WEST DES MOINES , Iowa - The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) is in search of the oldest known living "Iowa Girl". 2019 marks a time for celebration as the IGHSAU will host the 100th girls' state basketball tournament. As part of the special anniversary, the organization is looking to its past to celebrate the momentous occasion.
"We are proud of our history as an organization", says Jean Berger, Executive Director of the IGHSAU. "The Iowa Girl is special and we dedicate ourselves to providing the very best possible experience for middle-school and high-school female student-athletes in Iowa. Through this search process, we expect to hear many unique stories from former athletes and how their participation in athletics positively influenced their future."
The campaign will take a grassroots approach as the IGHSAU looks to its followers for help. The IGHSAU encourages folks to nominate the woman they believe may qualify for the honor. Those who wish to nominate someone are asked to complete the online nomination form.
"We're confident that we'll find her", says Berger. "Word travels fast and Iowa girls are connected by their common experiences. Everyone is connected to someone and everyone is willing to lend a helping hand. That's just how Iowa is."
The woman in question will more than likely be a former six-on-six basketball player as this was the only sport sanctioned by the IGHSAU until 1955 when softball was added by longtime Executive Director, Dr. E Wayne Cooley. Iowa boasts a rich basketball tradition and the Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament is the oldest high school girls state tournament in the United States.
Questions regarding the campaign or other inquiries should be directed to [email protected] or 515-288-9741.
Click Here to View Nomination Form
ABOUT THE IGHSAU
The IGHSAU is the only state activity association in the nation solely devoted to promoting, directing and regulating interscholastic athletics for junior high and high school girls. Our mission is to govern fair, safe and sportsmanlike interscholastic competition that emphasizes the educational enhancement of all of participants.
The IGHSAU sanctions 10 sports for Iowa girls. This website helps provide athletes, coaches and administrators news, information, forms, policies, guidelines, rules, scores, schedules and more to aid in the promotion and success of every Iowa Girl.