The Centerburg softball team is coming off a 12-16 season in which the Trojans ended with a tight 3-2 loss in the playoffs. The Trojans ended 5-9 in conference play and aim for better results this spring.
Coach Tim Rioux said he is hoping everyone on the team can step up this season to contribute to the team’s success as the Trojans are long due for a championship.
“Centerburg has not won a league championship since 1991 and has never won a district title,” Rioux said. “The girls are aware of that. We'd certainly like to change that history and win those titles. We focus more on the process rather than the outcome. If we work hard to improve every day, the results will take care of themselves.”
Rioux said the biggest challenge this spring is the team’s schedule, as there are several additional Division I matchups that will test the Trojans. Last year's team lost several close games but won a few in blowout fashion as well.
“Typically, the farther you go in the tournament, the closer the games are,” he said. “We lost to No. 3 seed Elgin last year, 3-2, in the second round, a game we could have won. One of our main goals remains the same as always: that is for our student athletes to have a great experience playing softball at Centerburg.”
Rioux has been coaching since 1985, coaching youth baseball leagues and then his daughter in baseball, softball and soccer in the late '90s and early 2000s. He then coached high school softball and travel softball at Big Walnut, where he was a varsity assistant from 2009-2016, and then coach at Centerburg in 2017.
“My coaching philosophy continues to evolve year after year. I learn more every year from my players, peers and just coaching in general. Every day at practice and games, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on my coaches and players. I am grateful for that opportunity,” Rioux said, adding that he was inspired by legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. “Three things that drive my coaching philosophy are the importance of improving softball fundamentals, preparation skills and personal character. We focus on continually improving in all three of these areas, with special emphasis on preparation and character, as these are key life skills beyond softball.”
Rioux said this year the Trojans are counting on the team from top to bottom, including himself, to lead the way.
“Our greatest strengths are our assistant coaches, our team academics, work ethic and team character,” Rioux said “Our weaknesses are that we are a little inexperienced in a few positions.”
The Centerburg softball squad opened up against East Knox on the road at 5:15 p.m. on April 1. It takes on East Knox again at home on April 4 at 5:15 p.m.
