From the Pitching Circle to the Cattle Barn and Show Ring

[Paul Yeager] Today's MtoM podcast is brought to you in part by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, creating opportunity for business in Iowa by connecting companies, entrepreneurs, and communities with the resources to thrive. Learn more at BusinessIowa.com.

[Paul Yeager] We're at the Iowa State Fair for this week's MtoM podcast, and forgive me, but I'm mixing two of my interests here. One is softball, the other is the State Fair. Sydney Lovrien from Clarksville, Iowa is someone you may recognize if you follow softball in Iowa. She's going to go down as one of Iowa's best pitchers, especially in Class 1A. The biggest thing about it: Sydney was state champion again for the Clarksville Indians. We're going to talk about softball, but you're also here at the State Fair, right?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yep.

[Paul Yeager] Have you been to either of these before — the State Fair, state softball?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, many times. The State Fair, many more times than state softball.

[Paul Yeager] We got to know Sydney over the years with the Clarksville team. Let's start with softball, if we could — talk about your team. You won it this year at the state tournament.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes.

[Paul Yeager] All right, we'll get back to that in a minute. Let's tie it into the fair. You're in the middle of a softball season — Iowa plays it in the middle of summer, in June — and you had something going on at the same time. What did you have?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, we had our county fair in the middle of June.

[Paul Yeager] What were you showing at the county fair that year?

[Sydney Lovrien] I showed my steer and two pigs.

[Paul Yeager] And what are you showing here at the State Fair?

[Sydney Lovrien] My steer, and then one pig.

[Paul Yeager] How did you do with the steer?

[Sydney Lovrien] At the county fair, I got reserve champion.

[Paul Yeager] And how about the pig?

[Sydney Lovrien] I got third in class with my pig.

[Paul Yeager] How many years have you shown at the county fair?

[Sydney Lovrien] Ever since I was in fourth grade — I think that's when you can start showing, with 4-H.

[Paul Yeager] And you're the middle child?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes.

[Paul Yeager] Did you have any choice in the matter of showing at the fair?

[Sydney Lovrien] No, it's always what I was used to.

[Paul Yeager] Your sister showed?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yep.

[Paul Yeager] And your brother showed just this morning, before we recorded. And your mom and dad — let's talk about their role with you and the animals.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, they show too, so it's been in my family for a very long time. They chose to raise us up to show, and I'm very thankful for them.

[Paul Yeager] Your dad is kind of busy in the livestock business. What does he do?

[Sydney Lovrien] He raises cows, and he sells them and buys them, and we work on them too.

[Paul Yeager] And some of them are for the market and some of them are for show?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes. Some go to the sale barn, and some we sell to other people so they can show.

[Paul Yeager] What's the greatest skill that showing animals teaches you?

[Sydney Lovrien] Definitely hard work and dedication. You have to get up early every morning and make sure all your chores are done.

[Paul Yeager] Clarksville has always liked softball. So you didn't have to get up early for that, but you did have to do chores after night games?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, and at night after games too.

[Paul Yeager] What would some of those activities be after a game?

[Sydney Lovrien] We have to let our cows out of the shed and feed them and make sure their hair looks good.

[Paul Yeager] That's the same thing we do in my house to try to make my hair look okay. Showing at the county fair is a little different than the state fair, but everybody knows you at the county fair. What's the pressure like there?

[Sydney Lovrien] It's a lot, because everybody knows you and everybody knows what you have. If you've done good in the previous years, you want to do it again. People are very competitive at the county fair, which makes it fun.

[Paul Yeager] Not just competitive in softball?

[Sydney Lovrien] In both, yes.

[Paul Yeager] We'll get to that — it's a fun part of this story. What's the difference between the two arenas for you, county fair and state fair?

[Sydney Lovrien] The state fair is much bigger. There's a huge crowd and so many people watching. The pressure is definitely on there — maybe a little more than the county fair.

[Paul Yeager] Are the lights brighter?

[Sydney Lovrien] Maybe a little bit.

[Paul Yeager] The ring itself may not be a different size, but everybody around it is more.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, so much bigger.

[Paul Yeager] Since you're in FFA, you probably have projects you have to get ready too, not just animals?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, I didn't do one this year, but I have in the past.

[Paul Yeager] But you still put your best foot forward in whatever you do. How much sitting around do you get to do at the county fair?

[Sydney Lovrien] Not very much. There's not usually any sitting around — you're checking cows and things at the same time. I used to show sheep too, so that was thrown into the mix. It was very busy all the time.

[Paul Yeager] A little more sitting around at the state fair?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, a little bit more.

[Paul Yeager] How do you pass the time?

[Sydney Lovrien] Walking around, looking at all the stuff, and trying the foods. It's fun to do.

[Paul Yeager] Have you made friends here from outside your home area?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, for sure — friends from all over. So many different people.

[Paul Yeager] Have you ever played sports against them, friends you've made here?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, sounds familiar — faces I recognize. I've thought, "I think I've played you before."

[Paul Yeager] Does that make you want to win more, if you've already seen them in something else?

[Sydney Lovrien] You got me. Yeah.

[Paul Yeager] What division is the pig in?

[Sydney Lovrien] It's a market hog, so I'm in class 17.

[Paul Yeager] So class 17 means you're not up super early, but you still have to sit around all day?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, we have to get here, feed the pigs, and make sure everything is washed and stays clean all day.

[Paul Yeager] What have you been doing here at the fair today, besides cleaning and walking?

[Sydney Lovrien] We walked around a little bit, and we had to wait in the cattle barns since we got here late last night. We washed the calves and checked on the pigs.

[Paul Yeager] Do people walk by and ask you questions?

[Sydney Lovrien] Sometimes. I got asked where we keep our pigs, where we walk them, and whether we keep them outside or in the shed.

[Paul Yeager] And the answer to all of those is?

[Sydney Lovrien] We keep ours in the shed and then walk them outside in the grass.

[Paul Yeager] It's been hot this summer — you're playing softball in the heat, then working the animals in the heat of the day too.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, it can be a lot in one day, but I have lots of help from my brother, my dad, and my mom too.

[Paul Yeager] Let's give your mom, dad, and brother names.

[Sydney Lovrien] My mom and dad's names are Jessica and Ben. (Brother's name not captured clearly by ASR — see transcription notes.)

[Paul Yeager] Who has the last word before you go into the ring — whose voice is the last one in your ear?

[Sydney Lovrien] Usually Dad. He's the one person in the makeup arena for me.

[Paul Yeager] Is that kind of like when the pitching coach comes out to talk to you in the circle?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, kind of like the coach.

[Paul Yeager] What's the approval process before you post animal pictures?

[Sydney Lovrien] Usually Mom sends the picture, and Dad approves it and makes sure the animal looks good. Mom's looking at the people; Dad's looking at the animal.

[Paul Yeager] What is he checking for on the animal?

[Sydney Lovrien] That it's set up well — no bad angles, not standing weird.

[Paul Yeager] Do you find that a little unnecessary, or is it important?

[Sydney Lovrien] I think it's important — one time there was a bad picture posted on Facebook and my dad was not very happy.

[Paul Yeager] So if I have pictures of the animals behind us, will I need his final approval on those?

[Sydney Lovrien] I think we might be able to get by with these.

[Paul Yeager] Who's here behind us?

[Sydney Lovrien] My steer and my brother's heifer.

[Paul Yeager] So the process of bringing animals in — for those watching who aren't familiar — involves long wait times, sometimes loading in at 2 a.m. or so.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, we got done unloading last night at 1 a.m.

[Paul Yeager] Can you nap in the barn after that?

[Sydney Lovrien] We went back to the hotel and waited. My dad fed the pigs and got everything done.

[Paul Yeager] So you can let the pigs go for a little while, but no sleeping in the pen next to them anymore?

[Sydney Lovrien] Right — some people still do, but we don't anymore. A better night's sleep is more important.

[Paul Yeager] When you're in the ring, walk me through what distracts you.

[Sydney Lovrien] Sometimes people in the stands rattle things or clap, and the animal can get scared, so I'm always watching out for that and trying to block it from seeing or hearing it. Otherwise I'm always looking at the judge — that's usually where my focus is.

[Paul Yeager] Which is harder to show, a steer or a hog?

[Sydney Lovrien] For me, pigs are a little harder because I haven't shown them nearly as long as cattle, so I'm not as good yet at leading or driving them.

[Paul Yeager] You've got to have a strong arm if that steer starts running. Is it important for you to stay calm?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, because the animal can pick up on your feelings and mood.

[Paul Yeager] What's the difference in the arena between showing swine and showing cattle — are people closer in the hog arena?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah, the hog arena is more compact. There are a lot of people around, and the pigs walk around more on their own. In the cattle barn, people are up higher in the stands and you're down below, and the arena is much bigger.

[Paul Yeager] When you think about your experience, what stands out as something that's been awesome about showing animals?

[Sydney Lovrien] Definitely coming to the state fair, showing, and watching my brothers and sisters show too. It's been really fun.

[Paul Yeager] Like in sports, is there video review of you showing in the ring?

[Sydney Lovrien] Sometimes my mom takes pictures and video, and I like to watch and see a different view of how my animal and I looked.

[Paul Yeager] How are you feeling about this year?

[Sydney Lovrien] Pretty good — a little nervous on the pig side because I'm not as used to it as I am with cows, but overall good.

[Paul Yeager] Let's talk softball for a minute. You played through the innings and got to the championship game. What did you feel going into it?

[Sydney Lovrien] I just wanted to be satisfied with my high school career. I wanted to end on a good note — I didn't want a negative memory from my last year.

[Paul Yeager] You had to play one team three times through extra-inning games. What did you think of that?

[Sydney Lovrien] I honestly didn't love it, because it took a lot more energy, but I think it proved that we earned our spot there.

[Paul Yeager] You were against a team in the finals — two farm girls going head-to-head in the circle. Tell me what from the show ring translates to the pitching circle.

[Sydney Lovrien] Definitely keeping your composure, not being nervous or anxious — because just like cows can pick up on it, your team can pick up on your feelings and mood too. If you're down, the team might be too. So, keeping your composure.

[Paul Yeager] We talked about voices in your ear — whose voice are you recalling when it's time to pitch?

[Sydney Lovrien] Pitching to the coaches, and myself — telling myself to stay calm and play loose.

[Paul Yeager] Which is more competitive, sports or the livestock ring?

[Sydney Lovrien] Sports, for sure — because you're trying to win the game.

[Paul Yeager] How does someone balance both sports and livestock?

[Sydney Lovrien] Definitely a lot of help from family. My brother has helped me a ton — we have morning practices, and he'll help with the cows, and my dad will help with the calves. Having a good support group and good time management matters, because you can't always go out with your friends — you have to stay and work on your pigs and calves. It takes making sacrifices.

[Paul Yeager] And your brother has to go to football practice — he's missing it for this?

[Sydney Lovrien] Right now, yes.

[Paul Yeager] Where are you going in about a week, and will you be able to come back and help at all?

[Sydney Lovrien] I start college on Monday. I'll try to help, but I don't know — it might be a little tough.

[Paul Yeager] Where are you going, and what will you study?

[Sydney Lovrien] (School name unclear on ASR — see transcription notes.) Nursing.

[Paul Yeager] So you won't be too far away — will you answer the phone when your brother needs help with this?

[Sydney Lovrien] I'll definitely miss it and try to stick around and help as much as I can, but I'll try to stay involved.

[Paul Yeager] You've pitched your last softball game. Are you going to keep doing FFA, since you can still do it while in college?

[Sydney Lovrien] Maybe a few open shows here and there, but otherwise I'm pretty much done with high school and everything that came with it.

[Paul Yeager] What's the emotion right now?

[Sydney Lovrien] Definitely sad. I was very sad at the county fair when I showed my last one there — it feels like home, and I love it so much. I was very sad after that.

[Paul Yeager] What was the emotion the day you won the state championship?

[Sydney Lovrien] It was crazy — very nervous in the beginning, and then in the middle of the game it turned into pure joy.

[Paul Yeager] Which championship felt better?

[Sydney Lovrien] The second one, I think, because it was my senior year. The first one we had never done before, so it was a complete shock; the second one is my pick.

[Paul Yeager] You made the All-Tournament team. When you don't hear your name called, are you worried for a while?

[Sydney Lovrien] Not really — I'm just so proud that we won. Nothing can top that, so if I don't make it, that's fine too.

[Paul Yeager] For the non-sports fans watching — pink t-shirts go to the champions. A big focus is the "Iowa Girl." What does that mean to you?

[Sydney Lovrien] It means so much — it's about strength. It's such a cool program.

[Paul Yeager] You were super active in school — I want to say seven sports?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, seven — basketball, wrestling, cross country my first two years, golf, and track as a freshman.

[Paul Yeager] Your dad was one of your wrestling coaches?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, he was.

[Paul Yeager] Was he tougher on the wrestling mat or getting you ready to show?

[Sydney Lovrien] Probably the wrestling mat, because he expected a lot of me.

[Paul Yeager] Is there any more Iowan experience than the state fair and athletics?

[Sydney Lovrien] No, I feel like that's about as Iowan an experience as you can get.

[Paul Yeager] Your sister, who you played against this year in the state tournament, has had success at the state fair before. What was her success?

[Sydney Lovrien] She won with her market heifer in 2016, and then got third overall twice, in 2019 and 2020.

[Paul Yeager] What was her advice for you about all of this?

[Sydney Lovrien] Just that it's such a family up there, and we all support each other — continued support from all of the family.

[Paul Yeager] Were you in the ring with her for the final sale of champions?

[Sydney Lovrien] I was there watching. It was a very cool environment.

[Paul Yeager] And very emotional?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, because she wouldn't be showing her calf again, so she was very emotional.

[Paul Yeager] After everything you've experienced, do you take any of it for granted, or is it old hat by now?

[Sydney Lovrien] No, I don't take it for granted. I feel so lucky to be part of such great things — I'm very thankful.

[Paul Yeager] You're also salutatorian for your class. What is it about nursing that these skills we've talked about will translate to?

[Sydney Lovrien] Definitely hard work and dedication. Nursing school is going to be hard, and being dedicated, a good student, and a respectful person has really helped me as a person.

[Paul Yeager] What was the name of your FFA/livestock club?

[Sydney Lovrien] Final Drive Livestock.

[Paul Yeager] That's quite a name — sounds like there aren't many home-economics projects in that club.

[Sydney Lovrien] No, it's a lot of showing — it's a showing-based club.

[Paul Yeager] Butler County is fun for me because it's close to where I grew up, and over the years I've gotten to know the families there. Tell the audience what Butler County means for family and camaraderie.

[Sydney Lovrien] I feel like it's a big family — we all know each other, support each other, and watch each other at the state fair and cheer each other on in sports. We have a really deep connection with everybody.

[Paul Yeager] And if an animal gets out, you can call each other and it's not that strange — then you might just greet each other again the next time at the fair.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah — a lot of jokes, a lot of fun, a lot of stories told.

[Paul Yeager] What do you do here at the fair besides showing?

[Sydney Lovrien] We walk around and go on rides — we take our little cousins on rides.

[Paul Yeager] What rides are your favorite?

[Sydney Lovrien] I like the Old Mill — that's my favorite. And the Sky Glider.

[Paul Yeager] Is there one ride you like better than the other, the flatter one or the one with the bigger hill?

[Sydney Lovrien] I like the hill one — I think we did that yesterday, me, my mom, and my brother.

[Paul Yeager] When you think about the fair, is it everything outside the barns for you, or inside?

[Sydney Lovrien] Inside. It's a lot of the people and the food, but I spend most of my time inside the barn.

[Paul Yeager] Do you go to the 4-H building or FFA building to look at the exhibits?

[Sydney Lovrien] Sometimes — some years I don't get out that far, but it's fun.

[Paul Yeager] Do you go over to the cultural side and look at the photographs?

[Sydney Lovrien] Sometimes I do.

[Paul Yeager] Sometimes you might see yourself in one of them — people enter photos in the photography competition, and one girl I know found out she was in a photo from the state track meet a year later without knowing it had been taken. Have you had that experience?

[Sydney Lovrien] I haven't — I'll have to go check this year.

[Paul Yeager] If you could be on the cover of next year's state softball program, which would you want — in the circle with the mask on staring down a hitter, or leading the steer?

[Sydney Lovrien] Oh, that's a tough one — both would be fun.

[Paul Yeager] So nursing is next, farming stays as a side interest but not the primary path, and softball is done. It's been a good ride.

[Sydney Lovrien] Yes, it's been great.

[Paul Yeager] Last question — summarize the state fair experience for you, 2026 in general.

[Sydney Lovrien] It's been a crazy year, with graduating and all the softball and the fair. It's been so crazy, but it's probably been one of the best — it's been so fun.

[Paul Yeager] Sydney, I appreciate it, and congratulations. When you see somebody struggling behind you, you're glad it's not you, right?

[Sydney Lovrien] Yeah.

[Paul Yeager] I'm not picking on the family walking right behind us — but it's all fun and great life memories. It's been a joy to talk to you and get to know you over the years, so thank you so very much.

[Sydney Lovrien] Thank you.

[Paul Yeager] Sydney Lovrien from Clarksville, Iowa — state champion softball pitcher, and trying to do well in the ring here at the Iowa State Fair. This will do it for today's MtoM podcast. Thank you so much, and we'll see you next time.

[Paul Yeager] Today's MtoM podcast was brought to you in part by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, creating opportunity for businesses in Iowa by connecting companies, entrepreneurs, and communities with the resources to thrive. Learn more at BusinessIowa.com.

[Paul Yeager] We are produced at Iowa PBS. Our production supervisor is Sean Ingrassia. His crew is Reid Denker, Kevin Rivers, Julie Knudsen, Neal Kyer, and David Feingold. The executive producer of Market to Market is David Miller. I'm Paul Yeager. We'll see you next time.