New eras begin at state tournament
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Change has been the theme at this year's state softball tournament.
With it comes opportunity. And sometimes, of course, growing pains.
Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Executive Director Erin Gerlich believes the evolution of the event to five fields and a double-elimination format at Rogers Sports Complex will be a positive step long-term in improving the championship-week experience for both fans and teams.
That doesn't mean the immediate transition has been flawless. Or that the IGHSAU isn't constantly taking notes on the process for the future.
"The biggest advantage has been exactly what we hoped it would be: every team now has the opportunity to recover from one loss and continue competing for a championship," Gerlich said. "Beyond that, the atmosphere throughout the week has been outstanding. Having meaningful games taking place throughout the day has created tremendous energy around the complex.
"We've seen teams, families and fans stay to watch additional games, which has only enhanced the championship environment."
Gerlich explained the motivation behind the move, which had been discussed behind closed doors for quite some time.
"It's been rewarding to see years of planning come together," Gerlich said. "Moving to double elimination wasn't simply about adding games - it was about elevating the championship experience for Iowa girls. Watching student-athletes compete in an environment that gives them every opportunity to succeed reinforces why we pursued this change.
"The feedback we've received so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Most coaches and players have appreciated having a second opportunity after a loss, and fans have enjoyed the increased number of competitive games throughout the week."
The IGHSAU is taking a patient, measured approach to observing both the good and the bad of the 2026 event, which is serving as a trial run of sorts for future tourneys.
"We're only a few days into the first year, so it's important that we allow this all to play out," Gerlich said. "Any time you make a significant change, there are going to be lessons learned, and we'll certainly evaluate everything. Our staff is very detailed when it comes to our own critiques on events. We've already got lists of changes and thoughts to be processed.
"We'll gather feedback from coaches, administrators, officials, our staff, the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa Central and others who help make this event successful. If there are opportunities to improve the experience for student-athletes and fans, we'll absolutely explore them. That's been our approach for many years, and it's one of the reasons this tournament continues to evolve."
Adding both more field options and lights on the mini-majors portion of the complex were necessary steps in the transformation. In addition to Channel Seeds (Diamond 1) and Iowa Central (Diamond 2), the mini-major diamonds -- Triton (Yankee), Hy-Vee (Wrigley) and Farm Bureau (Fenway) -- were used for the first time on the championship side all the way through the semifinals.
"The improvements to Rogers Sports Complex were instrumental in making this possible," Gerlich said. "The additional fields and facility enhancements have allowed us to expand the tournament while maintaining a high-quality experience for everyone involved."
Gerlich added that the IGHSAU is always open to different perspectives and suggestions.
"I don't mind the questions or concerns," Gerlich said. "At the end of the day, I'd like to think that we mostly all want the same thing: meaningful competition and a great experience for all.
"We've got people talking about softball all week, and that's fun."
END OF AN ERA: Long-time Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation Director Lori Branderhorst has been involved with the state softball tournament in some capacity every summer dating back to the early-1980s.
Branderhorst isn't directing traffic at Rogers Park this week for the first time in decades. She retired at the end of last month.
"Lori's impact on Iowa girls softball -- and state cross country (which has been in Fort Dodge since 1993) -- is difficult to put into words," Gerlich said. "She believes deeply in this tournament, in the City of Fort Dodge, and most importantly, in creating an unforgettable experience for every student-athlete involved in these championships.
"She's been a true partner to the IGHSAU. Her passion, professionalism and unwavering commitment helped strengthen the relationship between our organizations over many years. Whenever there was a challenge, Lori approached it with a collaborative mindset and a determination to find a solution. She always found a way to get it done."
Branderhorst was honored by Gerlich and the IGHSAU before the Class 4A championship game on Thursday.
"Many of the improvements we see today -- and the ability to host a double-elimination tournament -- are possible because of the vision and foundation that Lori helped establish alongside so many dedicated community leaders," Gerlich said. "We are incredibly grateful for everything she did for the Iowa Girl, for the Fort Dodge community, and for the partnership that made this tournament one of the premier state softball championships in the country.
"I have a feeling she is going to enjoy retirement, knowing everything she's worked so hard on is in good hands."
Branderhorst was a key component in helping secure the contract that will keep state softball in Fort Dodge through at least 2045. The official announcement of the extension came last September.
THE CREDITS: Branderhorst's successor, Hannah Angstrom, is joined by grounds and turf superintendent Chad Graaf and sports turf technicians Ryan Zeka and Tom Miller in keeping both the tournament and fields humming from the city's perspective. Program supervisor Erin Arndt and recreation technician Alexis Wolfe are also at the forefront of the process, along with grounds specialist Ron Bygness, facility and equipment supervisor Rich Peterson, clubhouse manager Trevor Dennis, administrative coordinator Anne Gleason and a large crew of workers and volunteers who help collectively form the backbone of the operation.
Gerlich, senior associate director and softball administrator Jason Eslinger, internal operations coordinator Elise Boulton, assistant directors Jim Duea, Tonya Moe and Ben Van Wyk, program and art coordinator Heidi Reed, external operations coordinator Kylee Walker, business manager Kiersten Schneider, officials coordinator Cathy Creighton, Taylor Anderson, Elle Ruffridge and so many others make the IGHSAU run like a well-oiled machine.
Tim Fitzpatrick, Rex Baker, Brad McIntyre, Scott Enyart and Lonnie Boekhout are public address announcers this week at Rogers Park. Konnie Snider, Jim Legvold, Connie Boekhout, Barb Baker and Tom Dunn are scoreboard operators.
Mike Yilek, Barb Baker, Chuck Schoffner, Jason Cowley, Mark Adkins, Ted Schultz, Brad VanDeer and Jess Howard handle the scorebooks. Diamond supervisors are Gary Ross, Jim Duea, Craig Snider, Brian Erbe and Jay Harms.
THE UMPIRES: The tourney officials in blue aren't just on the field to call balls, strikes and outs, but also, to adhere to rules and keep players safe.
Mark Amadeo, Paul Bird, Eric Boel, Greg Buster, Travis Chizek, Mike Christner, Ryne Christner, Brian Cole, Casey Conover, Cam Cooksey, Phil Creese, Todd Donels, Jim Doyle, Duane Duncan, Kyle Duncan, Daryl Erickson, Jeff Foster, Brad Friest, Mike Fry, Terry Giofreddi, Chris Henze, Al Hermsen, Jordan Hill, JD Hoogestraat, Tom Jones, Bruce Keizer, Mike Kerr, Chris Henze, Jordan Hill, JD Hoogestraat, Dewey Hupke, Bruce Keizer, Mike Kerr, Kris Knee, Mike Lange, Jason Lewis, Derek Matlock, Ken Maxfield, Shan McWhirter, Daryl Meyer, Daryl Miller, Dan Miller, Diedra Mohr, John Nanhsen, Jeff Niehaus, Troy O'Hern, Ed Oliver, Jake Parker, Brian Pearce, Josh Perkins, Chester Rice, Tim Rogers, Aaron Schmidt, Tom Schreuers, Mark Shea, Jason Slater, Chris Stimson, Tom Sullivan, Gary Wax, Brett White, Ron Whitehead, Shane Wiegel, Jodie Wielenga and Karl Wooldridge are the best of the best in charge for 2026.