Thunder Get Huge Win In Rodd’s Final Games As Head Coach

Apr 29, 2012

Wes Vork-NSO

The Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College softball team wrapped up their 2012 campaign by going 1-3 in the MCAC State Crossover Tournament held at Braun Park this past weekend. The lone Thunder win on the weekend came against one of the toughest teams in the MCAC Anoka-Ramsey.

“I thought we finally put together a solid game,” said Thunder Head Coach Kerry Rodd. “We won four of our last seven games and beat a very good Anoka-Ramsey team so that was a highlight for our season.”

The Thunder suffered in the middle stages of the season when they were unable to pitch their top thrower Katie Youngberg due to an injury.

“Katie is a difference maker on the mound when she is healthy,” remarked Rodd. “Before she went down we were tied for second place in the league and we were knocking on the door for first place. After she was unable to pitch we lost seven straight and that was deflating.”

However, despite the Thunder losing seven in a row they somehow managed to remain positive and bounced back in the final two weeks by winning four games.

“To our players credit they never quit,” Rodd stated. “The second year players kept the team together and should be credited with strong leadership.”

The weekend also marked the final games Rodd will coach for the Thunder after tendering his resignation prior to the season.

“It has been a great ride, but it is time to move on and look for new ventures,” commented Rodd. “It is a real grind coaching at the college level with the recruiting, long practice schedule and then playing over 30 games in less than a month. It is very taxing, but it has been a great ride with some wonderful young people making it a special experience” stated Rodd.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com