South Dakota Mines

Rick Wass, who graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1974, was a part of many great sports teams during his time as a Bison, including being a member of the 1974 State “B” Champion football team that went a perfect 9-0.

He came to the Hardrockers as an All-State running back in the fall of 1975 and made an immediate impact. In Rick’s first year, the Hardrockers were 5-4 and captured an SDIC co-championship with Dakota State. During his tenure, the Hardrockers were 15-6 in conference play.

Wass was a four-year letter winner, team captain, and All-Conference selection in 1978. By his senior year, he had amassed 1,817 rushing yards, mostly from his fullback position. He was a hard-nosed runner, an outstanding blocking back, and a sure-handed receiver. His finest game came in his senior year when he ran for 205 yards on 38 carries against Black Hills State. Coach Boner and Coach Coyle gave Wass high praise as one of the keys to the vaunted running attack during some outstanding years in Hardrocker football history.