On May 21, 2024, Sales was named the Director of Student Wellness at South Dakota Mines. After serving the previous five years as the Student Success Coordinator. Where he over saw the student mentoring program and the campus tutoring program. He also worked with various departments across campus with academic advising.
In 2017 Coach Sales was hired for his second stint at South Dakota Mines, this time overseeing the running backs. He was the corners coach in 2013. The running back position has seen nothing but success since Sales came onboard, with two backs eclipsing the 1k yard mark and five earning all-conference honors. During his tenure the running backs are averaging 128 yards rushing per game and a 4.8 yards per carry average.
In 2024 senior running back, Holden Gilbert, ran for 763 yards on 114 attempts averaging 6.7 yards per carry and earning him RMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention honors.
South Dakota Mines rushing attack was the third best in the RMAC in 2023, averaging 165.5 yards per game with 20 rushing touchdowns. With Jalen Frye being named RMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention.
In 2022 and 2021, the running back position sustained success and operated by committee with them rushing for 987 yards (3.87 avg) and 1110 yards (4.09 avg) respectively.
As a team, South Dakota Mines averaged 193.5 rushing yards per game to come in second in the RMAC and led in total rushing yards with 774 in 2020
- Ahmad Lewis was one of the best backs in the country at the Division II level, rushing for 384 yards in the COVID-19 shortened four-game season.
- Lewis finished in a tie for fourth (Division II) in rushing touchdowns with six.
The 2019 season was a milestone year for the running backs with Ahmad Lewis being named First Team All-RMAC after leading the conference in rushing yards per game with 126 (10th Division II), finishing second in total rushing yards with 1,385 (10th Division II), and fourth in rushing touchdowns with nine.
In 2018, the rushing attack for the Hardrockers was third best in the RMAC in rushing yards (1,908) and rushing yards per game (173).
- Connor Silveria broke a single-game NCAA Record, rushing for 425 yards against Adams State on October 13, 2018.
- Following the season, Silveria earned Second Team All-RMAC for his play, finishing second in the RMAC in rushing yards (1,220) and rushing yards per game with 111 (8th Division II).
In Sales first year back coaching at the college level in 2017, the rushing attack was the third best in the RMAC, rushing for 1,533 yards and a 4.96 avg per carry. Anchored by Kevin Thompson and Dorian Cowart.
- Dorian Cowart earned Honorable Mention All-RMAC.
From 2014-2016, Rob Sales was the head football coach at Rapid City Central HS. Where he coached multiple all-conference and all-state players while making two playoff appearances.
In Sales’ first stint at South Dakota Mines he was the cornerbacks coach in 2013-14 where he helped the program transition to the Division II level and mentored future All-Conference (GNAC) defensive backs Josh Thomas and John Tyler.
Prior to joining South Dakota Mines, Sales had several coaching stops at the high school level most recently at Rapid City Central, but also at Rapid City Stevens, Arapahoe High School (CO), ThunderRidge High School (CO) and Cherry Creek High School (CO). Sales also coached track & field and wrestling at several of his high school stops.
Sales competed collegiately at Black Hills State, where he played football and was a member of the track & field team. In football, he was elected as a team captain (2001 & 2002) and earned an all-conference selection in 2002. In track & field, he competed in sprints, relays and threw the javelin. He graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and special education. He earned his master’s degree from Adams State University in Sport Management.
Personal
Year at South Dakota Mines: Ninth
Hometown: Sheridan, Wyoming
Education: Black Hills State University, 2003 – B.S. Physical Education and Special Education; Adams State University, 2017 – M.A. Sport Management
Family: Wife: Darcy; Sons: Broeden, Cooper
Coaching Career
2017-pres. – South Dakota Mines (Running Backs)
2014-2016 – Rapid City Central High School (Head Coach/Defensive Backs)
2013-2014 – South Dakota Mines (Cornerbacks)
2010-2013 – Rapid City Stevens High School (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)
2008-2010 – Arapahoe High School (Wide Receivers)
2007-2008 – ThunderRidge High School (Linebackers)
2004-2007 – Cherry Creek High School (Offensive Line/Defensive Line/Special Teams)
Administrative Career
2024-pres. – South Dakota Mines (Director of Student Wellness)
2017-2024 – South Dakota Mines (Student Success Coordinator)
Collegiate Career: Football and Track & Field
1998-2003 – Black Hills State University
