RAPID CITY, S.D. --- Another year, another motivated SD Mines men's soccer team looks to keep the momentum rolling from last fall campaign. The Hardrockers finished the 2016 campaign with a 0-0 draw against the No.3 ranked team in the region, RMAC Champion, and preseason NCAA No. 16 Colorado Mesa.
 
SD Mines returns nine heavy-minute players from last year's team. Of those players, the Hardrocker back line returns three from the 2016 season. Senior Brett Bender, senior Lars Skau (All-RMAC Honorable Mention), and sophomore Ryan Higginbotham. SD Mines also returns leading goal scorer, sophomore Justin Barkow (All-RMAC Honorable Mention).
 
The 2016 season showcased success in multiple areas for the Hardrocker team and featured several program bests, including: the highest winning percentage in program history, most goals in a season, first win over a nationally ranked team, and its first season placing players on the All-RMAC Team. On top of the statistical achievements, SD Mines took five games into overtime last season and lost seven games by only one goal.  
 
As the preseason begins to wind down and the dust settles, SD Mines Men's Soccer looks to improve on their 2016 season and continue to push the program to new heights.
 
The squad will be led by new head coach Andrew Conniff who is in his first season at the helm of the team and his third with the program.
 
Coach Conniff brings a mentality that will strive for success on and off the field and look to continue to pass as many milestones as they can. 
 
The Hardrockers open the season this weekend traveling to Grand Junction, Colo., for a two-game tournament. SD Mines will face Newman University (Kan.) Friday in a 4 p.m. contest and then take on Lubbock Christian University on Sunday in a 11:30 a.m. meeting.