Any individual familiar with West Texas A&M University more than likely can recognize the success and prestige of WT’s athletic programs. In recent years, success has shined light on head coach Kevin Blaskowski’s WT softball program as they have established themselves as one of the more superior softball powerhouses in the country.
WT’s softball program is fairly new, following a 24-year absence when the program was revamped in 2004 with the hiring of Blaskowski. Within the last 10 years, the program has seen tremendous success by claiming a Lone Star Conference title, LSC Tournament Title, two South Central Regional Championships, a South Central Super Regional Title, and the 2014 NCAA DII National Championship.
As the 2015 season powers forward, WT has again showed their strength with a 33-6 record. Within those 33 wins, Blaskowski was able to mark his 700th win.
Being the head coach of the softball program is more than just a job for Coach Blaskowski, as he claims it as more of a passion.
“Growing up, I was always a diamond kid. I had a love for the game, and it’s something that has never left me,” Blaskowski said.
Coaching has always been a big part of Blaskowski’s life. With 24 years of softball experience, as well as four years of basketball experience, he has justified himself as a veteran, but according to Coach Blaskaowski, the benefits of coaching extend to greater elements outside of softball.
“Having the opportunity to watch the development of these student athletes is one of the greatest benefits,” Blaskowski said. “As a college coach, we try to create an atmosphere with high expectations. We want to encourage athletes to reach their full potential.”
A coaching philosophy is a key element to the success of any program.
“He [Blaskowski] pushes us to do our best on and off the field. He encourages us to give 100% no matter what the circumstances are,” Morgan Harrison, sophomore and infielder for the Lady Buffs, said. “He demands us to go into each practice with as much intensity as possible, he always preaches to not cut corners during practice to avoid cutting corners during games. I know I can go to him whenever I need. He’s dependable, and the team knows he’s there for us.”
Coach Blaskowski called winning the national championship the best achievement in his career.
“That’s something you work towards every year. So being able to finally claim that title is the ultimate reward,” Coach Blaskowski said. “It’s something you get to relive when watching other championship games because you can relate to the way those coaches and players are feeling in those moments.”
Thus far in the season, the Lady Buffs have shown they are capable of producing the level of play equal to their championship team. As the season races towards the end, pressure is high to produce another championship year, which can be a lot for a team to handle.
“There is a lot of expectations, but at the end of the day you have to put it all in perspective. We have to establish our own identity. This is a new team. The 2014 team is in the past,” Coach Blaskowski said. “We’re just taking it one game at a time.”
The Lady Buffs softball team and Coach Blaskowski are now on the home stretch to continue their dominance in Division II softball. They have an eight game homestand to close out the season before likely hosting the Lonestar Conference Championship Tournament. The Lady Buffs are also likely to be the top team in the region and will likely host the NCAA South Central Regional Championships, where the Lady Buffs will look to continue their dominance and repeat as champions.
