Two Black Hills State University athletes, Cassidy Goddard and Payton Sheehan, have been honored on the First Team Academic All-RMAC list for their impressive performance both on the field and in academics. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference announced a total of 199 athletes earning Academic Honor Roll recognition, highlighting the commitment to excellence in academics among student-athletes. Goddard excelled in track and field, achieving significant rankings at the national level, while Sheehan set personal best times in her events.

By the Numbers
  • 25 individuals named to the First Team Academic All-RMAC.
  • 199 total athletes recognized on the RMAC Academic Honor Roll.
  • Goddard finished 18th at the NCAA Division II Championships with a throw of 43.52m (142' 9").
  • Goddard recorded a top throw of 49.24m (161' 6") in the discus, ranking her 16th nationally.
  • Sheehan achieved career-best times of 5:14.22 in the 1,500m run and 2:37.64 in the 800m run.
State of Play
  • The RMAC continues to emphasize academic achievements alongside athletic success, fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Black Hills State University displays strong performance with multiple athletes making the honor roll, reflecting robust academic standards.
What's Next

Both athletes will look to build on their recent successes in the upcoming seasons, aiming for both athletic and academic excellence. Goddard may aim for higher national rankings, while Sheehan will seek to improve her times and records in the coming track season.

Bottom Line

Goddard and Sheehan's recognitions serve as an inspiring example of balancing academics and athletics, showcasing the success Black Hills State University student-athletes can achieve on multiple fronts.