Southern Illinoise University Athletics
SIU to dedicate Kay Brechtelsbauer Field on Saturday
04/26/2016 | 12:00:00 | Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Saluki Athletics is proud to announce that the field at Charlotte West Stadium will be named for Hall-of-Fame SIU coach Kay Brechtelsbauer. SIU will dedicate the field to her prior to the doubleheader vs. Northern Iowa on April 30.
"It's hard to express how honored I am," Brechtelsbauer said. "We started off with just an open field; we had no backstop and pounded stakes in the ground each practice for bases. I was very fortunate to work for Dr. Charlotte West, and I had great players and great support from the administration. We have come a long way, and I'm so pleased that the growth of the program has continued."
Brechtelsbauer coached the Saluki Softball team for 32 years, winning 633 games and making five College World Series appearances. Upon her retirement, Brechtelsbauer had the most overall wins and conference wins in MVC history. She remains the fourth-winningest coach in league history.
"The majority of her life was given to SIU Softball," SIU head coach Kerri Blaylock said. "She gave me my first opportunity. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have gotten into coaching. I think it's most appropriate that the field is named for her."
SIU will dedicate the field to Brechtelsbauer prior to the doubleheader vs. Northern Iowa on April 30. A large celebration for program alumni and supporters will take place this fall. Dates and details will be released at a later date.
