Softball tourney honors founder
By Jerry Giese Journal sports writer | Posted: Friday, June 13, 2008
Ahh, twas the bungee jump that did it.
Several years ago, Rhonda Capron, ever the promoter of her slow-pitch softball tourney, delighted the crowd on opening night when she jumped off a 250-foot crane tower.
Fans loved it. The Rhonda's Classic Softball Tournament was here to stay.
"I made a bet with some of the boys that I wouldn't make the jump,'' remembers Capron, flashing her usual engaging smile and infectious laugh, "but, what the heck, if it helped bring out the fans and promote softball it was the right thing to do.
"Believe me, it was a first and last time I'll ever do something like that. I think.''
Nowadays, though, Capron feels absolutely humbled.
A plaque has been dedicated in her honor at Hy-Vee Ballpark at Chatauqua Park, the site of the 25th annual Rhonda's Classic, 55-team slow-pitch event that starts today and concludes Sunday. No dedication ceremony is planned and that's fine with Capron.
The plaque, which is shaped like a diamond, is made of granite and has already been embedded in an attractive paved brick area at the entrance of the facility.
Capron, who is being honored by the Floyd Slow-Pitch Softball Association for annually hosting one of the state's largest slow-pitch tournaments and her strong support of the sport, has her plaque at third base on the paved diamond at the entrance.
"It's pretty cool," says Capron. "When you put the time and the energy into something you love ... it's quite a pat on the back. It's a huge deal. Not many people in this country have 25 years invested into a softball tournament.
"This is part of my life. It means a lot. I'm happy it's here.
"But ... I don't want to take away anything from people playing in the tournament."
Participating teams in the silver anniversary event are coming from the states of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. There are men's teams in the Class C, D and E divisions along with women's teams in the Class B and C divisions.
Tournament champions in all divisions will qualify for various divisions of the World Softball League World Series later this summer in Panama City, Fla.
Capron feels badly that because of current economic times, teams aren't traveling a long distance to compete. In the past, squads from as far away as California and New York have participated.
Still, she imagines she'll see plenty of familiar faces.
"I've run this tournament so many years and I've tried to run it the right way," said the owner of Rhonda's Speak Easy in Sioux City.
"I guarantee all teams three games and that's a big option. So many tournaments, it's two games and you're out. Teams win money at this tournament.
"I feel if people are going out of town to play games, they need to be in a tournament to have fun. I believe it's all about having fun, friends and making new friends.
"I have a lot of people who keep coming back and other people plan their vacations around it because it's always on the second weekend of June. Some of them go camping and bring their kids along with them. They make it a whole week event."
While the 2008 tourney has drawn 55 teams, participation reached a zenith a few years ago when a whopping 107 teams signed up to compete.
A graduate of Ocheyedan High School (now Sibley-Ocheyedan), Capron might even pitch this weekend for the Coors Light team she sponsors. Capron, who pitched high school softball for the Ocheyedan Mounders, has pitched in both the fast-pitch and slow-pitch game.
She's pitching for the first time in two years after recovering from some health problems.
Several past International Softball Congress World Tournaments (fast-pitch) hosted by Sioux City first inspired Capron to host her slow-pitch showcase.
"I got acquainted with a lot of those teams," said Capron. "It's like a passion for me. You're around friends. There's good competition. It's good for the family and a good way to get everyone involved."
Two more of Capron's sponsored squads will compete, the Rhonda's team that will compete in Men's Class C division as well as the Absolute Screen Art women's squad.
She's always been the ambassador of Sioux City good will in all areas of community service, but softball has taken on a more personal aura.
"I've sponsored lots of youth and adult teams over the years and I love it. It's a way to give back. Organizing the tournament takes a big investment, money and time, and I appreciate all the sponsors who've helped me over the years.
"In the past, there have been years when I've sponsored as many as six slow-pitch teams and I've always tried to become involved when the fast-pitch tournaments were in Sioux City.''
On the entertainment side -- live bands, are part of what Capron's Speak Easy is all about -- Rhonda, always the impressario, has, shall we say, covered all the bases.
Two bands will play Saturday night (one in inside on Friday) in the Rhonda's Speak Easy parking lot. Argosy Casino is also co-sponsoring this weekend's tournament and there will be a shuttle traveling back and forth from Rhonda's to the Argosy boat Saturday evening.
Championship games are slated for Sunday afternoon.
Proceeds from the weekend event will go to Sioux City Special Olympics.
Several years ago, Rhonda Capron, ever the promoter of her slow-pitch softball tourney, delighted the crowd on opening night when she jumped off a 250-foot crane tower.
Fans loved it. The Rhonda's Classic Softball Tournament was here to stay.
"I made a bet with some of the boys that I wouldn't make the jump,'' remembers Capron, flashing her usual engaging smile and infectious laugh, "but, what the heck, if it helped bring out the fans and promote softball it was the right thing to do.
"Believe me, it was a first and last time I'll ever do something like that. I think.''
Nowadays, though, Capron feels absolutely humbled.
A plaque has been dedicated in her honor at Hy-Vee Ballpark at Chatauqua Park, the site of the 25th annual Rhonda's Classic, 55-team slow-pitch event that starts today and concludes Sunday. No dedication ceremony is planned and that's fine with Capron.
The plaque, which is shaped like a diamond, is made of granite and has already been embedded in an attractive paved brick area at the entrance of the facility.
Capron, who is being honored by the Floyd Slow-Pitch Softball Association for annually hosting one of the state's largest slow-pitch tournaments and her strong support of the sport, has her plaque at third base on the paved diamond at the entrance.
"It's pretty cool," says Capron. "When you put the time and the energy into something you love ... it's quite a pat on the back. It's a huge deal. Not many people in this country have 25 years invested into a softball tournament.
"This is part of my life. It means a lot. I'm happy it's here.
"But ... I don't want to take away anything from people playing in the tournament."
Participating teams in the silver anniversary event are coming from the states of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. There are men's teams in the Class C, D and E divisions along with women's teams in the Class B and C divisions.
Tournament champions in all divisions will qualify for various divisions of the World Softball League World Series later this summer in Panama City, Fla.
Capron feels badly that because of current economic times, teams aren't traveling a long distance to compete. In the past, squads from as far away as California and New York have participated.
Still, she imagines she'll see plenty of familiar faces.
"I've run this tournament so many years and I've tried to run it the right way," said the owner of Rhonda's Speak Easy in Sioux City.
"I guarantee all teams three games and that's a big option. So many tournaments, it's two games and you're out. Teams win money at this tournament.
"I feel if people are going out of town to play games, they need to be in a tournament to have fun. I believe it's all about having fun, friends and making new friends.
"I have a lot of people who keep coming back and other people plan their vacations around it because it's always on the second weekend of June. Some of them go camping and bring their kids along with them. They make it a whole week event."
While the 2008 tourney has drawn 55 teams, participation reached a zenith a few years ago when a whopping 107 teams signed up to compete.
A graduate of Ocheyedan High School (now Sibley-Ocheyedan), Capron might even pitch this weekend for the Coors Light team she sponsors. Capron, who pitched high school softball for the Ocheyedan Mounders, has pitched in both the fast-pitch and slow-pitch game.
She's pitching for the first time in two years after recovering from some health problems.
Several past International Softball Congress World Tournaments (fast-pitch) hosted by Sioux City first inspired Capron to host her slow-pitch showcase.
"I got acquainted with a lot of those teams," said Capron. "It's like a passion for me. You're around friends. There's good competition. It's good for the family and a good way to get everyone involved."
Two more of Capron's sponsored squads will compete, the Rhonda's team that will compete in Men's Class C division as well as the Absolute Screen Art women's squad.
She's always been the ambassador of Sioux City good will in all areas of community service, but softball has taken on a more personal aura.
"I've sponsored lots of youth and adult teams over the years and I love it. It's a way to give back. Organizing the tournament takes a big investment, money and time, and I appreciate all the sponsors who've helped me over the years.
"In the past, there have been years when I've sponsored as many as six slow-pitch teams and I've always tried to become involved when the fast-pitch tournaments were in Sioux City.''
On the entertainment side -- live bands, are part of what Capron's Speak Easy is all about -- Rhonda, always the impressario, has, shall we say, covered all the bases.
Two bands will play Saturday night (one in inside on Friday) in the Rhonda's Speak Easy parking lot. Argosy Casino is also co-sponsoring this weekend's tournament and there will be a shuttle traveling back and forth from Rhonda's to the Argosy boat Saturday evening.
Championship games are slated for Sunday afternoon.
Proceeds from the weekend event will go to Sioux City Special Olympics.
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