They are arch-rivals and highly ranked and set to collide in class 2A district baseball tournament action tonight as third-ranked Dyersville-Beckman plays host to number-seven Cascade. Beckman coach Tom Jenk says the rivalry has been sparked by the love of the sport in both communities. He says they’re fortunate to be in northeast Iowa where baseball is the top sport.Both programs have been highly successful over the years and have become accustomed to meeting in the postseason. He says it’s something the look forward to each year when the pairings come out for the state tournament. Jenk says it will become more important as they split and go into different conferences.The teams split a doubleheader a couple of weeks ago. He says there are so many variables in high school baseball, especially on defense, and the team that handles them the best will come out on top. Cascade coach Jerry Roling says both teams will be ready. Roling says a large crowd should be on hand, as he says they’ll probably be about 1,500 people there. Roling says it will be a great tournament atmosphere. He says very few teams have the opportunity to step on the field and play in front of such a crowd in this type of game.
