Family ties
Close-knit group turns local office into Iowa hubBy ERIC PRATT, Sports Editor
With personal relationships and family values as its pillars, Fort Dodge has become a virtual epicenter for the state's Parks and Recreation system in recent years.
The local office has harvested a who's who list of leaders in the profession, which currently includes eight head or assistant directors across Iowa. Most graduates have worked alongside current Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation director Lori Branderhorst, Parks superintendent Tony Salvatore or Rogers Sports Complex superintendent Jim Winter, who have combined to accumulate nearly a century of service in this community.
Humboldt native and Iowa Central graduate Donald Tripp, the current Des Moines Parks and Recreation director, cut his teeth under Salvatore's wing over 30 years ago. Tripp's assistant in Des Moines, Ben Page, is a 1994 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate and a former city employee.
The setup in Ankeny is similar, where Todd Redenius (FDSH, 1993) and Nick Lenox (St. Edmond, 2001) are director and assistant. Salvatore's son, Matt (FDSH, 1998), is currently the Parks and Rec. director in Ida Grove. Jeff Lamoureux, who interned for Branderhorst, holds the same position in Jefferson, as does Branderhorst disciple Nick Schenck (Adel).
''We laugh all the time about how (the base of) Lori, Tony, Jim and (former Fort Dodge Parks and Rec. director) Marlo (Branderhorst) are like Hayden Fry in this profession,'' said Redenius, referring to the former Iowa football coach who has watched nearly a dozen former assistants take over their own college programs. ''It's always been a special, unique situation in Fort Dodge. They created a great working environment and established a culture centered around hard work and passion for what they do.
''I wouldn't be where I am or who I am today without Lori, Tony, Jim and Marlo. They're family to me. We're all family.''
At this spring's Iowa Parks and Recreation Association banquet in Coralville, current and former Fort Dodgers dominated the podium. Page was nominated as the new president of the IPRA, with Redenius being named vice president. Tony Salvatore took home the T. Ray Frame award as the state's most outstanding maintenance person, while Matt Salvatore was given the Carol Hanson New Professional honor.
''We're all very proud of the way they've branched out and instilled the same sense of citizenship and service in their (respective) communities,'' said Branderhorst, a past president of the IPRA herself (1996-97) and a former Richard J. Slattery award winner (1997) as the field's top professional in Iowa. ''We do this because we love it, and I think that passion was passed down to them.
''We've never had a big budget here, so we've always had to show a great deal of efficiency and really stretch our dollar. This says a great deal about our department through the years - it's amazing to take a step back and see how far the Fort Dodge roots stretch.''
Page cited the influence of the elder Salvatore, who has been with the local Parks and Recreation department for over 30 years.
''Tony is an amazing leader and motivator of young people. At a time in my life where I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do for a living, Tony made it clear through his passion and leadership,'' Page said. ''Two weeks ago, I went back to visit Tony and see all of the great improvements since I last worked for him in 1993. To my amazement, Tony - despite a few major surgeries - was still working alongside his crew as if he was still in his 20's.
''He still has the drive he's had from day one.''
Fort Dodge has hosted the state softball tournament for nearly four full decades, and is the long-standing home of the state cross country meet as well. Rogers Sports Complex is widely considered to be the finest facility of its kind in Iowa. And next summer, a state-of-the-art aquatic center will open under the local department's wing on the northeast side of town.
Tony Salvatore believes the responsibilities that come with such major attractions help set young careers in motion. Veteran mentors are invaluable assets to Salvatore, Branderhorst and Winter's crews as well.
''Part-timers are the backbone to our department, and we've had some of the best here in Fort Dodge through the years - young and old,'' Salvatore said. ''No matter what the event, big or small, our workers all bust their butts to make sure everything is done right.
''I'd joke that (the current influx of ex-Fort Dodgers) means there's something in the water, but in reality, we all start by expecting a good, hard-working attitude and go from there. It's really as simple as that. It's been a special and wonderful situation here for a long, long time.''
Matt Salvatore called Fort Dodge ''the cornerstone of Parks and Recreation in Iowa.''
''Fort Dodge has been doing more with less for years. If you consider what (the local office) has on its plate day-in and day-out, the return on investment is amazing.
''Each person who has worked for my dad, Lori or Jim takes that with them. A lot is required of you, but you get even more in return and use those experiences when you are on your own. I know everyone seems to say this about Fort Dodge, but it's family. They've all been mentors to me, and everything I do is a direct reflection of what they taught me.''
The elder Salvatore was hit with a surprise attack at the IPRA banquet last month. It also gave him a chance to reflect on the legacy of the local department.
''My wife (Cindy) and I were there for Matt (in recognition of his new professional award),'' Salvatore said. ''I'm sitting there minding my own business, eating cheesecake, and the next thing I know, I hear my name during the T. Ray Frame presentation. They got me; I was totally caught off-guard.
''Being there that night really made me realize the impact Fort Dodge is having on the state of Iowa in this profession. I'm a hometown boy - there's nothing like being in Fort Dodge. It's very fulfilling and rewarding to see our guys branch out and succeed the way they are.''
Redenius, the local director preceding Branderhorst from 2000-04, cited one of Salvatore's favorite lines as the mantra for the department's blooming tree.
''Tony says it best: 'most people bleed red - I bleed Parks and Rec,''' Redenius smiled. ''Fort Dodge has so many people, from the top down, who feel that way. Everyone's professional goal in life is to do what you love, and we've been fortunate enough to have role models setting that example for a long, long time.''
Contact Eric Pratt at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net
