RAPID CITY, S.D. – USA Softball South Dakota has named four members to its 2026 Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Inductees and Their Contributions
Carol Pipgras of Sioux Falls is being honored for more than three decades as the state’s Youth Deputy Commissioner. Appointed on Jan. 1, 1994, Pipgras helped launch youth slow‑pitch in Sioux Falls in 1989 and built a statewide volunteer network that now supports both slow‑pitch and fast‑pitch tournaments. Under her leadership, tournament weekends feature over 300 teams. She also introduced the three‑game guarantee for youth slow‑pitch and the four‑ and five‑game guarantees for youth fast‑pitch, and she guided the transition to a three‑class fast‑pitch system. Nationally, Pipgras has served on the Region 11 Youth Commissioner Council, the Special Events Committee, the Tournament and Awards Committee, and the National Junior Olympic Committee. Locally, she sits on the Sioux Falls People Youth board and co‑founded the South Dakota Softball Scholarship Program, which awards up to six $1,000 scholarships each year. Former commissioner Gary Young said Pipgras “embodies the very best of USA Softball South Dakota,” while President Gerry Bills added she “loved every child in the program.”
Teri Schmidt of Sioux Falls is recognized for more than 40 years of work that turned the city into a national softball destination. Hired in 1983 to develop the Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Experience Sioux Falls), Schmidt grew the staff to 25 and managed a $3 million budget. Her efforts secured more than 30 national championships, drawing teams from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. One of the largest ASA/USA events—a 168‑team tournament—was held under her leadership. Nominator Gary Young noted that Schmidt “fundamentally changed softball’s trajectory in South Dakota,” with major events routinely generating $1‑1.5 million for the city.
Paul Kruse of Brookings is being honored for a playing career that began in 1994 with Chevy’s Lounge. Kruse helped lead teams to South Dakota Open titles with the Cubbies (2003), Chuk n Duk (2004‑2007) and Sanford Power (2008‑2011). Nationally, he won the 1995 ASA E National Championship and placed fifth at the ASA B Nationals in 2005, earning a reputation as one of the state’s top players for two decades. Kruse also served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1988 to 1997, including a deployment during the Gulf War.
David “Dave” Dickmeyer of Sioux Falls is celebrated for a five‑decade career that began in 1976, making him one of the most respected men’s slow‑pitch infielders in the region. Playing with John’s Shoe Repair, Dickmeyer won state championships in 1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996 and competed in three B‑Division National Championships. Hall of Famer Jack Kolbeck praised Dickmeyer’s “heart and relentless passion,” noting his willingness to coach and mentor teammates.
Community Impact
The inductees collectively represent more than 150 years of service to South Dakota softball, from youth development to elite competition. Their work has not only grown participation numbers but also generated significant economic benefits for host cities through tournament tourism.
The upcoming ceremony will bring together former players, coaches, volunteers and community leaders to celebrate these achievements and to inspire the next generation of softball athletes across the state.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
