Ryder Michalek

Black Hills State will keep one of the top wide receivers at home in the state of South Dakota as the Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central standout Ryder Michalek becomes a Yellow Jacket. The South Dakota Football Coaches Association Class 11B All-State receiver hauled in 58 receptions for 721 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, helping lead the Blackhawks to a 7-3 record that ended in the state semifinals. A 4-year prep career that resulted in 158 receptions, 2,311 yards, and 23 touchdowns, he spearheaded the offense for head coach Michael Schmitz as the team posted a record of 25-12 with four Class 11B playoff appearances. In addition to his 2024 all-state selection, he earned the accolade previously in 2023 to go along with being a 3-time honoree on the Southeast South Dakota Conference All-Conference team (2022, 2023, and 2024). He also competed with the Bauer's Elite Training Academy as he helped lead the team to a 31-4 record with two tournament championships and four runner-up finishes, playing among a group of 11 seniors committed to play football at the next level. Ryder is the son of Mandy and Marty Michalek, and he has three siblings, Garrett Wessel, and Colton and Tayzlee Michalek.