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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (March 17, 2011) – For Kutztown University's Judy Lawes, a day turned into a year, which has evolved into almost a quarter century of softball coaching excellence. The Kutztown University head coach reached another brilliant benchmark after the Golden Bears swept a doubleheader from the University of Sciences, 7-0 and 2-0 at McNeil Field Thursday afternoon. (GAME 1 BOXSCORE) / (GAME 2 BOXSCORE)
“Winning 700 means a lot for the program,” Lawes said. “There have been so many girls before this team that has set the standard. When I started, I didn't have a lot of role models in coaching. I am so happy that I have the opportunity to coach.”
Into her 24th season as head coach, Lawes is the 15th NCAA Division II coach to reach 700 victories. Lawes, who has had a winning record in every one of her seasons at KU, is 701-385-2 overall, which ranks among the top 25 active Division II coaches in terms of winning percentage.
Lawes never dreamed she would be coaching this long. Now, the diminutive Lawes, who has intensity of a middle linebacker and heart of gold couldn't imagine her life if she wasn't coaching. She has been surrounded by a loving family, strengthened by a solid coaching staff, supported by a strong group of administrators, and blessed with some great players, who have gone on to become productive members of society.
“I thought I'd be here for about three years,” Lawes said. “When I took the job, I was like 'wow, this is a cool job.' I wouldn't have expected to be here this many years, but now I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy everything about coaching from the recruiting, the X's and O's, the interaction with the young ladies and working on a college campus.”
Senior pitcher Monica Glomb has saved some of best career efforts for Lawes' milestones. She tossed a no-hitter during a 14-0 win against Lake Erie in Florida as Lawes claimed career win No. 600 in 2009. Against the Devils, she fired her fourth shutout of the 2011 season.
In the opening game, Glomb was backed by the timely hitting of sophomore Katie Lynch, who drove in three runs, and the table-setting of freshman Jackie Hartzler, who tripled and doubled in her first two plate appearances as the leadoff batter.
“It means a lot and it's exciting to be able to be part of wins number 600 and 700,” Glomb said. “She's hard on us and we try our best to work hard for coach because we know she's helping us become better players. We had no idea she needed one win for 700. It took a lot of pressure off of us not knowing.”
Following the final out of the opening game – a grounder to second baseman Nicole Colineri, who fired the ball to first baseman Heather Hannum, there was no huge celebration. Once the final out was recorded at 3:39 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Lawes exchanged some high-fives with her players and walked to the outfield where she led a quick discussion about the opening win.
The second game featured Lawes and the Golden Bears at their best. The first run of the game was produced when Hartzler's suicide squeeze scored Morgan Booth in the top of the fifth inning. Hartzler added a RBI single in the seventh inning. The biggest play of the game occurred in the bottom of the fourth inning when Brie Knipe fired a throw home to catcher Krista Tedjeske, who tagged USP's Erin Summers in the leg trying to score.
With the run, Derr took care of the rest as she notched her fifth shutout of the season. It wasn't easy as the Devils loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning before Derr escaped. Only a freshman, Derr has been as cool as a scoop of ice cream for the Golden Bears. She struck out nine batters.
Meanwhile, Lawes joked with her players, had discussions with the umpires, encouraged her team as USP's Julie Shaw was frustrating the KU batters, and made the perfect call in the perfect situation to produce the first run of the game.
Lawes' dedication, intensity, hard work, and motivational skills have lifted the Golden Bears into one of the NCAA's most successful programs. The Golden Bears have won 40 or more games in four straight seasons and participated in the NCAA Atlantic Regionals in eight consecutive years. With the way, this season's squad, ranked 11th in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) top 25 poll, is playing both streaks could easily be extended. Lawes has been named PSAC East Coach of the Year five times during her distinguished career (1989, 1994, 2000, 2007 and 2009).
She recorded her 500th victory in a 7-6 win over Millersville in 2006. Among her wins, 305 have come against PSAC East foes. Lawes is KU's winningest coach in school history, regardless of sport. Since the 2000 season alone, KU has recorded 399 victories. Lawes has won 196 games since the start of 2007 season.
Lawes and the Golden Bears celebrated by eating cheesesteaks at historic Pat's Steaks on Passyunk Avenue in south Philadelphia.
“We knew coach had a lot of wins in her career, but we didn't realize she was this close,” Lynch said. “It's really nice to be a part of this because we know this is a good program and she's a great coach. She's hard on us, but it's definitely for the best. She knows we all have potential and she pushes us to do our best. It's a great accomplishment for her.”
--KU--
