Dopke steps down as Wilmot softball coach

Former coach to still teach at school, AD says

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

In a difficult decision, Pat Dopke has stepped down as Wilmot Union High School’s head softball coach, according to a social media post August 22.

School Athletic Director Herm Christiansen, who confirmed the decision on Wednesday, said Dopke will continue to serve as math teacher and aid in a variety of roles for the athletic department.

Pat Dopke
Pat Dopke

“It is a decision that was very difficult, and one that some will be happy with while others will not,” Dopke stated in the Facebook post.

“In the end, it came down to me wanting this program to get the next level, and, given the circumstances, I didn’t think I was the person to lead them there.”

Dopke, who spent the summer deliberating the decision, produced a 61-43 overall record and steered the Lady Panthers to the WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinals in three of his four seasons.

The departing softball coach took over a rebuilding program, after the Lady Panthers suffered some losses to graduation in 2012, including, but not limited to, back-to-back 20-game winner Kristen Wood.

Dopke’s resignation ends a 21-year run in softball, dating back to 1996 when he first got involved with the Wilmot program, and expressed gratitude to all of his players.

“I certainly would like to thank all of the young ladies that I had the opportunity to coach over these last 21 springs!” he stated.

“You are too numerous to mention individually, but I will never forget the memories that you provided me during those 21 years – especially the last four years.”

Three of four seniors from this year’s squad – Alyssa Horn, Sam Schloegl and Sawyer Wightman – were on his team as freshman.

Shauna Lass, the other senior, started for an injured Wightman at second base last year.

Dopke extended gratitude to all of his former and current peers (full statement below).

Also, Dopke expressed gratitude to the community.

“I would like to thank everyone from outside the program that volunteered to help out in one way or another,” he stated. “Again, you are too numerous to mention individually without forgetting someone, but your unselfishness cannot go unrecognized.”

As Dopke departs, he believes the next coach has all the tools, noting the talent.

“There is a ton of talent on this team, and hopefully the next head coach will be able to lead this group to a conference championship and state tournament berth this year!”

While Dopke is unsure of his coaching future, he will still teach math and serve the athletic program, Christiansen stated.

“He will still be teaching math and will be helping out with scorekeeping the football and basketball games,” Christiansen said.

Christiansen plans to interview candidates in the middle of September and hopes to have someone in place by the end of that month.


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