SPEARFISH, S.D. - James Hansen, a standout cross country and track runner at Sidney High School, was inducted into the Black Hills State University Athletic Hall of Fame last month. The ceremony took place during the university’s Swarm Days celebration in October.

Hansen, a 2003 Sidney graduate, made his mark as one of Sidney High School's best distance runners, holding the school record in the 3200 meters (9:32.5) and ranking third in the 1600 meters (4:32.5). He capped his high school career with a fourth-place finish at the Class B State Cross Country meet in Kearney in 2002.

At Black Hills State, Hansen excelled at the national level, earning four NAIA All-American honors and four all-conference cross country selections between 2003 and 2006. In his senior season, Hansen was crowned Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) cross country champion and was named DAC Most Outstanding Runner. He also received the DAC Outstanding Graduating Senior award for his excellence on and off the course.

Hansen's All-American accolades included cross country (2006), the indoor 3000 meters (2007) and the steeplechase (2006, 2007). He was among six individuals and three teams honored during the induction banquet.