By Journal staff

Chad Vogel announced Thursday that he will resign from his position as Dakota Wesleyan University's director of athletics and athletic development, effective Oct. 31.

Vogel announced his resignation in an e-mail to the DWU campus.

"It is with careful consideration that I resign from my position as the director of athletics/athletic development of Dakota Wesleyan University effective Oct. 31," Vogel said in his statement. "Although this decision was very difficult for me and my family, the tremendously long hours we have spent trying to make all of this work have left me unable to adequately lead the athletic department, leading to my decision to resign. My wife, Angela, and I have run this race and given all we have, and we are ready to reclaim our status as merely alumni and supporters of Tiger athletics."

Vogel is a 1996 graduate of Dakota Wesleyan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He also has a graduate certificate from Western Michigan University in nonprofit leadership and administration. The Rapid City native was also an offensive lineman for the Tiger football team and was a member of the school's last conference championship team in 1995.

"Chad Vogel bleeds Wesleyan blue," DWU president Bob Duffett said. "He has worked long hours with DWU's best interests in mind for the last several years. We will miss his dedication to his alma mater."

A search for Vogel's successor will begin immediately.

Rushmores win again

Sioux Falls' Bob Beattie slammed a first-inning two-run double and the South Dakota Rushmores never looked back as they beat the San Diego Mudcats, 18- 7.

The win gave the Rushmores a 4-1 record and ensured them of making the playoffs, which will start Saturday.

Manager John Larson used his three starting pitchers in the game, each throwing three innings. Jimmy Jackson, of Fayetteville, Ga., gave up two hits, walked two and allowed one run. Randy Crowell, Unionville, Tenn., was next and gave up five hits, walked none and allowed four runs. Lee Goldammer, of Sioux Falls, surrenderred seven hits, didn't walk any and allowed two runs.

Beattie ended with a 4-for-5 day that included two doubles.

This game was closely contested through seven innings with the South Dakotans leading 8-6 at that point. Good defense and a 10-run outburst over the final two innings boosted the Rushmores.

Middle school football festival is today

The 2008 Rapid City middle schools football festival takes place today at Sioux Park.

Games begin at 3 p.m. with the North Eagles taking the field against Dakota Nuggets. The Southwest Hawks will then play the West Wolves at 5 p.m. The final game of the day is between the Douglas Patriots against the South Rebels at 7 p.m.

Admission is $7 for families, $3 for adults and $1 for students.