Coaches

Wayne Sullivan

Wayne Sullivan

General Manager

rchardhats@gmail.com

Kelvin Torve

Kelvin Torve

Head Coach
Kelvin Torve was raised in Rapid City and played for the Hardhats for 3 years. In 1977, Kelvin was on the first Post 22 team to qualify for the American Legion World Series. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, Torve played 3 years at ORU. As a freshman he set a team record of fewest strikeouts in a season (5), and a rookie record for home runs (7).  He was 2nd team All American (Sporting News) his Junior year and also named to the 1981 Baseball Federation All Star team.  He was drafted in the 2nd round (36th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 1981 and he went on to play 13 years of professional baseball, with 3 seasons in the Major Leagues with the New York Mets and Minnesota Twins. His final 2 years of professional baseball was in Japan, where he was a teammate of Ichiro Suzuki. He was named a Minor League All Star twice (AA in 1982 and AAA in 1990), and team MVP 5 times.
Kelvin and his wife, Tonya, moved back to Rapid City from North Carolina in 2016 to once again become part of the Post 22 family. He coached the Cadets to a 14U State Championship in 2016, then coached the Bullets in 2017 to a 42-11 record and an appearance in the State Junior Legion tournament. He was named Hardhat head coach in 2018 and his teams have compiled a record of 215 wins against 90 losses.  The Hardhats have won 3 state championships in his tenure, giving the program 44 state titles in its history.
Kelvin and his wife have 2 children:  Tatum (Ian) Torve living in Brighton CO and Logan (Megan) Torve living in Peveley MO.
Nic Ewing

Nic Ewing

Hardhats Assistant Coach

Nic Ewing was a 4-year regular for Post 22 at second base from 1996-1999. During that time he was awarded the team honors of Rookie of the Year (1996) and MVP (1999); as well as a two-time All-State selection at second base (1998-99).

Ewing went on to participate in NCAA Division 1 baseball for 5 years. One year (Red-Shirt) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and four years at Campbell University in North Carolina. While at Campbell Ewing was awarded the James Ryskamp Award three of his four years given to the player who best exemplifies Christian character, dedication and baseball prowess. He served as a team Captain his Jr. and Sr. year. After college, Ewing was the head coach for the Sturgis, SD baseball team for 5 years (2004-2008). Under Ewing, the Sturgis program made their first State Tournament appearance.

Ewing has served as an assistant coach for the Post 22 Hardhats since 2012 and has been a part of six State Titles during that time.

 Nic and Sherri have 4 kids; Cali, Natalie, Griffin, and Brogan.

Scott Benson

Scott Benson

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Scott is from RC has a degree in Human Performance from Iowa State University, and is a Certified Sports Performance coach and Certified Strength Coach.

He is the all-time SD record holder in the high jump. He is the #3 All Time High Jumper at Iowa State, and attained both a US and World ranking.

Benson Sports Training has trained SD American Legion Players of the Year for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2018. 164 collegiate athletes, 10 of which became All Americans, 83 All State athletes, 12 of the last 16 Rapid City Athletes of the Year and 11 SD Players of the Year in Basketball and Volleyball.

Jake Ferdinand

Jake Ferdinand

Cadets Head Coach
Jace Caldwell

Jace Caldwell

Expos Head Coach

Coach Caldwell is entering his first year as a Post 22 coach. Jace played in the Post 22 program for 6 years, the final two as a Hardhat for Coach Torve. As a Hardhat first baseman, Jace had a .987 fielding percentage earning one of the top spots in the Post 22 record books. He contributed to the 42nd state championship in 2018 and was a part of the state runner-up team in 2019. Jace received the Arete Morshing scholarship his senior year.

Jace graduated from Central High School in 2018. He is currently attending Black Hills State University. Jace is pursuing a major in Physical Education as well as minoring in Athletic Coaching and Health.