Two of South Dakota's most outstanding seniors received distinguished recognition as state winners of the 2008 Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Menno's Kyle Auch and Sully Buttes' Kylee Lamb embody the Heisman spirit of hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, through their outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community service.

Auch and Lamb were chosen from nearly 34,000 applicants nationwide, surviving rounds that narrowed contenders to 8,950 school winners, and then to South Dakota's respected group of two state finalists.

"The Wendy's High School Heisman is truly a distinguished award that showcases higher achievement in academics, athletics and community involvement," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner. "We're honored to recognize these well-rounded students who are role models in their schools and communities and welcome them to the Heisman family."

The competition is not over for the 2008 state winners. Auch and Lamb will compete against winners from other states in Wendy's annual quest to find the nation's top scholar-athletes and a chance to be named one of 12 national finalists. Auch and Lamb will travel to New York City, Dec. 12 through Dec. 14 to participate in the Heisman weekend festivities and awards ceremony.

Papendick captures world championship

Rapid City's Kristina Papendick and her American Quarter Horse "Must Be A Detail" captured the world champion amateur hunter under saddle title at the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Must Be A Detail is a 6-year-old bay gelding who earlier this year won a reserve world championship in hunter under saddle at the AQHA Bayer Select World Championship Show with Kerry Papendick, Kristina's mother, riding.

Papendick and Must Be A Detail competed against 34 entries to win the title and a prize package which included a Montana Silversmiths sterling silver buckle with 14-karat gold overlay, a neck wreath, custom designed gold-tone trophy, Cripple Creek jacket and world champion patch, Professional's Choice product, Nutrena feed, a pair of Justin Boots as well as a cash prize.

The American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show is the pinnacle event for American Quarter Horse exhibitors around the world who must qualify for the event by earning a predetermined number of points to earn the right to compete in each of the classes representing halter, English, and western disciplines. More than 3,400 entries from the United States, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom competed at this year's event, Nov. 7-22.

Casper Open comes to a close

The 23rd annual Casper Open volleyball tournament, hosted by the city of Casper, Wyo., recreation division, concluded on Nov. 9 with several closely contested matches in six different divisions.

Ninety teams from Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska took part. More than 500 matches were played on 17 courts located throughout Casper during this event which is touted as one of the largest adult volleyball tournaments in the region.

In the men's semi-power bracket, Arvada from Rapid City defeated The JC Rollers from Denver to capture top honors in the division. The women's semi-power division championship was won by Six Pack N A Pound from Riverton, Wyo., by outscoring Platinum from Rapid City.

Football championships begin Thursday

The 2008 State Football Championship games will be held Thursday through Saturday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.

Doors will open one hour before each session begins. All adult seating is reserved and student seating is general admission. Tickets will be sold by session with students costing $6 and adults $10.

Rushmores fall to Puerto Rico

The South Dakota Rushmores lost to Puerto Rico, 12-10, on Monday and are 1-2 in the AAAA Championship bracket of the World Series of Baseball in Fort Myers, Fla.

South Dakota faced the Minnesota Bulldogs team on Tuesday to have a chance to qualify for the AAAA championship round.

The championship playoffs begin Thursday.

Rapid City teams win Moose Cup open titles

The St. Paul Hawks, led by former Rapid City resident and goalie Joe Rice, defeated the Rapid City Chubby Chasers,

4-3, in overtime to claim the open division at Moose Cup VIII.

In the over 40 age division, the Rapid City Hooligans won the championship, outscoring its opponents 34-2 during the tournament.

Martial arts event

coming to Rapid City

Hundreds of martial artists will invade Rapid City on Nov. 22 for the 2008 Martial Art Championships at LaCroix Hall at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

This year-end event will feature the area's top martial artists in a variety of exciting martial art events, including sparring, forms and grappling competition. In addition to the performances, the event will also feature the presentation of the 2008 Competitor of the Year award, which goes to one youth, teen and adult competitor who has performed outstandingly throughout the year.

The event is from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with doors opening at 8 a.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Officials to meet at civic center today

The Rapid City Officials will be holding their monthly meeting today at 5:45 p.m. in room 207 of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

The Officials are an officially recognized committee of the Rapid City Sports Council. The mission of the Officials is to promote sport in Rapid City through their support of various athletic events in the area and to recognize sporting achievements by local residents.