Dewey turns in last lineup at C-C

Twenty years ago, in 1985, Mary Pat Dewey started coaching softball at Churchville-Chili High School. In 2004, after watching her team win their first Class AA Sectional Finals during her tenure in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, she is retiring as a softball coach.

"I have been extremely fortunate for the past 20 years to work with great coaches, great kids and supportive parents and school community," said Dewey. "It truly is a team effort and if it were not for those people, the job would be much more difficult. I have been so very lucky to have the opportunity to work at a job I love. I think there are many trade-offs when you coach for as long as I have. I made the choice to work at coaching and I would not have changed a thing. But there are many things you give up. I have been very fortunate and thankful for the opportunities I have had."

Not just a softball coach with C-C athletics, Dewey has been, and likely will still be, a key part of the support group running clock for the soccer teams among other jobs during all three sports seasons. A Physical Education teacher, she also coached girl's basketball from 1987-1999.

Why did she wait until the fall to announce her decision? "After winning Sectionals, I really needed to step back and make sure this is best for all concerned. I wanted to make sure my decision was the right one for everyone involved. Plus, I wanted to meet personally with the returning players and talk with them regarding my decision. It is very important to me that they heard it from me so they have a clear understanding. I owed it to them to speak with them first."

The players who have worn the orange and black of the Saints under Dewey over the last 20 years are numerous. U.S. Women's Hockey Team gold medalist Lyndsay Wall was a catcher just a few years ago and is now at the University of Minnesota. Joanna Patalano roamed center field before moving on to Roberts Wesleyn College, to name just two recent alums that found sports to be their passion as well.

"When you have a passion about something, you just know when it's time to step aside and let someone else take over. It's time for me to focus on other areas of my life and the kids deserve someone who can devote the time, energy and passion to the job. Whoever takes over will walk into a great situation with great kids and supportive parents. I have a few things planned for the future, but I look forward to watching the softball team continue with the successes they have earned. The joy on the kids' faces is what it is all about."