April 21, 2006

By Rich Tortorelli, Oklahoma City Sports Information

CLAREMORE, Okla. - Oklahoma City University softball coach Phil McSpadden got his 1,000th victory at OCU during a doubleheader sweep of Rogers State on April 4.

McSpadden increased his record to 1,001-248 in his 19th season at OCU. McSpadden has seven NAIA championships to go along with those wins. He has coached three NAIA players of the year, two NAIA pitchers of the year and two NAIA catchers of the year.

"It's like I told our team, I've coached some good kids through the years," McSpadden said. "I appreciate the recognition. I don't coach for that kind of stuff, but I coach for the enjoyment of the game and the competition.

"My memories will always be of the players and the relationships. You love that chess match during the games, but more importantly, you enjoy being around the players both on and off the field. It's been a good run."

McSpadden was recognized with a reception at the OCU cafeteria inside the Student-Faculty Lounge the next day.

OCU, ranked third in NAIA, improved to 32-3. The Stars have won 16 in a row. Rogers State fell to 20-10-1.

"We played well enough to come away with the win," McSpadden said. "We were emotionless in both games. We are concerned because we're not playing to get better. We're just going through the motions. We're not trying to make a difference each time we take the field."