THE BRENT PRANGE CLASSIC

Iowa's Premier High School Baseball Classic
Hosted by Saydel High School


Brent Prange was an educator of young people in the classroom and on the ballfield. He started his teaching career in 1964 before retiring at Saydel High School in 2000 to do the things he enjoyed the most - umpire ballgames and enjoy his family, who at the time included eight grandchildren, and now they count up to 10 - seven boys and three girls.

He is the father of Bill Prange and Kris Prange Ropa, a step-father to Brian Dixon, Robin Dixon Steinkamp, and Christy Dixon Hemry, and his husband and best friend to Jane. Brent enjoyed his role as "Grandpa" perhaps more than any other role in his lifetime. He received many awards during his many years as a teacher and an umpire. Brent felt lucky and humble to receive awards of any kind and would much rather be remembered for what he gave than what he received. He started many young boys on a career of umpiring in football, basketball, and baseball - Today, many are men and are still umpiring.

His Honors include:

Allison Bristow High School Hall of Fame
Upper Iowa University Hall of Fame
Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
NFOA - Umpire of the Year
Central Association Baseball - District Umpire of the Year (1987, 1991, 1993, 1997, and 1999)
High School Baseball Coaches Association - Umpire of the Year
Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame