Move over St. Joseph-Ogden coach Randy Wolken. You have company.
Elk Grove coach Ken Grams became the second softball coach in Illinois history, along with the still-active Wolken, to reach 700 wins. He did it Tuesday against Maine West when his No. 2 Grenadiers (23-1) posted a five-inning, 12-0 win at Elk Grove.
Grams received a replica sign commemorating the milestone. A bigger version will hang over the home side of the backstop next to the signs that honor wins No. 500 (May 15, 2003) and No. 600 (April 23, 2007).
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“Well I’m glad it’s done, and now we have a conference to win,” said Grams, who had a cupcake in one hand, balloons tied to the other and his sign under his arm. “It’s nice to see some kids who used to play for me. That shows me they enjoyed the time they spent here. I know I enjoyed them.”
One of those former players on hand was his daughter Laurie Grams-Andrews, who was a pitcher in 1988 and 1989. She drove from Champaign to witness the event.
“I just got here five minutes ago. We caught a lot of traffic,” Grams-Andrews said. “My dad only let me bat twice in my high school career. He treated me fairly, and it was a good experience. Besides being a good coach he is a nice person, and I think people realize that and they go out of their way to celebrate that.”
Two of Grams’ seniors – Olivia Roback and Stephanie Maday – were freshmen on the varsity team for win No. 600, which happened at Buffalo Grove.
“It was good for it to be at home this time and have everybody here,” said Roback, who was 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs. “He is like a grandfather to all of us and just easy to get along with. He is always positive and tries to make us feel as comfortable as possible.”
“He is a great coach, and I am glad I am here to experience this,” said Maday, who pitched the last two innings and hit the team’s second home run of the game. The first, by Kristen Cetkovic, broke the team record of 25 home runs set last year. “All the fans are out here, and it is great for him to see all his old players.”
The 65-year-old Grams said he hopes to be around for No. 800.
“I enjoy every minute of this,” said Grams, who retired as a teacher nine years ago. “As long as I think I can still teach some things and it looks like the kids are responding, why not?”
Player of the game: Dani Goranson, 3 IP, 2 H, 8 SO; 2-for-4, R, RBI.
Key performers: Elk Grove — Amanda Gattone, 3-for-3, 2 R, RBI; Kristen Cetkovic, 2-for-2, HR, 2 RBIs. Maine West — Angela Cruz, 1-for-1, BB.