Raider Track-O-Rama Recap by coach Hendry
Last week’s Track-O-Rama was a record-breaking performance across the board, as the Raiders set five meet records, three school records, and one state record in an unforgettable showing.
Junior Maya Khachikian got things started with a win in the 100-meter hurdles, running a personal best time of 15.01. Senior Kadance Holso claimed victory in the 1600 meters with a time of 5:15.04, while freshman Iris Birnbaum continued her impressive season by winning the 3200 meters in a personal best and meet record time of 11:16.22.
Junior Ava Holzwarth had a historic day in the long jump, breaking both the meet and school records with a leap of 19-10.75—now the second-best jump in South Dakota history. She also added a runner-up finish in the 100 meters (12.31). Senior Holly Benson won the triple jump with a personal best mark of 36-10.
The relay teams elevated the excitement even further. The 4×200 meter relay team of Maya Khachikian, Riley Willet, Taylor Steever, and Bailey Holland set a new meet record with a time of 1:44.84. The 4×400 relay team of Evelyn Hurley, Kadance Holso, Brinna Sheldon, and Iris Birnbaum took first in 4:14.43.
The highlight of the meet came from the 4×100 meter relay team of Maya Khachikian, Riley Willet, Ava Holzwarth, and Ella Bradeen, who delivered a historic performance—breaking the meet, school, and state record with a blazing time of 47.56.
Senior Jack Day swept the hurdles, winning both the 110-meter hurdles (14.84) and the 300-meter hurdles (40.02). Sophomore Lucas Roberts captured the triple jump title with a massive personal best of 44-09.50, while teammate Jace Gingras placed second with his own big personal best of 44-02.50.
Senior Kade Olmsted added another record-breaking performance in the javelin, setting both a meet and school record with a throw of 170-03.
Rapid City Native Breaks NCAA track record
Rapid City Native and Stevens Alum Simeon Birnbaum shattered the collegiate record for 1500 meters on day two of the Oregon Team Invitational at Hayward Field.
Birnbaum stopped the clock in 3:31.69 to become the new record holder, taking more than a second off the previous mark of 3:33.02 set by Villanova’s Liam Murphy in March 2025. Birnbaum hit the bell lap at 2:38.10 before a solo close of 53.59 to establish the new collegiate standard in front of the home crowd. The time ranks third in the world this year.reco
Birnbaum was selected as College Male Athlete of the year in April and continues his record-breaking season.
Each year the Rapid City Sports Association selects a member of the year. This year’s selection is Cassie Kosiba from SDSM&T. Cassie has been a conduit with the Mines athletic department, RCSA and the Sports Commission assisting with the recruitment of volunteers for events around the community. The School of Mines athletes have helped fill needed volunteer roles throughout the community with the help of Cassie.
Special Olympian of the year for 2026 is Nathaniel “Nate” Dickerson. Nate has been a dedicated Special Olympics athlete for 13 years and a true multi-sport competitor. He participates in basketball, track & field, bocce, softball, bowling, and soccer, and he’s known just as much for how he plays as for how he wins.
This June, Nate and his bocce partner, his brother DeSean, will take their talents to the 2026 Special Olympics National Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Together, they’ll represent Special Olympics South Dakota and the Rapid City Flame, continuing to make their community proud.
The Rapid City Sports Hall of Fame banquet takes place Monday, May 4th at LaCroix Hall at The Monument. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with dinner beginning at 5:45 and the program to follow. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.visitrapidcity.com/sports-commission/hall-of-fame/ and the cost for the program and meal is $35.00. There are limited seats available so please purchase your tickets to support all the honorees.
For more information, please reach out to domico@rcsportscommission.com
South Dakota Swimming Awards 2026 SD State Long Course Championship Bid to Rushmore Swim Team and City of Rapid City
South Dakota Swimming has officially awarded the bid to host the 2026 South Dakota State A Long Course Championships to Rushmore Swim Team (RST) in partnership with the City of Rapid City. The state championship meet will take place July 24–26, 2026.
The three-day championship event is expected to draw nearly 400 swimmers from across South Dakota, bringing athletes, coaches, families, and spectators to Rapid City for a weekend of high-level competition.
In addition to hosting the state championship, the Rushmore Swim Team will also welcome swimmers back to Rapid City earlier in the summer for its annual Coach Beth Rushmore Summer Classic, June 12–14 at the Roosevelt Swim Center,. This popular invitational meet is projected to attract more than 300 swimmers from seven states, further highlighting Rapid City as a regional hub for competitive swimming.
Upcoming Events
The Games Disc Golf Tournament – May 2 – Jackson Disc Golf Course
