RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines men's and women's indoor track and field season will get underway this weekend at the Dave Little Invitational at the Donald E. Young Event Center on the campus of Black Hills State University, in Spearfish, South Dakota.

"Field events should be a real strength for us this year," said Hardrocker track and field head coach Steve Johnson. "We have a number of returners who have put themselves in a good position to score at the RMAC meet."

The Hardrocker returners are led by senior All-American pole vaulter Erica Keeble. Keeble set school and meet records last year and was sitting third overall in the country before National Championships were canceled. Andy Ferris (R-JR, Distance) and Kamryn Scully (SO, Pole Vault) will also return after putting up national qualifying marks. Along with Keeble, Ferris, and Scully, the Rockers will rely on: Jenna Sayler (SO, Throws), Macy McClure (R-SO, Throws), Warren Minerich (R-SO, Throws), Jade Cass (SO, High Jump), Wyatt Kainz (R-SR, High Jump), Steve Nolasco (SR, Long/Triple Jump), Tim Dunham (SO, Distance), and Joel Haas (SR, Distance).

Jonathan Hopkins (Heptathlon) has already garnered attention as a freshman this season. Hopkins is coming off Heptathlon win at the Myrle Hanson Invite last weekend in Spearfish where the Taft, California native scored 4,415 points to break the SDM school record.

The 'Rockers will travel to three events this winter --- all hosted by Black Hills State. Along with the Dave Little Invite, the 'Rockers will compete at the BHSU Invite (Feb 12-13), and then Stinger Open (Feb 19-20). The RMAC Indoor Championships are scheduled for February 26-27 in Gunnison, Colorado.