—Messenger photo by Eric Pratt Messenger photo by Eric Pratt: THE 'DODGER DIAMOND' at Rogers Sports Complex displays its new IGHSAU logo in center field before this week’s tournament gets under way.

State softball will have a completely different look when it arrives on Fort Dodge’s doorstep for a 56th consecutive year in 2026.

A double-elimination format is on deck for the 40 qualifying teams over five classes, meaning both the schedule and infrastructure at Rogers Sports Complex are undergoing major changes in preparation.

“We’re getting close to finalizing a format that we think will continue to provide a top-notch quality tournament, while also fitting the needs of our television and streaming partners,” said Erin Gerlich, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s second-year executive director. “We hope to have something approved by our board of directors early this fall that we can make public and build on the excitement for the season ahead.

“It’ll be fun to have the same emotion that we all experience in those first-round games also be present in the second round as well. The battle isn’t over for those teams, and that keeps everyone engaged all week.”

Gerlich knows there will be some growing pains between now and the first pitch next summer. In addition to the tournament brackets being completely revamped, the city of Fort Dodge is expanding its championship fields from two to five in order to keep up with the demands of more games.

The “mini major” fields at Rogers Park are in the process of being reconfigured, with lights and additional seating being added in the months to come. The “Fenway Park” and “Wrigley Field” areas are both being rebuilt to accommodate the changes.

“We’ll have a lot of unknowns next year going into the double-elimination tournament when it comes to properly staffing the event and making sure we’re expanding on the good that we currently provide,” Gerlich said. “We don’t want to take any steps back in terms of the experience that everyone has with the complex and the event.”

Gerlich continued to sing the praises of Iowa Central Community College, which annually hosts over 75 percent of the field. Bonding at the dorms has become a tradition for qualifying teams who are able to steer clear of typical tourney-week distractions and focus on the task at hand in a concentrated environment.

“To put it simply, we wouldn’t be able to host our event in Fort Dodge without the partnership and accommodations provided by Iowa Central,” Gerlich said. “This piece of hospitality allows teams to have both an affordable and comfortable experience for the entire week of the tournament. There are also meals provided on campus, which is another huge perk for the teams here for multiple days during the week.

“The athletes that get to stay in the ICCC dorms make a million fun memories that they talk about for years to come — regardless of if they won or lost on the diamond.”

CHALLENGING CONDITIONS: Despite the arrival of sweltering heat and multiple rounds of intense overnight storms, the schedule has gone according to plan this week.

“Looking at the forecast for the week, we knew we would be in for a few curveballs (weather-wise),” Gerlich said. “The amount of time and energy spent just preparing the fields before the week even started here is unbelievable. There was over seven inches of rain (in Fort Dodge) last week alone (with three more inches overnight Wednesday), yet the fields held up beautifully.

“Working with the athletic training staff to coordinate monitoring of the intense heat this week has gone well. Coaches, athletes, and umpires have been very cooperative, and appreciative of the heat protocols and necessary breaks we’ve had to implement (often adding three-minute delays between innings when temperatures reached extreme levels). This year has taken extra effort from everyone involved to ensure the health and safety of those on the field.”

Gerlich also noted the field preparation is often handled by a younger support staff under the direction of grounds and turf superintendent Chad Graaf and sports turf technicians Ryan Zeka and Tom Miller.

“The sheer workload that has to be accomplished to turn over the fields, keep the facilities clean and looking great, and make sure the spectator flow is smooth is just a sight to behold,” Gerlich said. “The majority of the workforce for our event is high school-aged students from Fort Dodge, and they are always on task and friendly.

“They’re so proud of the work they do, and it shows. If you need your faith restored in humanity or the next generation, come watch the work done at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Complex this week.”

NO RESTING ON ITS LAURELS: Despite approaching a seventh decade as state softball host, Fort Dodge leaders are always trying to stay one step ahead of the game when it comes to preparation and personal touch to keep the experience as fresh as possible for everyone involved.

“We’re so excited to return to Fort Dodge for the week of state softball every year,” Gerlich said. “In terms of hosting this event for us, Fort Dodge has mastered the art of hospitality while also being visionaries that roll up their sleeves and get to work.

“They understand the strong partnership between our organization and this community, and are always finding new ways to grow our tournament experience. The IGHSAU logo painted in center field of the championship fields (new this year) was an awesome surprise — the fun buzz of the first few days of the tournament for sure.”

State softball has been in Fort Dodge since 1970, and the community has been the state cross country host since 1993.

“(Fort Dodge recreation services director) Lori (Branderhorst), (assistant) Hannah (Angstrom), Chad and their respective teams within Fort Dodge Parks and Rec — as well as the community leaders they lean on — have a fantastic vision and planning in place for the future of the complex,” Gerlich said. “They’ve been extremely thoughtful in asking for our input and feedback during the planning process, which we absolutely appreciate.

“They are always one step ahead.”

THE CREDITS: Branderhorst, Angstrom, Graaf, Erin Arndt (program supervisor). Alexis Wolfe (recreation technician), Zeka and Miller organize and facilitate tournament preparation before, during and after each game and day.

Public areas director Aaron Steburg, public areas supervisor Matt Lara and technical operations lead Rich Peterson are also vital pieces to the puzzle.

Gerlich, senior associate director and softball administrator Jason Eslinger, associate director Gary Ross, internal operations coordinator Elise Boulton, assistant directors Jim Duea, Tonya Moe, Kiersten Schneider and Ben Van Wyk, program and art coordinator Heidi Reed, external operations coordinator Kylee Walker, officials coordinator Cathy Creighton, Taylor Anderson and so many others combine to give the IGHSAU its heartbeat both this week and throughout the year.

Tim Fitzpatrick, Rex Baker, Joe Tjaden and Chad Harberts have been serving as announcers this week. Konnie Snider, Jim Legvold, Ted Schultz and Grace Clouser are scoreboard operators. Mike Yilek, Barb Baker, Chuck Schoffner, Jason Cowley, Mark Adkins and Ted Schultz are in charge of scorebooks.

THE UMPIRES: Let’s take a moment to thank the umpires who remain committed to keeping tournament games fair and safe.

Mark Amadeo, Mike Bell, Paul Bird, Eric Boel, Tom Burger, Greg Buster, Travis Chizek, Mike Christner, Ryne Christner, Casey Conover, Cam Cooksey, Phil Creese, Cathy Creighton, Todd Donels, Duane Duncan, Jeff Foster, Tim Fredrickson, Mike Fry, Terry Giofreddi, Chris Henze, Al Hermsen, Jordan Hill, JD Hoogestraat, Tom Jones, Bruce Keizer, Mike Kerr, Chris Knee, Arnie Krukow, Brad Lancey, Mike Lange, Jason Lewis, Randy Link, Derek Matlock, Ken Maxfield, Shan McWhirter, Daryl Meyer, Diedra Mohr, Kathy Munoz, John Nanhsen, Mark Nalan, Troy Nicklaus, Jeff Niehaus, Troy O’Hern, Ed Oliver, Jeff Osborne, Jake Parker, Josh Perkins, Marty Pump, Tim Rogers, Mark Schaefer, Aaron Schmidt, Stan Schmidt, Tom Schreuers, Mark Shea, Jason Slater, Tom Sullivan, Raun Taylor, Tony Vandegriff, Gary Wax, Brett White, Shane Wiegel and Karl Wooldridge represent the finest the state has to offer in 2025.

HONOR ROLL: 2025 IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame inductees are Madison Frain (Creston), Lindsey Digmann (Linn-Mar), Kayla Tindall (Akron-Westfield) and Brooke Wilmes (Johnston). Steve Corkrean of Winterset is the Golden Plaque of Distinction honoree. Former Pleasant Valley standout Jessie Clemons is the Jack North Softball Award recipient.

St. Edmond all-stater Mariah Myers will play in the 2025 IGCA All-Star Games at Waukee on Saturday.