The Iowa softball team is running counter to the theory that it’s too difficult to be successful on the college diamond in the northern climate.Gayle Blevins has been the Iowa coach for 14-years will be taking her fourth Iowa squad to the College World Series since 1995. She says the success of the program has not been a total surprise. She says she wouldn’t have come to Iowa if she didn’t think they could win and go to the World Series.Blevins says while the highest percentage of the top programs are in the south there is plenty of opportunity for the northern schools to succeed.Not only has Iowa’s program competed successfully on the diamond with the schools in warmer climates but also on the recruiting trail. She says they’ve managed to get the best kids from outside the Midwest.Blevins says softball is no different from any other sport and players are attracted to the successful programs.Iowa plays U-C-L-A Thursday in the opening round of the World Series in Oklahoma City.