June 15, 2009

Fort Wayne, IN – Keith Fisher, the winningest softball coach in IPFW history has announced his retirement from coaching; however, he will remain on staff through the remainder of the 2009 year in special projects.

“I spent ten years here, and I really enjoyed it,” said Fisher. “I never dreamed of coaching softball as long as I did when I was hired. There are great people here, and I know that they will go out and find someone who will come in with the heart and passion to take this program and continue on with the strong nucleus that we have.”

Fisher’s 10 years with the Mastodons is the longest tenure of any coach in program history, out-distancing Dale Van Houton’s eight years with the program. Fisher, who compiled a 135-313-1 record, is also the winningest coach in the program’s history, passing Van Houton halfway through the 2006 season. Prior to his retirement, he and women’s volleyball head coach Kelley Hartley Hutton had the second longest continuous coaching employment in school history, behind only Arnie Ball of the men’s volleyball team.

“Coach Fisher worked consistently and tirelessly to stabilize the IPFW Softball program,” said Tommy Bell, IPFW Director of Athletics. “He single handedly increased the competition level for softball by increased recruiting efforts on a national and international level. We wish him nothing but complete enjoyment in his retirement.”

The 19 wins that Fisher’s Mastodon team compiled in 2008 is the third most wins over a single season in school history, as the squad fell in the Summit League Tournament Championship game. In eight of his ten seasons the team totaled double figure wins, as those eight account for well over half of the 13 accrued over the history of the program, started in 1986.

“I spent 31 years as a teacher, and another 10 as a coach, so it is time to go fishing and golfing. During my time year, I have worked with two great coaches: one was with me all ten years, Dennis Smith, and he stuck with me the whole time, and coach Bruce Finke, who is a great person, a great coach, and a hard worker. I’ve enjoyed all of my time here, and I am going to continue to keep an eye to what is going on.”