New coaches take over at Wilmot

Change is definitely in the air this spring for the Wilmot softball program.

A core of standouts have graduated and taken their skills to the collegiate level, but that’s not the only difference Panthers’ fans will see.

Also gone is former longtime head coach Bob Movrich, who retired at the end of 2012, and was replaced by his assistant, Pat Dopke.

While Dopke may be new in his role as head varsity coach, he certainly isn’t a stranger to the program. Prior to taking over the squad this spring, Dopke was an assistant coach for 15 years, along with two years at Badger High School and seven at the summer travel ball level.

Dopke is ready to go.

“It would be safe to say that I am very excited to take over the program,” he said. “The Wilmot softball program is a well-respected program in the community and in the state, and it is an honor to be a part of it.

“I’ve done a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff for coach Movrich over the last couple years. I’ve worked with four different head coaches and have learned a lot from those experiences. … I am ready for this job.”

Dopke added he is excited to work with a talented group of assistant coaches at all three levels. Working with Wilmot’s two JV teams are Sue Rawlins, Paige Thelen, Danielle Plichta, Lauren Murdock and Stephanie Gregerson.

Assisting Dopke with the varsity squad are Ty Webster, Jeff Saucerman and Dan Truttschel, who came to Wilmot this spring after 11 years the Williams Bay program.

“I’m lucky to have some great assistant coaches,” Dopke said.

With changes always comes a period of adjustment, but Dopke said he’s been pleased with the first two weeks.

Now if Mother Nature would only cooperate and the teams could get outside to practice and compete, life would be nearly perfect, Dopke said.

“I think that transition has been pretty smooth so far,” he said. “One of the biggest challenges so far this year has been scheduling issues that have been mostly out of our control.

 


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