Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1139071
I f you asked him to describe his style, 40-year softball coach Brad Walraven would say he's not a fancy coach. He keeps things simple. Winning comes from practicing the fundamentals. He loves to teach the game and he loves to compete. Walraven, who has coached Varsity softball at Frankenmuth for the last 10 years, is one of the winningest active coaches at the varsity level in the United States. At the time of publication, he has 1190 wins, 4 State titles, 7 time State runner up, 14 Final Four appearances, 17 Regional Championships and over 25 District Championships during his time at Bay City All Saints and Frankenmuth. He's not one to brag, and won't tell you about these accomplishments. In fact, if you bring up his stellar record he's quick to point out that other coaches are right behind him. On the other hand, if you bring up an impressive feat that one of his current or former players accomplished, he'll grin ear to ear like a proud dad. He will tell you that is what keeps him going. It is the players and teaching them life lessons. I know a few athletes who played for him over 20 years ago while at Bay City All Saints and currently, my daughters are on his team. Practices are not easy. He is a tough coach. Even when you do what's expected, you won't get a lot of praise. His expectations are high, and he pushes for the best, because he sees greatness within. In return, his players respect and trust him. Forty years. Think about that. His coaching career started in 1978 when I was only two years old. During this four decade span, he has influenced hundreds of athletes on and off the field. Teaching them commitment, perseverance and that hard work is invaluable. He believes if you keep working hard, good things happen to good people. Coach Walraven spent his first 30 years coaching at Bay City All Saints. In 2009, he was inducted into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame. The 2019 season marks his 10th year coaching softball at FHS. While he initially was hesitant about coming here, he was excited because the people and community of Frankenmuth have been so supportive. He has been blessed and humbled by the entire coaching experience. In 2012 Walraven was quoted saying he would "love another five years at Frankenmuth." Thank goodness he's stuck around a little longer…here's hoping for another five! Go Eagles! 40 Years of Success B Y T I N A B R E I N A G E R 29