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South Dakota’s Young Wrestlers Dominate Black Hills Nationals in Rapid City
By archyde.com News team | published: April 10, 2025
The Kjerstad Event Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, was the battleground for the Black Hills Nationals wrestling tournament from April 4-6, 2025.Featuring 2,000 entries from 250 teams spanning 28 states and Canada,the tournament showcased the talent and dedication of young wrestlers,
particularly those hailing from the Mitchell area. This year marked the tournament’s inaugural run in rapid City, a move from its long-standing
location in spearfish to accommodate the growing number of participants and spectators.
Mitchell Area Wrestlers Shine at Black Hills Nationals
The Black Hills Nationals wrestling tournament concluded on April 6, 2025, leaving a notable imprint on the youth wrestling scene.
This year’s event, held at the Kjerstad Event Center in Rapid City, saw a remarkable turnout with approximately 2,000 entries across 250 teams,
drawing competitors from 28 states and even Canada. The move to Rapid City from its previous location in Spearfish was a strategic one,
designed to handle the increased demand and provide a better experience for both wrestlers and fans.
The tournament wasn’t just about size; it was a testament to the skill and dedication of young athletes, especially those from the Mitchell area.Dozens of wrestlers from this region secured top finishes, marking a strong showing for South Dakota’s wrestling programs. This level of
participation and success highlights the growing popularity and importance of youth wrestling in the Midwest, mirroring trends seen nationwide.
Individual Age Group Highlights
The Black Hills Nationals wasn’t just one big event; it was a series of competitions segmented by age and weight class creating different
opportunities for athletes. From the youngest grapplers in the 6U division to high school athletes,each group had its share of memorable
moments and outstanding performances.
6U Division: Future Stars Emerge
The 6U division set the stage for future wrestling careers. Raya Petersek, of Winner, claimed the top spot in the girls’ 50-pound division,
demonstrating skill beyond her years.In the boys’ heavyweight division, McCrae Nickels representing Pony Hills (Wessington Springs), secured
the bracket title while Winner’s Emmett schroeder finished third. These young athletes represent the future of South Dakota wrestling, laying the
foundation for potential future success at higher levels.
8U Division: American Outlaws Make Their Mark
The American Outlaws wrestling club had a particularly strong showing in the 8U division.Leo Hoffman (Salem) secured first place in the
heavyweight division. oliver Rowley (Montrose) took second place at 75 pounds, and Ashton Preheim of Marion secured third at 70 pounds.
Lawson helkenn from Winner earned third place at 65 pounds, alongside Ryker Herron (Groton) from American Outlaws, who claimed third at 45
pounds. This demonstrates the impact of club wrestling programs in developing young talent, offering structured training and competitive
opportunities outside of school-based programs.
Under 10 and 12 Divisions: Domination Continues
Jory heinrich (Dimock) representing American Outlaws, achieved a notable double victory, winning both the boys under-10 55-pound division and the
under-12 60-pound division. Kaejrick Clark (Mitchell), another member of American Outlaws, secured second place in the U10 80-pound division.Winner’s Owen Petersek won the 85-pound division, and Gregory’s Liam Lane secured the heavyweight division in the boys U10 category. Howard’s
Briggs Connor finished third at 103 pounds. Teagan Heinrich (Dimock), representing American Outlaws, finished fourth in the girls 73-pound 12U
division. Chamberlain’s Axel Steele won the 12U boys’ heavyweight division. Winner’s Bridger Stirling finished second in the 80-pound division
for 12U boys, as did Lucas Walloch from Scotland/Menno at 140 pounds. Chamberlain’s Ty Larson secured third place at 130 pounds in the boys
12U division.
14U and High School Divisions: Glimpses of Future Stars
Marion’s Jerzey Preheim won the 72-76-pound division in the girls’ 14U division, while Charlie Petersen (Howard), representing the American
Outlaws club, took fourth place at 91 pounds. In the boys’ 14U division, Winner’s Roukyn Robbins won the 125-pound championship, while Bon
Homme’s Thayne tjeerdsma won the 160-pound title. Blayden Stirling, of Winner, finished third at 85 pounds, Bon Homme’s Devonne Sesler was
third at 140 pounds, and Asher Hellmann finished fourth at 105 pounds. In the girls’ high school division, American Outlaws’ Madison Little
(Groton) secured second place at 100 pounds, and teammate Katie Snyder (Waubay) also took second place at 160 pounds. little also finished
fourth in the girls’ 14U 100-pound division. Winner’s Ryken Orel claimed second place in the boys’ high school 157-pound division.
Men’s Masters Competition: Experience and Skill on Display
The men’s masters competitions showcased the continued passion for wrestling beyond the high school and college years. Winner’s casey stirling
emerged as the champion in the 185-pound division. kevin Van Zandbergen finished third at 174 pounds, and Ryan Orel took fourth place at 197
pounds.The masters division provides an avenue for experienced wrestlers to continue competing and contributing to the sport, serving as role
models for younger athletes.
Impact and Implications for youth Wrestling
Tournaments like the Black Hills Nationals play a crucial role in the development of young wrestlers across the United States. These events provide
a platform for athletes to test their skills, gain experience, and build camaraderie with peers from different states and backgrounds. Moreover,
these competitions frequently enough serve as scouting grounds for college wrestling programs, offering talented individuals opportunities to pursue their
passion at the collegiate level and potentially beyond.
The growth of youth wrestling is also indicative of broader trends in youth sports. Parents are increasingly investing in specialized training and
