Welcome to the Christensen Hall of Fame! This site is dedicated to the athletes, coaches, and builders that have made a significant impact on the School of Mines and the athletics department. The accomplishments and dedication of these these individuals and teams will also be remembered through the generosity of the Christensen family. Thank you!
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RAPID CITY --- The South Dakota School of Mines Athletics Dept., and the Hardrock Club announced the 2011 Hardrocker Hall of Fame class this past weekend at the annual SDM athletics banquet. They are listed below.
Mitch Slusarski - Men's Basketball 2011
Mitch Slusarski at the time of his induction is the most prolific 3-point shooter in Hardrocker history. During his career from 1990-1994, Slusarski established school records for 3-pointers in a game (9), 3-pointers attempted in a career (657), and career 3-pointers made (242). He is currently eighth on the all-time scoring list with 1,463 points. But scoring was not all Mitch contributed, he is also the all-time Hardrocker assists leader with 670, and was a tenacious defender. He was a key member of the 1991-1992 Hardrocker team that set the school record for wins in a season with 22.
Kalli (Gilman) Spicer - Women's Basketball 2011
Kalli Gilman was a key member of three SDIC Conference Championship teams from 1991-1994. She was a strong two-way player and is currently the 10th all-time scorer in Lady Hardrocker history with 1,444 points. In addition she is No. 20 all-time rebounder and 18th all-time in assists at the time of her induction. An SDIC MVP, and three-time SDIC All-Conference member, Gilman has earned a position in the SD Mines Athletic Hall of Fame.
Gary Eschenbaum - Football 2011
Gary Eschenbaum was the first premier receiver in Hardrock football history. He established seven records during his career from 1969-1972, including passes caught in a game (10), season (55) and career (140), plus receiving yards in a game (183), season (905), and career (2,338). His record of 16 career touchdown receptions still stands. An All-NAIA District and SDIC selection, Eschenbaum is truly one of the top receivers in Hardrocker football history.
Leah Novicki - All Around 2011
Leah Novicki was a standout two-sport athlete for the Lady Hardrockers. An SDIC All-Conference performer in both volleyball and basketball, Novicki was a determined, hard working athlete that helped her teams to success. She finished her basketball career with 1,004 points (currently 22nd all-time) and 12th in all-time rebounding with 690. She holds the school record for rebounds in a game with 31, a number that may never be broken.
Liz Vandel - Track 2011
Liz Vandel is the first women who competed in SDM track to be inducted into the Hardrocker Hall of Fame. She was a three-time SDIC Individual Discus Champion and placed seventh in the NAIA Discus throw in 1993. She is second in the discus and sixth in the shot put in the all-time Hardrocker track records and during her career held the school record for the discust at 138-feet-5-inches.
1990 and 1992 Men's Cross Country Teams - 2011
Both these Mines cross country teams won NAIA District Championships. The 1992 team had the greatest turn around in school history. The Hardrockers finished third out of four teams at the SDIC meet, 16 points out of first place. One week later, in snow and cold temperatures, the Hardrocker team defeated defending NAIA District Championship Northern State, SDIC Conference Champion Black Hills State and North Dakota Champion Jamestown College. The 'Rockers placed four runners in the Top 7, winning the team title by 25 points over second place Northern State, and 61 points over conference rival Black Hills State.