Huron Student Athletes

Student Athlete Spotlight BELLE NIEDERBAUMER James Valley Christian High School Golf & Dance Meet Belle Niederbaumer — a 3X Golf MVP and 3X Viking Character Award recipient whose dedication reaches far beyond the course. Whether she’s leading in school clubs, performing in dance and theater, or excelling academically, Belle brings positivity, determination, and grace to everything she does. GETTING TO KNOW BELLE NIEDERBAUMER: Favorite Food: Ice cream Favorite Quote: “Make moments matter.” Sports Highlight: Winning the 281 conference my senior year. GPA: 4.0 Recognitions & Activities:

Student Athlete Spotlight LUKE LARSON  Wessington Springs High School Basketball Golf, & Football Meet Luke Larson, a talented multi-sport athlete and senior at Wessington Springs High School. Competing in golf, football, and basketball, Luke has proven himself to be a positive and dedicated student-athlete in every arena. As a two-sport captain, he leads with determination, resilience, and strong character. After facing a significant injury during his junior year—while performing at a high level—Luke used the setback as an opportunity for growth. His long recovery taught him humility and a deeper

Student Athlete Spotlight CONNOR ZENS  Redfield High School Wrestling, Football & Golf Meet Connor Zens, a dedicated multi-sport athlete whose leadership, discipline, and work ethic have made a lasting impact on his teams and the Redfield community. A captain and key leader on the wrestling team, he consistently leads by example while maintaining a strong academic record. Through football, wrestling, and golf, Connor has demonstrated resilience, integrity, and a commitment to improving those around him. After graduation, he plans to attend South Dakota State University to study electrical engineering.

Student Athlete Spotlight KENDAL UTTECHT Wolsey-Wessington High School Volleyball, Basketball, Cross-Country & Track Meet Kendal Uttecht, a standout multi-sport senior at Wolsey-Wessington High School whose leadership, work ethic, and character shine both on and off the court. A key leader in volleyball, basketball, and track and field, Kendal is known for her team-first mindset, relentless effort, and positive example. She will continue her academic and athletic journey at Northern State University, where she will compete in cross country and track while pursuing a degree in Nursing.

Student Athlete Spotlight HYLTON HEINZ Huron High School Volleyball, Basketball & Track Meet Hylton Heinz, a standout senior at Huron High School who shines on the court and in the classroom. A leader in volleyball and basketball, she’s known by her varsity coach for her unselfish, team-first mindset. Hylton will continue her academic and athletic journey at Dakota State University, majoring in Elementary Education and Sports Management. GETTING TO KNOW HYLTON HEINZ:Favorite Food: ChislicFavorite Quote: “Enjoy every moment big or small. Don’t take things for granted. Love the people

Student Athlete Spotlight ELLIE PAUTERBAUGH Huron High School Dance, Gymnastics, Tennis & Track GETTING TO KNOW ELLIE PUTERBAUGH: Favorite Food: Ribs Favorite Quote: “It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort.” By Jillian Michaels How did you get started in your sport: I first got started in dance at age three after my parents thought it would be something I’d enjoy. Gymnastics soon followed—I was cartwheeling everywhere we went—so they enrolled me in a kids’ gymnastics class, and my love for it grew from there. Track came next when

Student Athlete Spotlight  JOLIE PALMER  Miller High School Volleyball, Basketball & Track GETTING TO KNOW JOLIE PALMER:Favorite Food: I pretty much like every food unless it has tentacles or it's wasabi.  Favorite Quote: “It's not that deep."  How did you get started in your sport: I’ve been around volleyball for as long as I can remember. My mom was a coach when I was a baby, so I literally grew up in the gym and around the sport. Basketball came into the picture in third grade when I joined the team—like most kids did

Student Athlete Spotlight  MASON JURGENS  Huron High School Football & Basketball  GETTING TO KNOW MASON JURGENS:Favorite Food: chicken alfredoFavorite Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim NotkeFavorite High School Class: I enjoyed Culinary Arts because it's fun to cook and learn new things about food. Sports Highlight: I am excited our team is ranked number one in the league this football season. Recognitions & Activities: 4.0 GPA, football team captain, player of the game 3Xs, varsity letter 3Xs, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society class officer, Key Club,

Student Athlete Spotlight  MICAIAH BRANTNER  James Valley Christian School Cross-Country, Track & Dance GETTING TO KNOW MICAIAH BRANTNER:Favorite Food: Any kind of pasta. Favorite Quote: “Everything you do matters; every move you make, every action you take matters. Not just to you, or your family, or your business, or your hometown. Everything you do matters to all of us forever." - Andy Andrews, author How I got started in Sports: My siblings are runners and were part of the cross-country team coached by my dad. My sister's senior year, I decided to join the