The Clarksville softball team had a summer to remember, as they will hang a banner for their second ever Class 1A State Championship and ninth straight Iowa Star North Conference crown. The Indians, with a wagon load of thrilling moments, battled through the state field with wins over Newman Catholic (5-4), St.Edmond (11-3) and Wayne (4-1) to bring home the title. Head Coach Katie Burman on rally messages to the team that fueled them to a championship.
“We had a list of things we said before every game. I think just keeping that fresh in their minds really led them to that state championship. We talked about we love each other, have fun, but then also having the mindset that nobody beats us, expect it,” says Burman. “Finally, when we were about to play in that state championship game, we could finally say we should be expecting to be state champs. That was kind of cool to have our motto end that way.”
The Indians went 16-0 in Iowa Star Conference play, with notable wins over Iowa Star South frontrunners, Collins-Maxwell and BCLUW, a two game sweep over regional final qualifier Don Bosco and a three game sweep over previously ranked Riceville. Clarksville met the Wildcats in a regional final, which the Indians run-ruled to punch their ticket to state. Burman on what a conference title means and the level of competition this season.
“It’s huge for us. It’s our ninth year of being Iowa Star North champions, but only our second year of winning both sides, if they count that. That was huge for us. There’s some good competition, a few teams were ranked at some point in our conference. I know at least two other teams made it to regional finals. To play that well in conference means a lot and hopefully we can keep that going.”
Clarksville graduates three seniors including Jeni Johnson and all-tournament team honorees Claire Lodge (Captain) and Emmalee Manwarren. The Indians are projected to return 17 players next season.
Clarksville concluded its championship season at 31-4.
