Hugh Welsh joined South Dakota Mines in 1986 after a successful eight-year coaching stint at Devils Lake Region Community College in North Dakota, where his teams won 194 games in eight seasons.
Welsh served as head coach of the Hardrocker men’s basketball program for 19 seasons (1986-2005). During his time as head coach, he compiled a 268-273 win-loss record, took the 1997 team to a NAIA National Tournament, and acquired two conference championship titles to his credit (1994-95, 1996-97).
Welsh is the second longest-tenured coach in the men’s basketball program (behind Bob Hunt, who coached the Hardrockers for 21 years). He has more wins than any men’s coach in school history and was twice named the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year and Athletic Director of the Year. His career coaching record is 545 wins and 380 losses.
Other highlights of Welsh’s career include single-season wins record of 22 in 1991-92; consecutive wins (11), and an undefeated home record during the 1986-87 campaign.Â
During his career at South Dakota Mines, the athletics program grew with the reinstallation of the men’s and women’s golf programs in 2001. He also presided over an overhaul in athletic facilities with the 2006 installation of state-of-the-art artificial turf at O’Harra Stadium’s Dunham Field.
Other improvements made under Welsh’s leadership included the addition of a multi-media scoreboard; renovated King Center varsity locker rooms; and a 4,200-square-foot Dunham Field locker room for the football team. Welsh also oversaw the construction of a new gym floor in Goodell Gymnasium.
Welsh’s legacy benefited not only South Dakota Mines, but also the more than 50,000 fans from the Rapid City community and beyond who attend Mines games and athletic events to cheer on the Rockers.
