Mike Strickland helped the Emporia High baseball team become one of the surprise teams in the Centennial League in 2009, and now he’s turning his attention to the softball program to try to do the same.
Strickland is leaving the Emporia baseball program after five years as the coach to take over as the softball coach. He replaces Ray Owens, who retired after eight seasons as the team’s head coach.
“The opportunity came up for new challenges,” Strickland said. “I thought about it for a long time and decided it was something I wanted to try to do again. I enjoyed coaching baseball, and I loved those guys. ... I thought, well, now is the time to move over because it came open, and I was kind of a little bit worried maybe it wouldn’t come open again for me.”
EHS athletic director Britton Hart said he plans to interview several candidates next week for the baseball coaching vacancy. The new coach will inherit a team that returns several of its top players.
“I’m leaving the baseball program I think on a good note for a new coach coming in,” Strickland said, “and maybe I can turn things around in softball.”
Strickland takes over a Spartan softball team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2005. The Spartans went 2-19 last season and are 13-70 over the last four years.
The baseball team went through a similar bad year in 2008, going 5-16. This past season Strickland guided the Spartans to an 11-10 record.
In five seasons as the EHS baseball coach, Strickland’s teams went 39-66. The Spartans’ best season over that time was in 2006 when they won the Regional championship and made a trip to State.
This upcoming season will not be Strickland’s first as a softball coach. He coached the Chase County softball team in 2003 and 2004. He led the Bulldogs to a regional championship in 2004 and had 26-19 record in his two seasons as coach.
“The biggest challenge is switching to softball and have something new, and that’s really exciting for me to go and start something new again,” Strickland said. “I’m really looking forward to working with the girls and looking forward to turning things around a little bit for Emporia softball.”
emporiahelper (anonymous) says...
Coach Strickland did nothing for the Spartan baseball team. His players were the only contributing factor to their "surprise" season, and he certainly did not aid them in earning that title. The EHS softball program definitely needs some help - but it's not going to come from Mike Strickland.
July 31, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skrains (anonymous) says...
My name is Steve Rains. I don't write anything neg and not put my name to it. Mike Strickland did a good job for Chase County as their softball coach years ago. He will do the same for EHS. I am an EHS grad, class of 73, and I am confident of Coach Strickland's ability. I read the only comment and I believe if you are going to rip someone and their talents, at least sign your name. I have no idea what kind of baseball coach he is but I am quite sure that the person who was critical of Mike wouldn't have a clue how to coach a baseball team correctly and especially at the 5A level. If you disagree with me no big deal but make sure you sign your name. My comments are not meant to be personal but I can't stand it when someone won't stand up to their comments either pos or neg.
August 1, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outdoorsman25 (anonymous) says...
Emporiahelper??
You sound like a parent mad with Mr. Strickland for your kid not playing, or not being good, whatever you want to go with. Mr. Strickland was the first Coach to take and Emporia baseball team to state since...well you do the research. Mr. Strickland is an outstanding Coach and teacher, GET REAL if you think different Emporia Helper...seriously
August 1, 2009 at 1:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporiahelper (anonymous) says...
39-66? sounds like a great record to me. Ive known the kids who went to state for several years. They were a great team and should have gone farther than they did. outdoorsman25 you sound like a friend to Mr. Strickland or maybe someone who knows nothing about baseball. But one thing that should be clear is that he did not get them to state, they got themselves and the team this year had a semi good record because they cared and the coach had nothng to do with it.
August 1, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dubs87 (anonymous) says...
Strickland was a good coach, I played for him my freshman year then when he came back to Emporia my Senior year.
I really think since he is gone that the high school should consider Mr. Chapman for the job, he is the only one that has been coaching Emporia High baseball year in and year out. He is a great guy and a great coach. I think he would be a perfect fit for the program.
August 4, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )