Jean Berger has been involved with championship events in many different sports at varying levels throughout her career.

In other words, the new executive director at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union knows a strong tournament relationship when she sees one.

Upon her arrival this week, it didn’t take long for Berger to understand why Fort Dodge is in its 47th year as the state softball host.

”One thing I noticed immediately: the city of Fort Dodge is truly our partner,” said Berger, a 1977 graduate of Winterset High School who is in her third official week on the job. ”They want this championship to be the best it can be, which is very impressive to see in person. There isn’t just a financial investment here – it’s also an emotional investment (in state softball).

”This is a first-class facility, and Fort Dodge really works hard to make this an ideal championship experience for (the qualifying programs). That’s very important to me and what I want to focus on most: there is a rich championship tradition (for the Iowa girl) that must continue.”

The 56-year-old Berger – a former softball player herself – is replacing Mike Dick, who has served as the IGHSAU’s executive director since 2008. She is coming to the home office in West Des Moines from the University of Northern Iowa, where she had most recently been the interim athletics director.

”I’m learning a lot, listening a lot – taking a lot of notes and asking plenty of questions,” said Berger, who spent 17 years as an administrator in athletics at Drake University before leaving for UNI in 2008. ”I have such tremendous respect for both the position itself and the current staff that is in place (at the IGHSAU). The historical knowledge of when things changed, what we used to do, what we do now and why – I am very appreciative of that. It’s critical to my understanding of the process.”

Berger faced a challenge almost immediately when three inches of rain washed out Tuesday’s tournament action. Thanks to the work of the Rogers Park grounds crew and the accessibility of the mini-major fields at the facility, the consolation bracket didn’t lose a single game.

”If I had to choose one word to describe (the complex) itself, it would be ‘flexibility,”’ said Berger, a graduate of the University of Iowa. ”From the parking, to the warm-up (areas), to the fields available for (the) consolation (round) – it’s just the total package.

”Until you get here, you don’t fully understand the dynamics of the park. Combined with the outstanding grounds crew and great leadership from the city … it’s really impressive to see it all come together.”

Berger is just the fifth IGHSAU executive director, joining a list that includes R.H. (Rod) Chisholm (1947-54); Dr. E. Wayne Cooley (1954-2002); Troy Dannen (2002-08); and Dick.

THE CREDITS: Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation director Lori Branderhorst and Rogers Sports Complex superintendent Jim Winter are at the forefront of this week’s action, but they are far from alone.

Ballpark maintenance crew members Glenn Yenger, Tony Salvatore, Ryan Zeka, Josh Hansen, Ryan Szalat, Nathan Lentsch, Ben Schnurr, Jerry Wagner, Shea Springer, Joey Gerdes, Jonah Egli and Nick Sanford help keep the fields and the facility in pristine condition. Recreation administrator Ryan Maehl, recreation technician Erin Habben, cashier manager Wendy Stephan, and concessions managers Kelsey Halverson, Lindsey Scherff and Holly Scherff handle the whirlwind of activity behind the scenes.

In addition, the countless workers and volunteers in and around the complex should always be commended.

IGHSAU senior associate director Karon Brown, associate director Craig Ihnen, assistant directors Jason Eslinger, Joel Oswald, Lisa Brinkmeyer and John Overton, and communications director Monte Wilson keep the tournament humming along for the teams, the fans and the media.

The Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation commission includes Steve Daniel, Mark Campbell, Michael Payne, Mary Jo Kirby, Molly Schaeffer, Nik Moser and Tonia Burrell.

THE UMPIRES: This year’s state tournament umpires include, in order of experience, Phil Kudron (24), Mark Amadeo (18), Deb Richarz (17), Kris Groff (15), Mark Brighton (14), Tom Topping (14), Roger Menke (13), Jeff Tank (13), Pat Pacha (13), Jim Doyle (12), Duane Duncan (11), Richard Sebring (11), Gary Wax (11), Greg Buster (10), Karl Woolridge (8), Myron Jack (8), Jason Slater (8), Pete Peterson (7), Paul Bird (6), Joe Havenhill (6), Tom Burger (6), Delbert Christensen (6), Al Hermsen (5), LaWayne Rogers (5), Mike Crozier (5), Michael Bell (5), Julie Foglesong (4), Shannon McWhirter (4), Darrel Bartling (4), Tim Fredrickson (3), Terry Gioffredi (3), Jorge Harwood (3), Doug Johnson (3), Tony Nelson (3), Sergio Villareal (3), Jerry Bowhay (2), Todd Donels (2), Gene Marquardt (2), Ed Oliver (2), Dan Swick (2), Tom Sullivan (2), Jim Bruck (1), Rich Choponis (1), Phil Creese (1), Dennis Daniels (1), Jodi Doty (1), Tim Rogers (1), Aaron Schmidt (1), Dirk Sorensen (1), John St. John (1), and Martin Wood (1).

THE HONORS: Adel-ADM head coach Rick Dillinger will receive the IGHSAU golden plaque of distinction before the Class 4A championship game on Friday.

The award is given to an Iowa coach who has demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions toward school, community and the coaching profession.

The 2016 IGHSAU softball Hall of Fame class includes Jamie Fisher (BCLUW), Traci Helle (Garnavillo), Jenny Schulke (Solon), and Jadyn Spencer (Waterloo West). The quartet will be honored this afternoon between the 4A and 5A title contest.

The 2016 Jack North Award recipient is Taylor Nearad of Solon. This year’s recognized 100-game winners are pitchers Madison Rasmusson of Lynville-Sully and Ashley Sicard of AGWSR.

On the Messenger-area front, Sarah Rolling of North Union will participate in the IGCA all-star softball games on July 25 in Waukee. Sidney Ernst and Kendal Herrig of East Sac County were both recently named IGCA academic all-state honorees.