Niobrara County High School senior Jasper Caldera will continue his education and athletic career in Spearfish, S.D. next fall.
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LUSK – Niobrara County High School senior Jasper Caldera will continue his education and athletic career in Spearfish, S.D. next fall.
Last Friday afternoon in front of coaches, friends and family he signed his letter of intent to join the Black Hills State University Yellow Jacket track and field program.
“We went and toured the college and liked what they had to offer, and the coaches were really nice and interested,” he said. “And their facilities are pretty good too.”
Caldera is a three-sport letterman and FBLA member at NCHS who intends to major in business and accounting at BHSU.
“That’s what I’m interested in, and like to do,” he added. “So we’ll see when I get there, I’m excited.”
While he is an accomplished shot put and discus thrower, Caldera will also attempt to learn the javelin and hammer throw and compete in both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
NCHS wrestling and throws coach Ron Nelson couldn’t stop smiling as Caldera put ink on paper.
“Anytime we get a kid from our small school that gets to continue athletics at the next level, is a great moment,” Nelson said. “We’re pretty proud of him and excited for what the next couple of weeks (and months) have in store.”
Caldera’s junior year was interrupted midway through football season with an injury that kept him out of wrestling but was ready for the spring season before COVID-19 issues forced a shutdown. He returned as a first-time fullback on the gridiron last fall and became an All-State player for the 8-3 Tigers.
Currently the second ranked wrestler in 2A’s 220-pound weight class, Jasper is hoping to use a strong wrestling finish to propel him into his final months as an NCHS Tiger.
Lusk boy’s head track and field coach Jim Lyons also raved as Caldera becomes the third thinclad in four years to move on to the
next level.
“It’s such an individual sport, but track is the basis for every other sport you do because you’re running, jumping or throwing, and that helps you.” Lyons added, “He’s a great teammate, he’s great in the classroom, and the time he has put in shows in the success in everything he’s done. We’re very proud of him.”
