Whit calls it quits

• Charlie Whitbred

Charlie Whitbred, 59, officially submitted his resignation on Friday, May 8 as head softball coach at Park High School — two days after the one-year anniversary of his 500th career win.

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After his 29th season is complete, legendary Park softball coach Charlie Whitbred will hang up his spikes.

In what Park activities director Phil Kuemmel said was a long-anticipated move, Whitbred, 59, officially submitted his resignation on Friday, May 8 as head softball coach at Park High School — two days after the one-year anniversary of his 500th career win.

“I’ve been thinking about it for three or four years,” Whitbred, who retired from teaching two years ago, said. “I just think now is a good time.”

Whitbred, a 1968 gradate of Park High School, has compiled a record of 520-163 at his alma mater — including 13 conference championships, 13 section titles and 13 state tournament appearances. The Park softball team owns one state title — in 1993 — along with four second-place titles, three third-place titles, one fourth-place finish and one consolation title. Whitbred was voted Minnesota Coach of the year in 1993 and was the section coach of the year 12 time.

He has the most wins of any 3AAA coach in the state and has coached in the Minnesota-Iowa series three times.

Whitbred has coached many outstanding players in his 29 years as softball, including three metro players of the year, one Big-Ten player of the year, an all-American player and numerous All-State and All-Conference players. Park has also won an academic state championship and four section academic championships.

Whitbred said a coach can’t have success without good players.

“We’ve really had some great kids over the years,” Whitbred said. “I think every kid whose ever played for me knows, especially in the last five or 10 years, I give everyone a chance. Those kids either play themselves in or play themselves out.”

Check out the May 13 issue of the Bulletin for the full story

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