Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 44 Garrison, ND

Volume 34, Number 2 | USA SOFTBALL OF | Fall 2019

Heartland Investors Claims a pair of Masters National Titles MASTERS 35 victory. There would be no third matchup, was not without blemish. Mandan Bowers To no one’s surprise, Bowers recovered Mandan Heartland Investors sent two however, as Team Primed made a strong run Excavating used a 9-run 7th inning to build and moved through the losers bracket, albeit teams into the Men’s Masters National through the losers bracket. a big enough lead to withstand a Heartland not without needing a 20-19 walkoff win Tournaments in their hometown this season ’s lone entrant ended Veracity comeback and win 22-16. As the bracket against Oswald to earn a chance for redemp- and walked away with the big prize in both Motors’ tournament with a 15-4 win, then began, though, Bowers would have a slip up tion against Team Primed. A 21-14 win in that the Masters 35 Competitive Division and the scored 7 in the 7th against Eco Facility and of their own. rematch set up a championship showdown Masters 45. held on in the bottom of the inning for a 17- Heartland opened the bracket with an- between the two Mandan powerhouses. In the 35, Heartland opened pool play by 14 win and a spot in the championship game. other victory over Oswald Brothers - this Another fast start would see Heartland es- 10-running South Dakota’s Team Primed 18- The well-rested Hartland Investors jumped one by a score of 29-19. On the other side, tablish a robust 19-5 lead after the fi rst inning. 8. They then survived a challenge from local out with 11 in the 1st but Primed would not Team Prime’s Masters 45 squad avenged Bowers would remarkably not only fi ght their rival Eco Facility Services 20-18 to enter the go quietly. Ultimately, however, Heartland their tournament opening loss to Bowers by way back into the game, but claimed the lead double elimination bracket as the top seed. would prevail 18-16 to claim the title. upsetting the defending champs 13-10 and in the top of the 4th. Down by one in the bot- Heartland easily moved on in their opener The tournament MVP award was presented sending them to the losers bracket. Prime tom of the 5th, though, Heartland’s off ense versus Mandan Veracity Motors 25-2 while to Heartland’s Quinten Lewton. then had their fi rst shot at Heartland, but came back to life, wearing Bowers down and Eco Facility Services scratched by Team MASTERS 45 the local team served as rude hosts to their pushing across the 11th run in the inning to Primed 25-23 to set up a rematch. Like their Masters 35 counterparts, Heart- guests from the south while going off for 21 win 38-28 and claim the Masters 45 National With the winner taking the undefeated land’s Masters 45 team had a convincing win runs in the fi rst inning. Three innings later, Championship. berth in the championship game, Heartland to start the tournament, 19-7 over Oswald a 22-7 victory would put Heartland into the Darin Krueger was named MVP of the stifled the Eco Facility offense in a 13-3 Brothers. However, the 45 team’s weekend championship game. tournament.

MASTERS 35 MASTERS 40 The Recreation Division of the 2019 Men’s Masters 35 tournament The Recreation Division of the 2019 Krahler’s Softball, and the two-time defend- Men’s Masters 35 National Tournament in ing champion, Miller Lite, with early losses. Mandan was full of surprises. Some of the Elliott Farms would soon join them, event’s heavyweights were bounced early, however, after dropping their next contest leaving the championship wide open. That al- to Circle Sanitation by a 14-3 decision. The lowed one contestant to survive and advance long road back began, ironically, with Miller through four potential elimination games and Lite. Elliott stunned them early to take a 9-0 set up a winner-take-all rematch that would leadthrough 4 and held on for the 11-6 win. take well over two hours to complete due to a Their reward? A chance for Bowers to turn weather delay. Ultimately, Valley City Elliott the table from their earlier matchup. Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Farms’ lengthy run through would prevail once again, though, in another the losers bracket would end with a national fairly low scoring game (10-6) to get them championship. just one more game away from that rematch Elliott Farms’ weekend started quietly in the championship game. They would reach enough with a win over Precision Plumbing, that game with ease, moving on with a 17-7 Heating & Cooling/Valley Reconditioning by victory over the Ransom County Buzzards. the slimmest of margins, 15-14. They would then send one of the favorites, Bowers Ex- cavating, to the loser’s bracket with a 26-17 Masters 35 victory. Bowers would join another favorite, continued on page 3 2 – Softball News Fall 2019

JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 10 & Under, Division A champion...Dickinson Black. Front Row (L-R): JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 12 & Under, Division B champion...Minot Storm. Front Row (L-R): Rhi- Stu Merry, Jozie Elkin, Gabi Sobolik, Myah Merry, Shayna Klizke, Jorga Wandler, Emily anna Kissner, Logan Ystaas. Middle Row (L-R): Assistant Coach Danielle Terrell, Head Sailer. Back Row (L-R): Coach Brian Garr, Kyndall Peterson, Hali Henke, Emersyn Garr, Coach Jess Baker, Halle Baker, Raegan Terrel, Aven Kelly, Claire Keeley, Jersey Burgess. Abby Praus, Coach Tom Henke, Coach Nick Peterson. Back Row (L-R): Gabbi Rohrer, Kinzy Wlestad, Kami Garaas, Assistant Coach Mike Kelly. 10A and under Division 12 B and Under Division Five teams were eligible to play in the 10 Bismarck 6 to 4 in the fi rst game and 14 to The Minot Storm claimed the champion- to 2 and Devils Lake 11 to 1 before besting and Under Division which was won by the 8 in the second game which was necessary ship in the ten team Division winning over the Bismarck Sparks in two games 13 to 2 Dickinson Black team. They opened with a because of the tournament format. Hillsboro Central Valley 10 to 4 in their fi rst and 15 to 14. 9 to 4 win over Minot Storm before beating game and then won handily over Williston 12

JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 14 & Under, Division A champion...North Dakota Elite. Front Row (L-R): Abbey Thornton, Brooklyn Morris, Daysha Malard, Emma Owens, Brielle Wrangham. Back Row (L-R): Ashlee Potter, Abby Renner, Logan Gronberg, Andi Borchers, Kalyssa Erickson, Daisy Sparrow. JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 10 & Under, Division B champion...Jamestown Outlaws. Front Row 14A and Under Division (L-R): Madilyn Hoff , Adisyn Yunck. Middle Row (L-R): Gabrielle Kolden, Clara Seckerson, Larkin Kleven, Rilie Wolf, Megan Jarrett, Cadence Kurtz. Back Row (L-R): Brooke Jackson, North Dakota Elite cruised through the 14 0. In their next two games, they won over Jordan Mikkelson, Jaelyn Sloan, Kaiah Nenow, Lucy Falk, Claire Marker. Coaches: Chad A Division to win the title. The Elite scored River City Wolf Pack 15 to 2 and 9 to 2 in Jackson, Ryan Mikkelson, Scot Sloan, Grant Kleven. two shutouts to open play beating Grand the fi nal game. 10 B and under Division Forks 13 to 0 and West Fargo Fusion 20 to Jamestown won the championship of the 5 to 2. They then met Grand Forks again eight team Class 10B division opening with a which had come through the loser’s bracket 2 to 0 shutout over Grand Forks before beat- and Jamestown won this battle also 5 to 1. ing West Fargo 3 to 2 and Dickinson White

JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 16 & Under, Division A champion...Diamond Academy. Front Row (L- R): Elle Hastings, Autumn McGough, Aubree Lindstrom, Kenzie Dauner, Hannah Bratlien, Jenna Leingang, Abby Rux. Back Row (L-R): Coach Vance Christianson, Coach Sami Dul- lum, Taylor Luikart, Mady Reimche, Azahna Luschen, Brooklynn Ramsey, Kylie Venterosa, Addi Dauner, Coach Matt Gable, Coach Justin Feist. Not Pictured: Coach Sami Trana. 16A and Under Division Diamond Academy won the 16A Division Blaze before beating BGGators in a tight besting eight other teams to win the title. matchup 3 to 2. In the Final, Diamond Acad- They opened with a 7 to 1 victory over FM emy beat the Minot Storm 11 to 2. JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 12 & Under, Division A champion...Dickinson Diamonds. Front Row (L- R): Madi Wegleitner, Beth Dobitz, Emily Hirschfi eld, Priscilla Alvarez , Annabal Scheeler. Middle Row (L-R): Coach Emilie Sickler, Coach Shannon Sickler, Ady Karsky, Ava Jahner, McKenna Mettler, Noella Craig, Coach Jeremy Jahner. Back Row (L-R): Kendra Zeller, Sa- die Stevenson. Mara Armstrong. 12A and Under Division Dickinson Black won the title in the 12A to the Fargo Stingers. In the loser’s bracket, Division over seven other teams. They they next won over the Minot Storm again by opened with a convincing win over Mandan a score of 7 to 4 then disposed of the Fargo 16 to 1 before beating the Minot Storm 8 to Stingers in their next two games 9 to 8 and 2. They lost their next game, falling 8 to 7 23 to 19 to claim the Division Title.

JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 18 & Under, Division A champion...Dickinson Diamonds. Front Row (L-R): Taya Hopfauf; Kamryn Kuntz; Emy Personne; Mckenna Eckleberg; Kennedy Kuntz. Back Row (L-R): Scott Lafond; Ali Lafond; Paige Balliet; Taylor Nelson; Abbey Kessel; Ma- JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 14 & Under, Division B champion...Minot Storm. Front Row (L-R): Coach taya Mortensen; Jason Hopfauf. Not Pictured: Coach Claire Shoffi t. Nikki Van Pelt, Ginger Savelkoul, Rylie Warnke, Taylyn Cope, Taury Hight, Teegyn Ander- son, Cali Wilson, Ellington Anderson. Back Row (L-R): Coach Katie Clark, Ariana Diaz, 18a and Under Division Isabelle Anderson, Alexis Wiese, Kendall Bellew, Ameri Van Pelt, Erika Baker, Coach Paige Dickinson claimed it’s third Division won with a 7 to 0 forfeit over North Dakota Ronnie Championship winning the 18 A title in a ten Elite before meeting and beating West Fargo 14B and Under Division team fi eld. Dickinson won it’s fi rst game 8 United 4 to 1. In the championship games, The Minot Storm claimed the champion- beat Jamestown 5 to 2 and Wahpeton 5 to 1 to 4 over North Dakota Elite before beating they won over the FM Blaze 3 to 0 and 9 to 2. ship in the 14 B Division winning their fi rst before meeting and beating Wahpeton again the Minot Storm 10 to 2. In game three, they game 3 to 2 over the Fargo Fire. They then 9 to 3. Softball News Fall 2019 – 3 President’s Report

Our State tournaments are now was won by 7-Teens out of Grand 35 was divided into a competitive all complete except the 5x5x5. It Forks. And the Rec. 4 West went and a recreational Div. Mandan It is with sadness that I am report- will be held on Sept 14th in Fargo. to Tuff Trucks from Minot. In Heartland Investors won the com- ing that our long time Secretary/ Originally planned to have an East the Masters 35- Heartland Inves- petitive Div. And they also won the Treasurer for our State Association and a West tournament but the West tors from Bismarck took Div. 1. 45 Div. Elliott Farms from Valley Greg Kaeding is retiring eff ective one in Bismarck has been cancelled Mandan Seven Seas came from City came back through the losers 2020. Greg has done a tremendous due to lack of teams. The response the losers bracket to win the Div. bracket to defeat Minot Circle Sani- job for 24 years as our head bean was very positive from last years 2. And Lee’s Bar from Rugby won tation twice to win the recreational counter. Skippy you will be deeply inaugural tournament. Good luck Div. 3. In the Masters 40 Hazen Div. The Ransom County Buzzards missed my friend. to all the teams. Cenex won Div. 1 and Valley City took 3rd place. Mandan will again The Masters Committee will be Here are the State Champions in Elliott Farms won Div. 2. Bowers host this tournament next year so holding their task force meeting each class. The Class C champion Excavating #2-Mandan won the 50 start preparing your teams for this in Fargo on Saturday Sept. 14th this year was RMI out of Grand Metal Bat State. And in the 50 wood fun tournament for next year- Both to go over the past Summer’s sea- Forks. Pink it forward from Fargo bat- Mandan Bowers Excavating men and women. Remember that son. The USA Softball of North Jack Lukes was the Class D champion. The #2 won the Gold Div. and Mandan you can have a makeup roster for Dakota will be holding their task Rec 1 championship went to Smith Magic Touch won the Silver Div. this event. force meeting in Valley City the year in our great game of softball Motors out of Wahpeton. The Mandan John’s Upholstery won the The 44th annual McQuades was morning of Nov. 2nd. If you have in North Dakota. We really ap- Fargo Rejects took the Rec. 2 East. inaugural 60 State. another huge success. It was the any ideas or concerns please let one preciate your continued support. The Rec. 2 West went to the Lisbon Mandan was again the home of largest ever with 464 teams. Ku- of the committee members know or Our Association is strong and well Lizards. Oakes Last Shot Bar was the USA Softball Masters National dos to Jack Jones and Mike Wolf email the State Offi ce before these thanks to you. Here is hoping you’ll the Rec. 3 East champ. The Rec. 3 35-45 Tournament held on Aug 24- and all the umpires, players , and meetings... have a great off -season and see in West was won by Hayward Electric 25. The Women’s 35 was cancelled volunteers that make this a great And lastly I would like to thank the Spring. out of Bismarck. The Rec. 4 East this year due to lack of teams. The tournament . you all that participated this past God Bless

Commissioner’s Column

As we close out another softball numbers of events, Tharaldson’s ship in Mandan this past summer. tional Governing body of Softball season, I would like to thank all donation is a signifi cant contribu- Tournament Director Jack Jones, in the . the people who make our program tion to the USA Softball of North his tournament committee and I would also like to thank our a success. We are very fortunate Dakota program. The Tharaldson volunteers did a great job and the friends in the USA Softball Nation- to have so many people willing to donation allows us to keep our en- event was a huge success. UIC al Offi ce. USA Softball is fortunate serve in such important roles as try fees at an aff ordable level and Mike Wolf had a great umpire staff to have a staff of very dedicated league reps, tournament coordina- maximize team participation. We and did a great job. Jack Lukes individuals who do a tremendous tors, State and local board mem- extend our sincere appreciation to served as the USA National Rep- amount of work for softball. bers, umpires, maintenance people Gary & Connie for their continued resentative and did a very good job Lastly, it has been my honor and the endless volunteer’s in many commitment to softball in North representing and upholding USA again this past year to serve as diff erent capacities. Many thanks Dakota. Be sure to thank them Softball Code and Rules. A special USA Softball of North Dakota State to our partners in Parks & Recre- when you have a chance. thank you to the Bismarck/Mandan Commissioner. We have a great ation Departments in providing 2019 was another very suc- Convention & Visitors Bureau for softball program in North Dakota great facilities and quality softball cessful softball season in North all the support in hosting another and it is due to all the people in Dick Gulmon programs for our players and fans Dakota that culminated with over National championship. Good job the state who give so much of their season with family and friends. to enjoy. 600 Adult & JO teams participating to all and thanks for all the hard time to the program. We have great I look forward to seeing you all A very special thank you to Gary in 35 State tournaments. Thanks to work. leaders throughout the state who around the diamond next year. & Connie Tharaldson and Thar- all the teams, players and sponsors In early November I will work very hard to promote partici- Kind Regards, aldson Companies for sponsoring for supporting the USA Softball of be traveling to Reno, for pation in Adult and JO leagues and Dick Gulmon trophies and championship banners North Dakota program and con- the USA Softball national Council tournaments and strive to achieve USA Softball of North Dakota for 35 State Tournaments as well gratulations to all the Champions meeting. We will be discussing a quality experience for all. My State Commissioner as the USA Softball MSP Masters in 2019. many issues regarding rules and sincere thanks to each of you as we 35 and 45 National Championship We were fortunate to host the legislation for all aspects of the couldn’t do it without you. in 2019. As we all know by the Masters 35/45 National Champion- game as USA Softball is the Na- Have a safe and warm holiday J.O. Fastpitch Update

Congratulations to all the teams Hill Complex. We had 65 teams the 10B championship. This fall the USA Softball Na- that competed in the ND USA State compete in 9 diff erent age bracket There was a total of 133 games tional annual meeting will be held Tournament in Minot this summer. s and divisions. The Dickinson played over the weekend, with 13 in Reno, NV from November 9th Congratulations, also, to Thor Diamonds came out of the loser’s diamonds used, and a staff of 25 thru November 14th. Fargo will be Nelson (Tournament Manager), bracket, and defeated the FM Blaze umpires available to umpire. Lyle sending a group to bid and hope- his volunteers and the Minot Park twice, in the championship games, Rader was our UIC, and at times it fully host the Northern National district staff for taking on the task, to claim the 18U A USA Softball of was a challenge to get the umpires tournaments for 2021. We will of hosting the tournament. This North Dakota State title. It was the to Minot. A Big Thank-you again look forward to any new news, and year was the fi rst year that Minot fi rst time, that Dickinson had won to all those umpires too. Next rule changes, that will be coming had hosted the state tournament. the 18U A division. Other Class year, 2020, Fargo will host the forward for next year. Everyone was excited to play on A teams to win were the Fargo tournament at the North Diamond I would appreciate any com- Minot’s 2 brand new turfed fi elds at Diamond Academy at 16U, ND complex. Those dates will be July ments or concerns anyone may have South Hill Complex. This has been Elite at 14U, Dickinson Diamonds 10-12th. Pat Johnson will again about JO softball. I know for next Brian Neuhardt a long-time planned state tourna- at 12U, and Dickinson Diamonds be the tournament manager for year we are looking at expanding ment for Thor Nelson and the Minot at 10U. Again, Congratulations to the 2020 JO State Tournament. I additional tournaments, exciting Fastpitch board. Dickinson for winning 3 out of the would advise anyone needing a news on the 12U All American This year the 14U, 16U and 18U 5, Age Brackets in Class A. On the hotel room, to reserve them now. Games, changing some rules for games were played at the South Hill Class B side, Jamestown 18B, Mi- The USA Wrestling will be holding the state tournaments. High School complex, while the 10U and 12U not Storm 14B, Minot Storm 12B, their National’s in Fargo starting practice starts March 16th of 2020!! games were played at the North and Jamestown Outlaws claimed that weekend.

Softball News Masters 35 Offi cial Publication of continued from page 1 USA Softball of North Dakota Circle Sanitation was up to the closer and closer to the champion- had before the break did not shift Editor—Walt Stack challenge with the title on the line, ship, eventually taking a 16-9 lead to their opponents. Circle Sanita- Advertising Director—Softball News but Elliott Farms found the off en- in the 6th when dark clouds moved tion would manage just one more Box 309, Garrison, ND 58540 sive spark that was missing in their in and sirens went off throughout run after play resumed and Elliott Subscription and similar material should be addressed to fi rst matchup a day earlier. The Val- the complex. Nearby lightning Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall would ley City squad would win a thriller strikes and the threat of rain would earn their national title. Softball News, Box 309, Garrison, N.D. 58540. 19-18 to force the “if” game. In the for a series of 30 minute delays. Mark Ouellette was named the Advertising rates upon request. rubber match, Elliott Farms edged Any momentum that Elliott had tournament’s Most Valuable Player. For advertising rates, write: BHG, Inc., P.O. Box 309, Garrison, ND 58540 or telephone (701) 463-2201. 4 – Softball News Fall 2019 Ump Chat

It seems like we just get started respective national tournaments. It one of you could have the opportu- While another great season of with the softball season and then takes a lot of hard work and dedi- nity to attend the banquet where we softball in North Dakota is behind it is over before we know it. For cation to the game to be selected hand out the money and hear all of us, there were definitely some having such a small window of to umpire a national tournament! the heartwarming stories about just bumps and bruises along the way opportunity to play softball in ND Great job ND umpires!! how much the many charities and this year with the actions of players we sure do get a lot accomplished Our state tournaments are fi n- organizations appreciate the funds on the fi eld. We need to remember and we always seem to make the ished, and everything seemed to they receive. If you ever want to that this is just a recreational game most of the time we have to enjoy go very well. I have a great crew attend, please let me know and we and we are losing umpires at an softball. of Deputy Umpires in Chief around will make sure that happens! alarming rate due to the actions We recently fi nished hosting a the state that do an excellent job The winning teams and photos of players on the field towards very successful national softball of handling situations that arise are now posted on the McQuade umpires. At the same time, there tournament in North Dakota this during tournaments, not to men- website. Be sure and check out all are many many courteous ballplay- summer. Mandan was host to the tion the great job they do handling the winners at www.mcquades.com ers out there and thanks to all the Mike Wolf • Umpire in Chief Men’s 35 & and 45 & Over Na- situations throughout the season. I Once again, thank you players, players and umpires who make this tional Tournament. As usual, North would like to personally extend my umpires, and fans for making this game so great. Dakota teams a great job in helping thanks and gratitude to the great tournament a success! Watch for I certainly appreciate all the the state! Players and umpires—if support Mandan in their eff orts to job my DUIC’s do each and every the registration form for the 2020 emails, phone calls, and questions you know of someone you think host this national tournament! The year—thanks to Marchel Krieger— tournament that will be available I receive from players, managers, might make a good umpire, encour- Mandan Men’s Softball Association Jamestown, Shorty Payne—Grand shortly after the fi rst of February on and umpires throughout the year on age them to try it. All it takes is a did a great job to help make this Forks, Al Ziemann—Bismarck, the McQuade website. Tournament rule interpretations or concerns you little persuasion from an umpire or tournament a memorable one for all Chris Coleman—Fargo, Elliott dates for 2020 are June 26, 27 & 28. might have. I also get asked several a player and someone just might who played and umpired in it! Jack Gerhardt—Bismarck/Dickinson, It will be our 45th Anniversary and questions at many of the tourna- give umpiring a try—you’ll never Lukes was the ASA Representative Randy Olson—West Fargo, Mike you won’t want to miss it! ments that I attend throughout the know unless you ask! I had three and Jack Jones was the Tournament Nider—Bismarck, Koby Pennick— We have some exciting things summer. I think it is great that we softball players sign up to umpire Manager and both did a great job in Fargo, Tom Lawson—Minot, Terry we’re thinking of for next year. can discuss plays and situations so in Bismarck this year after I made helping make the tournament run O’Clair—Bismarck, and Lyle A limited-edition McQuade com- that umpires and players can come a plea for more umpires at our smoothly. I was honored to serve as Rader—Wahpeton. I truly believe memorative Anarchy bat, a com- to better understand the rules of the managers meeting and they all said the Umpire-in-Chief and Tim Watts that the success of our umpiring memorative coin, and if the new game. Just know that I am willing they had fun umpiring this summer. from Lincoln, NE did a great job as program is based upon the people fi elds at Cottonwood are ready, we and able to assist in any manner I encourage you to continue to the Assistant UIC. A special thanks I have assisting me—so thank you are looking at expanding the Men’s that I can! contact me at any time with any to Bonnie Gerhardt and Larry and everyone!! Without the assistance D division to double elimination, As we end another season, I questions or concerns you may Bobby Erickson for taking such of my DUIC’s throughout the state and if the new fastpitch diamonds would ask leagues, players, and have. For me, the softball season good care of the umpires. our umpire program would not are ready, we are looking at adding umpires around the state to assist never really ends so don’t hesitate to We had Umpires from , enjoy the success it has! a girls’ fastpitch division. So, stay us in recruiting more umpires. I drop me an email at wolfden8993@ , , , I wanted to include an update on tuned! challenge you to do whatever you yahoo.com or give me a call on my , , the Sam McQuade Sr. Budweiser Let’s make McQuade 2020 even can to recruit just one new umpire cell at 701-400-2100 with any ques- and North Dakota and everyone Charity Softball Tournament. Once bigger than this year! Remember— for next season in your area of the tions or concerns you may have. I was very impressed by our North again, I would like to extend a great enter early! Be sure and be one of state. As I mentioned earlier, we are am available to help you in any way Dakota hospitality! All of the um- big THANK YOU to all the teams the record setting teams that partici- losing umpires across the country at I can. Have a great off season. I pires did a great job and the umpires and umpires that participated in the pate in next year’s tournament and an alarming rate and North Dakota look forward to seeing many of you should all be proud of the eff orts tournament and all the fans who don’t be one of the many teams that is no diff erent. By recruiting just again at a rule’s clinic next spring they put forth on the fi eld. came out to watch and support the didn’t make it into the tournament. one new umpire, you would be do- or on the diamonds next summer We also had several North Da- tournament. We had a very suc- GOOD NEWS—the USA Patriots ing your part to make sure the great or even somewhere along the line kota umpires who worked national cessful weekend we were excited Softball Team and the All-Air Force game of softball continues well into this winter! tournaments around the country this to distribute a record $146,000 (up Team will also be returning to the the future with a suffi cient number summer. We also had North Da- from $120,000 in 2018) to local tournament next year, so we are of umpires. Maybe that umpire is kota umpires who were selected to charities and organizations. That’s excited about that. We hope to see you! One night a week can make a work championship games at their incredible!! I wish each and every you there! huge diff erence to any league across From the Sidelines

I am writing this on September was assisted by Terry O’Clair; El- tor and I would rate this one as good I also spent some time at the 17 and wondering where the time liott Gerhardt, Alan Ziemann, Tim as any. Thanks, Mike Wolf and his Women’s Master’s 30 tournament has gone. I know that the older one Herman and a couple others who I assistants. and the National 35 and 45 over in gets, the faster the time seems to fl y can’t remember.( Age you know) I also accompanied JO Com- Mandan. Spectating isn’t my pref- but this softball season seemed to Anyway, we had St. Mary’s Grade missioner Brian Neuhardt to the erence but it’s about all I can do for me to go by especially fast. I am School for indoor classes and were state JO Girl’s Fast Pitch tourna- now. Just can’t move around like I no longer actively umpiring but scheduled to do some outdoor drills ment in Minot. I enjoyed myself should. I know I could still do balls I started the season by attending too but the late April weather pro- a great deal. For an old fast pitch and strikes if I was allowed to sit on the National Umpire School last vided us with snow showers which umpire like me, it was exciting to a stool behind either the pitcher or April. Bismarck hosted one of the forced us indoors. We had plenty see the improvement in the quality the catcher but I would need an as- two top schools in the nation in of room in the gym at St. Mary’s of softball being played around the sistant to get the stool out of the way terms of attendance. We had four so we did the drills in that facility. state and the numbers of girls who in case of a line shot at the pitcher members of the National Umpire Over the years I have been involved are involved in the Sport. Sixty or a close play at home plate. Staff here to conduct the clinic as a softball umpire I have been to nine teams from all across the state Almost forgot, I am now living Walt Stack with assistance from our own Mike several National Umpie Schools took part in this tournament. Teams with a celebrity!! A former high Wolf, State Umpire in Chief. Mike both as a student and as an instruc- were classifi ed by age group with school student of my wife, Donna, with DONNA. The last chapter five different divisions ranging has written a book about her and in the book contains some of my from ten year old to 18 year olds. her teaching skills. She taught for thoughts and is entitled “I NEVER Each age group was classifi ed into 34 years, 16 at Bismarck High and MADE A BAD CALL”. That is A and B Divisions based on abil- 18 at the here in in reference to my marriage-- not ity with the exception of the 18 Bismarck. She won several awards my umpiring career. No one who Contact year olds who only had a Class A for teaching excellence, and what is umpired as long as I did would ever Division. Dickinson claimed the remarkable to me is that the student make a statement like that in regard championship in three different who wrote the book graduated from to softball. Finally, another one of divisions including the 18 years High School in 1970!! After all Donna’s high school students was Information old plus winning trophies in the 10 these years, he still remembered the famous Brian Neuhardt. State and Under Division and the 12 and her style and technique. JO Commissioner! Under Division. If you are interested in reading That’s about all I have to say for USA Softball of Other Division championships this book, it is available on AMA- this time. Stay Well, and I will look were won by teams from James- ZON or BARNES AND NOBLE forward to seeing many of you next North Dakota State Offi ce town, Minot, Fargo and Bismarck. web sites under the title-- TEA softball season. Telephone: (701) 952-4448 Email: StateOffi [email protected] Website: www.USASoftballND.com Softball News Fall 2019 – 5

The team photo is of several players who were on successful; teams sponsored by Gary Tharaldson. Fargo-Moorhead Hall of Fame elects 2019 class Two fast pitch players, a Slow Pitch Player, a super sponsor and one of the best Slow Pitch teams to ever come out of North Dakota enter local Hall of Fame Saturday, August 3, 2019 the latest additions to the Fargo/Moor- head Area Hall of Fame were in- ducted into the local Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in the North Fargo Softball Complex; --Randy Christianson, President of Beverage Wholesalers was inducted after almost 50 years of support for softball in the Fargo/ Moorhead area. The company sponsored both fast pitch teams and slow pitch teams for 49 years. The teams sponsored wereOlympia Beer in slow pitch, Miller Lite also in slow pitch and Schmidt Beer in Fast Pitch. These three teams produced 11 state champions and 7 runner up teams. In addition, Beverage Wholesalers was also a Randy Christenson Lee Anderson Don “Yohner” Johnson James Milbrath major sponsor of the 2004 World Fast-pitch tournament in Fargo and named Most Valuable player in a was a major donor for the Hall of National tournament. Fame Gazebo at the North Fargo James Milbrath was also elected complex. to the shrine. He played slow pitch Lee Anderson played fast-pitch softball for 34 years beginning for 29 years in the Fargo/Moorhead his career at age 16 in Bottineau area playing for fast pitch teams playing for TBA Supply and later Otto’s Welding, VFW , Rooters/ Kersten’s Lounge. James moved Josephs, Kegel Black Knights and to Fargo and played for teams Chubs Pub. He played second base, including Holt Implement, Star outfi eld and catcher for a total of 29 Concrete, LTP Drilling, Rust Auto years. He played in 25 state tourna- Sales, Bergseth Brothers, Scheile Enterprises, Bud Light’Coaches ments, six Regional Tournaments on the bases. After he retired as a Choice, Johnson Hardwood Floors, and several National Tournaments. player he umpired for three years in Gate City Bank, Miller Lite, and His teams won four state titles and the West Fargo League and umpired Bellerud Trucking. James played four Regional Titles. in two state tournaments. All of in seven state tournaments, and Don “Yahner” Johnson played the people who indicated that they four National Tournaments. James fast pitch in the Fargo/Moorhead knew James commented on his carried a lifetime batting average of area for 31 years primarily as a positive attitude as a player and as ,700 and was a noted speed burner catcher but also played some fi rst an umpire. base and outfield. He played with Ted’s Corner, Dugout Bar, Otto’s Welding, VFW, Am Vets Sharon Morgan with her Distinguished Service Award presented by Dick and Dempseys. Don played in Gulmon, State Softball Commissioner. Morgan was the driving force be- 28 state tournaments, 8 Regional hind the Fargo/Moorhead Area Hall of Fame. tournaments and was voted to the Third Team All American team in the men’s forty and over Division in 1999. Tharaldson’s men’s slow pitch team was recognized as the out- standing local team for a period of fi ve years in the 1990’s. For fi ve years from 1990 through 1994 Th- araldson won fi ve state champion- ships, fi ve Regional Championships plus three Old Pro Championships plus a second place fi nish in the National Tournament in 1994. They carved out 101 wins and only 4 loses in 1992 fi nishing 4th in the National tournament. Their won-loss record for the fi ve year period is 422 wins against 57 losses. Eight players from these Tharald- son teams have been elected to the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame while several of their players were Hall of Fame Kiosk, located in the Northern Softball Complex in Fargo. named to All American teams and The kiosk will present photos and other items of Fargo/Moorhead Hall their shortstop, Terry Stargardt was of Fame. 6 – Softball News Fall 2019

Taylor Falcon Lexi Tollefson Cali Tollefson Ava Jahner Brielle Wrangham Five North Dakota girls competed in the All American Games in City Five girls from North Dakota to compete in Oklahoma City at our state were Ava Jahner of Dick- competed in the All American the Hall of Fame stadium. The fol- inson, Taylor Falcon of Minot and Games in Oklahoma City this sum- lowing is a story of their adventure three girls from Bismark, Brielle mer after being selected at tryouts written by one of the girls selected Wrangham, Lexi Tollefson and held in Bismarck in April. They to represent North Dakota, Brielle Cali Tollefson. Coaches were Kelly were joined by other girls who Wrangham. It must have been a Wrangham of Bismarck and Chris were qualifi ed by age from South great time for the participants. The Falon of Minot Dakota, Minnesota and Wiconsin other girls selected to represent Kelly Wrangham Chris Falcon

Wrangham represents Region 8 in Oklahoma City, OK By Brielle Wrangham (glad I didn't win that one) or throw to check out the OU Stadium and was one of our coaches (he said chance to pitch, catch and play in- For the second year in a row I out the fi rst pitch and fun stuff like that was super cool. Friday night I needed to mention that in this fi eld throughtout the games. We had was chosen to represent Region 8 that. It's always super hot in OKC, we all went to a Player Camp put article). After that was Opending a lot of fun watching other games, in Oklahoma City, OK at the USA and usually rains some while we on by “Softball Factory”, where Ceremonies, where we received our going out to eat and just hanging out SOFTBALL ALL AMERICAN are there. This year we were lucky we received extra instruction in Medals and got introduced. They and getting to know all our team- GAMES. The event took place June enough that it didn't rain enough to funderament skills and did lots of also introduced all the Umpires and mates. I got a chance to meet sev- 8-10, 2019 at The Hall of Fame get any of our games cancelled. We testing. had a motivationed guest spreak. eral girls from other states and still Stadium. The same place where ended up playing three pool play Satruday morning we had an- The speaker was famous UCLA keep in contact with them now and the Women's College World Series games, before bracket play on Mon- other practice at the main fi elds Coach Sue Enquist, and she gave we talk about how our seasons are was just one week earlier. It is such day. We lost our game on Monday before receiving our Team Jersey's her “Bring it Sister!” speech which going their summer. What a great a great honor to wear “USA” across 2-3 in a very close, intense game. and getting to do a Meet & Greet got everyone fi red up. experience it was again and what my chest and represent Region 8 in On Friday we got a chance to with three USA Athletes. We got to Right after that the Tournament an amazing event. If anyone gets a this exciting event! get together and meet all of our meet and get autographs from Mi- started and we were the fi rst game chance to go next year defi nitely do Prior to the event, as well as dur- teammates and have a pratice. We chelle Moultrie, Haylie McCleney on the Stadium Field. This is the it, you will have a blast and make ing, USA Softball runs contests on pracitced right across the street and Delaney Spaulding. Then the best, because everyone gets their the best memories. social media where we could win from the Oklahoma Sooner Soft- three of them joined us for a team picture and name up on the big Brielle Wrangham, Region 8 chances to sing the Nation Anthem ball Complex. After pratice we got picture with our coaches. My dad scoreboard when you bat. I got a

The Last Call Greg Kaeding to retire in April 2020

Greg Kaeding, long time Secre- 4,000 teams. Mike Lyman dies July 17 tary/Treasurer of the state Softball His state resume is every bit as Association has announced that he impressive and includes service will retire in April 2020. He leaves on the State Board of Directors Fast Pitch Veteran was 70 a long list of accomplishments on since 1996 plus serving as the state Michael Stanley Lyman passed the local level and also the state Secretary/Treasurer for that same away July 17, 2019 at Sanford level in softball. Besides his ad- period. In addition, he sits on the Medical Center in Fargo under ministrative duties, Kaeding played State Classifi cation Committee, the the care of Ethos Hospice. Born in slow pitch softball for 29 years, Hall of Fame Selection Committee Fargo, Mike spent his early years mostly as a pitcher. He won over and the Financial Committee. on a farm near Lisbon before mov- 500 pitching victories and played In reviewing the accomplish- ing with his parents to West Fargo in 25 state tournaments. Two of his ments listed above, it appears that in the early 1960's. He graduated teams won state titles. In addition, we may need to hire three or more from West Fargo High School in he and fellow Hall of Fame mem- people to cover all of the services he 1966 and attended North Dakota ber, Stan Johnson co-sponsored a Treasurer for the Fargo Slow P itch did so well. He will be missed for State University and Mankato State girl’s slow pitch team for six years. Association for 30 years. He was a his quirky sense of humor as well University before enlisting in the His administrative roles on the long time member of the All City as for his excellence in fi lling all the US Navy in 1968. From 1971 until local level include 34 years of Fargo Park Board Softball Board positions he held with dedication 1979 Mike served as a Deputy with service on the Fargo Slow Pitch and managed National Tourna- and his own special personality. the Cass County Sheriff 's Depart- Board of Directors and service as ments in Fargo which hosted over ment in Fargo. He also was the Sports Editor for the West Fargo Pioneer Newspaper and worked as in his long playing career and was a legal investigator for the Vogel especially proud of having caught Law Firm in Fargo from 1979 four pitchers who are in the North through 2012. Dakota Softball Hall of Fame, Jim Mike was heavily involved in Baum, Ray Clark, Pat Stockert fast pitch softball for most of his and late Jim Kapp. He also had the adult life, having played for 38 privilege and joy of having played years, managed for 25 years, um- with his two sons. Mike was elected pired for 15 years and sponsored to the North Dakota Softball Hall youth teams for 10 years. of Fame in 2010 and served on the Mike caught over 1200 games candidate selection committee, Softball News Fall 2019 – 7

Men’s Rec 1 champion...Wahpeton Smith Motors/Coors Light. Front Row (L-R): Ryan Smith, Parker Sirek, Jeremy Bontjes, Tyler Gripentrog, Beau Gilles. Back Row (L-R): Wayne Grip- entrog, Cole Gilles, Andy Ziegelman, Gage Nelson, Jason Sirek, Dave Eklund. Men’s Rec 1 – August 10 and 11 – Mandan Mandan hosted 33 Men’s Rec one teams with Boyko/Center Machine of Mandan who were competing for the state title in the which was decided by a single run as Smith Division. won with 9 runs over 8 ruins for Boyko. JO Girls’ Fast Pitch 18/16 & Under, Division B champion...Jamestown Outlaws. Front Row (L-R): Coach Brooke Umland, Emily Hoff , Sid Kautz, Rachel Schiele, Addi Douty, Coach Smith Motors/coors light of Wahpeton Another one run game followed with Smith Marissa Drenth. Back Row (L-R): Gracie Gunderson, Payton Gall, Mckenna Jackson, Ella won the Division Championship winning fi ve prevailing over Mortons Buildings of Fargo Roaldson. Not Pictured: Elizabeth Grenz. games in a row but were later forced to play 8 to 7. In the Double Elimination Format of a “If Necessary Game” to grab the fi rst place the tournament, Mortons came back in the trophy. .Smith Motors/Coors Light opened “if game winning 16 to 13 to force another with a solid victory over MTW Towing of Championship game. Smith Motors/Coors Fargo 18 to 7. Game two was a win over Light fought back in the fi nal game winning Mann Energy Services of Bismarck 9 to 5. by the ten run role 17 to 7. Their next game was won by the ten run Morton’s claimed the Runner Up Spot. rule as they defeated Chub’s Pub of Fargo Boyco was named third place winner with 17 to 7. In the next game, Smith Motors/ Kensal in fourth place. Coors Light found itself in a tight battle

Men’s C champion...Grand Forks RMI/First Class Mortgage/Budweiser. Front Row (L-R): James Wolfgram, Dan Walz, Casey Lomman, Eric Gast, Bob Lukkason, Tyler Gibbs, Mi- chael Lukkason. Back Row (L-R): Butch Tester, Ryan Bartz, Kris Marcott, Brian DeVillers, Shea Gaier, Jordan Osmundson, Cullen Schneider, Reed Hjelle, Andy Babinchek. Men’s Rec 2 East champion...Fargo Rejects/Wild Bill’s/Lucky 13. Front Row (L-R): Tyler Wentzell, Kenny Nelson. Middle Row (L-R): Keegan Draper, Sean Mattern, Travis Holler, RMI/First Class Mortgage/Budweiser of Grand Forks Aaron Montgomery, Chance McMasters, Tyler Wolf. Back Row (L-R): Tyler Hewson, Ron Moore, Joe Guest, Dylan Johnson. Not Pictured: Riley Clennon, Tyler Bormann, Steve captured the Men’s Class C State Tournament in Fargo Groth, Anjelo Sigend, Rusty Bouvette A Grand Forks team with triple sponsors 11 to 9. Men’s Rec 2 East – Wahpeton August 3 and 4 won the State Class C Men’s Slow Pitch RMI bounced back in the “if necessary Twenty Nine teams fi lled the Wahpeton 12 to 8 ball game. Tournament in Fargo the weekend of August game” to win 18 to 3 and clai m the title. Softball Complex on August 3 and 4 to de- Hope Electric began their day with a solid 3 and 4 in a fi eld of ten teams. Quality Concrete was runner up, losing termine a champion of the Men’s Rec Two 17 to 5 win over Bonzers/Condor pipeline RMI opened with a convincing win over twice to RMI. Quality opened with a win East Division. of Grand Forks. Then beat the Fifth Hole of Eide Ford of Bismarck winning 19 to 4. In over sports on tap 14 to 8 before losing their Wild Bills of Fargo won the title by win- West Fargo in a tense battle 7 to 6. In their their second game they bested a Fargo team next game to eventual champion RMI 20 to ning six games in a row without a loss. Wild third game, they defeated JR’s Bar and West which was also sponsored by three sponsors 18. Quality came back with wins over Eide Bills opened with a 13 to 6 win over FCCU of Fargo VFW before losing the championship Quality Concrete/Prairie Supply/CCS. RMI Ford of Bismarck 18 to 16 and Dickson Law/ Wahpeton and then defeated H and S Paint- game to Wild Bills 12 to 8. won in a squeaker 20 to 18. They then beat Vue Community Credit /Sports cards 23 to ing of West Fargo 15 to 12. Their next win West Fargo VFW claimed third place and Mulligans of Williston 10 to 2 before losing 3 before splitting their last two games with was against another West Fargo team, the Grand Forks Bonzers was the champ of the their next game to Quality Concrete , etc. RMI to fi nish in second place. Flying Pigs which they beat by two runs 7 consolation bracket. Roughrider bracket was to 5. Wild Bills then claimed a forfeit before won by West Fargo Tap That and the Cactus beating Hope Electric for the state title in a Bracket was won by Fargo Bar 9.

Men’s Rec 2 West champion...Lisbon Lizards/Coors Light. Front Row (L-R): Zack Roberts, Joe Aamot, Greg Evanson, Derek Hiam, Tim Vessel, Branden Welsen. Back Row (L-R): Brad Dahl, Eric Foyt, Drew Welton, Carl Bartholomay, Dalton Bartholomay, Tony Huseth, Shane Fellows. Men’s D champion...Fargo Pink it Forward/Edward Jones/The Box. Front Row (L-R): Shane Men’s Rec. 2 State Tournament Piatz, Jerrod Mauch, Chris Torkildson, Mike Tanhoff , Ryan Smith, Andy Larson, Andrew August 3 and 4 Bismarck a Bismarck team sponsored by Sports Page/ Wang. Back Row (L-R): Tony Nichols, Cole Jirik, Myke Ruud, Nick Carpenter, Alex Beach, A total of 26 teams assembled in Bismarck Colonial Lounge. Their second game was a Blane Johnson, Jon Lapp. the weekend of August 3 and 4 to contest the nail biter which resulted in a one run victory state championship in the Rec. 2 Division. for Fischer/AVC/Southview Liquors/Spur Men’s Class D Slow Pitch Tournament The tournament was won by the Lisbon Liz- Bar over Willison Body and Paint/Swanson ards which went undefeated in four games to Farms of Devils Lake. The fi nal score was hosted 21 teams in Fargo in August win the championship trophy. 10 to 9. The Lisbon team began their road to the Fischer then won over Active Nutrition/ A team sponsored by Pink It Forward and to 9 over Pink It Foreward to force an “if title with a 12 to 4 win over Elbow Room/ Buff alo Concrete of Bismarck with a score Edward Jones won the Men’s Class D State necessary game” which was won by Pink It Coors Light/Pure Country of Bismarck. of 21 to 3. They also stopped Petro Hunt 26 Tournament in Fargo but had to play the “if Forward 16 to 6. They followed up with a convincing 22 to to 5 before losing the fi nal game to the team necessary game” to do it. Aftermath won it’s fi rst four games before 14 win over ZKS/ Healthways of Bismarck. from Lisbon. Pink It Forward opened with a solid win running into the eventual champs. They beat In their third game, they defeated a talented Third place was grabbed by the Turtle over Howco/Driftwood Lounge of Wahpeton a Williston team with multiple sponsors 12 team from Turtle Mountain named the Thun- Mountain Thunder while Carrington captured 21 to 11. In their second game they beat Titan to 10 then disposed of Corral Bar and other der. The fi nal score was 11 to 6 in favor of the Consolation Title. Resources, Inc. of Williston 11 to 4 before sponsors 8 to 6. They beat The Hub and the Lisbon team. That win carried them to ZKS/Healthways won the Roughrider meeting and beating Rhombus Guys/Preci- other sponsors from Grand Forks in a tight the fi nal game in which they met and beat Bracket beating Hazen Family Eye Care 23 sion Plumbing/Amp of Fargo. Their next contest 10 to 9 before beating a team from a Dickinson team, Fischer/AVC/Southview to 15. opponent was Burgess Detailing of Minot Devils Lake, The Proz 18 to 7 before losing Liquors and Spur Bar by a score of 19 to 9 Cactus Bracket title went to Farmers and they disposed of them 14 to 3 before to Pink It Forward 14 to 12, then beat Pink It to win the state title. Union Insurance /Anarchy Bat 11 to 7 over beating another Minot team, aftermath 14 Forward 10 to 9 and lost a fi nal game to Pink The Runner Up team from Dickinson the Elbow Room. to 12. Aftermath rebounded and won 10 It Forward 16 to 6 . began their day with a 25 to 1 thrashing of 8 – Softball News Fall 2019

Men’s Rec 3 East champion...Oakes The Last Shot Bar & Grill. Front Row (L-R): Randy Men’s Rec 4 West champion...Minot Tuff Trucks. Front Row (L-R): T.J. Martinez, Garrett Sell, Josh Roberts, Shawn Kourajian, Mike Titus, Zach Roberts, Kaleb Sell, Cody Nash, Moore, Will Morgan, Hunter Kyner. Back Row (L-R): Porter Enloc, Damon Nixon, Rick Wes Maley. Back Row (L-R): Del Titus, Bob Miller, Mike Quadt, Nick Frieddt, Kyle Courtney, Burke, Jake Groghan, Ben Tikelsky, Dylan King, Bob Gorski. Riley Sauerwein. Men’s Rec 3 East – Fargo August 10 and 11 Men’s Rec 4 West – Dickinson August 17 - 18 52 teams competed with the Last Shot Bar of Oakes winning the title Tuff Trucks of Minot grabbed the cham- The Landing of Minot settled for second pionship trophy over 23 other teams in the place after a run of four straight wins. They In one of the largest slow pitch state cham- score was available. Oakes won the state title in Men’s Rec 4 State Championship on Au- outscored Bob’a Oildfi eld Services with a pionship tournaments held in North Dakota, the Men’s Rec Three East. gust17 and 18 in Dickinson. ten run rule game 17 to 7. In their second 52 teams assembled in Fargo the weekend of Coaches of Rural Cass County was the runner Tuff Trucks won their fi rst game with a 9 to game, Tuff Trucks subdued 701 softball/A August 10 and 11 to compete for the title. up winning three games before losing to even- 0 shutout over Century 2l/West Dakota Meats plus ride service which put them into the The Last Shot bar team from Oakes claimed tual Champion Oakes Last Shot. Coaches beat of Mandan. In their second contest, they ran Semi-fi nal game where they outlasted Timber the championship trophy winning fi ve games Tharaldson’s 12 to 6 and they then beat Prairie into a bit more competition but managed to Athletics of Mandan in a squeaker 6 to 5 and without a loss. In their opening game, they Brothers 13 to 3. The won their fi rst game in win 13 to 10 over Steff es/Continental Real they beat Stallion Oilfi eld Services/Beehler bested Red River Endodontic s/Sputnik Drillers the semi-fi nal round besting SouthTown Pour Estate of Dickinson. of Bismarck. from Grand Forks in a tight defensive battle 5 to 12 to 10 before losing the title game to Oakes. In the third game of their title run, Tuff Stallion OilField was the third place team 3. Their second game was almost as close as the Consolation Crown was awarded to Lunseth Trucks scored a 15 to 8 win over Triangle while the Consolation Bracket went to Cen- gang from Oakes won 6 to 3 over Chubb’s Pub Rough Rider Bracket went to Ruby Tuesday. Electric/Bud Light of Williston. In the fourth tury 21/West Dakota Meats of Mandan. In of Fargo. Gentzkow, Inc. also gave the Oakes Cactus Bracket won by McMenamys of game they met and beat another Minot team the Roughrider Bracket, Steff es/Continental team all they wanted as they lost a 15 to 13 game. Grand Forks as they prevailed over The Landing of Minot Real Estate of Dickinson prevailed and in the In their fi rst game in the semi-fi nals, Oakes Pioneer Bracket was won by Rutland in a tight struggle 13 to 11 to win the cham- Cactus Bracket Stage Stop of Mandan was bested Sanford Lawn before defeating another Tumbleweed Bracket was topped by T6(L37 pionship game. the winning team. good team Coaches from Rural Cass Count. No Jand S

Men’s Rec 3 West champion...Bismarck Hayward Electric/Sizzlin S Construction. (L-R) Jayden Gimbel, Alex Weiand, Joey Benke, Cyrus Smith, Zach Stakler, Tanner Bittner, Tren- ton Schwehr, Andrew Beyer, Nick Nustad, Travis Stevens, Travis Hayward. Men’s Rec 3, August 10 - 11-Bismarck Men’s Masters 35, Division 1 champion...Bismarck Heartland Investors, Front Row (L-R): One of the largest fi elds to compete for a beat Terhorst of Minot to claim the title and Garret Kunz, Jason Salz, Scott Brahos, Shawn Harrington, Mike Wolff . Back Row (L-R): state slow pitch title gathered in Bismarck the fi rst place trophy. Brad Jaeger, Mike Swanson, Scott Huff man, Tad Fink, Brandon Wilkens, Al Liebert, Scott the weekend of August 10 and 11. Sixty one Terhorst of Minot was the runner-up win- Yantzer, Gene Graner, teams sought the title which was won by a ning four games before losing the fi nal to Bismarck team, Hayward Electric/Sizzlin S Hayward Electric/Sizzlin S Contruction of Men’s Masters 35 – Division One Contruction won six games without a loss to Bismarck. Terhorst beat Precision Under- To no one’s surprise, Heartland Investors Hardware. In game two, they lost to Heart- claim the championship. ground of Bismarck in their fi rst game 16 to 5, won the Men’s Masters 35, Division One title land by the ten run rule, 14 to 4. Krahlers Hayward opened with a ten run victory then defeated another Bismarck team, Dakota in Mandan July 27 and 28. The tournament notched four more victories in a row before over The Spur/Twisted Tea/Neighbors Bar/ Eye 10 to 6 and Noble Casing of Williston 13 only included six teams. Heartland opened meeting Heartland again. The four victims Just in Glass of Dickinson 14 to 4 and fol- to 11. Their next win propelled them into the with a fi rst round bye and then won over were BNC/Lucky’s of Bismarck; Sperle of lowed up with a win over a Beulah team, fi nal game as they won over Alibi’s Lounge Krahlers 14 to 4, Wolding Trucking of Minot Fargo;Arrowhead Ace Hardware of Minot Coteau/Coyote Station/Coyote Creek in a 25 to 6 before losing the fi nal game 7 to 1. 20 to 16 and Krahler s again 15 to 5. and Wolding Trucking also of Minot. In the 10 to 6 contest. In Game three, Hayward Consolation Champs were Reiter Oil of Krahlers won fi ve games to fi nish in the title game, Heartland Investors prevailed defeated Mountain PlainesLLC of Mandan Minot. Roughrider Bracket was claimed by Runner- Up position. Their fi rst win was an by ten runs again scoring a 15 to 5 victory. 21 to 12. Lee’s Bar of Rugby was the next Motorheads Repair and Cactus Bracket was 18 to 9 triumph over Minot Arrowhead Ace Wolding claimed third place. team to fall losing 12 to 7 to the eventual won by Legacy Moving while DTE Farmers champion. The Boys of Summer from Wil- Union Insurance was named the winner of the liston were next to taste defeat at the hands of Pioneer Bracket. Country Financial-Johnson Hayward, etc as they dropped a 7 to 4 contest. took the Tumbleweed Bracket with a one run In the championship game, Hayward, etc. win over Precision.

Men’s Masters 35, Division 2 champion...Mandan Seven Seas. Front Row (L-R): Jeff Re- rick, Dan marsh, Wyatt Pollert, Easton Monson. Middle Row (L-R): Todd Boehm, Charles Seil, Chad Stewart, Kenny Phillips, Shannon Gangl, Josh Stewart. Back Row (L-R): Rob- Men’s Rec 4 East champion...Grand Forks 7-Teens. Front Row (L-R): Brandon Kuntz, ert Liscomb, Rocky Reddig, Lucas Liscomb, Corey Rennich, Ty Shope, Jerry Zachmeier, Kaden Landa, Luke LaMoine, Gunnar Gibbs, Reed Turner. Back Row (L-R): Jack Tanna- Brandon Monson. hill, Landon Kraft, Noah Cieklinski, Logan Steen, Wyatt Eagleson, Blaise Monnette, Luke Cieklinski. Men’s Masters 35 – Division Two The Men’s Rec 4 East Division had the second largest Division Two of the Men’s Masters 35 and Carpet World of Bismarck. Seven Seas tournament held in Mandan July 27 and 28 scored 21 runs in each of those two contests. number of teams entered, August 17 - 18 in Grand Forks fi elded 14 teams and crowned a local team They next defeated Garage Logic of Mandan 7 Teens of Grand Forks claimed the title then disposed of Bellmore and Sons /Casey’s as Champion when Mandan Seven Seas in a tight contest 15 to 14. Another close winning 18 to 9 in their fi rst game over Extra Bar of Wahpeton 6 to 5. Walhalla then de- which survived a fi rst round loss, then won game followed as Seven Seas beat Bower’s End of Grafton before beating Bar Code of feated Steff es of Grand Forks 18 to 3. In the six games in a row before beating Precision Excavating of Mandan 4 to 3. West Fargo 20 to 2. In their third game, 7 Semi-Final round Walhalla beat Borsheim Plumbing of West Fargo twice in the cham- In the championship games Seven Seas Teens won over the Dirt Bags of Fargo 8 Crane Services of Fargo to gain the title pionship. vanquished Precision Plumbing of West to 3. They won their fourth game in a row game where they lost to 7 teens 11 to 5. Val- Seven Seas lost it’s opening game to Bis- Fargo in two games to win the crown. The beating Valley Plains of Jamestown in a ley Plains won over Borsheim for third place marck Prairie Supply by the ten run rule, 24 scores were 17 to 15 in the fi rst game and 25 convincing win. while Brent Berg was the consolation winner. to 14, then rallied to win over West Fargo to 18 in the fi nal game. Walhalla Building Center of Grafton also RoughRider Bracket was won by Hunter Pixeled Brewing 21 to 14, STEP Wellness Bowers Excavating claimed third place. advanced thru their bracket beating Magnum Insurance. of Bismarck, Make Scents also of Bismarck Electric Hustlers of Fargo in their opening The Cactus bracket winner was Hugo’s game winning 17 to 6 before meeting and Wine and Spirits of Grand Forks beating Jerome Wholesalers 15 to 5. They Softball News Fall 2019 – 9

Men’s Masters 50 Metal Bat champion...Mandan Bowers Excavating II. Front Row (L-R): Tim Adolf, Bob Piatz, Dean Gesellchen, Jeff Delzer, Todd Winkler, Tommy Schmidt, Ben- nett Ereth, Morgan Delzer. Back Row (L-R): Randy Piatz, Scott Battest, Mark Bohrer, Ter- Men’s Masters 35, Division 3 champion...Rugby Lee’s Bar. Front Row (L-R): Eric Zietz, rance Schmidt, Dana Ereth, All Liebert, Rod Becker, Jon Gums. Travis Risovi, James Brossart, Tobias McCabe, Chad Hauck. Back Row (L-R): Ray Uhlen- kamp, Garitt Irey, Lance Zietz, Brian Olson, Mark Hamilton, Steve Mueller. Men’s Masters 35 - Division Three The winner of the Men’s Masters 35 Club in a 9 to 8 thriller. Their second game – Division Three wasa team from Rugby was also decided by a single run as they won sponsored by long time player, manager over Mayville Viking Insurance by a score and sponsor Lee Ekren owner of Lee’s Bar. of 11 to 10. Minot Spartan/Nolas gave them Eleven teams showed up to challenge for the another close game but Lee’s prevailed 11 title and Lee’s Bar won four straight games to 9 to reach the fi nal game in which they and was crowned champion. defeated Fargo Bar Code 13 to 5 to take home They opened their trip to the fi nal beating the title and the trophy. a team sponsored by the Bismarck Moose

Men’s Masters 50 Wood Bat, Division 1 champion...Mandan Bowers Excavating II. Front Row (L-R): Abby Ereth, Morgan Delzer, Gabby Ereth, Bennett Ereth, Easton Delzer. Middle Row (L-R): Bob Piatz, Jim Keller, Dean Gesellchen, Jon Gums, Jeff Delzer, Todd Winkler. Back Row (L-R): Randy Piatz, Terrance Schmidt, Scott Battest, Tim Adolf, Mark Bohrer, Dana Ereth, Jim Becker, Rod Becker Men’s Masters 50 Wood Bat - Gold Division The men’s masters 50 wood bat tourna- champion of the six team event. Bowers ment was held in mandan august 3, 2019. began with a win over Fargo PCI by the score Men’s Masters 40, Division 1 champion...Hazen Cenex/Western Frontier Insurance. (L-R) Melachi Four Bear, Joel Prochnow, Rod Skalsky, Jeff Koppelsloen, Brandon Schirado, Doug Format was pool play followed by a single of 7 to 4 and then beat Bowers #1 16 to 3 to Wick, Aaron Wick, Ryan Schleppenbach, Brad Hetzler, Mitch Neumiller, Ramon Jasso. elimination bracket play. win the Division title. All other teams ended Mandan Bowers Excavating #2 was the with one win and one loss. Men’s Masters 40 – Division One A small fi eld of only seven teams met in to force another championship game which Jamestown over August 17 and 18 to decide was won by Hazen 9 to 7 to claim the winners the Champion of the Men’s Masters 40 Divi- trophy and the title. sion One. Hazen Cenex/Western Frontier In- Fargo Miller Lite advanced by beating surance won the Division One title at James- Minot Coors Light/Crestwood Crudde 24 to town’s Hill Crest Softball Complex. Hazen 1 then followed with a12 to 2 win over Bis- opened with a 24 to 11 victory over Kensal marck Carpet World. Miller Lite stumbled Old Pros. In their second game, Hazen had in their third game, losing to eventual champ a tougher game but prevailed over Bowers Hazen 22 to 12. Miller Lite bounced back Excavating 15 to 12 to advance against Minot with a win over Kensal Old Pro 23 to 2 to Coors Light/Crestwood Crude of Minot. In win another shot at Hazen in the fi nal game their next game they met Fargo Miller Lite which was won by Hazen Cenex to win the which came out of the losers bracket and Division. Kensal Old Pros won third place. Men’s Masters 50 Wood Bat, Division 2 champion...Mandan Magi-Touch. Front Row (L- won over Hazen by a ten run margin 17 to 7 R): Dan Ruff , Randy Horner, Curt Pierce, Greg Nelson, Clint Kautz, John Leddon. Back Row (L-R): Kevin Gorder, Brian Johnson, Mark Klein, Todd Neurohr, Ken Knodel, David Siegried, Carl Buechler, Kevin Vossler, Jacob Sauter, Monte Stein Men’s Masters 50 Wood Bat - Silver Division The Silver Division of the men’s masters play. In the bracket play, Magi-touch gained wood bat tournament was also held at Man- wins over Wagner Financial of Mandan 13 dan on August 3. Magi-Touch of Mandan to 2 then beat Fort Rice 8 to 3 and Walton won the division with three wins in the Chiropractic of Fargo 10 to 3 to clinch the bracket play after going one and one in pool Silver Division Championship .

Men’s Masters 40, Division 2 champion...Valley City Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall. Front Row (L-R): Wade Person, Chris Elliott, Clay Elliott, Gary Hill. Back Row (L-R): Brent Ever- son, Mike Day, Jim Richels, Todd Kalpakoff , Jason Rud, Keith LaVallie, Travis Schwab, Eric Carter, Ryan Marquart.

Men’s Masters 40 – Division Two Men’s Masters 60 Wood Bat champion...Mandan John’s Upholstery. Front Row (L-R): An eight team fi eld met in Jamestown the win the tournament. Duane Broschat, Tim Krahler, Wayne Becker, Gordie Smith, Steve Harrington. Back Row weekend of August 17 and 18 to determine Shady’s was the runner up beating the (L-R): Kelly Krahler, Richie Long, Ron Geff re, Kent Fredrickson, Curt Krahler, Kel Fitterer, Jim Becker. the champion of the Men’s Masters 40 Divi- Grand Forks Merchants in their fi rst game sion Two. Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall 14 to 1 before defeating Bruno’s Pizza of Men’s Masters 60, Wood Bat of Valley City won four games without a loss Bismarck 13 to 2 and Step Wellness 14 to 10. Mandan hosted six teams which competed They had a tougher time in their next game to cop the title in this Division. They opened They had to beat the Grand Forks Merchants for the title in the Men’s Masters 60, Wood before beating another Fargo team PCI 7 to with a tight battle winning by 9 to 8 over again, this time by a single run 11 tgo 10. Bat Division on Sunday, August 4. A local 2. They had to beat them again as PCI came Shady’s of Jamestown. In game two they beat They also beat Viking Insurance of Mayville team sponsored by John’s Upholstery won back through the loser’s bracket. John’s won Lisbon Gentzkow 18 to 4 and in game three 16 to 15 before losing the title game to Elliott the tournament. John’s won handily in their in a thriller 7 to 6 to win the championship they stopped Viking Insurance of Mayville Farms/Mikklesen Drywall. fi rst game of the day beating another Man- title and trophy. 24 to 9. In the championship game, Elliott dan team, Wagner Financial 18 to 4 then PCI fi nished second and Magi-Touch of beat Shady’s of Jamestown again 17 to 13 to continued their off ensive show with a 14 to Mandan fi nished in third place. 7 victory over Fargo Walton Chiropractic. 10 – Softball News Fall 2019

Men’s 5x5x5 East, Tier 2 champion...Valley City Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall. L-R: Mark Ouellette, Chris Elliott, Jason Ruud, Mike sherman, Jarrod Schwab, Jimmy Richels, Shawn Heiress. Men’s Slow Pitch 5x5x5 East, Tier 2 Coed, Division 3 champion...Jamesown The Buff /Helena Softball. Front Row (L-R): Greg In only the second state tournament in scoring aff air. Heading into the middle of the Lunzman, Seth Hatelwick. Back Row (L-R): Chastity Schafer, Shannon Weist, Stacie Fet- North Dakota featuring the 5x5x5 format, 4th inning, all 3 teams were within 2 runs of tig, Kaitlyn Dewald, Rachel Cichos, Jade Schafer, Levi Gaunska, Riley Schafer. Valley City Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall each other. That’s when Elliott pushed 7 runs staved off a desperate rally from last year’s across the plate to establish a bit of a cushion Co-Ed State Tournament – Division Three champions to claim this year’s title. James- over their opponents. The 4 run lead they took Buff -Helena softball of Jamestown won winning a third game from Menace to So- town Wildside Creations picked up where to the fi nal inning became 6 as Wildside came Division Three of the state Co-ed champion- briety 18 to 11 and won the title with an 11 they left off in 2018 by sweeping their way to bat in the bottom of the 5th. The defending ship in a fi eld of sixteen teams going unbeaten to 7 win over JVC/McMenamy’s of Grand through pool play. Elliott Farms managed just champs were not willing to relinquish the title in four games to win the title. Buff -Helena Forks. Third place went to Shotgun Sally’s one win in 3 pool play games, but their two so easily, though. A 2-out grand slam would opened pursuit of the crown with an 11 to 7 of Grand Forks. second place fi nishes provided enough points force extra innings. Both teams traded single win over Hugo’s Wine and Spirits of Grand Team Hutton won the Roughrider Bracket to secure a place in the championship. Grand runs in the 6th. However, after Elliott added Forks. They followed that up with a 7 to of Division Three and Bananas and Beer won Forks Nodak Insurance rounded out the trio another in the 7th, Wildside failed to answer 3 win over Huttons of Grand Forks before the Cactus Bracket. that would be playing in that contest. The and the championship trophy was destined championship game started as a tight, low- for Valley City.

Coed, Division 4 champion...Fargo Wurth USA. Front Row (L-R): Kylee Bartholomay, Ja- son England, Brian Erickson, Kyle Ross, Kalli Bartholomay, Sam Pickrain. Back Row (L-R): James Uriell, Bill Bartholomay, Deanna Wibbens, Kramer Stuth, Jayme West, Melissa Bar- Coed, Division 1 champion...Fargo #sorrypitch/Kelly’s Bar. Front Row (L-R): Bobby Luk- tholomay, Mackenzie Baril. Not pictured: Heather Erickson kason, Tim Jallen, Kayla Lukkason, Emily Lundby, Alex Sumner. Back Row (L-R): John DeHaan, Kelsey Carriere, Michael Lukkason, Victor Sokolofsky, Jordan Mauch, Catherine Dorsher, Rachel Berger Co-Ed State Tournament – Division Four Wirth USA won the Division Four of the Tappen 8 to 1 before beating Speedway Hitter Co-Ed State Tournament – Division One State Co-ed Tournament in the state tourna- of Grand Forks 7 to 4 to win the Division title. The annual state tournament for co-ed soft- in their second game as Got1’s6/MMB came ment held in Grand Forks September 7 and Pfaff Ranch was runner-up beating Spare ball took place in Grand Forks the weekend of back through the loser’s bracket. This game 8. Wirth started with a 10 to 6 triumph over Parts 12 to 9. The Roughrider bracket was September 7 and 8. Sorry Pitch won Division was won by Got1’6/MMB to force a second Ringdahl’s EMS/TRAUT WELLS/FRED’S claimed by fl ooring innovations with a 6 to 2 One which featured only three teams. Sorry championship game which was won by DEN. They ran into a tough team sponsored win over Hankey Law and Hugo’s Bud Light. Pitch won their fi rst game in a closely con- Sorry Pitch in another one run game, 19 to by Flooring innovations in their second game, Cactus bracket was won by Sliver Prairies tested contest as they edged Got1’s6/MMB 18. Sorry Pitch was declared the champion squeezing out a one run victory 5 to 4. In the beating BSE 21 to 11 then beat the Prodigies 7 to 6. Sorry Pitch had to face the same foe of Division One. third game, Wirth defeated Spare Parts of 22to 6.

Women’s D champion...Bismarck Got1s6/BDS Concrete. Front Row, Kneeling (L-R): Felic- ity Blair, Kristi Dagman, Kennedy Blair, Amanda Baerlocher. Back Row (L-R): Melissa Wil- son, Lashae Michels, Desiree Smith, Brittany Marohl, Tracy Marback, Nikki Brunelle, Kari Coed, Division 2 champion...Wahpeton Wilkins Drinks & Eatery. Front Row (L-R): Dane Flaagan, Amber Zahn. Platt, Jerry Held, Preston Keppes, Seth Krueger, Casey Maten. Back Row (L-R): Amber Volanti, Jordan Reiff , Brenna Stein, Baylee Wilson, Lexi Ziezke, Sydney Whitmarsh, Trevor Thiele Women’s Class D state tournament Co-Ed State Tournament – Division Two Bismarck team wins title over seven entrants Wilkins Drink and Eatery captured the trounced Tangled Hair of Wahpeton 20 to A Bismarck team won the Women’s Class another Bismarck team as they won 18 to 13 Division Two bracket of the state co-ed 8 before losing their fi rst game to No. Dak. D state title on July 27 and 28 in a seven team over Wings and Rings before beating Strike/ championship topping the ten team bracket Sandlot of Hillsboro. Wilkins bounced back tournament held in Bismarck. BDS/GOTIS 6 MJGA of Minot 14 to 1. without a loss. Wilkins began it’s quest for in the “if necessary game’ handing the Sand- captured the championship with four straight BDS then won two in a row over Mulligans the title with a 16 to 10 win over the Lizards lot team their second loss of the day. N.D. wins over a small group of contenders. of Williston winning 14 to 5 and 10 to 8 in the before besting the Ground Round in a close Sandlot claimed runner-up honors. BDS/GOTGis5 opened with a victory over championship tussle. battle11 to 10. In their third game, Wilkins Softball News Fall 2019 – 11 USA Softball of North Dakota Contact List Jack Lukes Roger Weigel Craig Good RC Courtright Master State Tourney (MSP); Invitational TourneyRequests & Results; Master Committee Web Site National Championships (MSP); State Tourney Pairings/Dropouts (Adult) PO Box 566 PO Box 2155 National Tourney Entries (MSP); Reclas- 3701 Del Rio Drive LaMoure, ND 58458 Jamestown, ND 58402 sifi cations (WSP); Final Classifi cations Bismarck, ND 58503 (H) 701-883-5079 (C) 701-952-4448 (MSP); State Tourney Entry Fees (MSP) (H) 701-258-0011 (W) 701-883-5232 (C) 701-658-9337 614 Rose St, (W) 701-328-4403 (C) 701-793-8458 StateOffi [email protected] Lisbon, ND 58504 (C) 701-471-3307 (FP 701-883-5078 (H & F) 701-683-4466 [email protected] [email protected] Greg Kaeding (C) 701-680-0408 Registration & Fees Amy Anderson Michael Wolf 2813 10th Street N Susan Heilman National Championship (WSP); Umpires Fargo, ND 58102 Masters State Tourney (WSP) National Tourney Entries (WSP); Slow 1926 Billings Dr (H) 701-280-2200 710 N 18th St Pitch Task Force (WSP); Reclassifi cations Bismarck, ND 58504 (C) 701-799-8042 Bismarck, ND 58501 (WSP); Eligbility (WSP); Final Classifi ca- (C) 701-400-2100 [email protected] (C) 701-426-4687 tions (WSP); State Tourney Entry Fees [email protected] [email protected] (WSP) Dick Gulmon 1226 4th Ave E Brian Neuhardt Eligibility (MSP) State Offi ce West Fargo, ND 58078 Junior Olympics Ejections & Suspensions; Violections State Tourney Financial Statements, (C) 701-799-0772 4115 Normandy Street & Hearing; etc; Fall Registrations; Rosters; Rosters (W) 701-893-2639 Bismarck, ND 58503 883 Chautauqua Boulevard Changes [email protected] (W) 701-663-8401 Valley City, ND 58072 PO Box 2155 (C) 701-425-2354 (H) 701-845-4332 Jamestown, ND 58402 Scott Brahos [email protected] (W) 701-845-2712 (C) 701-952-4448 Slow Pitch Task Force (MSP) (C) 701-490-0078 stateoffi [email protected] 805 Diane’s Court Mike Peterson (F) 701-845-0781 Mandan, ND 58554 Player Classifi cations (MSP) Walt Stack (H) 701-667-9296 4113 Arthur Dr “The Softball News” (W) 959-299-2426 Fargo, ND 58104 105 Country Club Dr (C) 701-425-9444 (C) 701-238-7384 Bismarck, ND 58501 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

USA Softball of North Dakota State Champions - 2019 CLASSIFICATION CHAMPION Men's Class C Grand Forks RMI/First Class Mortgage/Budweiser Men's Class D Fargo Pink it Forward/Edward Jones/The Box Men's Rec 1 Wahpeton Smith Motors/Coors Light Men's Rec 2 East Fargo Rejects/Wild Bills/Lucky 13 Men's Rec 2 West Lisbon Lizards/Coors Light Men's Rec 3 East Oakes Last Shot Bar Men's Rec 3 West Bismarck Hayward Electric/Sizzlin S Construction Men's Rec 4 East Grand Forks 7-Teens Men's Rec 4 West Minot Tuff Trucks Men's Masters 35, Div 1 Bismarck Heartland Investors Men's Masters 35, Div 2 Mandan Seven Seas Men's Masters 35, Div 3 Rugby Lee's Bar Men's Masters 40, Div 1 Hazen Cenex/Western Frontier Insurance Men's Masters 40, Div 2 Valley City Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall Men's Masters 50 Metal Bat Mandan Bowers Excavating # 2 Men's Masters 50 Wood Bat, Div 1 Mandan Bowers Excavating # 2 Men's Masters 50 Wood Bat, Div 2 Mandan Magi-Touch Men's Masters 60 Wood Bat Mandan John's Upholstery Men's 5x5x5 East, Tier 1 no tournament Men's 5x5x5 East, Tier 2 Valley City Elliott Farms/Mikkelsen Drywall Men's 5x5x5 East, Tier 3 no tournament Men's 5x5x5 West, Tier 1 no tournament Men's 5x5x5 West, Tier 2 no tournament Men's 5x5x5 West, Tier 3 no tournament Women's Class D Bismarck Got1s6/BDS Concrete Women's Rec 1 Grand Forks Farmer's Union/JLG/MMB Women's Rec 2 Beulah Hazen Cenex/Fanatics/DugRite Women's Rec 3 East Devils Lake Proz Lakeside Women's Rec 3 West Anamoose Merchants Women's Masters, Div 1 Bismarck Got1s6 Women's Masters, Div 2 no tournament Women's Masters, Div 3 Bismarck Bistro Women's Masters, Div 4 Jamestown Tom's Electric Coed, Division 1 Fargo #sorrypitch/Kelly's Bar Coed, Division 2 no tournament Coed, Division 3 Jamestown The Buff /Helena Softball Coed, Division 4 Fargo Wurth USA Action from Women's Masters 30 State Tournament. JO Girls' Fast Pitch 10 & Under A Dickinson Black JO Girls' Fast Pitch 10 & Under B Jamestown Outlaws JO Girls' Fast Pitch 12 & Under A Dickinson Black JO Girls' Fast Pitch 12 & Under B Minot Storm JO Girls' Fast Pitch 14 & Under A ND Elite JO Girls' Fast Pitch 14 & Under B Minot Storm JO Girls' Fast Pitch 16 & Under A Diamond Academy JO Girls' Fast Pitch 18/16 & Under B Jamestown Outlaws JO Girls' Fast Pitch 18 & Under Dickinson Diamonds 12 – Softball News Fall 2019 NDASA Executive Committee Dick Gulmon Commissioner Scott Brahos Mike Wolf 883 Chautauqua Blvd Vice President Asst. Comm./UIC Valley City, ND 58702 805 Diane’s Court 1926 Billings Drive [email protected] Mandan, N.D. 58554 Bismarck, ND 58504 (H) 701-845-4332 (C) 701-425-9444 (C) 701-400-2100 (W) 701-845-2712 (W) 959-299-2426 [email protected] (C) 701-490-0078 (H) 701-667-9296 FAX 701-845-0781 [email protected] Mike Peterson 4133 Arthur Dr. Jack Lukes Amy Anderson Fargo, ND 58104 President & MSP WSP Comm. (C) 701-238-7384 Commissioner 1226 4th Ave E [email protected] 614 Rose Street West Fargo, ND 58078 Lisbon, ND 58054 (C) 701-799-0772 Chris Hutton (H/FAX) 701-683-4466 (W) 701-893-2639 Coed Comm. (C) 701-680-0408 [email protected] 9549 Demers Ave [email protected] Grand Forks, ND 58201 Darin Krueger (H) 701-330-5798 Scott Collins 6430A 1st Ave E [email protected] PO Box 684 Williston, ND 58801 Minot, ND 58702 (W) 701-774-9773 RC Courtright (H) 701-857-4730 (C) 701-770-8801 Director of Operations (C) 701-720-3568 [email protected] PO Box 2155 [email protected] Jamestown, ND Wayne Beyer (C) 701-658-9337 Greg Kaeding 304 South 5th Street StateOffi [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Wahpeton, ND 58075 2813-10th Street N. (H) 701-642-3082 Fargo, ND 58102 (W) 701-642-2811 (H) 701-280-2200 (C) 701-899-1700 (C) 701-799-8042 (F) 701-642-5053 [email protected] [email protected]

USA Softball of North Dakota State Umpires-in-Chief Michael Wolf Marchel Krieger (H) 701-282-0766 State Umpire-In-Chief 903 18th St SE (C) 701-429-3708 1926 Billings Drive Jamestown, ND 58401 [email protected] Bismarck, ND 58504 (H) 701-252-2669 (C) 701-400-2100 (C) 701-269-0096 Gerald “Shorty” Payne Sisters win trophies at State JO Tournament. Back row: standing left [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 104 Emily Hoff ; front row: kneeling left Maddy Hoff . Back row: standing Emerado, ND 58228 right McKenna Jackson; front row: kneeling right Brooke Jackson. The Steve Riswold Tom Lawson 218-779-2546 older girls won the 16 under Class B title while the younger girls won Region 8 Umpire-In-Chief 37201 264th Ave NW paynegerald516@centurylink. the 10 Under A title. 4901 S Baha Ave #3 Donnybrook, ND 58734 net Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (H) 701-482-7856 (H) 605-362-1681 [email protected] Koby Pennick (C) 605-212-0657 1306 9th Street N [email protected] Michael Nider Fargo, ND 58102 824 Lohstreter Road 701-361-0523 Chris Coleman Mandan, ND 58554 [email protected] 112 2nd Street W, Apt #4 (H) 701-390-3092 Hillsboro, ND 58045 [email protected] Lyle Rader 701-430-0391 619 5th Street North [email protected] Terry O’Clair Wahpeton, ND 58075 1720 Hamburg Drive 701-361-0523 Elliott Gerhardt Bismarck, ND 58504 [email protected] 2216 E Capitol Avenue (H) 701-258-1574 Bismarck, ND 58501 (C) 701-391-0985 Al Ziemann (H) 701-223-7977 [email protected] 1008 27th Street NW (C) 701-391-7121 Mandan, ND 58554 [email protected] Randy Olson (H) 701-663-6547 1307 4th Ave E [email protected] West Fargo, ND 58708 Gary Tharaldson and wife Connie at Gary’s induction into the National Hall of Fame. Tharaldson continues sponsorship of trophies Gary Tharaldson will again Pitch divisions and supported fi ve sponsor all the trophies and cham- diff erent levels of senior ball for pionship banners for all state many years. Tharoldson and his softball tournaments sponsored wife also sponsored women’s slow by the North Dakota USA Softball pitch teams for 15 years and also Association. This will be the 21st sponsored both Boys and Girls Ju- consecutive year that Tharaldson, nior Olympic teams. His sponsored through his Hospitality Manage- teams have participated in over 30 ment segment and Tharaldson National tournaments. Ethanol will provide the trophies In addition to his sponsorships, and banners for all the state tourna- Gary also was a player during his ments including the Junior Olym- time as a sponsor winning two pics championship as well as all the National Championships and over adult tournaments. The number of l,000 games as a pitcher. His best trophies and banners depends on season was the year he won 58 the number of teams entering each games while losing only two and state tournament and the number he carried a batting average of .600 of trophies and banners have in- for his playing career. creased signifi cantly over the past North Dakota USA Softball is several years. able to provide the trophies and Tharaldson and his wife have banners only through the coopera- dedicated much of their lives to tion and generosity of Cary Thar- supporting softball as sponsors for aldson and his various enterprises. not just one or two divisions but North Dakota USA Softball grate- Two kids in wagon: “A wagon load of cute”. across the whole spectrum of USA fully acknowledges his many, many Softball. Tharaldson sponsored contributions to North Dakota Men’s teams in A, B and C Slow softball. Softball News Fall 2019 – 13 Girl’s Junior Olympics Fast Pitch Action 14 – Softball News Fall 2019

Umpire crew for the Men's Masters 35/45 in Mandan this August. ND umpires are Paul Carey--Fargo, Jim Richels--Fargo, Darby Krivoruchka--Bismarck, Tom McDonald--Bismarck, Dean Berger--Mandan, and Jason Hassebrock--Bismarck. Elite Umpire Evaluators were Brian Bruggeman from Nebraska and from ND were Wade Blumhagen, Allan Ziemann, and Chris Cole- man. Tim Watts from Nebraska was the Assistant UIC. We had umpires from California, Alaska, Michigan, , Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Nebraska, and ND.

North Dakota players hit the Tournament Trail played in Super, Class A, Class B and Class C 3X Gear/Anarchy/The Box/Sports Cards A National Tournament. Then they joined 4U Manager-Coach chad Dearborn took up with their 3X Teammates and played the four of his players to the USA Men’s Super USA Men’s Class B tournament the follow- Tournament in Hendersonville, ing weekend in Prairie Island, Minnesota. where they joined up with Anarchy/Sis/OA Wrangham kept the post season rolling play- Apparel. Michael Bormann, Devren Dear, ing with a team he helps sponsor(Dickson Jody Schommer and Kelly Wrangham helped Law/Sports Cards 4U the next weekend at the lead the team to a fourth place fi nish HAuto Men’s Class C National Tournament back in won the tournament, Dan Smithj took second Prairie Island, Mn. and TDB fi nished third. Notes: Bormann hit.600 at the Super (4th “It was a lot of fun playing against the very on the team) Wrangham tied for second on best competition in the country” We enjoyed the team in Home Runs (2) at the Super. representing North Dakota. It was a great op- Wrangham (.800, Dear (727) and Schommer portunity provided by some great sponsors” (667) were all in the Top Five for the team at said Bormann. the A National. Wrangham homered in all The team then stuck around for the week- four National Tournaments. end and competed in the USA Men’s Class

Action from Women's Masters 30 State Tournament.

Hall of Fame selection committee Chairperson: Dick Gulmon Reinhold Fleck Vice Chairperson: Sharon Steve Granberg Morgan Greg Kaeding Randy Bina Walt Stack Jack Lukes Pat Stockert Gordy Smith Mike Wolf Scott Collins Mark Vanyo

Curt Krahler pitches in the Men's Masters Tournament. Softball News Fall 2019 – 15

Women’s Rec 1 champion...Grand Forks Farmer’s Union/JLG/MMB. Front Row (L-R): Ra- chel Berger, Kelsey Carriere, Emily Lundby, Janelle Carroll, Kenzie Dorsher, Sarah Boese Women’s Masters 30, Division 1 champion...Bismarck Got1s6. Front Row (L-R): Heidi Ray- Noreen. Middle Row (L-R): Kelsey Holien, Autumn Cervantez, Lindsey Young, Catherine mond, Kari White-Tuton, Tracy Marback, Brittany Marohl, Erin Ruud. Back Row (L-R): Me- Dorsher, Teri Erickson. Back Row (L-R): Matt Carriere, Mike McWilliams. lissa Wilson, Jess White-Tuton, Kari Flaagan, Rhonda Maier, Dalee Wilkinson. Women’s Rec 1 held in Jamestown\ August 10 and 11 August 17 and 18 Bismarck hosted The thirteen Team Rec 1 Women’s Slow the tournament, M an J Saloon, West Fargo the Women’s Masters 30 State Tournament Pitch State Tournament was won by a Grand VFW 13 to 12 and then handed them their Eighteen teams gathered in Bismarck Bismarck 19 to 8 before winning handily Forks team, Farmers Union/JLG/,MMB. second defeat which moved the Grand Forks the weekend of August 17-18 to contest the over David’s Concrete of Wahpeton 15 to 4 This team won it’s fi rst three games, then into the championship spot. Women’ Masters 30 Division state champion- to claim the trophy and the title. lost a close one to drop into the loser’s Runner up M and J Saloon/VFW won it’s ship. Three separate divisions were created, David’s Concrete of Wahpeton claimed bracket but recovered to win the tourna ment fi rst game 12 to 6 over stage stop of Bismarck Division one, three and four. There were not runner up honors winning 13 to 6 over Helena championship. and then beat KC Krushers of Jamestown 13 enough teams to fi ll the Division two section. Softball of Jamestown. They faced Helena Grand Forks won it’s opener over Capital to 1. They also beat another Jamestown team, Division One: Gotis6 won Division One again and won 23 to 12 before meeting and City Construction 14 to 10. They then beat defeating Applebees/Honey Badger 7 to 1. over three other teams. They opened with a beating Moritz of Bismarck 16 to 15 then lost the a team out of West Fargo 10 to 7 and All three of their next games were against convincing win over Helena Softball from the championship game to Gotis6 15 to 4. Boomers out of Jamestown. the Farmers Union/JLG/MMB team from Jamestown 22 to 1 and then beat Moritz of They then lost to M and J Saloon/West Grand Forks. Fargo VFW in a 7 to 3 game. The Grand Unfortunately, the Grand Forks team swept Forks team forged it’s way back in to the all three games to win the tournament and winners bracket by winning again over drop M and J into the runner up spot. Scores Capital City Construction 15 to 6 and then were 7 to 3; 13 to 12 and 16 to 8 . beat the only team which had beaten them in Capital City Construction won third place.

Women’s Masters 30, Division 3 champion...Bismarck Bistro. Front Row (L-R): Tara Lang, Mari Bondley, Shawna Bergquist, Breynn Sturlaugson, Jenna Ahonen. Back Row (L-R): Ashley Jahner, Erica Uys, Kyleigh Wegermann, Coach Doug Schmidt, Loni Grothier, Darby Hughes, Cassie Felber.

Women’s Slow Pitch Masters 30, Division 3: The Ten Team Women’s Rec 2 champion...Beulah Hazen Cenex/Fanatics/Dug Rite. Front Row, Kneeling Division was won by Bistro of Bismarck ning a close game 4 to 1 over Devin Wood (L-R): Shanda Leintz, Erica Tunge, Michaela Eisenbeisz. Middle Row (L-R): Chelse Weigel, which sailed through fi ve games without a Construction of Bismarck. They beat Salter Kelsey Goetz, Kendra Weigel, Shawna Bergquist, Kristen Jacobson. Back Row (L-R): Kait- loss to claim the title. Bistro defeated T and Farms of Bismarck in their next game 9 to 8 lyn Meyhoff , Jenn Bornemann, Amber Brady, Kate Weigel, Lexi Lawson. A of Halliday in their fi rst game winning 12 before trimming the Helifi no team from West to 10. In Game Two, Bistro defeated the KC Fargo in the championship game. Hazen Cenex Wins Women’s Rec 2 State Title Knights of Jamestown 10 to 4 before win- Hazen Cenex won the Women’s Rec 2 state to claim the championship. title over a 28 team fi eld but it was not an Apple Rush of Bismarck fi nished as run- easy trip to the prize. Their fi rst four games ner-up and Edsons took third place beating were all decided by one run. Hazen won Fanta Farms of Bismarck 19 to 4. Consola- their opener over Epic Threads/The Door tion Champs was the Hub of Grand Trail over Guys/Precision Mandan 7 to 6. Then faced Cloverdale of Mandan 9 to 8. Speedway Girls of Grand Forks and won by The Roughrider Division crown went to a margin of 4 to 3. Edsons of Bismarck was Speedway Women from Grand Forks win- their next victim and Cenex won by 8 to 7 to ning over Silver Dollar/SP/Lynn 19 to 8. advance out of the upper bracket and into the The Cactus Division was won by O’Brians Championship Bracket. In the Championship of Bismarck over Rock Point/Ole and Lenas game they fi nally broke through and scored a of West Fargo. No score was available. ten run victory over Apple Rush of Bismarck

Women’s Masters 30, Division 4 champion...Jamestown Tom’s Electric. Front Row (L-R): Teresa Johnson, Stephanie Peterson. Back Row (L-R): Tanya Perkins, Tridy Dallmann, Alyssa Laingo, Samantha Partridge, Megan Tucker, Cheryl Schiele, Candace Scott, Tricia Seckerson. Not Pictured: Coach Clayton Hillstrom. Women’s Slow Pitch Masters 30, Division 4 Another four team bracket settled the but lost the next game to Arrowwood18 to title in the Division Four. Tom’s Electric of 11. After dropping into the Loser’s bracket, Jamestown won the title but had to scrap Toms rebounded winning 16 to 4 over Town for it after losing their second round game Hall of Fargo before beating Arrowwood in to Arrowwood Merchants. Toms won their two straight games 12 to 9 and 9 to 8 in the “if fi rst game 10 to 9 over the East River Girls necessary” game to win the Division Crown.

Women’s Rec 3 East champion...Devils Lake Proz Lakeside. Front Row (L-R): Alyssa Wor- rall, Alex Palmer, Bridgette Harkness, Jocelyn Lundon, Miriah Yoder, Megan Gathman. Back Row (L-R): Lisa Gathman, Olivia Light, Amber Gathman, Andrea Mund, Melissa Dau- phinais. Women’s Rec Three East State Tournament Grand Forks, August 10 And 11 Proz Lakeside of Devils Lake rolled game for the championship, Proz defeated through the 20 team field to capture the Helifi no of West Fargo for the title. Helifi no Women’s Rec 3 East state title on August 11 was runner-up winning four games before in Grand Forks. losing the championship to Proz. Proz won their fi rst game with a shutout Fordville Women were the Consolation over Park River/Tri County 12 to 0. They Champs, beating Lidgerwood in the consola- won their next game beating Hugo’s Wine tion fi nal. and Spirits/Judy’s Tavern of Grand Forks Roughrider bracket was claimed by Graf- 15 to 1. In game three, Proz continued their ton Hugo’s/ Bud Light. hot hitting off ense handing the Harvey Pros, Cactus bracket won by Flooring Innova- Central Dakota a 10 to 0 pasting. In the fi nal tions of Grand Forks. 16 – Softball News Fall 2019

Women’s Rec 3 West champion...Anamoose Merchants. Front Row (L-R): Kaya Engen, Karissa Gahner, Harp- er Fletschock, Kristin Volson, Madison Uhlenkamp. Back Row (L-R): Tara Berndt, Riley Martin, Kim Meckle, Becky Fletschock, Riley Hauff , Halie Fletschock, Theresa Hoke, Holly Martin. Anamoose Women win Rec 3 title in Minot A team from Anamoose won the Rec3 State team, G. Style 17 to 6 before reaching the fi nal game title in a 16 team tournament held in Minot August where they bested J and P Excavation of Minot in a 3 and 4. The Anamoose Merchants won fi ve games nail biter 6 to 5 and then beat them again 10 to 7 to without a loss in claiming the crown. Anamoose began win the state title. their quest for a state title with an 11 to 9 win over J and P Excavation took runner up honors while RM Construction of Jamestown before beating a team third place went to Softball Addicts of Williston. The from Town and Country Credit Union of Minot 17 to tournament was played under the Double Elimination 9. They continued their hot hitting against a Williston format with a three game guarantee. Action from Men’s Slow Pitch.

A team photo from the Super/A National Tournaments. USA Men’s Super Tournament in Hendersonville, TN By Kelly Wrangham Devren Dear, Jody Schommer and ing North Dakota, it was a great following weekend in Prairie Island, tied for second on the team in Home Kelly Wrangham helped lead the opportunity provided by some great MN. Wrangham kept the postseason Runs (2) at The Super. Wrangham 3X Gear/Anarchy/The Box/ team to a Fourth Place fi nish. H sponsors!”, said Bormann. rolling playing with a team he helps (.800), Dear (.727) and Schommer Sports Cards 4U Manager/Coach Auto won the Tournament, Dan The team also stuck around for sponsor (Dickson Law/Sports Card (.667) were all in the Top 5 for the Chad Dearborn took four of his Smith took second and TDB fi n- the weekend and competed in the 4U) the next weekend at the Men’s Team at The A National. Wrang- players to the USA Men’s Super ished third. USA Men’s A National Tournament. C National Tournament back in ham homered in all four National Tournament in Hendersonville, TN “It was a lot of fun playing Then they joined up with their 3X Prairie Island, MN. Tournaments. where they joined up with Anarchy/ against the very best competition in Teammates and played the USA Notes: Bormann hit .600 at The SIS/OA Apparel. Michael Bormann, the country. We enjoyed represent- Men’s B National Tournament the Super (4th on the Team). Wrangham Bismarck umpire works second College World Series Naomi Erdahl was one of ten A program featuring some of the featuring the better teams regularly Softball games around the country USA softball umpires assigned to top pitchers in the Region so she attracted a thousand spectators to so she travels most weekends dur- work the College Women’s World learned from some of the best um- League and Tournament games. In ing the softball season. Series in Oklahoma City at the Hall pires in the game including Luther this atmosphere, it was diffi cult for She works mainly in the Big of Fame Softball Complex. It was Heaton, a Hall of Fame umpire who any female umpire to work into the Ten Conference and the American her second straight assignment to was stationed in Minot Air Force schedule but she was determined Athletic Conference, The Big 12 the pinnacle of Women’s College Base. George White was another to become an umpire and so she and the SEC and over the years has Softball. In her fi rst game of the Air Force member who umpired began a 25 year journey as a Reg- worked her way up the umpire lad- 2019 series, she was assigned to in the Minot city leagues. Stu Sum- istered umpire which has brought der by working at her craft. work home plate in a game fea- mers was one of the umpires who her to the top of the umpire ranks. She knew she was on her way turing the two most successful lived in Minot and umpired in the To get here, she did more than just a few years ago when she began programs in Women’s College city leagues as well. Naomi says watch other umpires work, she to get assignments to Regional Softball, and UCLA. she learned from some of these attended umpire training sessions Playoff s and Super Regionals. The Now working and living in umpires who were actively umpir- and National Umpire Schools and next step was the Women’s Col- Bismarck, she began her umpiring ing the game in Minot. She also worked as many games as she lege World Series, an assignment but make no mistake in taking any career in Minot during an era when named Lyle Rader, now serving could. Hoping to catch the eyes of she reached in 2018 and repeated credit for her success, she worked fast pitch softball was the only as a Deputy Umpire in Chief in umpire evaluators and assignors in 2019. hard and long to achieve her dream. game in town. Minot ran one of the Wahpeton, Bobby Larson and Fred she began to work the games which Naomi is an unassuming woman All of us who umpire amateur most successful fast pitch programs Mueller who is now coaching girl’s have led her to her present position. who is always quick to credit other softball should be proud of her ac- in the state. fast pitch softball. Games in Minot She works mostly Division One umpires with her rise to the top complishments.