Rapid City Stevens alum wins Big 10 Championships and finishes 2nd at NCAA Nationals

RAPID CITY, SD — Simeon Birnbaum, a 2023 Stevens graduate, had his freshman season cut short after suffering a femur stress fracture but bounced back during 2024-25 season regaining his status of one of the best runners in the nation. Birnbaum finished 3rd in the 1,500 meters and was the Big Ten Champion in the 5,000 meters and was part of his sophomore season.

Birnbaum won two Big 10 Championships in the 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter races in Indianapolis three weeks ago and last weekend Birnbaum finished 2nd in the 3000-meter race at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, AR capping of a successful Sophomore indoor season.

During a recent conversation, Birnbaum was asked about the best part about being part of one of the premier track programs in the nation he replied, “coming to practice every day with people that are working to be great is awesome!”

Birnbaum still holds the high school record for the 3200-meter which he, set in California in 2023 and is looking to continue his success into the upcoming outdoor season. The outdoor Big Ten Championships are hosted May 15-17 in Lincoln; Nebraska and we wish Simeon a healthy and successful outdoor season.


Simeon Birnbaum. Courtesy of
Oregon Athletics.

Rushmore Thunder competing for consecutive National Championship

The Rushmore Thunder capped off an undefeated regular season last weekend beating Yankton in the SDAHA State Championship by a score of 8-3.

Wyatt Reeder was named player of the game against Watertown on Thursday, Colton Merchen was player of the game against Brookings on Friday and Jaxon Reeder was the player of the game for the championship game on Saturday.

This week the Thunder are headed to the 2026 High School Hockey National Tournament in Plymouth Minnesota starting March 18-22 to defend their title in the 2A division. The High School 2A division includes 15 other teams from throughout the US including teams from New York, Florida and California.

For live updates of the games check out the Thunder Facebook page and all games can be streamed LIVE, exclusively on USAHockeyTV.com

Helpers needed for upcoming track meets

Rapid City Central AD, Jordan Bauer, is looking for volunteers to assist with spring track meets hosed in Rapid City. Dates for the meets are below.

  • April 2nd
  • April 16th
  • Aprill 21st
  • May 19th

If you are willing and able to assist, please reach out to Jordan Bauer via email, jordan.bauer@k12.sd.us, they are looking for individuals to help with field events if able.

Upcoming Events

  • SDHSAA A Boys Basketball Tournament – March 19-21 – Summit Arena
  • SDHSAA AA Boys Basketball Tournament – March 19-21 – Monument Ice Arena
  • Scheels Classic Basketball Tournament – March 20-22 – Barnett Fieldhouse at The Monument, Park Bench Courts at the Fairgrounds
  • Black Hills Volleyfest – March 28-29 – King Center on SDSM&T Campus
  • West River Championship Kick Off – March 28th – Jackson Park Disc Golf Course
  • WRC Redemption Series – March 29 – Jackson Park Disc Golf Course


Community Notes

The Rapid City Sports Association is seeking volunteers scanning tickets at Rush hockey game on April 3rd. Interested parties should email
domico@rcsportscommission.com.