Iowa high school state softball tournament going double-elimination in 2026

The Iowa high school state softball tournament will become a double-elimination affair, beginning in 2026.

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the news Friday morning.

Anyone that has watched the (Women’s College World Series) knows how exciting the double-elimination format is,” IGHSAU executive director Erin Gerlich said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to bring that excitement to the state softball tournament. This format will be exciting for both teams and fans, and we are grateful to the city of Fort Dodge for committing to enhancing Rogers Park to make a double-elimination tournament possible.”

The move, according to the IGHSAU release, “is in conjunction with the city of Fort Dodge’s multi-million-dollar investment of improvements they will be making to (the Rogers Sports Complex).”

State softball has been a Fort Dodge staple since 1970.

Renovations, scheduled over the next five years, include five championship-level fields, press accommodations for those fields, additional parking areas and with various other changes to the Rogers Park infrastructure.

“Our team is excited to continue growing our relationship with the Iowa Girl,” said Lori Branderhorst, director of Fort Dodge’s recreational services division.

The tournament, according to the Girls Union, will continue to be a five-class, five-day format.

A schedule for the tournament has yet to be finalized, but all games leading up to the championship contests will continue to be streamed.

Single-game championships for all five classes will be played on the Thursday and Friday of the tournament.

Adam Berte, who has coached Williamsburg to two consecutive Class 3A state championships (and five straight semifinal appearances), has mixed feelings.

“It is probably good for us because of our pitching depth, (but) I wouldn't say I'm fully behind it at the moment,” Berte said. “Being a team who has to travel and stay up in Fort Dodge, you are away from home for a week. It is physically and emotionally draining as it currently is.

“Keeping the girls in a routine on game days and non game days, while keeping up with your rest is not easy. We already ask a ton from our kids and families, it puts more on their plate.”

That said, Berte added:

“I see the appeal of not having consolation games. I'm sure everyone will get used to it and it will be fine.”

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com