Williamsburg’s extended postseasons are the byproduct of long, meticulous practices

FORT DODGE — Adam Berte’s fidget toy? It’s a stopwatch that accompanies him regularly to the Rogers Sports Complex press tent.

“It’s just something to fiddle with,” he said. “During practice, it helps me keep time (during drills).”

Those drills have become something of legend throughout the Williamsburg softball program.

“They’re long,” said first baseman Taylor Pitlick, one of five senior starters. “We go into infield cuts, bunt defense, (base-stealing) practice, outfield reads, bunting and hitting in the cage, then yoga at the end of the session.”

Yoga?

“Yeah, and visualization,” Pitlick added. “(Berte) has us visualize making a diving play, doing something positive.”

There’s been plenty of positive within this program lately.

Williamsburg has reached six consecutive state tournaments, winning in the first round each time.

The Raiders were Class 3A runners-up in 2020, finished third in 2021 and 2022, then won it all in 2023 and 2024.

They’ll go after their third consecutive championship Friday afternoon; it’s No. 2 Williamsburg (35-7) vs. No. 1 Dubuque Wahlert (37-7) — “the best team we’ve played,” Berte said.

First pitch is 2:30.

“We’re all really grateful to have the opportunity to be in the championship game three years in a row,” Pitlick said. “It’s such an amazing feeling ... we’ve gone through all of the long days.”

Long days have led to extended postseasons.

“We do a lot of stuff at practice, a lot of nitpick things,” third-baseman Makenna Hughes said. “Small things that matter in a tight game.”

“We have the best defense in the state,” junior pitcher Jersey Metz said.

Williamsburg’s .971 fielding percentage ranks among the top five, in all classes.

The Raiders have not been guilty of an error in their first two games here. Their opponents have committed six.

“We play clean,” Berte said.

Berte has led the softball program for nine years (his record is 271-102). The previous seven years, he was a Williamsburg baseball assistant.

“I always planned on being a head coach,” he said. “When I got into teaching, I wanted to coach.

“As a high school player (Twin River Valley, Class of 2004), I wanted to make the state tournament, but I never did. I did a lot of learning from my playing days, learning what not to do. I did a lot of things wrong.”

Veterans like Pitlick, Hughes, shortstop Carly Rich and outfielders Alley Gorsh and Kalon Spratt have been major contributors during this run of excellence.

Regardless of outcome Friday, their high school careers will end here.

After all, you can turn a stopwatch off, but time never stops.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com