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BVU camp to support Adams’ former coach

Softball clinic proceeds will go to Mingus’ cancer fight

The minute Andi Adams found out one of her former coaches was going through a life-changing event, the Fort Dodge softball coach was quick to come to the aid of a mentor.

Adams, a former two-time All-American at Buena Vista University who is in the school’s Hall of Fame, was told friend and former coach, Susan Mingus, had been diagnosed with double breast cancer. She immediately decided to turn to the sport that brought them together over two decades ago.

“She’s been a phenomenal friend through the years,” Adams said. “She was diagnosed with with double breast cancer, so we thought, why not put on a clinic and give all the proceeds back to help with her expenses.

“It was scary news no one wants to hear.”

Adams, who played at BVU from 1995 to 1998, will be joined by three other former BVU All-Americans and program Hall of Famers. Heidi Knaack, Joy Gross and Heather Hupke will help put on the junior camp.

Knaack (1992-1995) was a two-time All-American and is currently the assistant coach at Oak Park.

Gross (1983-1986) was a member of a national championship team, and is in the IGCA and BVU Hall of Fame. She is the IKM-Manning softball coach, with 714 career coaching victories.

Hupke played with Knaack all four seasons and is a four-time All-American. She’s the head coach at Independence.

The clinic will be Dec. 2 on the Buena Vista University campus in the Storm Lake Rec Center from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“The people who will be there know a lot about softball,” Adams said. “To have four All-Americans and four Buena Vista Hall of Famers … campers will learn a lot.

“I encourage anyone looking for clinics to check this out. It’s tough to get a clinic in Iowa in winter, but this facility is phenomenal.”

The clinic is for any softball player in grades 3-8. Cost is $50 per camper.

Please register by e-mailing bernekinga@bvu.edu by Nov. 30. All funds will support Mingus’s fight against breast cancer.

Adams, who has 622 career victories and winningest coach in FDSH history, is just hoping to do her part to be there for a former coach and lifelong friend.

“I love being able to give back to the game,” Adams said. “Sports just teaches so much about life. To be able to do something like this for a person I know so well who is in need — it get to the very core of why we’re involved in the first place.”

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