Parke Heritage celebrates the naming of Jerry and Keith Newlin Field

During a special ceremony, the Parke Heritage High School softball field was officially named Jerry and Keith Newlin Field on Wednesday, May 20. 

The Newlin brothers dedicated many years to softball in the North Central Parke community. Jerry and the late Keith played an important role in Parke County softball. Keith Newlin coached the Turkey Run softball team for 10 years, and Jerry Newlin coached for six years.

During their years leading the Turkey Run softball program, Jerry and Keith Newlin built an impressive record of success. Their biggest achievement came in 1996 when Turkey Run won the IHSAA softball state championship.

Turkey Run became the smallest school to win a single-class state title since Milan won the 1954 boys’ basketball state finals. On their way to the championship, the Warriors defeated several larger schools, including defending state champion in the title game.

While leading the Turkey Run softball program, Jerry and Keith also went undefeated in Wabash River Conference play with a 72-0 record.

They amassed five sectional championships, three regional championships, and defeated the Illinois softball state champion in 1996. 

Jerry and Keith were named the 1996 IHSAA co-head coaches of the year.  They have been inducted into the Indiana ASA Hall of Fame as well as being inducted into the inaugural class as coaches into the Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame.  Outside of high school coaching, Jerry and Keith were involved in the Bloomingdale Youth Association for over 20 years.