November 06, 2024

Panther softball history celebrated

Former coaches, alumni return for ceremony

Ruth Clinton (second from right), wife of the late Ron "Fox" Clinton, is introduced as former Creston softball coaches and key volunteers from the beginning of the program were honored Monday night. Shown in front at left (striped shirt) is Ruby Stephens, wife of the late John Stephens, who was instrumental in building Panther Field at its current site. Her family shown at left includes her son Dannie and his wife Vicki, and their son Shane. Others shown from left are Margy Gammell, wife of former head coach Eldon Gammell; former head coach Mike Gerleman; former head coach Mike McCabe; Clinton and longtime assistant coach and former Panther player Teri Keeler (right). Several former players stood behind this group during the ceremony. (Larry Peterson)

Creston fans celebrated 52 years of Panther softball in a ceremony between games of Monday’s home doubleheader against Hawkeye Ten rival Lewis Central.

Scott Driskell, Creston activities director, announced some highlights of the history of the program as key figures involved in the formation of the program in 1971 were introduced, along with coaches or their representatives from the start of the program. Shown behind them on the field were several former players from 16 different senior classes. Those former players shook hands with the current Panthers as they left the field at the conclusion of the program.

Current head coach Dave Hartman, in his first year at the helm, said it was a positive night for the program in many ways, including the two conference victories by the scores of 13-4 and 5-4 (see related story).

“It was great to see all of the alumni back,” said Hartman, a Creston native. “I would like to do more with the alumni, because we really do have a rich tradition. And, when they were naming off the coaches, I just kept thinking they were all great coaches. When I was young I learned a lot about officiating from Fox Clinton. He was one of a kind.”

Alumni players introduced during a ceremony between games Monday form a line to shake hands with current Creston players prior to their second game against Lewis Central. (Larry Peterson)

Two former head coaches were present Monday — Mike Gerleman and Mike McCabe, who both directed teams to the state tournament (Gerleman in 1978, McCabe in 2015, 2016 and 2020). Eldon Gammell and Ron “Fox” Clinton are deceased, and they were represented by their wives, Margy Gammell and Ruth Clinton. Longtime assistant coach Teri Keeler was also introduced with the assembled coaches. Ellen Turbot, the original head coach, was not present.

Clinton guided the Panthers to state in 1996, and Gammell had a state tournament team in 1975.

Former coach Mike Gerleman (back row) is shown with many players from the early years of the Creston softball program after a ceremony honoring its history Monday night. (Larry Peterson)

The current home field was completed in 1975. The late John Stephens was one of the key volunteers who got the field completed, and he was represented at Monday’s ceremony by his wife Ruby and members of their family, Dannie and Vicki Stephens and their son Shane.

Creston senior shortstop Nevaeh Randall is accompanied by sisters Mosley (left) and Harlow Randall during Little League recognition Monday night. Youth players accompanied varsity starters onto the field prior to the second game of Monday's doubleheader against Lewis Central. (Larry Peterson)

In addition to the six state tournament appearances, Creston has won 11 conference softball championships under Gammell, Gerleman, Clinton and McCabe. This year’s team coached by Hartman is leading the conference with two games remaining.

Creston