For the third and what he says is the final time, Spirit Lake softball coach Chuck Skogerboe is stepping down as the leader of one of the school’s most successful sports programs. Skogerboe, who just concluded his 15th season with the Indians and 21st as a high school softball coach, made the announcement Thursday night at the end of the year banquet that he would not be returning to the dugout next season. He tells KUOO Sports that several factors went into this decision to step away from the game for a third and final time. Those factors included recent health battles with cancer, and knowing that he has returned the program to a competitive level.
During his tenure, Skogerboe amassed a record of 425-246, winning four regional titles and conference championships with the Indians. He also spent time as the head coach for the softball programs at the former South Clay High School and at Story City. Looking back, Skogerboe says those years in the mid-2000’s will always stand out in his mind. Spirit Lake won a state title in 2004, finished runner-up in 2005, and placed fourth in 2006. That all came after the school’s first state appearance in 2003.
In his final season, the Indians went 20-15 and lost their playoff opener at home to Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley in a walkoff. This year’s squad featured six All-Conference players. The list of individual players to receive accolades under the tutelage of Skogerboe is seemingly endless, but it does include numerous All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors, countless school and state records, and one Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Famer.
Though it remains uncertain who will replace the legendary coach at Spirit Lake, the one thing softball fans throughout the Iowa Great Lakes do know, is whomever does step in will have to fill an enormous void.
To hear comments from Chuck Skogerboe, listen to the Sportscast on ExploreOkoboji.com.