Softball players showcase their talents

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The 47th annual Ringneck International Tournament is underway at Sherman Park in Sioux Falls, though the day on the diamond started much earlier for softball players looking to showcase their talents for local college coaches.

One-hundred twenty-five players put their skills to the test Friday morning at Dunham Park as part of the Ringneck College Softball Showcase.

“Give these young ladies an opportunity for exposure. Here they’re going to get in front of 15 college coaches, and then the opportunity to learn and also just be in an environment to compete with other kids where there’s really not a scoreboard,” Northwestern College head coach Shane Bouman said.

Bouman runs the event and says there are college coaches from every level participating in the showcase.

“South Dakota State, USD as far as division one level to division two, division three, NAIA, and junior college, so you’re going to get in front of all different, the entire spectrum really of coaching here,” Bouman said.

Bouman says a number of the players come from as far away as Wyoming and even north of the border in Canada.

“It’s a great opportunity for them just to learn and get better and I think that’s what softball is all about,” Bouman said.

“Going to college to play softball is like one of my dreams,” 13-year-old Lillian Rusak said.

Rusak is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and hopes the showcase will help her fulfill that dream.

“I think it’s a good learning experience, get to see other people from other places, get to learn new stuff,” Rusak said.

“Seems like a really good learning opportunity and I really like softball,” 13-year-old Piper Harms-Fehr said.

Harms-Fehr is also from Winnipeg, and says with 125 players on the field, the showcase is equal parts competition and enjoyment.

“It’s both. I really like competing and I also really like just coming out here,” Harms-Fehr said.

“We want them to have fun. We want them to smile and move their pony tails and hustle around and just become powerful women,” Bouman said.

The Ringneck International Tournament continues through the weekend at Sherman Park, with championship games set for 5 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, depending on age and bracket.

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