RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines Football program has went through some substantial changes since the end of last season. Entering the 2016 campaign, the Hardrockers have not only gotten a new head coach in Zach Tinker, but also will be joining a brand new league --- the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
 
"We've been anxious to finish camp and start preparation for William Jewell (this week's opponent)," said Hardrocker Head Coach, Zach Tinker. "The players' attitude and effort has been outstanding and we've practiced efficiently and effectively through fall camp."
 
Last season may have served as a preview of the "High Octane" attitude the Hardrockers take on offense, as they set a school record with running 901 plays throughout the season.
 
"I've been most impressed with the leadership of our 21 seniors and how they have embraced the responsibilities that we have placed upon them," Tinker said.
 
The first-time head coach, who spent the last four seasons as SD Mines' offensive coordinator, added that he wants the seniors to lead this team into the "RMAC Invasion of 2016."
 
There are several familiar names in new roles on the Hardrocker coaching staff. Taylor Breitzman is now the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator while Justin Udy will take over as the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator. Travis Dixon has returned to the Hardrocker Family and will serve as Defensive Backs Coach. New faces Ethan Hutson and Brandon Gorsuch Offensive Line and Running Backs respectively. 
 
Last year in their final season in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), the Hardrockers posted a 2-4 conference record and an overall record of 6-5. The move to the RMAC could prove to be a challenging one. In the preseason coaches' poll the Hardrockers were picked to finish 11^th but the Hardrockers have the attitude and desire and appear up for the challenge.
 
The RMAC is a respected football conference --- even nationally.  In the latest NCAA Div. II American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Preseason Poll both CSU – Pueblo and Colorado School of Mines were picked in the Top 20, with CSU-Pueblo ranked at fifth.
 
The Hardrockers open the season Saturday taking on William Jewell College in a 12 p.m. matchup on Dunham Field at O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City, S.D. If you are unable to attend the game the Sports Information Dept., will be streaming the game and live stats at the RMAC Network on Stretchinternet.com. The game will also be broadcast on the KKLS radio on 104.7 (FM) and 920 (AM).