RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Central High School Activities Director Jordan Bauer announced Wednesday, Sept. 23, the hiring of Wayne Iddings as the next head softball coach for the Cobblers, pending school board approval.

“Coach Iddings brings a tremendous amount of experience, leadership, and passion for developing student-athletes,” Bauer said. “With more than 30 years of softball coaching experience, Wayne has a proven track record of building competitive programs and creating a strong team culture. His success coaching in the Rapid City club softball community has given him a strong understanding of the players, families, and softball landscape in our area. His ability to develop athletes, build relationships, and create a culture of accountability will make him a great fit to lead Cobbler Softball.”

Iddings has coached in Rapid City since his oldest daughter began playing sports in 1995. Over more than 30 years as a volunteer coach, he has guided his five children across multiple sports, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball. For the past 15 years, his primary focus has been fastpitch softball, coaching his two youngest daughters. His youngest daughter is currently a 13-year-old eighth grader at South Middle School, giving him another five years of coaching with her.

In addition to his coaching background, Iddings has served on the RCJOUSA Softball board for the past seven years, including four seasons as board president. In that role, he oversaw a league comprising over 700 girls and 59 teams across the Black Hills. He also helped facilitate the transition of high school girls fastpitch softball from the fall season to the spring, working alongside RCJOUSA, the Rapid City Parks Department, and Rapid City Area Schools to secure playing and practice facilities for local high schools.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to be a part of Central High School softball. I want to thank Jordan Bauer and Terry Lundeen for bringing me into the program,” Iddings said. “I am excited to get to work right away on building a winning tradition. Our program will work on developing well-rounded individuals where players can learn and grow individually and as a team to play at their highest level possible. We will make Cobbler softball relevant and I’m so excited to be a part of Cobbler Nation and get the year going.”

Bauer noted that Iddings’ work ethic and commitment to student-athletes stood out throughout the hiring process.

“He understands what it takes to build a competitive program, recruit talented athletes, and develop student-athletes both on and off the field,” Bauer said. “His passion for making Cobbler Softball a successful program was clear throughout the process. His ability to build relationships, establish expectations, and create a positive team culture will be a tremendous asset to our softball program and our athletic department. We’re excited to have Wayne leading Cobbler Softball and look forward to seeing what he will build in the years ahead.”