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Black Hills State University Athletics

Black Hills State University Yellow Jacket Athletics
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Women's Basketball

Black Hills State Drops Interim Tag, Names Kruger Head Women’s Basketball Coach

SPEARFISH, S.D.- Black Hills State Athletic Director Mark Nore announced Tuesday afternoon that BHSU would be removing the interim tag and retaining Kelly Kruger as head women's basketball coach. Kruger, who was named interim head coach in August of last year, came to BHSU after 34 years of head coaching experience spending time at Northwestern College (1981-87), Southwest Minnesota State (1991-2005), Adams State (2006-13), Ashford University (2013-16), and Iowa Central Community College (2016-20). He has an overall record of 549-457 heading into his 36th season.

"We are very excited about coach Kruger and his commitment to our university and the women's basketball team," Nore said. "He and his staff did a fantastic job last year. The team got better and peaked at the right time during postseason. They did great work on the recruitment trail and signed some quality student athletes for next year's squad. He earned the position and I can't be more excited about Kelly as our next head women's basketball coach."

Kruger is coming off a first year in the Green and Gold that included an 18-11 record with a 14-6 mark in RMAC play. BHSU was among the top teams nationally on the glass this season, winning the rebounding battle in 26 of 29 games including the first 17 games of the season. Their 9-game win streak that stretched from December 4 to January 17 was the longest in the Jacket's D2 era history. He recorded a win in his 1000th career game on February 14th versus Regis. Kruger also helped BHSU reach the postseason as a five seed and got a road RMAC tournament win at Western Colorado. He helped develop one First Team All-RMAC honoree, one Second-Team All-RMAC honoree, and three First Team Academic All-RMAC honorees.

"I'd like to thank Dr. Elliott, Athletic Director Mark Nore, and the search committee for the opportunity to remain the head coach at Black Hills State," Kruger said. "I look forward to continuing to build on the success that we had this past season. I appreciate the support of the university and the community of Spearfish."
 
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