South Dakota Mines

James Lanphere was one of the most versatile athletes in school history. Jim was an outstanding athlete at Rapid City High School before he enrolled at Tech. He became one of the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference and was introduced into the SDIC Hall of Fame in 1983.

Lanphere was quarterback all four years under football coach Clare Ekeland. During his basketball career, Jim was the regular point guard for Coach Bob Hunt's basketball teams and helped the Hardrockers to their first ever conference championship during the 1954-55 season. He was chosen as team captain of both the football and basketball teams. He was also an outstanding runner on the Tech track team for two years.