RAPID CITY, SD — Coach Paul Hendry took the time to meet with the Rapid City Sports Association to highlight the upcoming track season and some athletes to look out for.

“Here’s what we have for Stevens High School”

Female Athletes to Watch

Ella Bradeen (Sr.) – A multi-year All-State performer and team captain, Ella is coming off a tremendous season where she was the state runner-up in both the 100 and 200 meters while also setting school records in both events. She served as the anchor leg on our dominant 4×100 (state record) and 4×200 (school record) relay teams. She recently added the long jump to her events last week and leaped 19-4 which is #2 in school history and #6 all time in South Dakota. Ella continues to lead our program with her consistency, competitiveness, and leadership.

Ava Holzwarth (Jr.) – The defending state champion in the long jump and our current school record holder in that event, Ava is also a state placer in the 100 meters and a key contributor on our sprint relays, including the state record 4×100 team and school record 4×200 team. In addition to track, Ava is an outstanding soccer player for Stevens, showcasing her versatility as a multi-sport athlete.

Male Athletes to Watch

Jack Day (Sr.) – Our school record holder in the 110 hurdles, Jack is a veteran leader who brings experience and competitiveness to our sprint and hurdle groups.

Tate Van Beek (Jr.) – One of the hardest working athletes on our team, Tate is coming off a strong start to the season, recently running 2:00 in the 800 meters. He is a true multi-sport athlete, also competing in cross country and basketball, and brings a high level of toughness and commitment to everything he does.

Season Outlook

We are excited about the 2026 season. On the girls’ side, we return a very strong core group from last year and have high expectations as they continue to build on that success. Our boys team graduated some key seniors, but we have a committed group that has put in a great offseason and is ready to compete.

April Athletes of the Month announced

Colton Merchen was named player of the game of the semi finals game of the SDAHA State tournament and was named as a 2026 Hobey Baker Character Award winner by the SDAHA. This award is focused on character, commitment, persistence, selflessness, academic excellence and sportsmanship. Colton was also a member of the SDAHA All State Team this season and was an integral part of the state championship team for the Rushmore Thunder. Congrats Colton!

Brecken Thompson is a Senior at Stevens High School and she has danced for the Prima Dance Team since she was 8 years old.  She was just accepted to one of the most sought-after dance conservatory programs in the country in Massachusetts called the CLI Conservatory training for professional dancers. Brecken being accepted into this dance program is comparable to signing to play Division 1 football at a major university. Congrats Brecken!

Helpers needed for upcoming Rapid City events  

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

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.

SDSM&T Senior Associate AD, Cassie Cossiba, is looking for volunteers to assist with spring events hosted in Rapid City. Dates for the meets are below.

April 3rd – Grubby’s Easter Classic Track Meet – Event Lead, general volunteer (pit rakers, tape measure, hurdles)

April 13th and 14th – Hardrocker Spring Invite @ Red Rock Golf Club (4 volunteers to shuttle golfers between holes) 8:30am to 12:00pm – 4 each and 12:00pm to 5:00pm – 4 each. Aprill 17th – Bauer Open Track Meet – Event Lead, general volunteer (pit rakers, tape measure, hurdles)

If you are willing and able to assist, please reach out to Cassie via email, cassie.kosiba@sdsmt.edu.

Upcoming Events

Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament – April 2-4 – Kjerstad Event Center – 1500 Wrestlers competing

WaTiki Championships Basketball Tournament – April 10-12 – The Box – Youth Basketball Tournament