Black Hills State Football History
Athletics made their debut at Spearfish Normal (BHSU) in the late 1800s. Although the first rugby football team was organized in 1898, no actual games were played until 1899 when Spearfish Normal defeated Deadwood 7-6. The Jackets first conference championship (South Dakota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) came in 1928 under first year coach Paul Rose. The Rosemen (Jackets) had a perfect 8-0 record in 1935 and received 20 votes to play in the Rose Bowl.
Although we’ve had many All-Conference and All-District performers as well as many All-Americans over the years, only two, Lackie Johnson (10) and Mike Savoy (88), have had their numbers retired. Savoy (Cardinals), Jeff Lamb (Broncos) and Zac Alcorn (Packers, 49ers and Chiefs) had moments in the National Football League and Savoy was the only BHSU player to play in the North-South Shrine game.
In 1946, the Board of Regents authorized construction of a new football field that would have bleachers and lights. Upon completion it was named Lyle Hare Stadium. Dr. Hare played for the Jackets in 1904 and later was a faculty member, coach and school physician.
Yellow Jackets in the NFL
Zac Alcorn
Dick Roach (Coach)
Paul Roach (Coach)
Retired Uniforms
No. 10 - Lackie Johnson
No. 88 - Mike Savoy
