A softball coach reached his 1,700th win after 32 years coaching at OCU.
Phil McSpadden, head softball coach, reached the milestone after two games Friday against Panhandle State University. The Stars won 7-6 and 5-3 in Ann Lacy Stadium. The victory makes McSpadden the coach with the highest number of wins against four-year colleges in the history of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Under McSpadden’s coaching, the Stars are ranked second in NAIA softball. He has brought the team to 10 national championships.
McSpadden said he thinks the team can make a national championship run this season.
“We’re ranked second right now, and we started the season ranked No. 1. We’re close,” McSpadden said. “It’s a good ball club. This is a good bunch here.”
Athletic Director Jim Abbott said McSpadden is the reason OCU’s softball team scores as high as it does.
“Phil is responsible for creating the tradition of success that we have in softball,” Abbott said. “He has been able to sustain it. He’s coached for 32 years, all at OCU. All 1,700 victories have come at Oklahoma City University.”
McSpadden said the team has been practicing since the beginning of the semester.
“NAIA allows you to practice 24 weeks in a school year. We practice eight weeks in the fall, but we don’t play any games,” McSpadden said. “Then we have 16 weeks for our season, and in the spring we start the first week of January.”
Abbott said McSpadden’s approach has been consistent throughout his career.
“He hasn’t changed the way he approaches it every year,” he said. “He’s able to recruit outstanding players, help them grow and contribute, and sustain the level of success that we’ve enjoyed.”
Senior Infielder Sha Ingram said McSpadden has a lot of devotion to the sport and his team.
“Coach has the biggest heart for his players and for the game,” she said. “He puts so much passion into every detail and is so passionate about what he does. I wouldn’t have wanted to play for anyone else.”
Abbott said OCU is fortunate to have McSpadden, as well as alumni who have made it possible for the program to succeed.
“I just think it’s remarkable,” he said. “We have a terrific number of alumni out there in the world who really helped blaze the trail for this program. Our 1,700th win is just as remarkable as our 1,000th win and our 500th win, and our 100th win, and our first win.”
McSpadden said the achievement is a testament to his 32 years.
“It makes me feel older than I already do,” he said. “I’m an old fart.”
McSpadden said he thanks his supporters.
“I appreciate the support the university has given us all these years, and I’m blessed with some good ball players,” McSpadden said.C
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