RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines men's and women's golf programs are pleased to announce the signing of five future Hardrockers for the 2021-22 school year.
 
Hardrocker Director of Golf Luke Wheeler is excited about this freshman class coming in for the fall of 2021.
 
"I feel like we got a good group of young scholar-athletes committed to South Dakota Mines for academics and golf," Wheeler said. "I can't wait to see what they can do in the classroom and on the course for the Hardrockers."
 
Joining the Hardrockers for the 2021 Fall season are: Ian Bjork (ME, Soquel, CA); Braydon Jones (EE, Aberdeen, SD); Portia Lenczowski (ME, Omaha, NE); Lora Ortega (BE, Alamosa, CO); and Julia Sabetti (CE, Lakeville, MN).
  Ian Bjork, Soquel High School, Soquel, CA
Bjork is going to be majoring in Mechanical Engineering while at South Dakota Mines. He shoots consistently in the mid to low 70's as a senior. His junior season was cut short due to Covid-19, but has been playing in many junior tournaments this summer. Bjork chose South Dakota Mines cause he wanted a smaller school where he can focus on his major while play golf at a high level.
 
"The engineering program offers so many opportunities for students who want to pursue STEM, and it is so exciting for me to be able to experience what that will be like," said Bjork. "This school was my favorite choice by far, and I am just so happy to be able to go to college at South Dakota Mines."
 
Portia Lenczowski, Omaha Westside High School, Omaha, NE
Lenczowski comes to South Dakota Mines with the intentions of majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She was a big factor for her team finishing fifth at the Nebraska State Tournament this fall.  She averaged scores in the mid-80s for the year with a low round of 79.
 
"From the very beginning of this process I was impressed with not only Coach Wheeler's ambition but also the quality of education I knew I'd be getting at South Dakota Mines," said Lenczowski. "When I finally got to step foot on campus I felt very much at home and there I started to see the next chapter of my life beginning. To be able to get to play golf at the next level at a school that will give me the skills I need to be successful is a dream came true. I am beyond excited to join the Hardrocker family."
  Lora Ortega, Alamosa High School, Alamosa, CO
Ortega will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering while at South Dakota Mines next fall. She was an All-Conference selection as well as a State Qualifier for Alamosa High School. Ortega said she chose South Dakota Mines it gives her the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love while getting a quality education.
 
"I am super excited about my decision and ready to join the Hardrocker Family, Ortega said.  
Julia Sabetti, Lakeville North High School, Lakeville, MN
Sabetti will be majoring in Chemical Engineering while at South Dakota Mines. She scored in the low 80s during the 2020 summer. She choose South Dakota Mines because she says it felt like home.
 
"When I visited the campus everyone was so welcoming and kind," said Sabetti. "They made me feel a part of the school without me even attending yet. South Dakota Mines was the right choice for me and will allow me opportunities to succeed in my career as well as continue my love of golf."
 
Coach Wheeler added, "Each one of these scholar-athletes are hardworking young adults that will do great things in life just by the tremendous character they all have. I'm very excited they choose South Dakota Mines to continue their education. Welcome to the Hardrocker Family."