Donor Spotlight: Badlands Big Sticks Play with Purpose

Since their founding in 2018, the Badlands Big Sticks have not only grown into a top collegiate summer baseball team, recently joining the Northwood League in 2024, but also have built a relationship with the Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation (DSU HF) to use athletics as a vehicle for change. Under the leadership of local businessman Dave Ouellette, who purchased the team in 2019, the Big Sticks have raised or donated more than $150,000 annually to local nonprofits in the last seven years.

“The Badlands Big Sticks take great pride in being more than just a baseball team—we’re a community partner rooted deeply in Dickinson and dedicated to making a lasting impact beyond the ballpark,” said Jason Watson, President of the Big Sticks. Through 50/50 raffles, promotional jersey auctions, and other fundraising events, the Big Sticks supports local non-profits and funds the “Go Grace Go” Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2020 in partnership with DSU Softball, the Dickinson Diamonds, the Bittner Family, and the Badlands Big Sticks to honor the legacy of Grace Bittner, a young girl in the Dickinson community who battled illness with strength and resilience. Grace’s legacy is celebrated annually during the “Go Grace Go” Night at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark, a highlight of the Big Sticks' season. Jason remembers the first “Go Grace Go” Night in 2020 as deeply emotional and the beginning of a lasting tribute to Grace.

The “Go Grace Go” Endowed Scholarship is awarded to DSU softball players who work hard, lead by example, and embody Grace’s positivity, perseverance, character, and heart. Past recipients of this scholarship have shared with Dave and Jason that it not only eased the financial burden of attending college but gave them a more profound sense of purpose during their time at DSU. The considerable support of the Big Sticks and Grace’s legacy has motivated DSU softball players to be better students, teammates, leaders, and role models every day.

The Big Sticks' efforts in collaboration with the DSU HF, create opportunities for student-athletes to connect with fans and mentor youth. “The Big Sticks combine heart and purpose in everything they do. From scholarship support to community fundraisers, Dave and Jason are truly making a difference on and off the field,” said Ty Orton, DSU HF Executive Director, on the impact of the Big Sticks. This partnership continues to shape lives through a shared commitment to education, character development, and community engagement to give back to future generations.

Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer