Black Hills State University Athletics: A Comprehensive Overview

Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public institution located in Spearfish, South Dakota. With a history dating back to the late 19th century, BHSU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a range of academic programs and a vibrant athletic program. This article delves into the athletic division of BHSU, known as the Yellow Jackets, providing insights into its history, teams, conference affiliations, and key personnel.

A Brief History of Black Hills State University

The predecessor to Black Hills State University operated from 1881 to 1883 and was called Dakota College or Dakota Academy. In 1883, in support for a new normal school, John Mauer put up a plot of land west of Spearfish Creek for sale for $800. Joseph Ramsdell collected money from donors and bought the land for $790.85. Established by the Dakota Territorial Legislature, the new school was called Dakota Territorial Normal School, and a temporary building was constructed in late 1883.

Known informally as a teacher's college during the 1920s and 1930s, the name was officially changed to Black Hills Teachers College in 1941. On July 1, 1964, in recognition of the broadening educational opportunities offered by the college, the legislature officially changed the name to Black Hills State College. The state legislature changed the college's name to Black Hills State University, effective July 1, 1989.

Black Hills State Yellow Jackets

The athletic teams of BHSU are known as the Yellow Jackets. The university is a member of the NCAA and participates in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

Conference and Division

BHSU is a member of the NCAA Division II and competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). In July 2010 the university received word it had been accepted into NCAA Division II. The move to the NCAA was a multiple-year process that included a two-year candidacy period followed by a one-year provisional season, in which BHSU was not allowed to advance into NCAA postseason play. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) extended an invitation for Black Hills State University to be considered for membership.

Varsity Teams

Black Hills State University has 14 varsity teams, including:

Men's Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Track & Field
Women's Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball
Co-ed: Recreation sports and Rodeo

Athletic Facilities

The university boasts several athletic facilities, including Lyle Hare Stadium (football) and the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center (basketball). The Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center provides fitness facilities and an aquatics center, as well as classrooms and faculty offices.

The West River Rivalry

Black Hills State's main athletic rival is the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Hardrockers. The rivalry is generated from proximity, with SDSM&T located less than 50 miles to the east in Rapid City. Educational differences between the schools also help fuel the rivalry, with BHSU being mainly a liberal arts college and SDSM&T an engineering research university. The football rivalry is the second most-frequently played series in the US, behind Harvard-Yale. It is also the oldest football series west of the Mississippi River. The last game of each season is reserved for the two schools to play, however the two schools may play twice in the same season. In the later game, they battle for the Homestake Trophy, named for a mine in the Black Hills area.

Focus on the Men's Track Program

For prospective student-athletes interested in the Men's Track program at Black Hills State University, it's crucial to connect with the coaching staff and build a strong recruiting profile.

Key Personnel for Men's Track

Key Men's Track personnel at Black Hills State University include:

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Assistant Coach (Distance): Alese Sartain
Head Coach: Alex Kemp
Director of Track & Field: Brian Medigovich
Graduate Assistant: Connor McGraw
Assistant Coach (Throws): Jesse Bleidt
Volunteer Assistant Coach: Lydia Ellis
Assistant Coach (Distance): Scott Walkinshaw

Recruiting Information

NCSA offers student athletes the information and tools they need to enhance their chances of being recruited by a Men's Track program, whether it's at Black Hills State University or another school. Since 2000, NCSA has been connecting coaches and athletes which is a vital component of the recruiting process. If you want to join the Black Hills State University Men's Track program you need to start building relationships and a highly-visible, professional quality recruiting profile. Starting that process as soon as possible is crucial to your success. So make your free profile to become a verified NCSA Men's Track athlete and start connecting with coaches at the Black Hills State University Men's Track program today.

Academics and Admissions

Beyond athletics, Black Hills State University offers a comprehensive academic experience.

Academic Profile

The university is organized into three colleges: the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business and Natural Sciences, and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

The College of Liberal Arts is divided into two Schools: the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Math and Social Sciences. The college supports outreach through its Center for American Indian Studies (CAIS) and Center for Conservation of Biological Resources (CCBR).

The College of Business and Natural Sciences is organized in two Schools: the School of Business and the School of Natural Sciences. The mission of the College of Business and Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University is to develop business and natural science graduates who can compete effectively in a dynamic global environment through innovative instruction, mentoring, research, and service in degree programs such as Business Administration, Professional Accountancy, Applied Health Sciences, Biology and Chemistry.

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Most Popular Majors: Biology, Business, Communications, Community Organization and Advocacy, Elementary Education, English, History, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Sport and Fitness Management

Accreditation

The university is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the National Association of Schools of Music.

Admissions Information

Admissions Toll Free Phone:(800) 255-2478
Admissions Phone:(605) 642-6131
Rolling Admissions: Yes
Common Application: Yes
Average Freshman GPA:2.4
Average ACT Composite: 18-24
Average SAT 1 Combined: 970-1170

Campus Environment

Black Hills State University is situated in Spearfish, SD, a town with a population of around 10,000. The 123-acre campus is located 50 miles from Rapid City. In 2017, the University re-graded a steep hill to a gentle slope on the southwest side of campus. This extensive landscaping project created the opportunity for an ADA-accessible walkway connecting campus with the Spearfish community along St. Joe Street. The sidewalk adjoins the city walk/bike path and leads to the campus green that is used for campus and community events.

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