Black Hills Blitz Takes the Rivalry Beyond the Field to Support Student-Athletes

For more than a century, South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State University have competed for bragging rights on the field. This week, the historic West River rivals are taking that competition beyond the scoreboard through the annual Black Hills Blitz, a fundraising challenge supporting student-athletes at both universities.

Held in conjunction with the Black Hills Brawl, this year’s Blitz Week runs Oct. 11-18, giving supporters of the Hardrockers and Yellow Jackets an opportunity to rally behind their university and make an impact across every sport. This year’s Black Hills Brawl is at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at O’Harra Stadium.

The Black Hills Blitz is a friendly giving competition between the two institutions, with donations supporting student-athletes across their respective athletics programs. Gifts help provide the resources student-athletes need to compete at the collegiate level, succeed in the classroom and make the most of their college experience.

“I wouldn’t be in college if it weren’t for a scholarship,” said Jameson Mallon-Echols, junior mechanical engineering major and offensive lineman for the Hardrocker football team. “It’s given me the opportunity to pursue a higher education, something not many people in my family have done, and to learn, grow, and play football at the college level. It truly means the world to me.”

The annual giving campaign, in its second year, invites alumni, fans, families and community members to support Mines student-athletes as they compete against the Yellow Jackets in the Blitz Week Donor Count Challenge. With bragging rights on the line both on and off the field, the challenge gives every Hardrocker an opportunity to help their school come out on top. 

“Everyone loves beating the Yellow Jackets, but this year, we have a chance to Squash the Swarm before we even take the field,” said David Crum, Mines athletic director. “Blitz Week is about showing up for our student-athletes and giving them the resources they need to excel in the classroom, compete at their highest level and make the most of their time at Mines. And in the Donor Count Challenge, every Hardrocker counts.”

At Mines, more than 300 student-athletes compete across 13 varsity sports while pursuing demanding degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. With a collective GPA of 3.38, Hardrocker student-athletes demonstrate that dedication to excellence extends well beyond the playing field. 

“Having a scholarship has meant so much to me and my family,” said Joy Aberto, senior civil engineering major and Hardrocker volleyball athlete. “I’m one of the first people in my family to go to college, so being here and having these opportunities is something I’m really grateful for - being able to be here and build a future for myself means everything to me.”

During Blitz Week, supporters of both universities will compete to rally the most individual donors to their respective athletics programs. Every gift counts as one donor, regardless of the amount. Whether someone contributes $10, $100 or $1,000, every donor carries equal weight in the challenge. 

That means every Hardrocker counts. From longtime alumni and devoted fans to current families and friends of the university, supporters can help Mines build momentum, strengthen its athletics programs and show the Yellow Jackets what Hardrocker pride looks like. 

Donor support helps provide the resources student-athletes need to thrive, including scholarships, equipment, uniforms, team meals and other essential program expenses. These investments help students focus on their education, develop their athletic abilities and make the most of their college experience.

“Having a scholarship has honestly been life-changing,” said Evan Valenica, sophomore mechanical engineering major and Hardrocker cross country runner. “I don’t have to worry as much about taking out loans or working a job just to get through college. It gives me the time and freedom to focus on what really matters: my academics and being the best athlete and teammate I can be.”

The message to Hardrocker Nation is clear: The Black Hills Brawl may be decided on the field at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at O’Harra Stadium, but the battle for donor-count bragging rights starts now –  Black Hills Brawl Blitz Week