New beer to provide scholarships for BHSU Athletes

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Beer and sports. There’s just some things that go together.

A duo in this particular case is coming together that features Black Hills State University Athletics and The Spearfish Brewing Company.

The Spearfish Brewing Company is one of many unique breweries in the Black Hills. They put a huge emphasis on fresh ingredients that equals to best tastes in their beers, but they’re brewing this specific beer for a different reason.

“Yellow Jacket Beer” will be made available to the public on May first at the university’s Gold Rush Raffle. 15-percent of the beverages sales will go back to BHSU to provide scholarships for student-athletes. 

The idea came after BHSU was looking to make up for lost revenue due to the pandemic forcing the cancellation of fundraising events.

“We’re really fortunate with our relationship with Spearfish Brewing,” said Thayer Trenhaile, the Assistant Athletic Director at BHSU. “I’m just super thankful that they listened. I mean, they listened to this crazy idea that you know not too many schools in the country have something like this. You know, there’s around 20 schools that have a beverage like this and similar partnership.”

Trenhaile, along with guidance from another supporter brought the idea to Spearfish Brewing, but it’s more about supporting BH, the athletics and a strong community around the college.

“It’s great to be able to put a portion of our revenue back towards scholarships and help feed back into a great community we have with the college and this downtown business community,” said Jon Marek, the General Manager of the Spearfish Brewing Company.

A pour for the future opportunity of student athletes.