Rapid City Sports Association honors local Sports Heroes

RAPID CITY — The Rapid City Sports Association held its 4th Annual Sports Hall of Fame and Recognition Banquet, honoring some of the area’s finest athletes. The event is organized by Domingo Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Rapid City Sports Commission. Not only were athletes recognized, but Association members were honored as well.

There were so many finalists this year that the awards had to be divided into several categories.

The High School Female Athlete of the Year category included five finalists, but the honor ultimately went to Lexi Glendenning, a 6’2” standout known for her dynamic scoring ability. Glendenning, now a volleyball player at the South Dakota School of Mines, brings both power and versatility to the court.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to the Rapid City Sports Association for putting on this banquet for us today,” Glendenning said. “I would also like to thank my coaches, Lauren Prochazka and Lyle Lehmann. They have been a huge part of my success. This first year for me has been awesome, and I would also like to thank my parents for supporting me.”

The South Dakota School of Mines Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Gus Fink, who dominated track and field and set a school record in the weight throw. Fink also serves as a volunteer firefighter and wrestling coach.

“I would just like to say thanks to my coaches, because without them our athletes would not be able to do anything,” Fink said. “I would also like to thank the professional staff who do a lot of things behind the scenes.”

The Association also honored its Associate Member of the Year, Cassie Kosiba, who has been a driving force behind the Rapid City Sports Association for more than twenty years.

In addition, the Association recognized the South Dakota High School Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

The High School Female Athlete of the Year went to Amity Strand, a senior at St. Thomas More and a multi-sport athlete who earned an impressive seventeen letters. She led her teams in basketball, tennis, and golf.

“This award means so much to me, and I would like to thank my coaches and family,” Strand said. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and give all the glory to God.”

The High School Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Broeden Sales, also a senior at St. Thomas More. Sales is a multi-sport athlete competing in football, baseball, and track. In football, he is an 11B All Star wide receiver who set a state championship record. In baseball, he played for Post 22 as a left-hand pitcher, infielder, and outfielder for the Hardhats. His two-way versatility made him a standout in multiple positions.

The banquet also included a special introduction for the South Dakota Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, which went to Nathaniel Dickerson. For the past thirteen years, Dickerson has competed in basketball, track and field, bocce, bowling, and softball. He is well-known for his positive attitude, leadership, and warm smile. His coaches noted his respect for others and his ability to uplift those around him.

“Just because you are capable of more doesn’t mean you are not already doing enough,” Dickerson said. “When your blessings get closer, your attacks become greater. Stay focused and trust God.” He added, “God has been so good, and I am so grateful and honored to accept this award. Thank you to all my family, coaches, and friends who supported me on this journey. May all of us continue to strive to build each other up and grow as a community. I wish the other inductees the best of luck in their future.”

Nathaniel will be heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, along with his brother Desean, to compete for the gold in bocce ball. Bocce is a worldwide sport in which players roll larger, heavier balls to get as close as possible to a smaller target ball known as the pallino. Bocce was introduced at the 1991 Special Olympics World Summer Games and has since become one of the movement’s most popular sports globally.

(Contact Kirk Dickerson at salesmanager@nativesunnews.today)

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