Rapid City, S.D. – The annual Black Hills Blitz is back, and this year the friendly competition between South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State University goes beyond the football field. Running Oct. 11‑18, the Blitz Week challenges supporters of each campus to bring in the most individual donors, with every contribution counting as one donor regardless of size.
Fundraising focus
Donations collected during the week will directly support scholarships, equipment, uniforms, team meals and other essential program expenses for student‑athletes at both schools. The event culminates with the Black Hills Brawl football game on Saturday, Oct. 17, at O’Harra Stadium, where the rivalry will be settled on the gridiron after weeks of community‑wide giving.
Why the Blitz matters
More than 300 Hardrocker athletes compete in 13 varsity sports while pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Together they maintain a collective 3.38 GPA, a testament to the balance of academic and athletic excellence the schools strive to uphold. Scholarships are often the deciding factor that makes college possible for many of these students.
“I wouldn’t be in college if it weren’t for a scholarship,” said Jameson Mallon‑Echols, a junior mechanical engineering major and Hardrocker offensive lineman. “The support lets me focus on both my studies and the game.” Similarly, senior civil engineering major and volleyball player Joy Aberto highlighted that her scholarship helped her become one of the first in her family to attend college.
Community involvement
David Crum, athletic director at South Dakota Mines, captured the spirit of the event: “Everyone loves beating the Yellow Jackets, but this year we have a chance to squash the Swarm before we even take the field.” The challenge invites alumni, fans, families and local businesses to contribute, turning a traditional rivalry into a collaborative effort that benefits the entire region.
Cross‑country runner Evan Valenica, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, noted that his scholarship has reduced the need for loans or part‑time work, allowing him to concentrate on training and coursework.
How to participate
Supporters can donate through each school’s athletics website or designated fundraising portal. Every donor is counted as a single entry, so even modest gifts add up quickly. Organizers stress that the Blitz is now in its second year, and each additional donor builds momentum for the teams before they meet on the field.
Looking ahead
Beyond the immediate financial impact, the Black Hills Blitz reinforces the bond between the two campuses and the broader Rapid City community. By rallying around student‑athletes, the event underscores the importance of faith‑based families, traditional values and individual liberty—principles that both institutions champion.
As the Blitz Week draws to a close, the schools will announce the winning side based on donor totals, and the rivalry will shift to the field for the Oct. 17 showdown. Regardless of the outcome, the shared goal remains clear: to ensure that every student‑athlete has the resources needed to excel in both the classroom and the arena.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
