RAPID CITY, S.D. --- South Dakota Mines has promoted longtime Athletics Communications Director Brad Blume to Associate Athletics Director for Ticketing and Marketing announced recently from the Hardrocker Athletics office in Rapid City, South Dakota.

"I've been a Hardrocker going on 16 years now and I'm proud to say that won't change anytime soon," Blume said. "I look forward to the new challenge of moving our ticketing system online to give all our fans easier access to home events. I am also excited to help enhance the fan experience during games and online streams and my goal is to expand our reach to even more Hardrocker fans."

A graduate of South Dakota State, Blume spent five years in Brookings earning his degree in agricultural journalism before making the switch to covering athletic events in the Black Hills. Before joining the Hardrockers, he was the Sports Editor for the Black Hills Pioneer in Spearfish, S.D. for six years.

 Blume has a wide variety of experience in the field of journalism: writing game recaps and feature articles as well as having an extensive knowledge of photography, video editing and graphic design.

Becoming the Sports Information Director in 2006, Blume brought athletic communications to the next level for the Hardrockers with new and innovative ways to deliver communications across multiple platforms through social media, online streaming, Hardrocker websites and other digital venues.

"It's amazing how far social media and online stream has come from its beginnings," Blume said.

During his 16 years in the Athletics Communication Office, Blume has overseen the design of four new websites for the athletics dept, developed the streaming broadcasts of all home event to be the best in the RMAC, and helped transition South Dakota Mines from an NAIA affiliation to NCAA Div. II. He's also served on numerous RMAC and NCAA South Central Region committees to help promote Hardrocker student athletes.

A search is currently being conducted to replace Blume in the role as Athletic Communication Coordinator. Blume said he hopes to have that role filled by the end of July.

"Just in time for the fall sports seasons and the return of the 'Rockers," Blume added.