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Monday evening marked the delayed, but official, end of my softball coaching career as we celebrated the 2020 softball season at WGHS (Webster Groves High School) in two separate masked, socially distanced ceremonies in a (mostly) empty Roberts Gym, although so many parents who made coaching at Webster such a pleasure were there for their kids and represented so many who came before in previous seasons. I know that parents have sometimes created headaches for coaches, but at both programs with which I was fortunate to be connected (Hancock and WG), they were a blessing, not a bane.

I got to say goodbye to my last team, the 2020 WGHS-JV which overcame multiple obstacles and challenges to cram 13 games into 15 days, coming from behind in our last contest to defeat the JV of perennial power Lafayette 5-4 and finish with a 7-6 record. I’m as proud of that team as any I’ve had the privilege to coach in my 35 year coaching career. Going out on a win is all that any coach could reasonably ask for, and an exciting one, well, “Extra cherry on top, please!”

That didn’t end things, of course, as I joined the varsity for the state tournament that culminated with WGHS’s first-ever softball state championship and only the second women’s sport team state championship in the district’s 125 year history (of course, women’s sports don’t have that long a history [I remember when the “sporty” girls were shunted off to GAA club competitions.]). Of the 19 girls on our state championship squad, 17 had played for me in the program. Last night we unveiled the banner for the gym as well as the state championship picture. There’s also a poster in Webster’s Athletic “Hall of Fame.” 

Which means that you can find my name in the Halls of Fame in two different schools. For those who knew me back when (I started my teaching career 50 years ago), you are probably open-eyed in wonder, joining me in saying, as they do from time to time on TV, “Well, I sure didn’t see that coming!” 

I know I will miss coaching, I will miss my friends and colleagues, and, of course, the girls (as politically incorrect as the term may be, my former players will always be “my girls”), but I’m at peace with my retirement decision. It’s always a blessing to be able to control your exit from any job or stage of life, but 2020 notwithstanding, I couldn’t have scripted mine any better. 

So here’s my script (minus the inevitable ad libs) from the JV portion of last night’s ceremonies, plus  random pix from last night and the unforgettable 2020 season. 

About a year ago, and for me, if not most of us, I’m sure it seems much longer, we could have made any number of predictions about 2020, all of which would have been pure (wrong) guesses, but I’m confident that being here in Roberts Gym on April 12 to celebrate our 2020 softball seasons would not have made anyone’s list. 

But that we are here tonight to celebrate our successful 2020 seasons is a testament to the kind of young women who play Statesmen Softball. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, our dedicated players continued to not just show up, but to show up with purpose, to work hard during the seemingly interminable summer and fall. They were conscientious and mindful of the health and safety of their teammates and coaches – and as a coach of a certain age, I personally appreciated that. 

Every day they practiced as though their next game was going to be tomorrow – and then, all of a sudden, their next game WAS tomorrow. And the day after that and the day after that and…. Thanks to Jerry Collins, our JV managed to play a 13-game schedule, undoubtedly more games than any other JV team in St. Louis County. Despite essentially no time to practice between games, our athletes managed to improve daily, both individually and as a team. No team I’ve ever coached has done as much with as little opportunity, rejecting the myriad of excuses to just go through the motions, or has represented their school and community any better than our 2020 JV. 

2020 was definitely a year of transition, but thanks to the efforts of the young women here tonight, we can look forward with realistic hopes that 2021 will see Webster softball continue its tradition as a well-respected program. The young women who committed to the season that was 2020 can and should deservedly take pride in that; Coach Ashlock and I are certainly proud to have had the opportunity to work with you, and as I transition from coach to fan (although I’ve always been your fan), I know that pride will continue. Thank you.

Soggy Weather, Crisp Game. WG 7, NW 3

Raindrops kept fallin’ on our heads, they kept fallin’…. Much to our surprise, it was “Game On!” And so the girls played on. As Coach Cerutti described it, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team do a better job of making the weather irrelevant.” When the umpires called the game (official, 4 2/3 innings) because the playing conditions had moved from sloppy to something between unplayable and dangerous, we had tamed the dangerous Northwest Lions, 7-3. 

If you can play “crisp” ball in a swamp, well, that’s what we did. No errors, only two walks by Olivia Leaver (to the last two batters of the game before the Umps called the whole thing off) who notched her fourteenth win as Nic Rikand (2 RBI) prepared to come in. Taylor Smith backed that pitching with some great work at short and Caitlyn Boyle sped past her own (JV) stolen base record, set last year, with three steals to put her at 42 with one game left to play.

It is worth mentioning, I think, as our penultimate game put us at 15-8 for the season, that not that long ago our record stood at 7-7. The girls have done a great job of improving as individuals and as a team. Couldn’t be prouder of them and I will admit they exceeded my expectations. 

No school or practice tomorrow. We close out our season (although some will serve as a “practice squad” to help the varsity prepare for districts) Monday against what we expect to be a very good Ft. Zumwalt West squad. But win, lose, or draw, we will celebrate our success at Serendipity following the game. Apologies (sorry, not sorry) if I spoil their dinner appetites. Oh, and thanks to all those who cheered us on in the rain today. Your support did not go unnoticed.

Fox Tourney: Close, but no Cigar, Second Place

Apologies for the delay in reporting on the Fox Tournament. Yesterday was a long day plus I feared I had misplaced my scorecards. Fortunately, I found them today (where I thought I had previously looked) and all is well.

We switched over from the Hancock Tournament, which we had won the last five years, to Fox, where we expected better competition, because it’s not just about winning. Parents and fans who drove down to Arnold got their $5 worth, I think, with three exciting, competitive games and a second place trophy.

When you’re playing for plastic in the final game of the day, the experience was worth the effort. We continued our tradition of each player getting at least one full game; in a way I miss the “bat the lineup option” that Hancock’s tourney featured, but this was more traditional softball.

Game 1: Webster 9, Fox 6

We believed that Fox was better than the 20-5 drubbing we handed them a week or so ago, and we were right. Nevertheless, our “speed kills” top of the lineup put up 4 and 3 runs, respectively, in the first two innings. The Warriors came back with 4 of their own in the top of the second, but we answered quickly and the game settled in, staying at 7-4 until the opponents added a pair in the top of the 6^th. We countered with 2 of our own and Nic Rikand closed the door to save Olivia Leaver’s eleventh win of the season.

Game 2: Webster 11, Northwest-CH 1

The Lions of Northwest Cedar Hill prowled over to our field, having defeated Jefferson R-7 to swipe right toward the championship. They will be visiting us again this week as they pay a visit to Plymouth Field on Thursday. Theirs is a competitive program that always presents us with a challenging game. Unfortunately, we tamed them with arguably our best game of the year, featuring strong pitching (Olivia Leaver notched win #12 and Nicola Rikand finished with 2 dominant innings of relief), stellar defense, including two spectacular plays by Taylor (Ozzie) Smith in the hole, a balanced offense featuring hits from every spot in the order and monster shot HR w-a-a-a-y over the fence in left center by Marko, which sealed the deal and put an end to the six-inning contest.

I don’t think Northwest expected us to be that good and left impressed. Maybe some of that intimidation will carry over on Thursday, although maybe they’ll be psyched up and bring their best. The thing is, they did not play badly at all; we just beat them in every aspect of the game on this day.

Game 3: Summit 13, Webster 4

Don’t let the score fool you, this was another close, competitive game that slipped away on some bad luck (and maybe a missed call) in the last inning. In retrospect, perhaps I should have taken visitors when we won the toss. Scoring first is an advantage, and one we experience often with the Boyle-Marshall speed tag team. They struck again in this game, but merely closed a 3-run deficit to one. We might have more but had to settle for two sacrifice flies on good OF plays by the Falcons.

We trailed by only 2 runs, 6-4, as we headed into the seventh inning, with hopes of winning the rubber match of our 3-game series. Nicola Rikand was on fire in relief of Olivia, but a swinging bunt and a questionable call on a close throw at third on a runner trying to advance and the momentum noticeably shifted. By the time the smoke cleared, Summit (who had improved their team with a strong player not available to them earlier in the season due to injury) had added on 7 runs and the game ended quietly. Nevertheless, the coaching staff and the girls had lots to feel good about. We played 20 innings of high energy, quality softball and provided players and fans an fun morning and afternoon. We couldn’t prouder of how our girls are growing as players and a team. Thanks to our traveling cheering section. The girls and coaches really appreciate the support.

We’re heading into the Final Four with a 12-8 record. Monday we have the second (late start and possibly abbreviated) game against the Parkway West “JV” (will include some end of the bench varsity players); we travel Tuesday to Pattonville (not exactly, though – it’s not at the school but the Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex. We finish with two home games, Northwest CH again on Thursday and then a challenge from Fort Zumwalt West on Monday the 14^th. Please mark your calendars – we will continue our tradition of celebrating our season at Serendipity after the game (Coach’s treat). One final treat – a few pix from the tourney, courtesy of the players themselves.

Caitlyn Boyle padded her stolen base total with 10 more on Saturday.

Freshman Morgan Lawrence added four to her team lead in RBI.

Sophomore Taylor Smith leads a solid IF defense.

Olivia Leaver picked up her eleventh and twelfth wins, helping herself by fielding her position well in the circle.

Maci Rekart consistently provides solid defense at first base.

Nicola Rikand has been invaluable in closing out games in relief of Olivia. The tandem makes for a solid combination.

Webster 13, Lindbergh 0

The 2019 JV Softball season is now officially underway, and while we would have preferred a more challenging game, perhaps this was the best way to get the jitters out of the way, as all of our players saw significant playing time in the 5-inning 13-0 victory over the Lindbergh Flyers. Besides the victory, I enjoyed reconnecting with two former students from my Hancock days (two brothers who served as my yearbook editors and are now the head principal and social studies department chair at LHS) and Maddy Raimondo, a former WG player of mine who is now an assistant principal.

Our next opponents will provide us with plenty of challenge as we face Oakville at home tomorrow (Thursday), visit Eureka on Friday, and host Poplar Bluff in the second game of a double header on Saturday. We know the first two will test us and I expect Poplar Bluff didn’t decide to drive three hours to get clobbered.

But we’ll celebrate today’s win (all 3 teams won today) and worry about tomorrow, well, tomorrow. Behind the pitching of Olivia Leaver, who picked up her first JV win and Nicola Rikand (a 3-inning “save”), the inexperienced Flyers were overmatched. We put the brakes on early but also struggled against the soft tosses of the Lindbergh pitcher (the principal’s daughter). Our defense was generally solid, with Taylor (Friday) Graning especially flashing some leather at 2B. Thanks to Karen Smith for the photos that follow. Okay, also thanks to the "Live" feature on my iPhone (I do not stock, but I do admit to having been an Apple Fanboy for 35 years now) for some of the others.

Freshman Morgan Lawrence contributed two hits including a double and drove home three runs; Maddie Keefer added her own double and drove in two. I know the girls appreciated all the fans in the stands for their first game as we look forward to our home opener tomorrow against the Tigers from Oakville.

Go go get 'em.... Let's play ball!

The Flyers decided to test Olivia Leaver right away with a bunt -- Put out, 1-3

Taylor (Friday) Graning played a solid 2B, solidified the right side defense with 3 put outs and 2 assists.

Ally Marshall settles under a fly ball to CF for the last out of the first inning.

Nora Marcinkiewicz prepare to grab Strike 3 for Olivia Leaver's first JV-Black K.

Maddie Keefer hangs on the Strike 3 from Nicola Rikand

Freshman Morgan Lawrence flips to Friday for a force at second and almost a DP.

Nicola Rikand finished the game with 3 innings in the circle, four strike outs.