Young Wyoming softball squad surprises new coach
WYOMING – When Wyoming High School was in need of a new softball coach, the top candidate was familiar with the program and didn’t need a map to find the field.
Jerry Campbell had coached baseball at Purcell Marian under current Mariemont athletic director Tom Nerl. As a summer coach, he had supplied Wyoming with numerous players, including his son, Chris Campbell, an all-league catcher and three-sport athlete for the Cowboys.
Baseball coach Chris Fiehrer worked with Jerry Campbell last season and then recommended him for the softball job that came open thereafter. With two daughters coming to the squad, his arm was twisted sufficiently enough to accept.
“It was a tough decision,” Campbell said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to coach my daughters. I was enjoying being a parent. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience this season.”
With seven freshman, six sophomores, two juniors and one senior (Ellen Koesterman), the young Cowboys have themselves in position to finish with their first winning record since 2011. Wyoming sits in the middle of the pack of the Cincinnati Hills League at presstime with a decent chance to finish above .500 overall.
“We had one girl who threw one varsity inning last year,” Campbell said. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised. We thought it would be a rebuilding year. We’re thrilled with the rebound the kids have had.”
Sophomore Madeline “M.J.” Juergens threw the one frame a year ago and has logged the most innings for Wyoming of their three underhand hurlers.
“It’s been a pitcher by committee,” Campbell said. “When she (Juergens) is hot, we ride her. When she’s not, we look to freshman Katie Lewis.”
Freshman Reagan Raymer has been the Cowboys’ top hitter followed by classmate Reily Boss. The class of 2017 has made 2014 pleasurable for the softball “rookie” coach.
“Our freshman class has been outstanding,” Campbell said. “Reagan Raymer is one of the league leaders in hitting and doing a sensational job in the field. Emily Dudek is terrific behind the plate and has been a tremendous surprise for us.”
Campbell also has the good fortune to coach freshman daughter, Samantha, and her junior sister, Erin. Erin Campbell has played second base and tops the team in runs batted in.
“This is her third year playing varsity,” Campbell said of Erin. “We’re hoping the younger one progresses like her sister did.”
Junior Olivia Munneke and freshman Michaela Fetter are others who have hit over .300 for Wyoming as they approach the tournament.
Campbell’s Cowboys drew Batavia for the first postseason game on the road May 13. The current schedule also calls for a regular season wrap-up at Norwood on May 14.
“The league’s been very competitive,” Campbell said. “A lot of the teams have senior pitchers. Taylor’s having a nice year and Finneytown and Deer Park have nice teams. We’re happy to compete this year. To have the success we’ve had we’re very, very happy about what’s going to happen down the road.”