By By PETER WILLIAMS, Staff writer
After 10 years of coaching, Phil Jones and David Watson are hanging up their cleats.
This weekend’s Bobby Andrews Scholarship Tournament at the Susiegray McConnell Sports Complex will mark the end of coaching as their daughters age out of the 16-and-under fast pitch league.
For those who played for them and against them, it’s a bittersweet feeling.
Even at age 18, Polk knows a little about “retirement” from softball. She has long since aged out of the recreation league program and graduated high school early so she missed her senior season.
Jones had to overcome his own problems. A car accident at age 15 left him with a broken back, said his wife, Mandy. Through physical therapy he regained the use of one leg, but not the other. Today he walks with a brace.
Bobby Andrews, 71, has known the two coaches since they started in the sport.
Polk agrees talent is good, but coaching takes you further.
As District 6 Babe Ruth Softball Commissioner, Tim Cashion wishes there were more coaches like Jones and Watson.
Andrews wonders if maybe Jones and Watson will reconsider their decision to retire.
Polk doesn’t agree.
Cashion said it’s not unusual for coaches to retire when their children age out of a program.
For Lentz Stowe, another coach, it will be a loss to the community.
Stowe’s daughter, Hayley, is one of the younger players on the team this year.