Adam Burtschi, Angel Gloria, Morgan Tigner, Jarod Fixmer, Sampson Rich, Kade Gifford, Riley Reisig, Nate DeWitt, Joseph Moraga, Nikolas Arnold, Quay McCleney, Kielar Harpham, Jake Basinger, Brennan Walk, Jordan Pace, Markez Boykin, Mitch McKibbin, Trig Olson, Gereth Bushong, Zane Lindsey, Jarett Jenson, Cass Lytle, Jake Wamboldt, Devyn Vance, Chris Franklin, Coleman Johnson, Conor Heaney, Dartanian Vukota, Brennen Blaylock, Cole Miller, and Clayton Marquise. Coaches are: John Reiners, head coach; Evan Eastburn, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Anthony Kerr, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach; Shawn Scnabel, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator; Jay Smith, co-special teams coordinator and defensive line coach; Randy Doran, co-special team coordinator and tight ends coach; Kevin Hubbard, linebackers coach; Tim Schroer, graduate assistant and safties coach; Aaron Montoya, graduate assistant and running backs coach; Ray Watkins, graduate assistant and cornerbacks coach; Daniel Eaton, graduate assistant and wide receivers coach; Bjorn Nelson, volunteer kickers coach; Paul McLaughlin, student assistant coach; Kade Walter, team manager; and Jacob Ziegler, team manager.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 8

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2018

Lady Spartans volleyball

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish girls volleyball team looks to improve on a 15-13 record in 2017.

To do so, they will rely on a new cast of younger, talented players to take the Lady Spartans to the next level.

“Last season went really well,” said Jana Morrill, the Spearfish head volleyball coach.

“We competed well in the Sweet 16 match up against (Sioux Falls) O’Gorman. I think we surprised them alot. It was a good overall season.”

Morrill pointed to the team’s record.

“We ended with a winning season, we learned a lot, but we lost a lot of great leadership, so with that we have to focus on our new season and a new group of leaders,” said Morill. “What we learned from last year was we got a big taste of Class AA, and we decided to add more Class AA matches to our season this year and that’s good because that prepares the girls for what’s going to happen next.”

Jalen Carter, Olivia Hoffman, Kyla Jarvis, Ellie Greger, Ashtyn Reiners, and Kennedy Kaitfors, are returning players from last season.

“We have a lot of good ones coming back. We have nine seniors and a great set of leadership all around, and the young players are stepping up looking great, and we are exited,” Morrill said.

Morrill said she is pleased with the leadership she’s seen so far in practices.

“It’s absolutely amazing with the amount of stepping up and leadership I’ve seen in practice,” said Morrill.

“Nobody missed a beat. It’s always good to see the leadership you know is going to happen, and the ones that surprise you are really going to enjoy.”

Morrill said the team has been working on a variety of things in preparation for the 2018 season.

“We’ve been working on a lot of fundamentals, focusing up on speeding up our game a little bit, we’ve been working on our defensive blocking.

We play six games in two days, we’ve

got to jump on it. We don’t get to ease into the season, we jump right in,” Morrill said.

Yankton, Brandon Valley, Pierre, Aberdeen Central Brookings, and Watertown have been added to the 2018 schedule to help the team get better acclimated to the Class AA ranks.

“Last year our activities director focused on getting us more AA games, just to give us a little bit more time to see them instead of playing about four or five of them a year, and then showing up at the Sweet 16 and having to play O’Gorman, so it was good foe that part.,” said Morrill. “We get Aberdeen Central, we get Pierre, there’s and East-West Tournament where play Harrisburg and Yankton and Brandon Valley, we are in two Class AA Tournaments.

Morrill said she hopes to see her team be competitive and play hard every second of every match.

“I just want to see the competitive drive, teamwork, and just effort, and that’s what these girls’ have,” said Morrill. “The other team may be taller than us, may have better hitters

than us, but they are never going to out effort us.

The Lady Spartans return home on Sept. 4 to face Red Cloud, in Spearfish.

First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Spearfish volleyball schedule Sept. 4 hosting Pierre T.F. Riggs 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 hosting Mitchell 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Custer 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 25 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Ovt. 9 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at RC Stevens Tourney 4 p.m.

Oct. 19 at RC Stevens Tourney Oct. 20 at RC Stevens Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 23 at RC Central 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 hosting RC Stevens 5 p.m.

Front row left: Savanna Sewell, Mikayla Tracy, Chandi Jackson, and Ellie Greger.

Middlerow left: assistant coach Gretchen Weir, assistant coach Christine Skoglund, Jenna Geist, Jalen Carter, Ella Murray, Ashtyn Reiners, and Bella Hawley, manager. Back row left: Olivia Hoffman, Sydney Spraitz, Kyla Jarvis, Kennedy Kaitors, Hallie Rogers, and head coch Jayna Morrill.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 9

Digger VB team seeks Round of 16 tourney berth

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s volleyball team seeks a Round of 16 tournament berth during a season that started Aug. 24-25 at the Custer Invitational.

Kim Hansen is in her third season as Golddiggers’ head coach.

Lead-Deadwood finished 21-10 in 2017. The season ended when the Golddiggers fell to Rapid City Christian in a second-round Region 8A tournament match three games to two.

Isabel Frederickson, Kelsey Stuen, McKayla Norton, Gracie Kosters, and Carolyn Groeger graduated from that squad. Hansen said the team grew on all court aspects.

“Our goal is to get into the round of 16,” Hansen said in describing this season. “That was our goal last year, and we missed it by just a couple points.”

Hansen said this year’s players want to get there, and they constantly discuss that.

Two junior starters return for this season: middle hitter Anna Campbell and defensive specialist Blake Mehlberg. Both earned all-conference honors a season ago.

Returning seniors who lettered last season are outside hitter Kaali Allmendinger, outside hitter-middle hitter Lexi Morrison, setter-right side hitter Abiah Morrison, outside

hitter-defensive specialist Carly Mehlberg, and right side hitter Olivia Rogers.

Three other juniors are on the roster as of press time. They are setter-right side hitter Rebecca Groeger, outside hitter-middle hitter Hannah Campbell, and middle hitter Raygan Mattson.

Returning experience, along with the versatility of several players, constitute Golddigger strengths for this season. Hansen cited other positive aspects.

“They really mesh well,” Hansen said in describing the players. “I think we really play well as a team. As a unit, we just want what’s best for our team and to win games.”

Hansen said the group is athletic, and she would like to see them playing the game instead of over-thinking things.

“I think we’re going to frustrate teams with how scrappy we are,” she added.

Lead-Deadwood really relied on Carolyn Groeger for attacking kills last season, according to Hansen. “I’m so excited this year to see who’s going to step up and take that role,” Hansen said.

The Black Hills Conference is great, according to Hansen. She said the class AA schools will be better because of the larger student pools.

Hansen tabbed Belle Fourche, Hill City, and Custer as strong teams in

the conference.

The Golddiggers have many goals relative to serving, passing, and hitting percentages. Hansen said the team must be aggressive with each point and win matches decisively.

Fall practice sessions began Aug. 9. Serving, and receiving serves, received a lot of work during those times — especially with the younger players.

“We really need to develop a sense of confidence in those two areas,” Hansen said. “Without those two things, you just can’t win games.”

What can Lead-Deadwood’s returning players take from last season to begin setting a foundation for 2018?

“Once you have success and you taste that, you know what it takes to win games,” Hansen said.

Desired improvements for this season center on hitting percentage, according to Hansen. She said she would closely monitor those numbers.

“We have a lot of options offensively,” Hansen said. “Now, it’s up to me to put them in the right spots.”

Lead-Deadwood’s first home match is Sept. 6 against Belle Fourche. The schedule also includes the Sept. 29 Mile High Tournament and four other home matches.

Region 8A tournament play continues until two teams are left. They qualify for the Round of 16, with those winners advancing to the state tournament Nov. 15-17 in Sioux Falls.

Lead-Deadwood volleyball schedule Sept. 4 at Edgemont 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 hosting Hill City 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Hill City 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 hosting Lead Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 2 hosting Harding County 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Custer 7 p.m.

Lead-Deadwood’s varsity volleyball members include: back row left, Kaali Allmendinger, Hannah Campbell, Raygan Mattson, Anna Campbell, student manager Natalie Janssen, Alexis Morrison; front row left, Olivia Rogers, Rebecca Groeger, Blake Mehlberg, Carly Mehlberg, and Abiah Morrison. Head coach Kim Hansen is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Page 10

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2018

Broncs return experience to volleyball court

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Returning experience is vital for any volleyball team, and Belle Fourche has that in abundance as it begins its 2018 season.

The Broncs started Aug. 21 in Sturgis and hosted Custer on Aug. 30.

Eight seniors and four juniors are on the varsity roster. Several played last season when the Broncs finished 31-5 and placed fourth at the state A tournament.

“The girls did some amazing things and surpassed my expectations,” Broncs’ head coach Loree Schlichtemeier said in recapping that campaign. She is in her 11th season here.

Heaven Lane, Mandee Williamson, Sierra Ward, and Morgan Rancour graduated from that team.

Seniors on this season’s team are setter Payson Birkeland, outside hitter Ashley Byrd, middle hitter Tristan Garman, right side-outside hitter Avery Middleton, defensive specialist Caitlin Ringling, defensive specialist Emma Singer, defensive specialist Destiny Voyles, and outside hitter Rylee Young.

Middle hitter Aspen Braning is one of the juniors. The others are right side-middle hitter Alexis Cherveny, defensive specialist Harley Fischer, and setter Taryn Stedillie.

Belle Fourche varsity volleyball team members are, back row left: Rylee Young, Aspen Braning, Ashley Byrd, Alexis Cherveny, Destiny Voyles, Caitlin Ringling; front row left: Harley Fischer, Avery Middleton, Emma Singer, Tristan Garman, Payson Birkeland, and Taryn Stedillie. Head coach Loree Schlichtemeier is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

The Broncs return a lot of experience, but Schlichtemeier said on-court strengths will take a bit of time to figure out.

“Each team is different every year,” Schlichtemeier said. “When you lose some seniors, you kind of look for your next group and see what makes them tick a little bit because they’re all different.”

Schlichtemeier added the team will need to work on filling roles that the departing seniors held. “I think really developing some younger players is going to be very important for us,” she added.

Belle Fourche’s schedule is similar to that of past seasons, but there are some changes. Aberdeen Roncalli, Northwestern, Miller, and the Lennox Tournament are among the additions.

“It’s kind of up for grabs until everybody puts their teams together,” Schlichtemeier said when asked about the Black Hills Conference. “It’s always very competitive.”

Schlichtemeier hopes the Broncs will be competitive. She added the players have worked really hard.

“There’s nothing easy, and it’s a crazy sport,” Schlichtemeier said. “You just take one thing at a time and see where you end up.”

Schlichtemeier defined success as taking care of the little things and being

disciplined. Wins and losses are part of the equation, but she looks beyond that.

“There’s lots of lessons when you play sports,” Schlichtemeier said. “You let the kids have fun, have a good time, get better at things, and represent our school well.”

Fall practices began Aug. 8.

Schlichtemeier said skill work took up a lot of time in those sessions because teams don’t have a lot of time to go back and focus on that when the season begins.

What can the returning players take from last year to start setting a foundation for this season?

“They got a good taste of what kinds of things they need to do to be successful,” Schlichtemeier said. She added last year’s seniors showed great character and humility.

Improvements from last season to this center on taking care of little things that can add up to big things, she said.

The Broncs dropped their season opener to Sturgis 26-28, 15-25, 25-22, and 23-25.

Belle Fourche hosts a tournament Sept. 22 and has six home matches between Sept. 4 and Oct. 22. The first two rounds of Region 8A tournament play determine the qualifiers for the Round of 16. State tournament action is Nov. 15-17 in Sioux Falls.

Belle Fourche volleyball schedule Sept. 4 hosting St. Thomas Morre 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Lennox Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 11 at Powder River County 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 hosting RC Christian 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting Belle Fourche Tourney 8:30 a.m.

Sept. 27 at Chadron, Neb. 6 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Faith 4:45 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Aberdeen Roncalli 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Redfield Tourney 8:30 a.m.

Oct. 16 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 hosting Hill City 7 p.m.

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 11

BHSU volleyball team looks to keep building momentum

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University hopes to build on the momentum from last season’s berth in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) volleyball tournament.

“We have a very young team,” Yellow Jackets’ head coach Kristin Carmichael said. “Five freshmen joined us, and we have four seniors. We have kind of a mixed bag of sophomores and juniors.”

Seniors are middle hitter-right side hitter Sierra Stugelmeyer, outside hitter-defensive specialist Ellise Lech, defensive specialist-setter Reilley Baty, and right side hitter-outside hitter Carisa Becerra.

Four outside hitters are part of the freshman class: Katherine Welniak, Sierra Ward, Jadie DeLange, and Madison Hoopman.

The other freshman is middle hitter Mariah Robinson.

Seven other returning players are on the roster. They are juniors Laurel Lech (setter), Tess Thomas (setter), and Jessy Hibl (defensive specialist); and sophomores Valerie Blake (defensive specialist), Makayla Bell (middle hitter), Peyton Bodemann (middle hitter-right side hitter), and Abby Moerkerke (outside hitter).

Carmichael is in her fifth season as Black Hills State head coach. The Yellow Jackets finished 11-17 overall, 8-10 in the conference, last season and reached the postseason for the first

time, when it dropped a three-games-tozero decision to Regis.

Kenzie Kazmer, Fehrin Ward, Tara Hall, Cheyenne Palu, and Sydney Ederhoff graduated from that squad.

Practice sessions began the week of Aug. 3, and Carmichael said they have been exciting and very competitive. She added the squad is trying to learn the best rotation flow.

“I’ve been really pleased with how much energy and effort they’ve brought into consistent two-a-days, which is difficult to keep that motivation going,” Carmichael said of the players.

The Yellow Jackets have a goal of returning to the conference tournament, Carmichael said. She tabbed Colorado Mines, Metro State, and Regis as the top three teams.

Aggression on offense is a strong suit, according to Carmichael. She said it is now a matter of controlling that.

“The consistency and efficiency already is gaining, and we’re getting some timing with our setters,” she said.

As for concerns, Carmichael said, the team is very inexperienced in the middle blocking area.

Carmichael said Black Hills State could have three freshmen on the court at various times.

Last season was historic for Black Hills State, and Carmichael discussed what the team can take from that to start building for this year. She looks for a consistent mindset and emotional control at all times regardless of wheth-

er a match is at home or on the road.

“Now, I think it’s just coming out of the gates a little faster,” Carmichael said. She added past tendencies have been for the Yellow Jackets to adjust to the opponent instead of forcing its will.

“They feel like they belong in the RMAC,” Carmichael said. “They’re practicing and playing like that every day.”

Laurel Lech said having a second week of preseason has really helped with team chemistry and connecting on offense.

“Our motto for this season is ‘The Impact,’” said Ellise Lech, who added expectations are very high. She added they want to make last season’s feats impact this season, and each player is accountable for her own team contributions.

Last season has naturally changed the way players have approached this year. Ellise Lech said players are working harder, and there is an added benefit for the returning team members.

“It kind of shows that all the hard work we’ve put into this program is really paying off,” Ellise Lech said.

“We know how to push each other, and what’s beneficial versus what’s negative.”

Black Hills State has nine home matches during the regular season.

They open their home portion of the RMAC schedule Sept. 7 against Westminster.

BHSU volleyball schedule Sept. 1 at Minnesota State Moorhead 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 hosting Westminster 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosting Dixie State 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at N.M. Highlands 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at CSU-Pueblo 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 hosting UC-Colorado Springs 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting Colorado Mines 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Chadron State 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Metro State-Denver 5 p.m.

Oct. 2 at SD School of Mines 6 p.m.

Oct. 5 hosting Western State 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 hosting Colorado Mesa 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Fort Lewis 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Adams State 5 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Colorado Christian 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Regis University 5 p.m.

Oct. 26 hosting Meto State-Denver 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 hosting Chadron State 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 hosting SD School of Mines 7 p.m.

Pictured are the 2018 Black Hills State University volleyball team (not in order): Valerie Blake, Reilley Baty, Katherine Welniak, Sierra Ward, Makayla Bell, Sierra Stugelmeyer, Jadie DeLange, Abby Moerkerke, Madison Hoopman, Ellise Lech, Tess Thomas, Jessy Hibl, Peyton Bodemann, Laurel Lech, Carisa Becerra, and Mariah Robinson. Head coach Kristin Carmichael and assistant coach Kate Raevsky are not pictured. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

Page 12

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis volleyball team prepares for 2018 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — As the Sturgis Brown girls’ volleyball team prepares for the 2018 season, it will focus on passing and playing competitively in every match.

“Last year, with it being my first year as head coach, I really wanted the girls to buy in to the program and make improvements every day,” said Traci Fransen, the Scoopers’ head coach.

“We saw them become more com-

petitive every day and were able to compete with some of the top teams in the area.”

Returning letter winners from last season include: Cassidy Jorensen, Brittany Delzer, Jozie McKinstry, Morgan Ortlieb, and Sarah Janz.

“I think we will be competing with other top teams in the Black Hills Conference, such as Belle Fourche and Spearfish,” Fransen said.

Senior Cassidy Jorensen said the team wants to compete for the Black Hills Conference title.

“Our expectation this year is to be contenders in the Black Hills Conference,” said Jorensen. “Our team is working really well together and the chemistry is flowing and so, hopefully, we will have a great season.”

The Scoopers will be without some key seniors from the 2017 team, including Alexa Delbridge, Donni Bruch, Katie Shaw, and Ashlyn Simons.

“Our most memorable win last season was against Custer, in Custer. It

was a five-set win in a great volleyball atmosphere,” said Fransen. “It was fun to see the girls stay focused amongst that chaos and get the win, and we hope to see more of that this season. I was happy with the improvements that we saw last season and look forward to continuing that upward trend again this season,” said Fransen.

The Scoopers opened their season on Aug. 21 with a win over Belle Fourche, 28-26, 25-15, 22-25, and 25-23.

Janz collected 11 attacking kills for Sturgis, with Gray-Smith adding eight kills. Shaw served five aces for the Scoopers, and McKinstry finished with two.

Jorensen contributed 17 digs to pace Sturgis in that category.

Delzer finished with 29 set assists.

Sturgis Brown volleyball schedule Sept. 1 at Aberdeen Roncalli 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 4 hosting Custer 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Pierre T.F. Riggs 6 p.m.

Sept. 11 at RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Sept. 27 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at RC Central 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at RC Central Tourney 4 p.m.

Oct. 20 at RC Central Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 23 hosting RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 hosting RC Central 7 p.m.

The 2018 Sturgis Scooper varsity volleyball team prepares for the upcoming season. Pictured are, back row left: Makayla Keffeler, Sarah Janz, Emily Gray-Smith, Eliza Gruba, Jozie McKinstry, and Kylie Shaw. Front row left: McKenzie Parker, Sydney Belitz, Morgan Ortlieb, Sydney Shaw, Cassidy Jorensen, and Brittany Delzer. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

2018 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 Local News Coverage 6 Days a Week.

Covering your Northern Hills Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead, Whitewood, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Newell, Vale, Nisland, and St. Onge

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Publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising deemed not to be in the best interest of the publication. © 2018 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

Fall 2018

Page 13

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Newell Irrigators have new coach, new attitude

By Colleen Brunner Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — Tysha McDonald is the new head volleyball coach at Newell High School.

McDonald said practices have been going well.

“Our practices have really gone well and our girls have improved so much.

I encourage people to come watch us, because we will be fun to watch this year,” McDonald said.

Newell will have a skilled volleyball

team this season.

“The girls have so much talent and athletic ability,” said McDonald.

“They’ve just been needing some direction.

McDonald said the team has set goals for the season.

“Our goals for this year are to make tough plays and make winning a habit.

They have made losing a habit and that mentality is changing,” McDonald said.

McDonald said she plans to be at newell for a long time.

“I plan to stay and build a program,” said McDonald. “That seems to be what is needed more than anything, a solid program,” she said.

McDonald said it is a little early to know what to expect of the girls or other teams.

She has been working on figuring out what’s out in the division as far as teams go.

She understands that she probably only has one senior girl and hopes to talk to some of the girls

who will attend Newell before the season starts, to encourage them to at least come out and see what will happen.

“I know we’ll have a younger group of girls, so I hope we can all learn from each other and see what happens,” McDonald. said Newell will will compete at the Tiospaye Tournament on Sept. 6.

Newell volleyball schedule Sept. 6 at Tiospaye Tourney 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 hosting Bison 5 p.m.

Sept. 14 hosting New Underwood 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Hill City Tourney 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 hosting McIntosh 5 p.m.

Sept. 27 hosting Wall 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Lead-Deadwood Tourney 9 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Dupree 5 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Harding County 4 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Rapid City Tourney 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 hosting Takini 5 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Timber Lake 5 p.m.

Oct. 23 hosting Faith 5:30 p.m.

Newell’s volleyball team begins their season with a new coach, Tysha McDonald. Back row from left: Coach McDonald, Jessica Heil, Emma Olson, Kassidy Weeldryer, Kendra Wetz, Elizabeth Packard. Front row from left: Mckalee Mahaffy, Sydnee Kjellson, Dana Youngberg, Kyla Emmert and Braidy Nelson. Not pictured: Abbie Nelson, Casey Ismay, Shailey Dirk, Mercedes Shaykett.

Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

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Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Spartans’ soccer faces rebuilding year

By D ennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ soccer team finished with a 7-8-1 record in 2017, and made it to the state AA quarterfinals before losing to Brandon Valley, 2-0, in overtime.

“Last season was a fun one. We had a really strong group of girls.

We had seven seniors that I had been coaching since they were eighth-graders,” said Katrina Huft, the Lady Spartans’ head coach. “We barely scooted by and made into the playoffs as the number 12 seed, but we came out strong and we upset the number 5 seed Sioux Fall Lincoln, 8-7, in a shootout. We moved on to the state quarterfinals where we took the number 4 seed, Brandon Valley, 2-0, in overtime.”

Huft said she was proud of last year’s team and the way they played with heart.

“It was an emotional season. It was a fun season, and I had a group of girls that gave me their very best,” she said.

After losing seven seniors in 2017, the Lady Spartans have just one senior this season, Madiera Lister, and face a rebuilding year.

“Madiera has been playing and starting varsity since the eighth grade. She got thrown into the lion’s den right from the start. She has grown, developed, and has really had to step it up from day one,” said Huft.

“Now seeing her as a leader, and seeing her as the oldest player on the team, it is really fun to see and watch how she has just evolved into a really good defender, and a very solid part of this team.”

Junior goalie Taya Lucas will man the nets for the Lady Spartans again this season.

“Taya is a little stud. She has really, really developed her skills, especially last year. She grew a ton as a goaltender, and she has attacked practice with a great attitude, with great enthusiasm from the very first day. She introduced herself to the new girls.

She was excited, she has her own aura and her own energy, and that’s one reason why she is such a great player,” Huft said.

Spearfish began fall practices on July 30, and the second week began holding two-a-day practices.

“The first week we were just getting to know each other, because we do have so many young, new girls, whether they just moved to town or they were playing soccer for the first time as a middle schooler. So the first

week was seeing what we had to work with,” said Huft.

“Now we are wrapping up practices and getting ready to play our first game. We are working on gelling, and working on seeing who is going to play where, and just coming out try to play at an intense level, even with a young team,” Huft continued.

Work ethic will be a strong point for this year’s team.

“Our worth ethic and our desire to be here will be some of our strong points this season. It’s something that is extremely strong, and is going to really show on the game field.”

Huft went on to say, “This group of young girls, my freshmen and eighth-graders, they love the game.

They play with pure joy, and that’s going to show on the field.

Spearfish has started the season 0-3-1, losing to Pierre 2-0, Sioux Falls Washington 2-0, and Sioux Falls Lincoln 5-1 before tying St. Thomas More 1-1.

The Lady Spartans’ next game will be Tuesday, Sept. 4, against Belle Fourche, in Spearfish.

Spearfish girls’ soccer schedule Sept. 4 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at RC Central 9 a.m.

Sept. 11 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at RC Stevens 9 a.m.

Sept. 27 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

The Spearfish varsity girls’ soccer team includes: back row left, head coach Katrina Huft, Halle Fjelland, Hannah Schoon, Kiara Hunsley, Tessa Lucas, Lyndey Dean; middle row left, Brooke Peotter, McKenna Ardis, Ashley Mailloux, Madiera Lister, Emilee Hunsley; front row left, Hanna Bjorkman, Taya Lucas, Shelby Swets, and Taylor Fierbach. Raven Colaiacovo, Dillan Richards, Kenzie Bull, and Christine Bartels are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2018

Page 15

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Belle Fourche girls’ soccer fields talented team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche girls’ soccer team has won two of its first three games this season.

A 10-2 victory over Douglas-Rapid City Christian opened the campaign for Kyle Parks’ Broncs.

They defeated Groton 10-0 and dropped a 2-0 decision to Sioux Falls Christian heading into a four-game homestand.

Parks is in his third season as Belle Fourche’s head coach.

The squad has only two seniors but does not lack returning experience.

Midfielder Molly Ryan returns for the Broncs this season and earned All-State honors a year ago. Chompu Aimurai is a senior forward.

Jayme Peterson (midfielder), Savannah Rosales (defender-forward), Makenna Ward (midfielder), Kailyn Creed (goalkeeper), and Bree Pierce (defender) represent the junior class.

Four sophomores are also on the varsity roster: defender Addeline Shockey, defender Jazmyn Hunt, forward-midfielder Lauren Collins, and midfielder Elainna Brill.

“As a collective, this group would

probably be the group I’m most honored to be able to coach this season,” Parks said.

Returning experience is only one of the strong suits. Parks said team members get along, and communication is also a strength.

“They’re technically sound. They’re starting to use both feet, and their field awareness is getting better,” Parks said.

Aggressiveness is an area Parks said the Broncs will need to work on as the season progresses. He defined this as stepping into the ball sooner, being first into the player, and making things happen.

Parks said this season’s slate is a bit easier than in the past because the Broncs do not have to travel to Groton and Sioux Falls Christian on one weekend. He added the schedule is similar to that in past years, except that one more Groton game has been added.

“It’s a schedule that plays in our favor, as long as we do what we need to do,” Parks said.

Rapid City Stevens and Rapid City Central have given the Broncs trouble in past years. “Those games will always be tough,” Parks said. “We know that, but we need that; we want that.”

Parks said teams should go into

games thinking they can win.

He defines success as getting up and continuing forward after failure.

Parks said loving something, being obsessed with it, and working hard can cause success.

“We need to continuously work 120 percent every day at practice and bring that mentality into games,” Parks said. He added the Broncs must have confidence it can win games, work on the basics, and aggressively attack space and the ball.

Fall practice sessions officially started July 30. They centered on conditioning, building strength, and technical skills such as formations and defensive posture.

Parks said the Broncs excelled defensively last season, and this is easier to pass down to future players once it is mastered.

“We’ve lost games when we got scored on,” Parks said. “But the defense in general, from goalie to forwards, have played aggressively.”

He added the team now needs to work on the attack.

Desired improvements center on players working together and having a more positive mindset, according to Parks. He also addressed the importance of focusing on the small details.

Parks said the Broncs grew as a

team last season and enjoyed an improved record. They recorded three wins, nine losses, and one tie in a campaign that ended with a state tournament loss to St. Thomas More.

Raymie Keegan, Jade Kellem, Sarah Graves, and Kathleen Stairs graduated from that squad.

Belle Fourche girls’ soccer schedule Sept. 4 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosting St. Thomas More 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Sturgis Brown 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 at RC Stevens 9 a.m.

Sept. 18 hosting Spearfish 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting RC Central 9 a.m.

Sept. 29 at Groton Area 10 a.m.

Belle Fourche girls’ soccer team members include: back row left, Jazmyn Hunt, Lainna Ruby, Tori Brill, Reese McKenna, Payge Oakes, Emilee Farghali, Tia Williamson, Dru Keegan, Jessica Dudley; middle row left, student manager Heather Mitchell, Lilly Dodd, Ava Allen, Ava Walker, Elainna Brill, Addeline Shockey, Lauren Collins, Alexis Allen, Issy Larson, student manager Lucille Ronfeldt; front row left, Kailyn Creed, Jayme Peterson, Bree Pierce, Molly Ryan, Savannah Rosales, Makenna Ward, and Chompu Aimurai. Head coach Kyle Parks is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 16

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis girls’ soccer optimistic for the season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — This year, the Sturgis girls’ soccer team is concentrating on two things it can control: effort and attitude.

“Every year we have grown as a team.

We are always the young team out there when we play,” said head coach Adam Fitzpatrick. “Each year we get more wins and score more goals, as well as let in less goals, and I am hoping that we can continue to grow for success.”

Fitzpatrick, in his fifth year as head coach, shared some thoughts about the upcoming season.

“It looks promising. We have a large number of girls coming back this year from the previous year and, as with

every roller coaster, I am sure we will ride our ups and downs,” Fitzpartick said. He hopes the experience from the past years will allow them to grow and mature into a team that can overcome hardships and be a fun team to watch.

Returning letter winners for the Scoopers include: Abby Aberle, Kylee Bennett, Maggie Brink, Jordan Burge, Autumn Cassen, Elise Christian, Glory Christianson, Ryan Conover, Lanessa Finn, McKenna Hosman, Madison Johnson, Mairen McGrath, Breezy Paul, Maggie Reeve, and Emilee Willey.

“This season, our main goal as a team is to really come together and get rid of our differences,” said Christianson, a junior midfielder.

The Scoopers will be without senior

Reegin Kehn, an all-conference player from the 2017 team. Fitzpatrick commented, “This year some of the ladies to watch will be: Jessica Matthew, Kylee Bennet, Autumn Cassen, Glory Christianson, and Emilee Willey.”

“We have a lot of great teams in the conference, and I am hoping that we can just compete every single game,” Fitzpatrick said. “If we go out and play the way I know we are capable of, I think we can take some games from some people that otherwise take us for granted.”

The Scoopers are 0-0-1 to start the season, battling to a 1-1 tie with Belle Fourche on Aug. 21.

Sturgis Brown hosts St. Thomas More on Sept. 4.

Sturgis Brown girls’ soccer schedule Sept. 4 hosting STM 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at RC Stevens 11 a.m.

Sept. 11 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Sept. 18 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Douglas 5:30 p.m.

The Sturgis varsity girls’ soccer team tied Belle Fourche 1-1 in its season opener. Members include, back row left: Marien McGrath, Madison Johnson, Karissa Munger, Gwyneth Simmons, Olivia Jolley, Emilee Willey, Breezy Paul, and Maggie Reeve. Front row left: Avery Bunch, McKenna Hosman, Maggie Brink, Ryan Conover, Lanessa Finn, Mikayla Kullbom and Elise Christian. Not pictured are Abby Aberle, Jordan Burge, Glory Christianson, Kylee Bennett, Gloria Christianson, Autumn Cassen, and Jessica Matthew.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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Fall 2018

Page 17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Yellow Jackets’ soccer team continues to grow

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s soccer team continues to add pieces as it launches its third season.

“We’re super excited about this year,” head coach Mike Greco said.

He added the team is starting to establish its core values, and players are working together as a team.

Eight sophomores form the core of this year’s squad. They are Mikayla Hernandez (midfielder-defender), Caitlin Kelly (forward), Alexandria Lisenbe (midfielder-defender), Rose Miller (midfielder), Katie Nielson (forward), Zoe Baldwin (goalkeeper), Abigail Carlson (defender-forward), and Isabelle Goddard.

Greco, who is beginning his second season here, said he is really enthusiastic about the new players in the program.

That listing features 10 players.

They are juniors Dz-Rae Jara (goalkeeper), Teagan Hartley (goalkeeper),

Morgan Smith (midfielder), Holly Burley (midfielder), Jessica Schuman (defender), and Madison Crews (midfielder); and freshmen Madison Kandler (midfielder), Ryleigh Yanke (defender-midfielder), Ella Goodman (forward), and Taylor Brett (defender). Jara, Smith, Goodman, Burley, Schuman, and Crews are junior college transfers.

Greco said the junior college transfers are adding composure and maturity to the team. He added returning players also have more confidence because of the playing time they earned last year.

“I really like this group,” Greco said. “I really like how they’re playing. Each day, it’s getting better and better.”

A concern for Greco centers on nothing being established as far as how the team plays and what is expected. He added this will take a while because the team has a number of new players.

The Yellow Jackets finished 1-16

overall, 1-11 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) last season. A 3-2, double-overtime victory over Colorado Christian was the team’s first ever in the circuit. Claire Fergusson and Danielle Heerts graduated from that squad.

Black Hills State opens its 2018 season Aug. 30 at Minot State and begins conference play Sept. 14 at Fort Lewis.

Six home games at Ronnie Theisz Field are on the slate, starting with a Sept. 21 matchup against Westminster.

UC-Colorado Springs, Regis, and Colorado Mines are Greco’s top three teams in the RMAC. He said the Yellow Jackets should be very competitive with other RMAC teams.

“One of the core things that I want to instill in this group is effort,” Greco said.

He added this is something players can always control.

“As we seek to compete and play and give full effort, we still want to remain together as a family,” he said.

Miller said the spring season brought the eight returning players together, adding they know one another quite well on a personal level.

“This preseason has made us stronger physically-wise and mentally-wise,” Hernandez said.

Goldman said the new players are really excited to help build the program. “I can tell that they’re going to be very committed, and they want to learn,” she added.

BHSU women’s soccer schedule Sept. 3 at Sioux Falls 2 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Northern State 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at University of Mary 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 at MSU-Billings 8 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Fort Lewis 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Adams State noon Sept. 21 hosting Westminster 4 p.m.

Sept. 23 hosting Dixie State 11:15 a.m.

Sept. 28 at Western State 3 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Colorado Mesa 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 hosting CSU-Pueblo 4 p.m.

Oct. 7 hosting N.M. Highlands 1 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Regis University 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Colorado Mines 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Colorado Christian 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 hosting UC-Colorado Springs 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 hosting Metro State 1:30 p.m.

Pictured are members of the 2018 Black Hills State University women’s soccer team (not in order): Zoe Baldwin, DzRae Jara, Teagan Hartley, Morgan Smith, Abigail Carlson, Madison Kandler, Ryleigh Yanke, Katie Nielson, Ella Goodman, Holly Burley, Rose Miller, Caitlin Kelly, Taylor Brett, Alexandria Lisenbe, Jessica Schuman, Isabella Goddard, Mikayla Hernandez, and Madison Crews. The Lady Jackets are coached by Mike Greco.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 18

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans boys’ soccer returns veteran team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Spearfish returns a veteran team for the 2018 boys’ high school soccer season.

“We return 20 players who saw a lot of playing time,” said Spearfish head coach Jim Hill, who begins his 16th season here.

Spearfish had a record of six wins, eight losses, and one tie during the 2017 season that ended with a 3-1 state AA tournament loss to Sioux Falls Lincoln.

Hill said the Spartans would lean on an eight-senior group this fall, led by Weston Verhulst, Rigel Roberdeau, and Gene Glover.

Forty-two players make up the Spartans varsity and junior varsity teams. Hill stressed that the varsity lineup is a week-to-week listing, and Spearfish is the smallest class AA school.

Speed will be one of the team’s strengths this season.

“Overall, our foot speed and quickness are good,” Hill said in outlining the

Spartans’ strong suits. “Our understanding of the game is a lot better.”

Hill said those things happen as players gain in experience and grow as individuals.

“If we want to get to where we like, we must improve on defense,” Hill said.

He added the Spartans must not sit back once they get the lead.

“There were three games last year where we had a two-goal lead but lost,” he recalled.

Hill was asked about what the team can take from last year to start setting a foundation for this season.

He said Spearfish must know it has to play hard every minute of every game.

“We played some of our best soccer, but only for half the game,” Hill said in recalling the 2017 season. “Youth and inconsistency were factors.”

Hill said the 2018 schedule would be tough, especially to start.

“We have six games in a span of about 15 days to open the season,” Hill said.

The overall slate includes Pierre, the Sioux Falls schools, St. Thomas More, Huron, and Mitchell.

“We must come ready to play every team, no matter who they are,” Hill said.

He added Sturgis has shown a lot of improvement from last year, as has the overall caliber of play throughout the state.

How will the Spartans define success in 2018?

“We really feel we can be in a quarterfinal (playoff) match, maybe the semis,” Hill said.

Sixteen of the 18 class AA schools qualify for the state tournament.

“The top eight get a first-round home match,” Hill said. “We’re really shooting for that.”

Official fall practice sessions started July 30, and Hill said fitness served as a main emphasis because of the early schedule.

The Spartans opened the season with a 6-0 win over Pierre, lost to Sioux Falls Washington 2-1, defeated Sioux Falls Lincoln 2-1, and dropped a 1-0 decision to to St. Thomas More.

They host rival Belle Fourche on Sept.

4, in Spearfish.

Spearfish boys’ soccer schedule Sept. 4 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at RC Central 11 a.m.

Sept. 11 at Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at RC Stevens 11 a.m.

Sept. 27 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Spearfish boys’ soccer program members include: fifth row left, Dagoberto Rodriguez, Jake Hoffman, Bridger Meyers, Clay Donovan, Tate Schatz, Rudy Isburg, Nick Wise, Connor Kline, Jacob Schaffer; fourth row left, Lucas Rodgers, Tyler Borchgrevink, Gabe Feeser, Kjellen Bogard, AJ Covell, Ethan Johnson, Robert Erskin, Elias Grimsley, Jensen Damberg, Holden Ewert; third row left, Logan Larsen, Max LaLonde, Yohannes Peterson, Bridger Roberdeau, Brock Bacon, Gabe Knutson, Ben Wise, Fernando Lara Lopez; second row left, Cash Clendenen, James Odenbach, Carson Isburg, Holden Owens, Ryan Peldo, Ryan Rafferty; first row left, Rigel Roberdeau, Tim Doerges, Braeden Ferguson, Weston Verhulst, Gene Glover, Eli Riggs, and Jayden Deichert. Jay Sayler, Reagen Neisent, and head coach Jim Hill are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Fall 2018

Page 19

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Versatility, IQ key for Broncs’ soccer

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche will lean on senior leadership, soccer IQ, and player versatility this season in hopes of improving on a 2-11 record a season ago.

Four seniors are leading the way for the Broncs, coached by fourth-year mentor Anthony Bradley.

They are goalkeeper Landon Thompson, midfielder-defender Michael Leverington, defender-midfielder Dalton Mace, and sweeper Kendal Schreier.

Bradley listed other key returnees for Belle Fourche.

They are junior Cruz Kellem (midfielder-defender), sophomore Josiah Trimble (midfielder-forward), and ninth-grader Tristin Hendricks (midfielder).

Twelve other players are on the roster.

Forward Barak Minor, forward Ethan Jones, midfielder John Baxendale, and defender Cordell Seyersdahl represent the junior class.

Defender Jaden Schmidt and midfielder Conrad Schreier are sophomores.

Midfielder Ethan Jensen, midfielder Charles Alberts, and goalkeeper

Hunter Cherveny are ninth-graders.

Sawyer Clarkson (forward), Brayden Carbajal (goalkeeper-midfielder), and Anthony Staley (defender) represent the eighth-grade class.

Belle Fourche needs to work on scoring, physical play, and handling adversity, according to Bradley.

“I would say it’s one of the more difficult schedules, definitely, in the A division,” Bradley said.

He explained the slate has several AA teams with Sioux Falls Christian, Groton, and James Valley Christian posing problems in the Class A ranks.

Bradley said Belle Fourche is unproven at this stage. “I think we have potential to surprise people, but we’re still very young,” he added.

Player improvement is a goal for the Broncs, Bradley said, and avoiding major injuries is also vital. He added the team does not have a lot of depth on the bench.

Official fall practices began July 30.

Flexibility and fitness were two of the focal points.

Bradley said teams had about nine days before the opener and are expect-

ed to play at a high level. Proper hydration and stretching are part of the preseason ritual.

“An injury early in the season will nag them throughout,” Bradley said.

“That really throws a kink in your season plans and individual game plans.”

Bradley said many of the Broncs’ younger players got a lot of good playing experience in 2017. He added they know what the top shelf (Rapid City Central, Rapid City Stevens, Spearfish, St. Thomas More) is like.

As for desired improvement from last season to now, Bradley cited scoring, keeping ball possession and defensive form, and counter attacking.

Belle Fourche will play five more home games this regular season. They are Aug. 31 against James Valley Christian, Sept. 8 against St. Thomas More, Sept. 13 against Sturgis, Sept. 18 against Spearfish, and Sept. 22 against Rapid City Central.

The Broncs did not qualify for last season’s state A tournament.

Luke Lensegrav, Ryan Muhm, John Maher, and Cameron Hendricks graduated from that squad.

Belle Fourche boys’ soccer schedule Sept. 4 at Spearfish 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 hosting St. Thomas More 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting Sturgis Brown 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 at RC Stevens 9 a.m.

Sept. 18 hosting Spearfish 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 hosting RC Central 9 a.m.

Sept. 29 at Groton Area 10 a.m.

Belle Fourche’s varsity boys’ soccer team includes: back row left, head coach Anthony Bradley, Ethan Jensen, Dalton Mace, Ethan Jones, Cruz Kellem, Michael Leverington, Anthony Staley, Charles Alberts, Sawyer Clarkson, assistant coach Randall Bradley; front row left, assistant coach Mo Keller, Conrad Schreier, John Baxendale, Hunter Cherveny, Tristin Hendricks, Landon Thompson, Josiah Trimble, Barak Minor, Jaden Schmidt, Cordell Seyersdahl, and Kendal Schreier. Brayden Carbajal is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 20

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis boys’ soccer aims for great season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — With 14 returning lettermen, the Sturgis varsity boys’ soccer team is looking forward to the upcoming season.

“This season aims to be the best one projection wise since I’ve been with the team, and this is my fourth season,” said Tyler Louder, the Scoopers’ head coach. “Anything can happen; we just need to make sure we tip the scales in our favor more times than not.”

Louder said last year they underachieved in some small spots, losing to Mitchell, and giving up a late 2-1 lead to Rapid City Stevens. In the following week, they stepped up in the game against Belle Fourche, but they needed to show up more.

“We look to move up from our time missing state last year,” said Louder.

“We should be a fun team to watch and a not-so-fun team to play, as we have

great conditioning and a big chip on our shoulders.”

Returning letter winners from the 2017 season include: Dawson Schieffer, Zane Atchison, Carl Nash, Micah Ortiz, Wyatt Engbrecht, Dominik Oedekoven, Gabe Nelson, Gabe Rambow, Mason Neumiller, Jared Sailer, Kale Dennis, Thor Sundstrom, Taylor Tobias, and Brodie Eisenbraun.

“We will start at the bottom of the food chain in the Black Hills Conference, but halfway through our season, I believe others will look at us differently,” Louder said.

Nash, a senior, thinks the Scoopers can have a great year.

“I think we will have a pretty good season. We have quite a few seniors this year and a lot of younger talent on the team, so I think we’ll have a good run this year,” Nash said.

The Scoopers are concentrating this year on finishing the leads they gain, and changing the way people look and

talk about Sturgis soccer.

Louder said that they are looking to become a team people don’t want to see on their schedule, and the Scoopers can achieve this by showing growth and focusing more in the game.

Louder said the players to watch this season would include Kale Dennis, a sophomore heading into his fourth season on varsity who is moving into a leadership role; and Schieffer.

“Schieffer one of the best 20 players in the state, in my opinion,” Louder said” Louder added, “I’m not happy with last year in parts due to the fact we gave away a couple games on some minor mistakes, but our junior varsity showed a lot of growth and will now be able to showcase that growth at the next level.”

Sturgis is 0-0-1 to start the season after battling to a scoreless tie with Belle Fourche on Aug. 21

Sturgis Brown boys’ soccer schedule Sept. 4 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 hosting Douglas 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at RC Stevens 11 a.m.

Sept. 11 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Sept. 18 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Douglas 5:30 p.m.

The 2018 Scooper boys’ varsity soccer team members include, back row left: Carl Nash, Dawson Schieffer, Micah Ortiz, Dominick Oedekoven, and Zane Atchison.

Middle row left: Jared Sailer, Coy Fischer, Mason Neumiller, Gabe Rambow, Gabe Nelson, and Adrian Budin`o. Front row left: Kale Dennis, Jax Schuster, Brodie Eisenbraun, Kyle Cutts, and Taylor Tobias.

Wyatt Engbrecht is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

HEART. TALENT.

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Good luck this season!

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Fall 2018

Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Spartans’ tennis features young players

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — In 2017, the Lady Spartan girls’ tennis team enjoyed one of its best seasons, finishing seventh in the team standings at the state tournament.

“We had a really good season last year,” said Doug Dexheimer, the Spearfish head coach. “We had a talented exchange student (Vittoria Ragni), who came in and helped get the team up a little bit in our quality of play.

She was very enthusiastic, and a team player and she helped the others with enthusiasm, too. We finished seventh at state, and that was a great way to end up the year.”

Returning for the Lady Spartans are Silvee McCoy, Hannah Brun, Kahra Campbell, Marissa Moulton, Anna Engen, and Lauren Strand.

Dexheimer said this season will be a rebuilding year for the Lady Spartans.

“This will definitely be a rebuilding

year for us. We are working on improvement, more consistency, and just try to have fun throughout the year, and improving, too,” Dexheimer said.

Spearfish is getting back into the swing of things.

“It’s been a short summer, weather-wise and work-wise for some of the kids. We’re just trying to get back on the court and get going,” said Dexheimer. “We are working on getting the footwork going, judgment of the ball going, and keeping the ball in play.”

Dexheimer said he is impressed with the team’s passion to play tennis.

“They are all eager to improve, and that’s something you have to have before there’s going to be improvement.

You have to be interested in improving; it doesn’t come by magic. They’re working hard in different areas, for the different individuals,” Dexheimer said.

With the season underway,

Dexheimer wants his team to learn the fundamentals of tennis, in their first couple of matches.

“I want them to just settle in, be able to track the ball well, and set up in the right position,” said Dexheimer. “That takes a while, and if they haven’t been playing, it’s hard to judge sometimes to get in the right spot they need to be in, and strike the ball.”

For the first six matches of the 2018 season, the Lady Spartans haven’t enjoyed a lot of success.

At the West River Open in Rapid City on Aug. 17, Spearfish’s Anna Engen defeated Emily Oldfield of Rapid City Central 11-9, in singles action.

Spearfish’s Lauren Strand also won in singles action, defeateding Mehrezet Abbas of Rapid City Central 10-2.

Engen and Strand would team up to beat Oldfield and Abbas 10-6 in doubles competition.

On Aug 18 at the West River Open in Rapid City, the Lady Spartans managed to pull out only one win.

Hannah Brun and Silvee McCoy defeated St. Thomas More’s Oona Evans Evans and Kaitlyn Schmahl, 10-5.

Spearfish will be at Campbell County (Gillette, Wyo.) on Sept. 4, at the Brandon Valley Jamboree on Sept. 7-8, and in Rapid City on Sept.

9, before returning home to host St. Thomas More on Sept. 13.

Spearfish girls’ tennis schedule Sept. 4 at Campbell County 4 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Brandon Valley Jamboree 8 a.m.

Sept. 8 at Brandon Valley Jamboree 8 a.m.

Sept. 11 at RC Central 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 hosting St. Thomas More 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Mitchell 11 a.m.

Sept. 21 at Pierre 10 a.m.

Sept. 22 at Pierre 7 a.m.

Sept. 28 at Sioux Falls Tourney noon Sept. 28 at Sioux Falls Tourney 8 a.n

Pictured are members of the 2018 Spearfish Lady Spartans’ tennis team.

Front row left: Hannah Brun, Rebecca Anglin, Annelise DeBeaumont and Lauren Heine. Middle row left: Mikelle Block, Delaney Ensor, McKenzie Block, and Marissa Moulton.

Back row left: head Coach Doug Dexheimer, Lauren Strand, Jaydah Wickenhagen, Silvee McCoy, Anna Engen, and Kahra Campbell.

Jane Doerges, Maddy Reichert, and Kate Fossum are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Page 22

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans’ golf team has high goals for 2018 season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High Schools boys golf team is hoping to finish higher at state this season, finishing in 11th place in 2017.

Despite that finish at the state AA tourney, Spartans’ head coach Eric Ligtenberg thought they had a good season in 2017.

“We probably didn’t quite finish where we wanted to. We had really high goals for ourselves at state. We had a very good, very successful season, but not quite what we wanted,” Ligtenberg said.

Ligtenberg said his team was disappointed they didn’t bring home any hardware in 2017.

“We did very well three years ago at Milbank and placed. The year before that

we got second at state, so we were used to getting hardware and placing in those top in the A class,” said Ligtenberg.

“We knew it was going to be harder to compete in Class AA. We thought we could maybe squeeze up there a couple of places. It wasn’t embarassing at state (11th place finish), but overall we had a very successful season,” he added Despite losing a couple of solid golfers from the 2017 team, Spearfish returns a veteran club.

“We have a very good solid core coming back. We are led by Kevin Kolb, Jesse Sacrison, Drew Gusso, Tyler McBurnett, and Zac Tipton is another senior,” said Ligtenberg. “Sam Grout is a sophomore, and he’s really been helping the team out the last two tournaments we’ve had; he

lead the team in scoring. Dane Burghduff is a sophomore, and we have some really promising eighth-graders in Jack Hight and Josh Sundsted.”

Most golf teams have had several team practices since practices began July 31.

Not Spearfish. The Spartans didn’t get to hold their first full practice as a team until Aug. 16. Ligtenberg said some seventh- and eighth-graders did not come to the team until that day.

“It’s a challenge. I want to get these kids to have some commitment.

“I don’t have a problem of commitment with our top kids because they are definitely invested in the program, but JV kids that you know you need to have some time with them, and that’s the challenge to get them to practice and be here every day,” Ligtenberg said.

Ligtenberg said he is pleased with his team’s efforts so far.

“We went to Sioux Falls and played all the Class AA schools and placed fourth, seven strokes from being out of the top place. I was very happy with what they shot as a team score,” said Ligtenberg.

“We went to Meadowbrook and golfed a similar score that we golfed in Sioux Falls, so there is nothing concerning with our consistentsy.”

Ligtenberg said some of the players are aiming for lower scores because of the hard work they have put in at practice.

“Some of the kids are hoping for lower score right now since they put in all this time. They are definitely capeable of putting in lower scores.

“Golf is kind of funny. From one tournament to the next you might not have your A game, and you’ll have to grind through it and see what you got,” Ligtenberg said.

The Spartans expect to bring home some hardware from the state AA tournament in October.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t hope we get hardware. This is the season we’ve been working towards for a while, I think we are good enough to be top six in the state.

We could inch up there.

“Two days of golf (at state), hopefully all our hard work and experience will pay off,” Ligtenberg said.

Spearfish boys’ golf schedule Sept. 4 at Sturgis 4 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 7 at Yankton Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 11 hosting Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Mitchell Invite 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Sturgis Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 24 at West River Challenge 2 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Rapid City Tourney 3:30 p.m.

Members of the 2018 Spearfish Spartans’ golf team are, front row left: Drew Gusso, Jack Hight, and Zac Tipton. Middle row left: Dane Burghduff, Kevin Kolb, and Josh Sundsted. Back row left: head coach Eric Ligtenberg, Tyler McBurnett, Sam Grout, Jesse Sacrison, and assistant coach Tory Devall.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Fall 2018

Page 23

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Digger golfers seek to gain experience

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Four seniors are representing Lead-Deadwood during a boys’ golf season that began Aug. 13 in Sturgis and will end at state in October.

Sturgis will host the Black Hills Conference tournament on Sept. 17.

The Region 4A tournament is Sept. 24 in Custer, with Dell Rapids hosting the state A tournament Oct. 1-2.

Tim Hansen, in his third season, coaches the Golddiggers.

Maxx Percy earned a letter last season and qualified for the state A tournament.

Wyatt VandeVelde, Carter Nelson, and Chayton Bower each have between one and two years of experience.

“He is a guy that we hope will kind of get back into the form he had when he qualified for state,” Hansen said in describing Percy. He added he would like to see Percy be the leader.

“We have guys that really enjoy being

out on the course,” Hansen said. He added all except for Percy are relatively inexperienced as far as varsity golf is concerned.

“They’re good guys. They’re fun to be around, and it’s going to be a really good year having them out for the team,” Hansen said.

As far as what needs work, Hansen said, the biggest thing for some players will be finding a workable, consistent golf swing. He added many inexperienced golfers hit a couple of good shots and then struggle.

“That’s going to be the big thing for especially those three guys outside of Maxx (Percy),” Hansen said. “They’re not used to playing golf at a high school invite or tournament level.”

Lead-Deadwood will play the same courses that it has in the past, according to Hansen. He said they pose great challenges for those with high handicaps.

Southern Hills Golf Course (Hot

Springs), Boulder Canyon Country Club (Sturgis), and Meadowbrook (Rapid City) are but a few of those courses.

Lead-Deadwood will visit Boulder Canyon four or five times during the campaign.

Hansen picked Spearfish, Sturgis, and St. Thomas More as contenders in the Black Hills Conference race.

“We’re hoping Maxx (Percy) will be able to improve on his scores and maybe challenge to be able to place at some of these meets,” Hansen said. He added he doesn’t know if it is fair to stack the Golddiggers up against other teams.

As for the others, Hansen hopes they will enjoy the game and play with integrity. The aim is to play one shot at a time, and one hole at a time.

What will define a successful season for Lead-Deadwood?

“We would love to see them improve their scores throughout the course of the season,” Hansen said. He added another

aim is for the players to gain technical skills so they are able to play consistently.

Official fall practices began Aug. 8.

Visualization techniques and the game’s mental aspect took center stage, as did swing mechanics.

Hansen would like to see Percy understand how much he has improved during the past two years. The coach said he would also like Percy to play confidently.

Improvements Hansen seeks center on the approach shots, along with work around the greens.

“When we get those approach shots, we would like to try and hit greens in regulation and give ourselves chances of getting some good scores on the card,” Hansen said

Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf schedule Sept. 4 at Sturgis Quad 4 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 7 at Custer Pre-Region 10 a.m.

Sept. 11 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Stugis BH Conference 10 a.m.

Sept. 24 at Custer Region 4A 10 a.m.

Sept. 27 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

This season’s Lead-Deadwood boys’ golf team includes: from left, Wyatt VandeVelde, Carter Nelson, and Maxx Percy. Chayton Bower and head coach Tim Hansen are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 24

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2018

Young Bronc golfers seeking improvement

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche brings a very young team into a boys’ golf season that started Aug. 13 in Sturgis.

Aden Beisel, Lance Sutter, and Alex Voyles represent the sophomore class.

Albert Key is in the ninth grade; Jayce Mitchell, Ashton Dean, and Ryan Rhoads are eighth-graders.

Sutter qualified for last year’s state Class A tournament.

“My philosophy this year is, we’re just going to try to improve and be competitive as a team: put enough kids together to be able to build a team,” Broncs’ head coach Bill Burr said.

Burr is starting his first season as the Belle Fourche head coach. He succeeds Clark Gusso, who retired in June.

As for this season, Burr sees Sutter as one of the team’s leaders. The coach

said Voyles and Rhoads are also playing on the varsity.

“Like I said, we’re so young,” Burr said. “I look at all the kids and hope they’re all working hard and trying to be the leader and get better.”

Burr said the players understand a lot of work will be required.

“Their enthusiasm and their willingness to get out and work and listen, I think that’s their strength right now,” Burr said.

He added the team must improve on all aspects of the game: chipping, putting, rules, and overall knowledge.

Belle Fourche’s schedule will be tough largely because of the team’s youth and inexperience, Burr said.

He reiterated a goal is for the Broncs to field a complete team (four players score, but five may play) at the conference and region tournaments.

Sturgis will host the Black Hills Conference tournament on Sept. 17.

The Region 4A tournament is Sept. 24 in Custer, with Dell Rapids hosting the state tournament Oct. 1-2.

Belle Fourche is scheduled to host three events. They are a triangular on Sept. 14, and duals on Sept. 20 and 27.

Burr said Spearfish and St. Thomas More should compete for the conference title, based on what he knows so far.

How does Burr see the Broncs stacking up against all conference teams?

“It depends on how fast the kids can learn and improve and get to that level of being able to play on the varsity team,” he said.

That improvement is how Belle Fourche will define success this season, according to Burr.

Official practice sessions began Aug. 6. Rules, driving, and putting have served as some points of emphasis.

Two Broncs qualified for last year’s state tournament. Burr said

he hopes players will work hard and want to reach state as a team, not just individually.

He agreed every golfer can improve on some aspects from one season to the next.

Chris Wahlfeldt and Zach O’Brien graduated from last year’s team.

Burr discussed what prompted him to apply for the Broncs’ head coaching position.

“I enjoy the game. I love it, and I just want to teach the other kids what the game’s about,” Burr said. Two of his children (Tyler and Jade) were among those going through the Broncs’ program.

Burr said he also wants to step in and help the athletes learn about the game.

He added Gusso also left behind a good program.

“I’m excited about coaching these boys. It’s going to be fun,” Burr said.

Burr’s philosophy centers on wanting the Broncs to challenge for Black Hills Conference and Region 4A titles as teams and individuals.

“The way to do that is playing and practice: a lot of practice,” he said.

Belle Fourche boys’ golf schedule

The Belle Fourche boys’ golf team features: back row left, Jayce Mitchell, Lance Sutter, Alex Voyles, Ryan Rhoads; front row left, Ashton Dean, Albert Key, and Aden Beisel. Head coach Bill Burr is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Sept. 4 at Sturgis Quad 4 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Douglas Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 7 at Custer Pre-Region 10 a.m.

Sept. 10 at RC Stevens 4 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Belle Fourche 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Stugis BH Conference 10 a.m.

Sept. 20 hosting RC Central 4 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Custer Region 4A 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 27 hosting Lead-Deadwood 4 p.m.

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Fall 2018

Page 25

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis golf team ready for 2018 season

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — With five seniors and one junior, the Sturgis boys’ golf team is full of veterans.

“We are excited for this season since the core of this team has been playing varsity since they were freshmen,” said Sturgis head coach Steve Keszler.

“Hopefully, we can keep the ball in the fairway and roll in a few putts.”

“The team will be led by Tice McVay, JD Keszler, and Noah Ziegmann, as they have been the top three from last year,” Keszler said. Sturgis is also happy to have Matt Eby returning this year. Devin Wolters and Bradin Standing Bear will bring experience from playing varsity last year.

“The Scooper golf team will hope

to be competitive in the Black Hills Conference and hope to move up the ladder at the state meet,” coach Keszler said.

“I have some high expectations this season. I would like to place at every tournament and place in the top 15 at state,” senior Tice McVay said. “My other expectation would be to keep my scoring average in the low 70s.”

Practices started on Aug. 6, with the season kicking off with the Sturgis Invitational on Aug. 13 at Boulder Canyon Country Club.

“I believe we have athletes that are wanting to contend for conference and state medals,” coach Keszler added.

Sturgis opened its season on season Aug. 13 with a team win at the Boulder Canyon Country Club, in Sturgis.

JD Keszler of Sturgis and Rapid City

Central’s Alex Duran both shot an 81 and tied for medalist honors.

“It was nice to have four scores in the 80s; consistency is key to a team score,” coach Keszler said.

The Scoopers captured four of the top six places with McVay third with an 82, Ziegmann fourth with an 85, and Eby sixth with an 87.

Team scores had Sturgis winning with 335, Rapid City Central second at 363, Rapid City Stevens third at 391, Spearfish fourth at 402, and Custer fifth at 403. Hot Springs, Douglas, Lead-Deadwood, and Belle Fourche brought individual golfers but did not have enough players for a team score. Josh Sundsted of Spearfish placed 11th by shooting a 92, followed by Zac Tipton with a 99. For Belle Fouche, Alex Voyles carded a 112.

Sturgis Brown boys’ golf schedule Sept. 4 hosting quadrangular 4 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Yankton Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 11 at Spearfish Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Mitchell 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 17 hosting BH Conference 10 a.m.

Sept. 24 hosting W. River Challenge 2 p.m.

Sept. 27 at WRC, Meadowbrook 3:30 p.m.

Members of the the 2018 Sturgis Scooper boys’ golf team are, from left, Noah Ziegmann, Devin Wolters, Bradin Standing Bear, Matt Eby, Tice McVay, and JD Keszler.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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Page 26

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Energetic BHSU golf team welcomes new coach

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University will bring a lot of energy to a women’s golf season that also includes a new head coach.

Kelly Welker is beginning her first season here. She succeeds Alex Kline, who stepped down after last year.

Five players are on the roster as of press time. They are senior Kiley Phares, juniors Hayley Franke and Sydney Owen, and sophomores Molly Butler and Taryn Mayer.

“I’m excited to get on the golf course with them and see what they can do,” Welker said. She agreed this enthusiasm is one of the team’s strong suits.

Welker said consistency is the main thing players can work on this season.

She added all players are capable of shooting low scores.

Black Hills State opens its season Sept. 2-4 at the Samuel Proal Invitational in Pueblo, Colo. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Fall Preview is set for Sept. 17-18 in Mesa, Colo.

Other events this fall are set for Sept. 22-23 (Southwest Minnesota State University), Sept. 30-Oct. 2 (South Dakota School of Mines & Technology), and Oct. 13-14

(Morningside Invitational).

Welker said the schedule is difficult.

“Every tournament we play in, there are top teams in the field,” she said.

“It’s a constant reminder that we’ve got to be focused and prepared for every tournament.”

Welker said the Colorado schools look to be the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s (RMAC) strongest, according to research she has done. The top three in the preseason coaches’ poll are UC-Colorado Springs, CSU-Pueblo, and Colorado Mesa. Black Hills State is 10th in that poll.

The Yellow Jackets are aiming for a top-10 finish at this season’s RMAC tournament, according to Welker.

Black Hills State placed 13th at last season’s RMAC Fall Invite and eighth at the RMAC Championships in April 2018.

Welker said the Yellow Jackets look to make small steps.

“What defines success for us is more than just the scores we shoot,” Welker said. “It’s how do we do in the classroom, how are we in the community, how do we handle adversity, did we grow as a team.”

Fall practices began Aug. 27. Welker said sessions included players becoming comfortable with one another, as well as Welker and players getting to

know one another.

Practice sessions will also include course management skills and the short game, according to Welker.

“It’s going to be a good week of practice, and it’s going to be a grind,” Welker said. “We’re really going to have to put our nose to the grindstone.”

Welker said players can use the little things to start setting a foundation for this season. She listed coming to practice, being focused, and playing practice rounds as preparing for the course.

“I think having a game plan for a practice round is going to be really, really big for us,” Welker said.

Welker played for four years at the University of Central Missouri. She served as a graduate assistant this past year and earned a degree in exercise science.

Her decision to join the coaching ranks stemmed from the relationship she enjoyed with head coach Chris Port.

“I want to be more than just a coach,” Welker said in outlining her coaching philosophy, which mirrors Port’s. “I want to be someone that they can rely on years down the road.

“Golf is a very mentally challenging game,” she said. “I know from my ex-

perience as a player that it’s very easy to put yourself down.”

Welker said coaches have a responsibility to instill confidence in their players to help them be the best student-athletes they can be on and off the course.

BHSU women’s golf schedule Sept. 17 at RMAC Fall Preview (Mesa, Colo.)

Sept. 18 at RMAC Fall Preview (Mesa, Colo.)

Sept. 22 at Southwest Minnesota State Sept. 23 at Southwest Minnesota State Sept. 30 at SD School of Mines Oct. 1 at SD School of Mines Oct. 2 at SD School of Mines Oct. 13 at Morningside College Oct. 14 at Morningside College

Kiley Phares (left) and Hayley Franke (right) are returning golfers this fall for the Black Hills State University women’s golf team.

Photos courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 27

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish X-C looking to improve in 2018

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEAFISH — The Spaerfish High Scool boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are looking to improve on ninthand 14th-place finishes, respectively, at the 2017 Class AA state meet.

“Last year was good,” said Andy VanDeest, the Spearfish head coach.

“I was happy with how the state meet turned out. We lost some seniors, but we have some freshmen filling in some spots, so hopefully they can fill in some big shoes.”

Returning on the boys’ side are senior Rigel Roberdeau, who was the Spartans’ top runner last year; along with Cole Hansen and Cole Herrman, who were also on the 2017 state team.

On the girls’ side, the Lady Spartans return everybody that competed at state last season, led by senior Angela Hovdenes.

VanDeest says the team has been working towards the 2018 season.

“We’ve been trying to get a base for the year. Keep the kids healthy. A lot of them have just started out running and everything. The big part right now for this season is to just get that base in so they can have a good year,” said VanDeest.

“On the boys’ side I want to see improvement from last year, and for the young guys to look towards those upperclassmen and learn how things are done and how to work hard and everything.

That way, when they are juniors and seniors, they can hopefully be prepared.

“On the girls’ side I want them to improve from last year. Like I said, on the girls’ team we have everybody back, but we will looking towards Angela to lead this year, and hopefully we’ll improve on our state finish from last year.”

VanDeest said the Black Hills Conference is one of the toughest conferences in the state.

“Our conference is tough with Sturgis Brown, St. Thomas More, and Custer.

They always have good squads, but I think we have one of the toughest conferences in the state,” said VanDeest.

VanDeest wants to see both teams improve from what they did at state a season ago.

“On the boys’ side if we can keep everybody healthy, we should do fairly well,” said Van Deest. “On the girls’ side, the same thing. We’ll just be looking for some of those young girls that come up from the middle school to help us out, but I think we can compete pretty decent.”

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Spearfish cross country schedule Sept. 6 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Nike Invitational (Sioux Falls) 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 13 at Custer Invite 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Huron Invite 8 a.m.

Sept. 21 at RC Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Lead-Deadwood Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Custer BH Conference 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at RC Invite 2 p.m.

Pictured above is the Spearfish High School boys’ cross country team.

Front row left: Finn Hamilton, Korben Harris, Max Ensor, and Logan Strand.

Middle row left: Keenan Uridales, William Williams, Christian Green, and Jason Palmgren. Back row left: Rigel Roberdeau, Ryan Peldo, Cole Hansen, and Will Sayler. Not pictured is Cole Herrmann. Pictured at left is the Spearfish High School girls’ cross country team.

Front row left: Logan Bunney, Ella Kruskamp, and Lainey Hall. Back row left: Angela Hovdenes, Jadyn Johnson, Autumn Beliveau, and Brady Umberge.

Not pictured are Morgan Roberts and Halle Fjelland Pioneer photos by Dennis Knuckles

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Page 28

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Digger XC program continues to grow

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

Hills Conference meet Oct. 4 in Custer, and the Region 5A meet Oct. 11 in Hot Springs. Yankton will host the state meet on Oct. 20.

“I’ve got some good leadership and good experience on the guys’ side,” Malde said. “We have quite a few young, talented girls in that group.”

Malde estimates numbers will be similar to those of 2017, when 20 to 25 runners joined. He said the program is still looking to grow.

Lead-Deadwood’s program had numerous first-year runners last year.

Malde said he eagerly anticipates seeing their growth and how they race this season.

“The next big thing is taking the next step and having a little more confidence in their abilities,” Malde said.

“We’re going to be more and more competitive.”

Lead-Deadwood competes in Region 5A, which is regarded as the state’s toughest. Custer, Hill City, and St. Thomas More are among the circuit’s 11 schools.

Custer’s boys finished second at the state A meet a season ago, with St. Thomas More placing fifth. Hill City, Custer, and St. Thomas More claimed the top three spots at the state A girls’ meet.

“I think our kids have responded pretty well,” Malde said. “A lot have embraced the challenge. We’re going to keep pushing and pursuing.”

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s cross country program enjoys high retention numbers going into this season.

“We have a lot of key returners,” fourth-year head coach Will Malde said in outlining this season’s squads. The list includes senior Trinity Brady, who qualified for last season’s state A boys’ meet.

Senior Carson Pinske and junior Pratt Williams are other boys who return for this season. Girls’ team returnees also include senior Angelica Jones, sophomore Madelaine Rogers, and eighth-grader Clarissa Heisinger.

Six other runners are on the boys’ team as of press time. They are seniors Eli Jordan and Eric Schumacher, ninth-graders Logan Eisner and Landon Williams, and seventh-graders Cope Williams and Ethan Hess.

The girls’ squad includes eight other runners as of press time. They are junior Isabel Ward; sophomore Zariah Jones; seventh-graders Winter McMahon, Abigail Keehn, and Sara Jones; and sixth-graders Piper Rogers, Claire Hannah, and Hailey Rogers.

Malde said the Golddiggers have had a lot of youth in past years. That group now boasts several juniors and seniors.

The Golddiggers’ season opened Aug. 24 in Newcastle and includes the LeadDeadwood Invitational (at Tomahawk Country Club) on Sept. 25, the Black

Malde sees Hill City, Custer, and St. Thomas More as the Black Hills Conference girls’ favorites. St. Thomas More earns his nod in the boys’ division, with Custer and Hot Springs also contending.

“As long as we keep people healthy, I really think that we can compete very well,” Malde said.

Success for this season depends on team members bringing a solid effort every day, according to Malde. He said they also must believe in what the team is doing and be willing to push themselves to reach desired levels.

Official practices began on Aug. 9.

Malde said some runners put in between 100 and 300 miles this summer, which has not happened in a while.

Malde said some runners might have initially been a bit scared last season while watching the top-end squads. He added that anxiety level decreased as the year went on.

“I hope they continue remembering the work they put in and how that paid off, and being able to start with more confidence,” Malde said.

He said some athletes missed on reaching their full potential, and he puts that on himself. Malde said he would try different approaches on some things.

The athletes enjoyed great practices last year but struggled to translate those into races, Malde said.

Lead-Deadwood lost Mara Jacobs,

Brandy Morris, Ian Srstka, and Blake Ingham to graduation from last year’s squads.

Lead-Deadwood cross country schedule Sept. 6 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Custer Invite 2 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Hot Springs Invite 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 21 at Rapid City Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 25 hosting Lead-Deadwood Invite 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Custer BH Conference 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Hot Springs Region 5A 10 a.m.

Pictued at right is the Lead-Deadwood girls’ cross country team, back row left: Angelica Jones, Zariah Jones, Madelaine Rogers, Sara Jones, Isabel Ward; front row left, Winter McMahon, Clarissa Heisinger, Abigail Keehn, Piper Rogers, and Claire Hannah. Hailey Rogers is not pictured. Pictured at far right is the Lead-Deadwood boys’ cross country team: back row left, Trinity Brady, Pratt Williams, Eli Jordan; front row left, Logan Eisner, Cope Williams, and Ethan Hess. Carson Pinske, Eric Schumacher, and Landon Williams are not pictured.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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Page 29

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Bronc runners setting high goals for season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Three state qualifiers and 11 returning letter winners will lead the way for Belle Fourche cross country teams this season.

Sophomore Hayley Wilbur placed 51st at last season’s state A girls’ meet and also lettered last season.

Eighth-grader Sawyer Clarkson was 14th at the state A boys’ meet, and ninth-grader Cole Hockenbary placed 67th. Both are also returning letterwinners.

Others who lettered last season were seniors Hannah Bricker and Ally Drabek; sophomore EJ Lambert; ninth-graders Wyatt Keegan and Molly Rhoads; and eighth-graders Nic Lambert, Lane Longbrake, and Devin Nowowiejski.

Fourth-year head coach Chris Riley is excited for this season. “This is by

far the best summer of mileage we’ve had as a team since I took over as head coach in 2015,” he said.

Riley said the returning experience is also a strong suit. “For the most part, we’re still a younger team,” he added.

“All our kids have run quite a few meets at this point. They’ve seen all these courses; they understand what it takes.”

Riley said the team must learn who will fill the varsity boys’ roster.

He anticipates that seventh-graders Harley Rivera, Jordan Sandoval, Carter McKenna, and Aiden Voyles will provide competition.

Senior Molly Ryan will join the girls’ team after the soccer season ends, Riley said. Junior Makenna Ward; sophomore Katie Kerr; eighth-grader Alanah Pomrenke; and seventh-graders Allison Hayes, Sarah Juelfs, Anika Main, Lorelei Seaman,

Rose Sprigler, and Addy Muhm are also on the girls’ roster as of press time.

Riley said a team focus for this season is reaching mileage goals. He added staying healthy is key, along with figuring out where the younger runners’ limits are.

Success in the past has centered on athletes having fun and running their best at season’s end. Riley said those still hold true, but other things will be added to that equation this time.

“Our boys definitely want to get to state as a team this year,” Riley said.

“We have a couple of girls that want to make state as individuals.” He added another goal is to place higher at the Black Hills Conference and Region 5A meets than a season ago.

Official fall practices began on Aug. 9. The main priority was to establish a solid mileage base to find out where everyone is. Speed workouts and core

strength stability work also received emphasis.

“We had a phenomenal year last year of growth,” Riley said. He added the state qualifiers and other returning athletes want to have the success they experienced last year.

The Broncs will host the Belle Fourche Invitational, set for Sept. 6 at Belle Fourche Country Club.

Custer hosts the Black Hills Conference meet Oct. 4. The Region 5A meet is Oct. 11 in Hot Springs, with Yankton hosting the state meet on Oct. 20.

Riley envisions Hill City, Custer, St. Thomas More, and Sturgis as contending for the girls’ conference title.

St. Thomas More and Custer earned Riley’s nods for the boys’ conference crown.

The biggest improvement Riley said he would like to see for this year is for the athletes to have a positive, optimistic attitude going into races.

“I think last year, we were a little bit intimidated at some of those races, especially with our boys,” Riley said.

He added that five of the Broncs’ six varsity runners were middle school students.

Belle Fourche cross country schedule Pictured at left are Belle Fourche boys’ cross country runners including, back row left, Wyatt Keegan, Cole Hockenbary, Devin Nowowiejski; middle row left, Aiden Voyles, Carter McKenna, Jordan Sandoval; front row left, Harley Rivera, Lane Longbrake, and Sawyer Clarkson. Nic Lambert, EJ Lambert, and head coach Chris Riley are not pictured. Pictured at right is the Belle Fourche girls’ cross country team that includes: back row left, Hanna Bricker, Ally Drabek, Molly Ryan, Makenna Ward; middle row left, Molly Rhoads, Katie Kerr, Rose Sprigler; front row left, Alanah Pomrenke, Lorelei Seaman, Anika Main, and Allison Hayes. Sarah Juelfs, Addy Muhm, Hayley Wilbur, and head coach Chris Riley are not pictured. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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Page 30

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Fall 2018

BHSU X-C looking to make noise in the RMAC

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — In 2017, the Black Hills State University women’s and men’s cross country teams finished eighth at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. At the region meet, the women finished 10th and the men placed 13th.

“Last year was the first time that the women finished higher than the men,” Yellow Jacket head coach Scott Walkinshaw said. “I thought the women were solid in conference and at the region meet through our top five scorers. The women finished the highest ever, placing 10th out of 28 teams.”

The women’s team has everyone returning.

“We have everybody on the women’s team coming back, and we’ve added some people. Xiomara Robinson transferred in last semester from Montana State,” said Walkinshaw. “Nicole Allerdings wasn’t in our top seven in the fall, but had a good indoor/outdoor track season, and she’s going to be battling for that top position. She ran the second-fastest time in the school’s history. So, there’s two good additions

right there. But let me say right now that everybody returning from last year is better.”

Walkinshaw said he was pleased with how recruiting went.

New runners for Black Hills State this fall are Ruby Linquest, from Seward, Alaska; Erica Dykstra, from Rapid City Stevens; and Jules Ward, a transfer from Thermopolis, Wyo. Walkinshaw praised his four female seniors: Nicole Davis, Savannah Davis, Tori Moore, and Cailey Roth.

“Their experience going through the conference and knowing what our conference is like is just going to be valuable,” Walkinshaw said.

The men’s side also returns a good group of veterans.

“We have a good group of seniors on the mens side. Jonah Theisen has run at two national meets. Josh Davis, Levi Fried, and Keegan Her Many Horses are our other seniors,” said Walkinshaw.

“We don’t have the numbers we’ve had in the past, but I think we are OK. We just need to stay healthy.”

Walkinshaw is entering his 21st season as the Yellow Jackets’ head coach.

“We’ve been doing the same thing

we’ve been doing for 20 years. They train the same over the summer,” said Walkinshaw. “I think the only thing different is, we had to up our mileage a little bit. When we were NAIA championship meets were only an 8K, and now they are a 10K. It’s a mile and a quarter longer, and that’s quite a bit.

Even for freshmen, that’s a lot. You have to be a man to run the 10K. We still take advantage of the Black Hills and all the good training areas we have here.”

Walkinshaw said the first few meets will give the team a good idea where they stand.

“I think the first meet will give us an idea of truly what kind of shape they are in and how fit they really are, and how the are going to compete, and how competitive they are,” said Walkinshaw.

The Yellow Jackets host their first home meet on Sept. 21. It will be the Gage McSpadden “Sheriff 5K” Memorial.

“I think this is a pivotal year for the Sheriff 5K,” said Walkinshaw. “This is the third year we’ve had it.

“Again, I want to keep Gage’s memory

alive, and 30 years from now I want that race to be going.”

BHSU has a scholarship fund in McSpadden’s name.

We’ve put everything into his scholarship, and that scholarship is now over $46,000.” Walkinshaw aid.

Walkinshaw said McSpadden’s family appreciated that the university named a cross country meet in their son’s name.

“It’s still so meaningful to his family.

His dad texts me before every single race for outdoor cross country,” said Walkinshaw. “He’ll call me just to chat.

He cares about the team. It was a tragic situation. We went from not caring about the season to having a good season in his honor.”

This year, the team will be doing something new to honor McSpadden.

“Last year we started using numbers on our uniforms, and this year we are putting a star on it for the sheriff. We are going to put a badge on the numbers this year,” Walkinshaw said.

Black Hills State is picked in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference pre-season coaches’ poll to finish sixth on the women’s side and seventh on the men’s side.

BHSU cross country schedule Sept. 1 at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Sept. 21 hosting Gage McSpadden Memorial 9 a.m.

Oct. 6 at Metropolitan State Roadrunner Invitational Oct 12 at DII West Region Billings, Mont.

Oct. 13 at FHSU Tiger Open (Hays, Kan.) Nov. 3 at RMAC Championships (Denver, Colo.)

Nov 17 at South Central Region Championships (Denver, Colo.)

The Black Hills State University women’s cross country team is ranked sixth in the RMAC coaches pre-season poll. The men are ranked seventh. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Page 31

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scoopers’ cross country team returns veteran runners

By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scooper cross county teams have 11 returning letter winners and are extremely excited and optimistic about what they can accomplish this year.

“We return a lot of experience and many high-quality runners. If we can gain some leadership, both the boys and girls should be extremely successful,” Sturgis head coach Blake Proefrock said.

On the boys’ side, there are a handful of seniors including Ethan Brenneman, who is coming off a stellar state track performance winning multiple events. “Brenneman and fellow senior, Alec Keffeler, should be extremely motivated,” Proefrock said.

The girls have multiple runners that earned all-state honors a year ago: Kylee Bennett and Lia Neumiller.

Also returning is Autumn Cassen,

who wasn’t able to run last year due to an injury, but is now ready to go. Two years ago, Cassen placed 17th at the state meet.

“Reegin Kehn and Molly Buchholz graduated and are leaving an enormous void in regards to leadership,” Proefrock said. “They were excellent leaders and runners to have and will be missed.”

Proefrock, in his fourth year as head coach, commented that some Scoopers to watch this year include Neumiller, Bennett, Cassen, returning from injury, Brenneman, and Nate Andersen.

“The Black Hills Conference is always tough, but I feel that this year we should be competing at the top with both the boys and the girls,” Proefrock said.

“There are always many contenders in the Black Hills Conference with the likes of Custer, Hill City, Spearfish, and St. Thomas More,” Proefrock said.

“However, with our experience, if we can stay healthy we should be contending.”

“We are going to have a good, solid team this year on the boys’ and girls’ side, with a lot of experience and we are looking forward to a great season,” Brenneman said. The senior won the boys’ 800-meter run title at last May’s state AA track meet.

Returning letter winners for the Scooper girls’ team include Bennett, Jade Breidenbach, Cassen, Haley Ferguson, Josie Kaufman, and Neumiller. Andersen, Brenneman, Brady Buchholz, Keffeler, and Taylor Tobias return for the boys lettermen from last season.

The Scoopers ended last year’s season with the boys finishing 11th and the girls 12th at the state AA meet.

Proefrock added “I also feel that if we can get to the end of the year healthy, we should be able to compete for a top spot at state as well.”

Sturgis Brown cross country schedule Sept. 6 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Huron Invite 8 a.m.

Sept. 21 at Rapid City Invitational noon Sept. 27 hosting Sturgis Invite 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Custer BH Conference 1 p.m.

Oct 11 at RC Best of the West 2 p.m.

The 2018 Sturgis cross country team runners began the upcoming season at Douglas. Squad members include, back from left: Blane Breth, Brekken Pickett, Alec Keffeler, Tayler Opstedahl, Ethan Brenneman, Tanner Geil, Brady Buchholz, and Nate Andersen. Front row left: Lia Neumiller, Jessica Matthew, Josie Kaufman, Jade Breidenbach, Rachel Cammack, Haley Ferguson, Ray Henderson, Taylor Tobias, Kylee Bennett, and Autumn Cassen. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

bhpioneer.com Your Area Sports Connection

Page 32

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Newell X-C hopes to continue having success

By Colleen Brunner Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — With Scott Sanderson, who recently was named the USTFCCCA High School Cross Country Coach of the Year, beginning his sixth year running the cross country program at Newell, you can expect to see great things happen.

With four Little Moreau Conferences, three region titles and five trips to state, finishing third, second and first, he has the experience needed to hone the skills of these runners.

“I am very excited to see what this season has in store for the team this year,” said Sanderson. “We will be encountering new challenges and opportunities to see what we are truly made of.”

On the girls’ side, Newell lost Delaney Leber to graduation.

“It is impossible to replace an athlete like her who was not only a state champion, but a phenomenal leader,” said Sanderson. “We are returning Lexa

Burtzlaff, Kayden Steele, and Austin Alexander from last year’s state championship team and will be looking for all three of them to step up as leaders on the team. Austin (junior) has been with the team since it began her sixthgrade year, and I am looking to her to step up this season and be a leader on and off the XC course.”

Sanderson said he has a good group of athletes this year and expects to build on their previous records as well as helping younger athletes to learn and grow. He added that Newell has a nice group of middle school girls who are eager to build off a good track season.

“The biggest strength our girls will have is experience and healthy competition for varsity spots,” Sanderson said.

The boys’ team will be returning Ben Parrow, Nathaniel Kirby, and Garrett Winkler.

“These boys have put in some good summer miles and are hungry to im-

prove on the strides they took last season in both cross and track,” Sanderson said.

Some of the Irrigators’ goals going into this season are to get a boys’ team in the top eight at the region meet, which would allow them to bring a team to the state meet.

Sanderson said the girls have high expectations again this season.

“We want to win the Little Moreau Conference and region meets,” Sanderson said. “When the state meet comes around, we will be looking to defend our title against some very tough teams. We edged out Deubrook last fall, and they return a solid group of runners and will be a team to beat in Sioux Falls at state.”

Newell will hold its second annual home meet, which is the Little Moreau Conference meet, at the Newell Golf Course on Sept. 14.

“Last year, both boys’ and girls’ teams won their own home meet, and it’s a pretty good bet things will run the same this year,” Sanderson said.

Newell cross country schedule Sept. 6 at Belle Fourche Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 hosting Little Moreau Conference TBA Sept. 21 at Rapid Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Lemmon TBA Sept. 28 at Timber Lake TBA Oct. 10 at Philip Region 5B TBA

Members of the 2018 Newell cross country teams are, back row left: Nathaniel Kirby, Ben Parrow, Garrett Winkler, Austin Alexander, Lexa Burtzlaff, Kayden Steel, Sydnee Kjellson, Coach Kyle Sanderson. Front row from left: Clint Winkler, Blaise McGregor, Taylor Gaer, Rachel Erk, Stacy Mahaffy, and Sarah Kirby.

Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

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Page 33

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU triathlon team to start season at home

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University brings a very experienced group into a women’s triathlon season that starts with its first-ever home event.

Connie Feist is beginning her second season as Yellow Jackets’ head coach, and five team members bring triathlon experience into the campaign.

Black Hills State finished second among Division II schools at last season’s national championships. Kaylee Lamb graduated from that team.

Six athletes are on this season’s roster. They are senior Katie Christy; sophomores Mathilde Bernard and Emma Stone; and freshmen Chelsea Basford, Taylor Lundquist, and Kennedy Teeslink.

Christy and Bernard earned placings at nationals last year. Bernard finished fourth at nationals and

earned National Freshman of the Year honors. Christy earned 15th place at nationals.

“We just have a really solid core of girls that know what the dedication and commitment level needs to be to be successful in this sport,” Feist said. She added the athletes support one another, and she is expecting good things from everyone.

Triathlon consists of three disciplines: swimming, biking, and running. Feist said athletes try to train each discipline at least three times a week. That requires two-a-day practices plus longer practices on the weekends.

The season begins Sept. 9 with the South Dakota Invitational in Belle Fourche. Other events are the Sept. 23 West Region Qualifier (Longmont, Colo.), the Oct. 20 East Region Qualifier (Huddleston, Va.), the Oct. 27 Southern Utah Triathlon (Hurricane, Utah), and the Nov. 4

NCAA National Championships (Tempe, Ariz).

That Sept. 9 event marks the first time for the Yellow Jackets hosting an event. Rocky Point Reservoir is the site, and this is Black Hills State’s open-water practice swim venue.

Black Hills State has invited the University of South Dakota to compete.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to show everyone what the sport is all about,” Feist said.

The Yellow Jackets will also travel to Longmont, Colo., where some of the athletes have competed before. Some also competed in Tempe last year.

Feist said success for this season centers on athletes achieving individual goals. “In doing so, I know that our team as a whole will place very well at nationals,” she added.

Fall practices began the week of Aug. 20 with a team retreat at Custer State Park. Feist said it was an inten-

sive two days, and the team has been training since then.

Feist said this season’s training program is similar to that of last year.

That leads to athletes being familiar with the workouts, and she said that will help them build on past success.

What are improvements Feist would like to see from last season to this?

“There’s only one more place to get at nationals when you’ve taken second,” Feist said.

She added a national title is a lofty goal, but not out of the question.

BHSU triathlon schedule Sept. 9 hosting Tri Invitational (Belle Fourche) TBD Sept. 23 at West Region Qualifier (Longmont, Colo.) TBD Oct. 20 at East Region Qualifier (Huddleston, Va.) TBD Oct. 27 at Southern Utah Triathlon (Hurricane, Utah) TBD Nov. 4 at NCAA National Championships (Tempe, Ariz.) TBD

Black Hills State’s Mathilde Bernard is shown competing in the running and swimming protions of a triathlon meet. during the 2017 season. Photos courtesy BHSU Sprorts Information Department

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Page 34

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2018 Spearfish High School football cheerleaders

Members of the 2018 Spearfish High School football cheerleading squad are, front row left: Sandra Danielson, Kaylee Johannesen, and Annora Garness. Middle row left: Claire Ringelspaugh, Lexy McElroy, Andriana LaFountaine, and Ashley Burr.

Back row left: Elsie Hanson, Emily Shuck, Ciarra Schoon, Sage Forsting, Alivia Ruff, MaKenna Hartwig, and Alana Hoven. Courtesy photo

2018 Spearfish High School competitive dance team

Spearfish dance schedule Sept. 1 at Pierre Invitational 10 a.m.

Sept. 10 hosting Spearfish Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Brookings Invite 10 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Custer Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 22 at RC Stevens Invite 11 a.m.

Sept. 25 at Sturgis Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Douglas Invite 11 a.m.

Oct. 11 at Douglas BH Conference 5 p.m.

OP HOP

Members of the 2018 Spearfish High School competitive dance team are, front row left: Courtney Parker, Jaelyn Grove, Rachel Jensen, Kenna Comer, Shelby Engelhaupt, and Isabelle Drumm. Back row from left: Kamryn Olness, Isabelle Silva, Mackenzie Hoffman, Kayla Schlinkert, Faith Buer, Baylee Hazledine, and Mackinzie Briggs. They are coached by Jessie Jeffery.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Lead-Deadwood’s cheerleading squad for this fall includes: back row left, Miranda Kearns, Raven Anderson, Kaitlynn Zellers, Annie Pearson, Ashtynn Gibson; front row left, Anna Burmeister, Kiyah Austin, Kaitlyn Meade, and Nevaeh Foster. Kenzi Wetz and head coach Wendy Rogers are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Lead-Deadwood High School competitive dance team

Page 35

BHSU rodeo ready for new season

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

Johnston made it to the final round of breakaway roping. The women’s team finished the week in 17th place, while SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State the men’s team came in 41st.

University rodeo team is geared up for Three Yellow Jackets were named another season.

Academic All-Americans. Carlee “Overall, I think we has a good year Johnston, KeAnna Ward, in 2018. It could have ended and Alyssa Lockhart were up a little better for us. I’m all named Academic Allpleased with a lot of things Americans. that took place,” said In order to earn the honGlenn Lammers, Black or, a student-athlete has Hills State’s head coach. to qualify for the CNFR “I thought we had an outwhile holding a 3.5 GPA or standing season, especially higher.

“I’m pleased with what with our women’s team. I our team accomplished thought they did what they this season in the arena were capable of, which was and in the classroom. They to finish first in the region worked hard and were and be national contenders very determined all year when they got out here, but Glenn Lammers long. I was impressed with BHSU rodeo coach there were days where we how they found ways to weren’t where we wanted be successful even through adversity,” to be. We ran into some adversity that Lammers said. makes things change.”

Lammers said it’s an honor to qualify Lammers said going into the season for the CNFR, and an athlete always the team had a really talented group, and want more once he or she gets there. they showed it throughout the season.

“We set our goal when we got here.

They reached a lot of goals this year.

“Our goal every year is both of our They did a lot of things very well. I felt teams to make it to the College National we represented Black Hills State well Rodeo Finals. This year, we had seven here, placing in the rounds that we did, make it. We had three guys that qualand bringing one back to the finals. It’s ified. Obviously one of them (Colton good to accomplish what we did, but we Backhus) got injured prior to the CNFR, definitely want more.” so that didn’t work out, but I think our Lammers added,”None of our athletes regular season was good,” Lammers graduate, so that helps the future look said. bright. “ Carlee Johnston finished fifth in Black Hills State opens its 2018-19 rothe women’s all-around, while Savana deo season Sept. 7-8 in River Falls, Wisc.

Belle Fourche High School cheerleaders

Lead-Deadwood’s competitive dance squad is getting ready for the season.

Team members include: back row left, Cameran Stoflet, Kaitlyn Meade; middle row left, Kaitlynn Zellers, Raven Anderson, Ashtynn Gibson; front row left, Allison Zellers and Kiyah Austin. Kenzi Wetz and head coach Samantha Rogers are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Lead-Deadwood dance schedule Sept. 10 at Spearfish Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Custer Invite 5 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Sturgis Invite 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 hosting Lead-Deadwood Invite 5 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Douglas Invite 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Douglas BH Conference 2 p.m.

Belle Fourche’s cheerleading squad for this fall includes: back row left, Jaelynn Reeves, Shaylee Pickett, Taylor Kephart, Telsie Comer, Kyra Greenfield, Aubrie Hobbs; middle row left, Destiny Kerg, Isabelle Jackson, Kiana Tingley, Serena Davis, Breanna Brinson, Mackenzie Bentz; front row left, Hailey Rodriguez, Hailey Anderson, Juliann Lange, Elizabeth Kerg, Evelyn Lyons, and Evany Estrada. Deja Eldridge and head coach Denise Horman are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Page 36

Fall 2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2018 Sturgis Brown cheerleaders

Sturgis Brown competitive dance team

The 2018 Sturgis competitive cheer team prepares for the season. Team members include, back from left: Jayden Myrink, Samantha Reicher, Kristen Pierce, Nya Powell, Arianna Gorczewski, Kaylee Eixenberger, and Tennley Werlinger. Middle row left: Alivia Overvold, Kaitlyn Hoppe, Ashlyn Krcil, Kiara Rath, Hailey Perry, and Kloee Stalder. Front row left: Destinee Igou, Shayne Combs, Abby Wise, Jaedra Woldt, Corrianna Ross, and McKenzie Tarrant.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Sturgis Brown dance schedule

The 2018 Sturgis varsity cheer squad will be cheering on the Scooper football team. Team members, back row left: Shayne Combs, Samantha Reicher, and Arianna Gorczewski. Front row left: Destinee, Igou Corrianna Ross, and Kloee Stalder.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

from Pg 7

FOOTBALL Jefferson, and Lindsay.

Reiners said the linebacking core is a defensive strength. The group features Jack Mazurie, Bach, Ganaway, and

Goddard. Josh Gurnaby and Hebel anchor the secondary. Jacob Parks returns as the placekicker. Jess Edens, Trey Nachtigall, and Trey Fleming will compete for the punting role.

“We’re a very junior- and senior-laden team,” Reiners said. “That’s what we’ve been looking for, is getting that depth.”

CSU-Pueblo earns Reiners’ nod for

Sept. 1 at Pierre Invitational 10 a.m.

Sept. 10 at Spearfish Invitational 5 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Brookings Invitational 10 a.m.

Sept. 17 at Custer Invitational 5 p.m.

Sept. 22 at RC Stevens Invitational 11 a.m.

Sept. 25 Hosting Sturgis Invitational 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Lead-Deadwood Invitational 5 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Douglas Invitational 11 a.m.

Oct. 11 at Douglas BH Conference 5 p.m.

RMAC honors, with Colorado Mesa and Colorado Mines also in that group.

“For us to be successful in this conference, we’ve got to start off strong,” Reiners said.

Black Hills State was outscored 10547 in first quarters and 148-62 in second quarters last season.

Black Hills State goes to Chadron State

for its season opener Sept. 1. The home opener is Sept. 8 against Colorado Mines.

A total of five home games are on the Yellow Jackets’ schedule, including Dixie State (Swarm Days on Sept.

29), New Mexico Highlands (Oct. 13), Colorado Mesa (Oct. 20), and CSU-Pueblo (Nov. 3).