Great read Michael, you sir, are one fine writer. -rester

Great article she needs to be removed!

No way the university buys out the contract of any non-rev coach right now.

NO WAY should she be making that much. The athletes on the team deserve better than her. It’s discouraging!

I’m not so sure this reporter has all the facts straight. Yes the numbers are not there YET and I am not doubting the Stats you provided. You ever look more in depth to the team and why changes to positions occur? I’m not thinking so? Changes are made for reasons and if you aren’t at practice or at coaches meetings you will not know why some things are done. I am not a coach or a player I just follow the softball team closely. From the sounds of it they have a good recruiting class coming in. The season is not over yet so don’t cash in on the softball team yet.

Your comments regarding the UW Softball program were cutting and hurtfull. My guess is that you were not athletic enough to participate in sports at the Division I level and are now taking your frustrations out in an “attacking and gutless” fashion. When you attack a coach or a player w/your sick sense of humor mixed w/poor facts, you are no better than the people you attack hiding behing your laptop. Did you alert the softball program you were running a negative article, or is that outside your bounds of professionalism and integrity? If you want to be respected for you work mix in a razor, brush your teeth and eliminate the garbage humor you feel you bring to the article. Maybe the next time I attend a Badger softball game you and I can meet for a litle “discussion”….

Yes, the humor was caustic but for those that have had to watch this team deteriorate under Schulte’s “leadership” with apparent support from Barry and staff, what are we left with? The players on this team deserve a chance to be inspired and motivated to achieve to their proud status as a Wisconsin sports team. Let’s not throw the baby (the players/softball program) out with the bathwater (Coach S.).

Anyone know more about the recruiting class. Anybody actually know of the ladies coming in the fall.

I can just take a guess at who wrote the 1:30PM comments…

But that is not the point. The point is this: coaches are to be rewarded for the success of their program. How long has Schulte been with UW Softball? Long enough. What has she done? Nothing.

I follow the softball team closely and have known girls on the team for the past six years, and it just seems as though Barry and UW Athletics just can’t get it right when it comes finding a head coach for the Badger softball team.

It’s time to make UW a destination school for passionate, talented, top of the line Wisconsin and Mid-west softball players… instead of bringing in girls from the warmer climates that are not good. And the recruiting class? It might be good… but what has happened to this year’s recruiting class? How many of them made it through first semester? Retention is KEY.

How about all of the coaches that had to leave their former programs because of indecent contact with players?

You have to love last year’s media guide where they took a whole page showing off that the whole team had mopeds.

This team is a joke and the coaching staff is more of a joke.

I don’t really want to comment on this “article” because I’d be fueling the fire created by a wannabe “journalist” who is cleary an attention-seeking, sexist amateur.

But, when you inherit a program and players that are used to a different culture as well as a year of their recruits, you are basically inheriting four years of sh*t.The recent hires at UW have inherited great, established, successful programs (men’s cross country, football, etc.).Softball wasn’t so lucky.

That’s all I’m going to say on the matter. This is nothing more than a hateful piece of junk anyways.

Michael,you sound like you’ve been around a game or two, and in my opinion have hit the nail on the head. From an insider’s view it appears that the girls can’t wait for the season to be over. In fact,several have expressed their desire to not want to play period. It appears that something, or someone has truly tested their love for the game. As far as the whole newcomers go,they kepted talking about the incoming recruits this year and nothing changed…but you guessed it they continue to move em around and keep on loooooosing. We deserve better and so do the young kids who have put up with her lackluster approach. Clearly Coach Schulte is not the right person for the job. It’s time for a change.

How many Wisconsin girls have left the state to play DI softball at other colleges that could have played at UW? Be objective.

534pm coach or who ever, you did comment on the article and really didn’t help yourself. Facts are facts,you need to go.

Congrats on the split with UWGB.

Pleeeaze, did you happen to follow the latest softball results? After splitting with UW Green Bay today, I don’t know if we have the best softball team in the state! Although I don’t totally agree with some of the cynicism used by Michael Bleach in this article, there is no denying that he has provided some factual fuel for the firing of Coach Schulte and her staff. Statistics such as lack of wins, overall low team batting averages, strike out ratios and the lack of run production, all fall upon the coaching staff and their approach to the game. Not only do they lack competitiveness, but when you lose to non powerhouse softball teams like lowly North Dakota, UW Green Bay and Indiana, then they’re becoming an embarrassment to our university and the butting joke of the Big Ten Conference. Some of you with your supportive rebuttals must stop thinking about how the comments came across from Bleach and start looking at the day to day operations of the team. Let’s stop the insanity and put an end to this losing regime. Softball should not be looked upon as some run of the mill secondary sport on campus. The players that wear the Cardinal and White and the fans deserve much better than this. Barry Wake Up! This tiring book has been read, let’s move on to another and start on the next chapter.

how about next time she holds open tryouts (which she will because softball doesn’t make enough money for Barry to justify firing her…) she actually takes some of the talented walk-ons from WISCONSIN. the walk-ons have heart and want to be there…and she’d probably get a hell of a team out of them. not to mention she wouldn’t be wasting their time by making them come back three times, just to send them all home on the final day.

Bleach, as a longtime sports journalist, if you are trying to make a name for yourself, this isn’t how to go about it. I see what you’re trying to do… get an edgy, controversial piece printed. But this isn’t how to get noticed. This is garbage, and you’re not going to get very far printing these types of pieces. Opinions are one thing. But being offensive to women’s sports, and to a program which honestly you don’t know that much about other than following a few games, isn’t going to get you far at all. I hope the next time I read something of yours it will be more thought out. You’ve got some work to do.

Hey 8:32, nice Bleach. Posing as “anonymous” on your own piece. Like we can’t see that a mile away. I would guess about 3/4 of the responses in favor of the article are you. If I were you, I wouldn’t tell your bloggers to “go away.” In fact, you should encourage it.

I love how everyone is hating on the writer, calling him sexist and a wannabe. If he was sexist, he probably wouldn’t even bother writing an article about the women’s softball team. He wrote this because he wants the team to get better by hiring a new coach. When players are constantly forced to switch positions, they aren’t allowed to get into a groove. The coach needs to put a lineup on the field that is comfortable playing with each other in their respective positions. That way, they can understand the tendencies of players at the positions they interact with most, e.g. pitcher to catcher, any infield position to first. If the recruiting classes are supposedly good, and the team is bad, then the problem is most likely the coach.

It’s funny how you attack the softball coaches so harshly for not winning a lot of games but How come you are not attacking Brent Bielema in the same fashion He inherited a good football team and now look what he has done since his own recruits are now playing. I believe the team is getting worse. I do agree I believe the coaches need to recruit more local players from the Midwest region and try to get the best players in Wisconsin. The Softball coaches were not handed a winning softball team on a golden platter like Bielema received. So stop riding the softball coaches so hard and stop criticizing them for everything they do. Instead of writing an article like this maybe you should sit down and chat with the coaches and ask questions so you get all your facts straight before you start bashing people for decisions they make. Yes they did have some problems with their recruiting class and I believe that is what hurt their team the most this year. It put them short in positions on the field that is why girls had to move around.

Schulte sould be fired for cause. Sh has no clue what she is doing.

Hey guys, I appreciate all the feedback both positive and negative. I hope you keep the comments up. If anyone wants me to respond to their comment, however, email me at mbleach@badgerherald.com, and I will get back to everyone of you. Once again, thanks for the feedback - Michael Bleach

Half the people who are writing on this article I beleive haven’t even attended a single game or if they have maybe 2-3 tops. The post about walk on’s may be true but that goes along with recruiting more locally because I beleive local girls will have more pride putting on the uniform than a girl who probably didn’t even know Wisconsin had a softball team untill they recieved the letter.

How about the early season loss to Boise State. They are in their first ever year of even having a softball team.

I don’t care what your opinion is on the ethical nature of this article, but here are the facts (and trust me, I am very close to the situation and I KNOW what I am talking about). Did Schulte inherit an all-star team, NO, but the amount of the talent she did inherit is far and away more than what she has put on the field since. The 2005 team qualified for both the Big Ten tournament and the NCAA regional. And that team did have some key role players from the midwest. This has nothing to do with talent or statistics. The problem is that Schulte lacks the ability to interact with her players in a professional and understanding manner, which in turn gives birth to a lack of respect from the players. It’s your job as a coach to teach your players in a way that they can understand and appreciate and to treat them with respect. She doesn’t do that. Look at how many good athletes were lost because Schulte could not learn how to treat them as an athlete. The saddest part is that many of the girls that have played for her have lost all love for the game, they come in day in and day out and give it 100% because that’s their responsibility to their teammates and to the university, but they don’t enjoy doing it, and that is sad because that is what Badger Pride is all about! YOu might find this article offensive, you might naturally look to take the side of the seemingly “innocent” party. But the fact is that she has driven this program into the ground and that is a darn shame.

Its true that our softball team has not been playing very well recently. However, I still support them and the rest of the Badger athletic teams. Keep ur heads up girls!

What is a bigger joke is that not only does Schulte make 72k but both of the assistants make 50k! I mean come on. Schulte also is very proud of getting second place in recruiting battles. Look at the best players on the team the last few years, mostly local or midwest talent that falls into their lap, none of the west coast or warm weather players are worth the scholarship money being used on them. She has to start a lefthanded player that has been an exclusive pitcher at 3b. What kind of coach puts a lefty at 3rd? This girl is now one of the best hitters after having not hit in her first three years. They signed a player after never seeing her play, she hit 5 bombs one weekend as a prep so she got some money. It is truly disappointing that a program at a major university is run by such terrible coaches. Schulte is going to be fired so fast after this year it is not even funny. For all of the money wasted on this program they shouldn’t be allowed any roadtrips. It would save some money and they could donate it to charity instead of literally going up in flames like it is now.

I’m going to post one more time, and then I need to not come back anymore because I realize I’m giving this joke piece some validity by doing so. My point earlier had less to do about the content of the article because he’s entitled to an opinion, but it had everything to do with the offensive, unprofessional way it was written and presented. Bashing women’s sports in general with the Title IX comment, comparing the program to a “drunk uncle who scars children”, saying her being listed as head coach is a misprint, as well as the other hurtful remarks made for the sake of what he thinks is funny or for shock value… is not funny at all. It’s actually quite mean. You’re talking about a human being with feelings who is simply trying to put a winning team on the field. Maybe she’s the right fit who needs another year, maybe she’s not. I agree with whomever suggested a sit-down with the coaches so he can be totally informed on what’s going on, the specific circumstances involved, rather than pulling out some bad stats and calling for the coach’s head. And to everyone who thinks as a Big Ten Division I coach she makes WAY TOO MUCH MONEY… welcome to 2009. That’s just envy coming out in people, I get that. I too would like to make that salary. And to those who want to get more Wisconsin high school players on the roster, good luck trying to compete with the big-time programs who are going all over the softball hotbeds like California, Arizona, etc. It would be a perfect world if some of our best compared to some of their best and we could do it. But that isn’t so. Check out the rosters of some of the country’s best programs and tell me how many Wisconsin kids are on them. I think the State has talented athletes, don’t get me wrong, but it is more of a Division I mid-major caliber. That’s just the way it is, unfortunately. A lot of it has to do with not being able to play year-round because of our climate. To some of the other posters, all I can say is… wow. I’m really curious as to who you are, if indeed you are legit posters. Good lord. Now that was some of the stuff I actually laughed at because it’s so ridiculous. Anyways, Mike, I really hope you’re not that mean-spirited of a person. Just read the columns of guys like Rick Reilly, BIll Simmons or even the local ones… you’ll see what I’m talking about. They write opinion pieces that maintain editorial integrity, and because of that, they are considered credible resources and are respected. Okay, I’ve said my peace and now I will “go away” as one poster, who got a little too fired up, suggested earlier.

With the way Early Verbals are going, a head coach may not have a full team of his/her players for six full years. Right now, several programs in the BigTen have already filled their commitments through the HS graduating class of 2011. Many are working on the 2012’s. So for someone not to turn around a program in three years in not all that surprising. This is not to say I disagree with most of the points in the article; the statistics and other blogger point toward a problem more encompassing than win/loss record. I just wanted to clarify that, with any head coaching change, a program’s turnaround is hardly ever immediate.

I agree with the comment @ 11:16pm. I am also very close to the situation. Coach (if that is what you want to call her) Schulte needs to go. The team has no respect for her, because she hasn’t earned it. Mentally after every game she just beats them down - that is not how a coach earns respect! All the players came to UW-Wisconsin with love for the game, and that is gone because of Schulte.

Hey, what do you expect? You hire coaches from Mid-Major programs like the College of Charleston and Akron and you get Mid-Major type results. When interviewing for the next new coach, Alvarez should be looking for someone from an established Division I program with a proven track record for winning and motivating ball players. I believe that we have players on the team today that came from successful programs and still have the strong desire to win, but somewhere that all got lost in the carnage of one too many defeats and mental fatigue. Stay strong girls, many fans still support you! With the resources and facilities that we have on campus, UW should not be viewed as a spring board job to launch ones career to the next level. The opening should be viewed as a program where someone could make a name for both themselves and the university. If other comparable Midwestern schools with high academic standards like Northwestern and Michigan can compete each year for the NCAA National Softball Championship with the teams from the west and south, then UW should not be settling for less. This is not a club sport or intramurals team, all with a vested interest in this program deserve much better. The athletic department must take care of it’s neglected business and do what must be done, sooner than later.

I agree that it takes time for a team to filter through and a coach to actually be working with all of their own recruited players. However, I keep hearing people say that she hasn’t had the time to turn the team around. The point is, that not only has the team not gotten better, the team has gotten exponentially worse! She was given a team that qualified for both the big ten and the NCAA regional. That takes talent, and the kids that were on that team could play. They may not have been one of the front runners in the big ten, but they were at least competitive. And as was said earlier, they had a good number of very key players from not only the midwest, but right here in Wisconsin. Not to name drop, but I’m going to. Look at some of the standout players on the team in the past few years, Sam Polito, Lynn Anderson, Katie Hnatyk, Leah Vanevenhoven. These kids contributed just as much to the team’s few successes as did the kids from the west coast and the south. I agree that in order to really be able to hang with some of the better teams in the country it is necessary to recruit players, especially in the skill positions, such as pitchers and catchers, who have the advantage of playing year round, because that’s what it takes to be the best in those positions. But a good team does NOT have to consist of only kids from the warm states. Look at the Findlay sisters from Michigan, some of the best players in the country and they are from Michigan. Again, it’s not even about the talent, or the money, or the resources. Those kids should still want to play the game of softball once they graduate. They shouldn’t have to deal with all the personal crap that comes along with a coach who lacks professionalism and respect for her players. Hey Barry, ever think about hiring a man to do the job? Clearly the two women you have employed have fallen short of softball glory. Think about it. (and no, that’s not sexist, I am a woman and that’s just the truth) Maybe it’s time to just get back to playing softball.

Correction: The FIndlay sisters are from Illinois, not Michigan as I said earlier. Still midwest. Their starting pitcher, Nikki Nemitz is from Michigan. They are currently ranked #10 in the country with a record of 24-9. Tell me those kids just fell into coach Hutch’s lap? Or maybe she just has it easier recruiting kids to play in a much warmer….oh wait aren’t they in the midwest too?

After doing a little research of other Midwestern Big Ten schools, I came up with the following information. Iowa has 18 players on the roster with 14 of them coming from Illinois or Iowa. Minnesota has 21 players on their roster with 10 from Minnesota and 4 from Wisconsin. Michigan has 18 players on the roster with 11 of them coming from Michigan or Illinois. Wisconsin has 14 players on the roster with only 5 from Wisconsin and Illinois. Indoor facilities in the Midwest allow kids to play all year round here now too. Take Barry’s lead from the beginning of his program. Build your core from within the state.

Been with the Wisconsin softball program for four years now, and believe me there’s no one more disheartened about this situation than Coach Schulte herself. I’m not making any excuses here, it is what it is. Whether it is a matter of chemistry, individual skills, or teaching philosiphys, the fact is that this is a matter for those in charge to address, not to be dragged thru the dirt on a website. Before my daughter chose UW, she made visits to both Michigan and Notre Dame. She could have jumped on board with them, but chose UW just because she felt more comfortable with the surroundings and the people. These girls and their coaches need our support and trust thru this season. Snide remarks and second guessing just make matters worse. Time to take things in perspective and appreciate the fact that these girls were chosen to represent and compete for the University of Wisconsin. As Badger parents we should be proud and conduct ourselves as such. Now let’s go and kick some Illini but this weekend! GO BADGERS!

I agree, this shouldn’t be an issue that is addressed in this manner, and I have absolutely nothing but respect for the girls on that team. They are persevering through adversity and are doing what they can to play hard, regardless of the situation. However, the UW athletic department is clearly not addressing the problem, which is the bottom line here. The girls should not have to play under these circumstances. They deserve much better for all of the hard work and dedication they give to this program and this university. The administration can correct this problem by making a change. I hope for their sake that a change is made. I know that this is not a very classy way to voice one’s opinion, but if it contributes in the slightest way toward action being taken, then I think it is worth it, because clearly all the civilized methods have been exhausted, and resulted in the situation just getting worse every year.

how can you say that she inherited a poor program? Her first year she still had three all-big-ten players on her team, two of which earned all-region honors, yet still she wasn’t able to even marginally improve the team or at least match previous years success

I watch some of the games, and all I have to say about the team is we want a pitcher, not a belly itcher!

Coach schulte has a cute butt though…

I love this team and I love the staff and if anyone has a problem with that come see T-Bone Bruisin Boruta and i’ll beat ur ass!

do you not realize wisconsin has limited softball talent. There is maybe one elite team that plays at the gold level. Do any of you even know what gold is? Its not A or B it is Gold. Gold tournaments are where college coaches go to find players, not to below average wisconsin high school games. There is a lot of things this team has gone through that no bystander will ever know. Maybe Schulte isnt meant for Wisconsin, but she hasnt had much good luck to help her turn the program around.

For whomever suggested that he sit down and talk with the coaches to see whats really going on, you might want to consider that as the beat writer for the team last year he might have had a conversation or two with the team and its staff(just a thought). In addition to that clearly thought out suggestion, the other opinion that Mr. Bleach has only followed a few games, once again must have skipped the part of the article that states he had to follow, and painfully watch all of the games last year(I think he has a pretty good idea about the dynamics and preformance of the team). While some of you may not agree with the tactics employed by this clearly informed write, what else is there to say when the coach is downright awful and to blame for her teams failure.

I believe in this team and the coaching staff. They work hard and need our support. Cut the crap……Go Badgers!!!

I couldn’t agree more. Schulte is to blame and she needs to be fired.

I don’t think she had to turn the program around when she took over it was moving in the right direction. They had a very good assistant coach that should have been given the head coach job. Instead they gave the job to a coach that does not know much about softball or how to handle young ladies to get the most out of them. These are good athletes but they are poorly coached and the attitude comes from the top down.

A coach shouldn’t have to count on luck to be successful. I don’t care what kind of talent you have or who you are playing. When your players loose their love for a game they have been playing for more than 15 years, you are not successful, regardless of the number in the W column.

Mike, take note. This is how to write an opinion piece. There is a way to get your point across without sounding like a immature little jack@ss.

http://www.badgerbeat.com/news/article/id/445571

Michael:

You have only scratched the surface! There are numerous additional instances of incompetence and justifications for Shulte’s removal that you have not mentioned. I have a list, too long to repeat here, of such instances and would be happy to supply them to you - if it would result in Schulte being replaced. Many are a matter of public or UWBadgers.com record with a little research, such as: star player quiting just before start of senior year; picthing coach quiting just before start of school year, replaced by pitching coach who quit 2 weeks before end of spring season; the coaches don’t get along (Schulte hired them, why can’t she work with them); incoming freshmen academically ineligible; junior transfer outfielder quiting in middle of season; highly touted transfer recruit changes her mind on first day of practice this season; and there are many more.

Don’t be put off by people trying to defend Schulte - you can guess where that support is coming from. The problem is not with the players - they are talented; however, Schulte is so negative (and unknowlegable) that she turns hitters into non-hitters - pitchers into non-pitchers; you have it right when you talk about the revolving nature of players and positions - the same is true of her line-ups. One key to success is stability - take a look at the line-ups over the last 2 or even 3 years - you will never find two that are alike. The players don’t know if they are coming or going, doing well or poorly, getting good advice (coaching) or bad advice. The atmosphere is antagonistic and negative; there is no positive reinforcement (I’m not one to coddle, but her demeanor and treament boarders abuse).

Take a look at the comment traffic over your article; I’ve followed your column and articles, never have I seen such impassioned responses. Someone needs to take an objective look at this - you are well on your way.

If you’re interested in hearing the rest, let me know.

Don’t let the fact that someone called you a jackass concern you. Clearly it is someone close to the situation realizing the truth behind your article. Great read!

t-bone bruisin boruta i love you and you and the team ROCK. i don’t care how many games anyone watches, you have NO IDEA what “dynamics” are at play. saying that this author can understand team dynamics which he is in no way apart of as an observer…ridiculous. secondly, i suggest a few people come and look at open tryouts. lastly, i think people need to take a step back when you judge and talk sh*t about a situation you really know nothing about. from the comments, i can tell who is apart of the program and who is not. and if you are not, watch what you say about another human being. you are right, statistics do say something and should be looked at. but bashing players who put their sweat, blood, AND SANITY into something DAY IN AND DAY OUT…try it for 1 week and i guarantee you’ll fall flat on your weak ass. the players of this program are amazing and should not be talked about like this, it is unfair. ladies, i got your back. rock on.

“None of yur Business”, at least this article was entertaining. The one you posted the link to put me to sleep. And you’re giving the writer exactly what he wanted by arguing here. congratulations

Great article. She needs to go. I’ve watched many Badger games over the last 6 years and she is a terrible coach.She told everyone it would take a couple of years and her recruits before she could win,she’s had her time know it’s time to let her go. She doesn’t have the skills or ability to coach in the Big 10 let alone high school.As a taxpayer in the state of Wisconsin I don’t want to waste my money on her or her recruits that leave.This isn’t football or basketball we don’t need JC recruits getting scholarships. I’ve seen players come out of Madison that would love to coach the Badgers some tryed to help in the past but she did not want their help.She was affraid they knew more than herand they probably did. I would love to see the AD hire someone that would take pride in coaching UW If he looks he will find plenty of ladies that played and that are coaching right now. Zacker and Gillete come tom mind both good player both coaching and both were proud to be BADGERS.

Thanks

Samuel Polito

I’m not Michael, but I’m interested in hearing the rest. Moreso because I, too, coach a Division I collegiate sport. I have zero association with the University of Wisconsin or Coach Schulte and staff… but this has served as an interesting lesson of what has gone wrong within a program.

for those that continue to “scold” others for bashing or not supporting the girls on the team. You are all WAY off. Nobody here is saying anything negative about the players. And as far as supporting them, if you knew half of the situation, you would know that the best thing for them would be to make a change and provide them with a coach who not only respected them but knew how to win ball games. When you insinuate that the negative comments show a lack of support nothing could be farther from the truth.

Regarding recruiting (see post April 2nd, 10:09pm) — I’m not familiar with Wisconsin prep softball; however, I DO know that there are some darn good teams in Minnesota and Illinois.
And one more thing, last year at the Division III level, the last two teams standing in the national championship game (held in Virginia) were both from Wisconsin. UW - Eau Claire and UW - Whitewater. Where do those coaches get their players? Also, their players play for free!!!

There are several credible points of view here; most credible of all - Mr. Polito since he is ready for attribution - also, I believe his daughter played in the program. There are several important reasons why I feel anonymity is required just now. Let me be clear, the players are not the target here - they are VICTIMS! Until we start recognizing that victims need to be protected from that which causes them harm, they will continue to be victims.

The responses from the players are laudable - but misplaced - perhaps a fear of what change may bring. Change is good, and required when status quo causes harm. These coaches are surrogate parents and mentors; expect a certain amount of protectionism from the parents (children). All the more reason for certain action.

UW is a proud institution; look at the success of all the other athletic programs within the university - there are no failures (save softball). Mr. Alvarez needs to take what is going on here as a personal affront to “his” softball program - his name is on the door of UW athletics - he is proud to speak about UW softball - is he proud of his hire in Schulte - can he speak glowingly of her among his peer group (other AD’s). If not, then he must act!

Mr. Polito could not be more right - there are coaches who would love to head this program. If money is really an issue then dismiss Schulte (and Wright) and let the players run the program. The present pitching coach has not yet been poisoned by the other coaches (I suspect that she will not be around for year two, having been a part of this continued fiasco for a year). Let her “oversee” the players and the program - I think deep down even the players would agree. At its core, the problem with organized athletics is the adults (parents, unqualified coaches, overzealous powermongers); left alone, the players will evaluate their talent, order themselves, teach each other, support each other, build character together, and ultimately succeed together. Schulte is none of these things - she is the antithesis of such concepts. She is all about “Schulte”. There are some things more important than money; with all the money in the UW althetic budget, is Mr. Alvarez content to let an otherwise capable program be undermined by an undeserving coach. There are other, more deserving, and more capable coaches that would genuinely love to head this program. Mr. Alvarez we need to hear from you.

I’ve read both the article and everyones comments,and have yet to find anyone bashing the players….oh other then someone saying that Schulte inherited “crap”. Which to me sounds like it came from someone “inside” the program. Hmmmm! They are not crap, and I believe they are doingthe best they can with what they have. With no leadership, how good can they be? Well,their past records,and current numbers are a direct reflection of poor leadership (aka Schulte). Nevertheless, everyone has been more then supportive of these young ladies,and will continue to do so. That’s what a true Badger fan does, but what we also do is refuse to accept mediocrity, and refuse to watch someone destroy a program which is what Schulte has done,and continues to do. I hope Barry supports these girls like we do,and if that’s the case he will bring someone in that will turn this program around. Out with the old, in with the new. Good luck ladies, and GO BADGERS

I thought “non of your business” was going away, and no replying again. Looks like you couldn’t help yourself, cause I saw you came back,with a poor rebutle I might add.

in response to April 3 8:19pm: have you ever stopped to think that maybe you’re wrong that the players would agree with you? what gives you the right to say that they would want to get rid of schulte and wright? do you know what they go through on a daily basis? do you know who motivates them? do you know ANYTHING about the program and what the team has gone through?

i say you don’t, and shouldn’t assume. you know where assuming gets you.

and i don’t remember who said that “if they don’t know about it then they shouldn’t be concerned with it,” but i couldn’t agree more.

to the person who apparently did digging and know who left the program when and why (what i’m saying is also public knowledge)…the pitching coach who left before the season-she was offered a head coaching job down in florida, which also happens to be her home state. the pitching coach who left with 2 weeks left in the season: that’s a bad move on her part-she left the team in a time of need-what coach does that? not a very committed one. besides, she had been manipulating people since the day she arrived. the freshmen being ineligible: really, that’s not so much the coaches fault, rather the players’ (girls, i’m not attacking you) they’re the ones that are going to class on a daily basis-they’re given the tools to succeed, it just depends on how you use them. the outfield transfer who left in the middle of the season: she wasn’t happy from the day she got there. she didn’t want to be there and it showed-bringing the team down. the ‘touted recruit,’ she didn’t even make it to the first practice, as you claimed. she arrived at least a week before, and she couldn’t hack the cold.

shame on all of you. if it’s none of your business, just stay out of it. i’m not commenting on the article, only trying to protect the girls who work their butts off every day and put 150% into everything they do. they don’t deserve to have their program slandered like this.

and i agree with the post saying that “anyone who went through a week like these girls do, they would fall flat on their weak butts.” because really, it’s true. you don’t know what it takes unless you’ve been there (what makes me qualified to say this? i’ve been there. i am there—what program i’m in, that shouldn’t matter. the point is, i’ve been there).

that just sounds like a long list of pathetic excuses to me

As someone close to one of the recruits coming in next year, it makes me wonder if she is coming into a hostile arena. Will this recruit be welcomed by the badger fans. I believe this forum is not helping the program because ladies being recruited do watch and read about the university and the acceptance of athletes. How many of the people who make comments on here actually go to the games?

Ding, ding, ding, ding… it is official, the people have spoken loudly. The “Why is Schulte still coach?” article has tied the Badger Herald all-time sports page record for number of comments on an article. Did this thing have legs on it or what? To match an article from 2004 entitled “ESPN’s Worst Hand” shows that fans are PASSIONATE and CARE about the welfare and demise of the UW softball program.

After being swept yesterday by Illinois, the downward spiral continues. Now standing at 12 wins and 22 losses and counting.

To the 5:44 PM poster, the “shame on all of you. if it’s none of your business, just stay out of it” comment purely shows that you have had a drink from the tainted kool-aid. A drink that would lead one to believe that it’s okay to lose senselessly and as a coach to mentally break ball players down as if there is no sense of obligation to anyone. If you have become numb to the experience, then you too need to be rescued from this sinking ship. If only Mr. Alvarez would throw you a life preserver.

I keep asking myself, what article and follow up are you reading? Because most of the people commenting on this page are showing that they support the girls 100%. We believe that the girls are busting their butts. This is not program bashing, people are talking about coaching mishaps, lack of focus and vision coming from the head coach and staff.

My goodness, even a former softball parent took the time to comment on his sentiments about the program. If that’s not validation that the walls are crumbling down, then I don’t know what is.

The bottom line is that when the coach is hired at a university and enjoying a salary at the expense of tax payer money, then this is everybody’s business. This is not an exclusive tree house club that we’re talking about here - “keep out!” It is about accountability and responsibility for one’s actions. When you put on that uniform, you are officially in the public eye. Welcome to the show, love it or not coach.

For the sake of the next head coach, do we let Schulte hang around and trash the recruiting classes of 2012-2020? Talk about leaving a program in a lurch and getting even, she could be getting a verbal from a 6th grader as we speak. Please no, take away the keys!

Now let’s remove that tainted kool-aid from the table and save the rest of the children before it’s too late!

As a parent of a former Badger softball player and a Badger supporter I find it very disappointing to see how far this program has fallen. I have both watched and played the game at a very high level.

The point of the article by Mr Bleach is to bring to everyone’s attention the sad state of affairs the UW Softball team is in today. The person who is accountable for that is Coach Schulte.

You should look at this in two parts

Part 1 - On The Field Look at her track record since she has been in charge. It has not even stayed level but steadily decayed to the point where average teams want to play the Badgers to pad their stats. This by no means is the fault of the players as they can only do what they are instructed and/or taught to do. Most of the players batting averages, fielding percentages, ERA, etc all go in the wrong direction while un Schulte’s rule. You would think they would get better the more they played Div 1 Softball. Schulte WAS handed a team that did make the Big Ten Playoffs and the NCAA Tournament so there was an excellent core to build on, they knew how to win, they had the abilities to succeed. You have to wonder what type of coaching are getting? Every other team has girls graduate and rookies come in, their players learn and advance under the correct instruction, but not here. Why is that, hmmmm ? What is the common denominator ?? Why does Schulte take girls and try to use them in positions they are not suited for and puts the team at a disadvantage? Assistant coaches move all of the time, they are trying to get to be the head coach so that is not unusual but it is Schulte’s job to bring in the best new assistants to make sure the players will get the correct instructions for the Badger Softball game plan, but sadly there is no game plan. From game to game Schulte is out matched by just about every coach she goes up against.

Part 2 - Team Preparation & Cohesion With a team of 14 players (this is way too low for Div 1 team) there will be 14 different personalities. Some will get along and some will not. The coach’s job is to get the most out everyone including the assistants. That sadly dose not happen here. I have seen teams that one year have a wealth of power hitters one year and they play to that strength while the next year they may not have the power but they have the speed. They adjust to what they can do, they play to their strengths in both pitching and hitting. Coach Schulte from what I have seen over the years can’t adapt from game to game never mind year to year.

I have not had a chance to see the Badgers play this year but I would like to. I would cheer them on as I have in the past.

A question for everyone - If this was a higher profile program would the Alumni allow this to continue ??

Robert Hnatyk

“You are all weirdos” -Sam the bird, The Great Muppet Caper

A Head Coach is ultimately responsible for anything and everything that occurs on his/her team; and if after 4 seasons, a solid trend toward success has not been established, it never will be established and a change needs to be made. No excuses are left. This is business people, plain and simple. In the corporate world, if the job is not getting done, the person responsible is let go, and a replacement is brought in. Quite a bit sooner than 4 years too.

The same should hold true here, and I hope for all the softball players out there, that her replacement believes in positive reinforcement, solid fundamental instruction, has a good eye for talent and is a great salesperson for the Badger softball program. UW-Madison is a great school, located in a beautiful city.

Good luck Badgers, hang tough and succeed - despite your coaching - if that’s what it takes!!

Schulte > Bielema

The Badgers need a coach that doesn’t create/put up with petty BS and drama on the field or off of the field. You don’t need to be friends with your players, you need to coach them. Learn how to make them perform at their best. Find a coach who teaches fundementals and the game of softball, not a skewed version of the game of life. Just play ball!

Well, UW is no Iowa, but that’s nothing that they can control. BLEVINS.

Ground zero?

I’ve been to several games each year of the Schulte travisty. The fact of the matter is Schulte doesn’t know the game. Even worse is the fact that the people in charge, don’t know that the coach is clueless in Madison. She lacks the ability to develop strategies, and has no idea how to coach the batters at the plate— my favorite scenario—-runner on first, no outs, next batter is swinging?—to win games you need to advance baserunners(that means SB), this coach is clueless on how to set up the runners. The baserunners aren’t even running on two outs—that is elementary. The players made the team because they can hit. Why change batting styles in college? The top players from schools through out America need to gel as a team, not learn basics,it is ten-years to late for that. Outfielders that don’t know how to set up under a fly ball. The list goes on and on, but the most offensive trait is how the coach belittles her players. To be respected, you need give respect and Schulte will never be respected by fans or players.

Same old song and dance it’s not her fault it’s the kids and the program. Listen to this http://www.uwbadgers.com/audio_video/?catid=2 she is telling these player’s she’s replacing them next year. She has 8 great players coming in. I heard this song and dance before.Wake up Barry she is playing you and the program

Coach Year Record Big Ten Nationals Final Nat. Ranking Gallagher 1995-96 14-39-1 3-21 (10th) ——— ——- Gallagher 1996-97 32-25 10-13 (T6th) ——— ——- Gallagher 1997-98 19-31-1 8-16 (T8th) ——— ——- Gallagher 1998-99 29-21 11-12 (6th) ——— ——- Gallagher 1999-00 34-25 9-6 (5th) ——— ——- Gallagher 2000-01 33-27 9-11 (T5th) NCAA Regionals ——- Gallagher 2001-02 31-22 11-6 (4th) NCAA Regionals ——- Gallagher 2002-03 19-26 7-13 (8th) ——— ——- Gallagher 2003-04 29-28 6-14 (10th) ——— ——- Gallagher 2004-05 31-24 11-9 (5th) NCAA Regionals ——- Schulte 2005-06 22-22 6-11 (10th) ——— ——- Schulte 2006-07 27-20 6-12 (9th) ——— ——— Last year with your coaching ability 15-40 and this year 12-24 I see us going down hill every year and I know over the last 3 years you have some of the players you recruited leave who’s fault is that.This is a great school that was building a competive softball program until they hired you.You like to blame the players other coaches and the fact that you lost players that’s coaching. I don’t blame you.You have never been around Big 10 softball or had to recruit players that could play in the Big 10.These kids all come in with heart and spirit until you have you chance to break them.This program had great players in the past and will have more in the future but UW must stand up bite the bullet and get ride of this coach she doesn’t stand for Badger softball. Samuel Polito

All great points Sam. Let’s hope for the sake of the girls, Barry brings someone else in more qualified.

Saw this on another site and thought it was interesting.

Careful examination of Coach Schulte’s ability to ‘turn around’ programs will reveal that her doing so in her two previous positions was correlated with the presence of one pitcher. A young lady named Rachel Stern was crucial to her one successful season at Charleston Southern. Stern then disappeared for one year and reappeared at College of Charleston where she, along with a transfer pitcher from Va Tech, helped Schulte put together a successful three year run. I’m not sure Schulte has ever had a winning D1 season without Ms Stern on her team. Unfortunately, many AD’s don’t understand softball well enough to realize that one pitcher can make all the difference. (Too much difference in my opinion and I’m a pitcher’s Dad).

you need to teach ur team the basics. I have seen the way you do stuff at games and practice which is unethical. You blame the players when its your fault. You have some very good players here and you are ruining them and breaking them. You have taken there love for the game and ruined it because of your bad coaching and ethics. Grow up schulty and grow some balls. Get someone that knows what they are doing Terry and Barry ( the heads of the athletic department). Thanks it will benefit the school, players, the team, and the big ten.

michael is a smart man to accumulate these ideas of what has happened to wisconsin softball when he is only an observer. It is apparent that you do not have to know anything about this sport in Oder to see that the uw softball team needs a new coach. Why would a coach talk down her own players and continuing looking forward to incoming players year after year, instead of sticking up for them and supporting her team through thick and thin. It is clear these girls want to win and have the heart to play because if they didnt, why would they continue to go through such a struggle and depression. It is quite ironic that the coach claims the girls don’t have the desire to go to the world series, because if they were to set that goal, schultee would crush their dream by saying it is an unattainable goal. Why would you tell your players that they won’t hit over 300? Is it because you will soon break down their swings and make it realistic to not come anywhere close to 300? Players are recruited by colleges because they are already good. So why start over with them? I’m sure schultee means well but giving up on your players before the season even starts Is not the type of coach that Wisconsin needs. Barry it is not like the girls need some miracle “coach carter” but at least someone who will help the team stand when they are on their way down.

Having read the many comments to Mr. Bleach’s article, one thing should now be painfully but simply clear:

Schulte’s abuse and neglect of her players is sufficient cause for removal in and of itself; Schulte’s evident lack of knowledge, ability to teach the sport, communicate with her players and coaches, and manage the team and its players, is sufficient cause for removal; Schulte’s 2007 record of 15 wins and 40 (yes 40) losses, is sufficient cause for removal; Schulte’s 2008 record to date of 12 wins and 26 loses, is sufficient cause for removal; These deficiencies taken together are cause for removal!

However, the coup de grâce was the embarrassing performance at her press conference on Monday, April 6th. Under normal circumstances, any athletic director would have dismissed the coach immediately following that presentation.

Never have I seen a coach duck and cover, point the finger, and otherwise throw her players under the bus, as I did at that press conference. How the administration could absorb such a painful experience without action, leads only to one conclusion:

Schulte holds a card that trumps all of the above. She is an untouchable. Why? I can only guess, since logic and reason are not in play here. Perhaps Schulte was given a lifetime contract; perhaps promises were made that the athletic director feels honor bound to keep – however, a promise made on the basis of fraud, deception, and misrepresentation is not a promise to be kept. He has a duty and an obligation to the university, and the players, to look out for the best interest of the program. Did anyone actually listen to what she said in that press conference?

All of the deficiencies lie with the players; She was hired to “fix” what was a winning program; The time honored tradition of “wait ‘til next year”; The magical help that is on the way in the form of 8 stud players; The cavalier nature of her delivery – she has no worries

Can Bret Bielema not feel the pressure of losing games(and being replaced)? Can Lisa Stone not feel the pressure of losing games(and being replaced)? Can Bo Ryan not feel the pressure of losing games(and being replaced)? Can Pete Waite not feel the pressure of losing games(and being replaced)?

How is it that Chandelle Schulte doesn’t feel the pressure of losing games(and being replaced)? Which of the coaches mentioned blame their players for the state of their programs?

For those knowledgeable in the ways of softball, know that Schulte is simply “buying” time. By definition, an eight person recruiting group cannot be game changers. What does that say to your pressent players? Players that Schulte recruited! This is her 4th year - except for the present seniors, these players are HER players. Here lies the crux of the problem; the person(s) in charge of overseeing the softball program are not knowledgeable in the ways of softball. Schulte is telling a tale, and it is being believed. Knowledgeable softball people know what Schulte is doing and that SHE cannot stop the bleeding that she has caused. Schulte should have been fired last year. Somehow she bought herself another year. By giving her the additional time, all that was done is perpetuate a bad situation for another year. Schulte should be fired now; giving her additional time is again perpetuating a deteriorating situation.

Make no mistake, Schulte will be fired – whether it is now, at the end of the year, or next year – the question is simply; where is the line drawn that says enough is enough? How much rope does she need to be given? Better for the University to cut its losses now and begin to change the “culture” Schulte has created! At this time next year is the University going to say: “we should have made the change last year” (as much of the softball community is now saying this year).

Really; what is the likelihood that Schulte is going to pull this team out of it? An honest evaluation answers that question as: never, she doesn’t have that certain something (“it”)! That certain something that made Barry Alvarez the coach that he was; that certain something that makes Bo Ryan the coach that he is! They are the proud face of UW athletics. Do you want to make Schulte the face of UW? If not, then why not?

You are absolutely correct in all you say. One of the team, who shall remain unnamed, took her high school softball team to Madison and came home with the State title. She was the pitcher for the team. You would think that the coach would want to use her to keep up her skills. No, she is an unused soph! We wonder why the girls stick to the program when only a few get to play and they cannot produce any wins! Frankly, we hope our unnamed soph will leave the team at the end of this season. It is a waste of her valuable time and energies.

How come the powers that be tolerate such coaching?

Have your pitcher hang around there is a change comming!!! Soon…..

Come on 1-7 in the Big Ten.Why why why why why why.Get rid of Shulte and her staff.

If there is a change coming, they need to do it early and not wait til the summer.It will help the recruiting.

(To the 614 post)….what is the change that is coming? I am sure everyone would love to know..

Correct me if I am wrong!! Didn’t Michigan win the NCAA with 5 Starters from Michigan a few years ago?

(to anonymous anonymous)yes they did, but I don’t recall where was that Canney little pitcher from?

To the 12:44 post

I agree with everything that you said. I watched her press conference too and I thought that it was absolutely appalling how she was able to remove blame from herself and place it on her players, as well as switch topics from the verifiable facts to the intangible, the “culture” of Wisconsin softball. The press conference is proof enough of the amazing ability Chandelle has to manipulate because she was able to even derail the press from the facts, and that is what they were supposed to be there to discuss

I’m sure this is a rhetorical question, but I’ll go ahead and answer it for you. Caney was from CALIFORNIA, the horrible west coast that doesn’t produce good athletes.

To the 9:34 post: I think the idea of this has gone a little too far. From someone who is close to this team and program I don’t think that most of the people that mention Wisconsin girls are at all saying that the California girls, or the west coast girls, can’t play softball. For anyone to say that would be crazy just looking at where the girls on the professional teams or USA team come from. I think what everyone is trying to say is that although there are some good players on the west coast, Wisconsin can still produce good softball players. The current coaches, or the prior coaches for that matter, do not/did not recruit from Wisconsin. There is a huge amount of Badger pride in this state and I believe that most girls that have talent would do anything to play Badger softball, most of the time no scholarship needed (if you follow the team you know what I’m talking about). So don’t get all defensive and try to make you’re point, I’m sure you’re from the west coast and I’m sure you’re a decent player, but the Wisconsin players are tired of being overlooked, just because we don’t play gold softball in the summer does not mean we are not good players.

Caney pitched for northwestern, Michigan pitcher when they won the world series was Jennie Ritter who was from Michigan

The one comment missing regarding player performance for the UW softball team is that the game is decided in the circle. The ability recruit a shut-down pitcher is the most missing element to this or any softball team that struggles. Obviously, our state of Wisconsin has not produced this “dominate” pitcher in the last 4-5 years, because she is not at UW or any other DI institution in the country. Shut-down pitchers can get a key strike out w/runners at 2nd and 3rd w/2 out to get out of trouble…dominate pitchers keep pitch totals down and make a smaller amout of “mistakes” that lead to big innings…and dominate pitching allows any team at any level to play relaxed and confident. The game of softball is determined on the mound. The game is 70% pitching at all high levels. We Wisconsin people need to understand the game and act accordingly. Do not comment unless we understand the game. We can not win in the upper level of the Big 10 w/only Wisconsin girls. Football can not do it, and we do not complain. Basketball does not win w/Wisconsin only kids and we do not complain…so why is softball different? Everyone has an opinion regarding the coaching staff and it’s character, but we need to have a sound understanding that softball is pitching dominated and we do not have that “dominate” part of the game.

Why is Schulte still the coach? It’s becoming quite embarrassing.

to the 637 post this morning….your post is the most accurate on this thread. Pitching is the key. Hopefully the badgers will find the one dominate pitcher that will help turn this around. With a skilled and confident pitcher all else should start to fall in place. And whether we in Wisconsin want to believe it or not, a pitcher has to play a lot of games against the best talent to take it to the next level and be competitive. Coach Schulte did mention the Gold Level in ASA. Watch a true gold team compared to our Club teams, you can see the difference.

I am the parent of a girl who plays competitive traveling softball. We live in the western part of the state near the Minnesota border. I know that Wisconsin folks don’t want to hear this, but the difference between the Minnesota teams and the Wisconsin teams is striking. We play in tournaments in the Twin Cities, and in Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin teams are not even close. The fact is that we play low-level competitive softball in this state. Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota are all on a different level. If you feel that I am wrong, let me issue a challenge. Name ONE, just ONE girl from Wisconsin who is a noted (or even good) player for a MAJOR division 1 team outside of Wisconsin. I know there are a few girls that play at Minnesota, but they play occasionally and contribute little. If there are all of these excellent players being missed, they should be displaying their merit elsewhere. The reality is that there is not ONE Wisconsin girl playing well in the Big Ten (apart from the ones who play at UW), PAC Ten, SEC, BIG 12, WAC, ACC, … NOT ONE. If the Badgers are going to be a big time competitive program, we will have to face the truth and recruit the top talent where it actually lives (in California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, etc.). This, by the way is exactly what the other UW programs do.

To the parent of one of next year’s recruits, please do not believe the negative posts attached to this article. I am very confident that what you are seeing are the comments of a small group of disaffected individuals writing repeatedly. As a UW softball fan and alumus, I can assure you that the vast majority of the interested people here are thrilled to welcome your daughter to our wonderful university. Go Badgers!!

For anyone close to the program, it is obvious who the “unnamed sophomore” is. The unnamed sophomore has been shelled nearly every time she has pitched. I am sorry to say that. I am sure she is a nice young lady. However, she is not a Big Ten level pitcher. I think that she should transfer if she is not happy. It seems like she might be a better fit in a smaller program.

I have read this article and blog every day since it was first posted. Finally, someone understands the reason that Wisconsin has not had a winning season for quite some time. Please read the 6:37am posting above. If you do not have an ace pitcher you are not going to win unless the team is hitting the ball over the fence 5 or 6 times a game. I have watched Wisconsin play several times and that is the major problem. I mean no offense to the pitchers but they give up to many runs. A pitcher makes all of the difference on a team. There are no stand out hitters on the team. How many home runs does Wisconsin have? Blame the coach all you want for the hitting but that is up to the team not the coach.

The writers of this blog have chosen to blame the coaches for players that they did not recruit. You just can not play a good game if you don’t have the solid players. Have you looked at the hitting statistics for this team? Oh, I read where someone blames Shulte for changing their hitting style. My guess is that the players were probably not hitting properly after having personally watched the girls hit the ball. You can tell that they don’t hit through the zone becuase the ball doesn’t travel far enough.

One of the ways to ruin Wisconsin’s recruiting chances is to continue with blogs like this one. Did it ever occur to you that recruits read this stuff and then think that perhaps they will go elsewhere based on the negative attitude of the people that are fans of the game?

I speak from experience and not just as a fan. I have over 25 years in athletics and understand sports way more than the average person. Maybe Wisconsin fans will be satisfied if some of the 2009 recruits change their minds and go to another Division 1 school. I am sure that even at this late date any of the girls can still find a school to go to as they are top notch players.

There is no way in this world that the players in Wisconsin can be as good as the girls that play Gold level travel ball unless they play Gold level all year long. I just don’t recall any Gold level teams from Wisconsin at the Gold Nationals last year. However, of the new recruits there were 6 of those girls at the elite 64 team tournament. There are probably a few girls from Wisconsin that are good enough to be at the Gold level but they need to play at that level to be ready for college level softball.

Some of the writers remind me of high school softball. Every parent thinks their daughter is the best player on the field when she is not. Sounds to me like some parents from Wisconsin want their daighter on this team. Here is my suggestion to you - have your daughter join a team from another state that plays Gold level softball and see how she measures up to those players. Then you personally decide if she is good enough to play at a Division 1 school. Gold level players travel all over the United States. Some even live in different states in the summer months to play the highest level of play.

I will wait to see if my daughter will be going to Wisconsin due to the negative comments. I can assure you that if the coaches are not there she won’t be playing for Wisconsin.

As an individual who has had some direct contact with the program, I will tell you that Coach Schulte and Coach Wright as class acts all the way. These good people deserve better than to be smeared by minority of the people who have been involved in the program as fans.

to the 1044 am post today As a parent of a recruit coming in, Thank you, it is nice to hear that some of the fans will accept an out of state player.

They have alot to learn about winning, how to handle the media, recruiting, and so many other things that go into being a upper level coach. Nothing personal. Just time to go another direction. We are fans,parents,alum, and Badgers most of all. This article has brought out alot of emotion for and against Schulte but either way the record and production of a program is on the coaching staff.1-9 in conf. enough said.

I would like to echo the sentiments of the 10:44 poster. The negative comments are the work of a couple of people who are unwilling to accept that the program is about to take a giant leap forward. We are very excited to welcome great players and quality young women from all over (just as all of the other Badger programs do). I am sorry that a couple of jealous people have the power to create problems in this way. Please ignore them.

Giant leap forward?? Where are the signs of that?? Let me guess, with the recruits coming in next year?? Although, that’s what Schulte always says…..next year,next year, next year. Oh and by the way, 3:32 how do know how many different people are posting on here because based on what I’ve been hearing at the games, the majority want Schulte and her staff out.

The folks who posted the last couple of comments have missed the point entirely. The new recruits certainly will be welcomed - any new talent can only be a good thing. The point is that Schulte has recruited the present juniors, sophomores and freshmen, and has “coached” the present seniors for four years. She turns talented players into non-performers - that’s her nature. For the parents who have recruits coming in, the decision should not be whether to play based on Schulte coaching - you should be “praying” that she not be here - she will turn your talented daughter into a non-performer.

Most, if not all, of the present players were highly recruited players from softball hotbeds. Many were playing successfully on gold travel teams. They could hit before they got to UW; they could pitch before they got to UW - what has happened since? Schulte needed to “fix” them - in her opinion she needed to make them “Schulte” hitters, “Schulte” pitchers. And you know what, she has. Schulte doesn’t know hitting; Schulte doesn’t know pitching. Has anyone actully seen Schulte “coach” hitting? If you had, you would know what all these folks are talking about.

UW can attract top flight athletes; they will come. However, 22-22, 27-20, 15-40 and 12-32 doesn’t do it. Don’t be fooled into thinking that “the program is about to take a giant leap forward” - unless, of course, that giant leap is to bring in a new coach. If not, next year will be more of the same - “a leopard doesn’t change it’s spots.”

To the 8:00 post. It seems that you are hoping for the program to fail. I am not sure why you are so interested in tearing someone down. Given that the program has attracted a number of excellent recruits for next season, you are apparently mistaken in your assessment of why the recruits may come. I would suggest that you fulfill your role as a fan and route for success. Let the players and coaches fulfill their role. I certainly agree with previous posters that the negative posts are clearly the work of several individuals with an agenda. As a life-long Badger fan, I can tell you that this is not characteristic of Badger fans in general.

I think T-Bone should find the young man who wrote this “article” and break his Star Trek collection.

I think there are a couple of people who know the program is going to take a “giant leap forward” and they are afraid they will be left behind…

8:00 post isn’t wanting the program to fail,because that’s what it is already doing,and has been doing since Schulte took over. Post 1207. That’s the problem, the coaches clearly aren’t fulfilling their roles with results like this. WOW.

Wow, would you remove this article and blog from online. I HATE BLOGS LIKE THIS because anyone can say anything they want and don’t have to face the person (s) that they are writing the statements about. What a cowardly spproach to life. Did you watch the game this past Saturday and Sunday? The coaches did not loose either of those games and if you think that they did my guess is you don’t know much about the real game of softball. Actually, the Wisconsin players played defense very well during both games. It appears that the team is missing a couple of strong hitters and quite frankly the team just needs a break or two. I really hope for the sake of Wisconsin softball fans that the recruits and the current players don’t leave the program because of all of the negative publicity on this blog. Softball players will move on to other teams as they are not willing to listen to a bunch of whinning fans. I would suggest to you that the girls agreed to come to Wisconsin for one reason and one reason only - they are looking to play for the current coaches.

I think if you look at the most recent article by this young “journalist,” you will easily be able to see the source of the discontent. As suspected, this blog is the result of a player who is afraid she cannot compete with in-coming recruits.

Okay, hit me with a brick. I get what is going on now. The reporter is writing about a certain player that he feels isn’t getting enough playing time. Got it!!!

How did these players compete with #15 OSU and beat Minnesota and lose to teams they should beat? Luck I guess.

To the 10:03 post, your comment makes no sense at all… I am not even sure what point you are trying to make. It is obviously an attempt to say something bad after the awesome win last night, but other than that, I am lost. Very sad. Way to go Badgers. What a great win.

we want the players, just not the coaches - can we have one without the other??

Who is “we”? Because, I am darn sure that “we” is a couple of people who are writing over and over and over. Your piont has been made. You can stop now. The rest of us (the vast majority of Badger fans) don’t want to hear it anymore. If your player isn’t happy, she should transfer and make room for others.

To the 8:15 post, it’s time for a reality check. More than just “a couple of people” have been posting here. The vast majority of comments have been pro Badgers just not pro Schulte as it sounds like you are. WHY ??? Take a look at the Badgers stats on the Big Ten website. Sadly the Badgers are near the bottom in almost every catagory. As Donald Trump would say to Schulte “You’re Fired” and he would then turn to the camera and say that was an easy decision.

How can a person take someone seriously who uses Donald Trump as their frame of reference for managing anything? And, if you look at the posts, in fact, it is completely obvious that you are writing over and over.

I think the kid who wrote this article wrote the 1:47 post. I think he wrote a lot of them.

Let the record speak for itself. We want to win as do the current coaches. I just don’t see a new team helping with the same coaching staff. Lets try to get someone who can lead this program out of the cellar. Schulte has had her chance and has failed but she did try. Just didn’t get it done. Go Badgers.

This is a bad situation. I wish the badger fans well and hope this work itself out. As long as it is played out here, nothing good will happen!

Funny how all the seniors died laughing when Schulte was almost drilled by a ball off the bat in 6th inning. Poorly prepared ballclub. It’s almost over.

Anyone posting negative comments anonymously is a coward, and their views should be disregarded.

As should the coaches so called “roomates” comments. Let just agree that her time is up and hope for a better year next year with a new coaching staff.

“Anyone posting negative comments anonymously is a coward, and their views should be disregarded. “

Anyone posting POSITIVE comments anonymously is a coward, and their views should be disregarded.

It goes both ways, pal. If you are so sure you are right, then put your name on it. I enjoy the anonymity granted by the website to call tough guys like yourself out.

I am not saying bad things about people. I am a Badger fan that supports everyone involved (players and coaches). You, on the other hand are hurling attacks from the safety of your computer. If you have constructive criticisms, then you should not be afraid to identify yourself. If you are simply being mean, then you should either identify yourself, or stop. It doesn’t work both ways at all. You are simply afraid to levy your complaints with your name attached.

I just read this blog. I think the Herald needs to be careful of what posts it actually allows in. The individual writing at 12:21 seems to be threatening others. Is that allowed?

To April 30, 2009 @ 3:21pm. I think your absolutely right about 12:21’s comments being out of line. He should have to say he is sorry and put himself on a time out. waaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaa. On the serious side, these posts show that people acctually do care about softball in UW. Mr. Bleach has published an article that, whether you like it or not, has people thinking about the state of softball in UW. Bringing attention to a sport loved by many can’t be a bad thing. Things have a way of working themselves out, one way or another, they always do.

Is there any truth to the word going around the ballpark 2 weeks ago that some of the seniors are thinking of bring a civil suit against the staff for verbal, mental and physical abuse from their time in Madison?

Yes. They called Brett Favre for advice.

I highly doubt that the seniors have any intention of taking legal action. That’s ridiculous, Schulte is not worth the effort. I will tell you from personal experience that when you have had the kind of demoralizing experience that these seniors have had under the current head coach, the second you graduate, all you want to do is keep the multitude of bad experiences in the past, remember the good things, learn from it all, and the move on with your life. Although it is tempting to dwell on the hardships and ridiculousness brought on by the staff, it is just not worth it. All you can do is move on and hope for a change so that future players aren’t left with the same bad taste in their mouth.

Theresa Boruta is a senior. Her earlier post seems pretty clear that she won’t be joining in any lawsuit. So, again, we are left with a couple of people trying to start nasty rumors. New recruits, please don’t listen to these people. You will just give them what they want. There are many, many softball fans that LOVE the Badgers, players and staff.

I would invite everyone out this weekend to witness UW softball’s last home weekend and to honor our seniors vs. Northwestern. You will also be able to see our ladies, whose spirt and love for the game have been broken by a cruel, ignorant and poorly prepared coaching staff. These coaches will throw our girls under the bus and start talking “next year” during the current season in an attempt to mask coaching shortcommings and attempt to save their jobs. Never taking responsibility and never being wrong is a bad combination to have as a coaching staff. Pointing fingers and placing blame seem to come easy. When you distroy a girls love of the game, you should be replaced. Hopefully this will be the last home game for Schulte and Wright, the bitter sisters.

First off, I’m glad a few parents I knew from playing ball at UW where honest enough to put their names to their strong opinions. I have respect for both those men. Secondly, I will only proudly do the same, but comment in defense for our UW softball program. Regardless of Bleach’s opinion of Shulte, and regardless of every Anonymous opinion about everything thats wrong with UW Softball, shame on all of you for showing such poor display of humanity.

Support UW softball!!! For better and for worse, I’m a proud alumni, a Californian who started all four years at UW; and in reading the article, along with all the negative comments, it’s appalling to even witness. What is being lashed out in these comments and in Bleach’s article is something to blame for UW Softballs performance. In my years there, 2003-2007, I was fortunate enough to be coached by Gallagher her last two years and experience a Big Ten and NCAA tournament. Why was she let go for taking us to the BIG TEN Tourny and NCAA Tourny her last year? God honest truth of it all, it was comments exactly like these displayed here. We let a great coach go then, and regardless of my opinion of Schulte, it feels all too familiar in this case. Does she deserve to stay or go, quite frankly its Barry’s responsibility as an AD.

As an alumni player of UW; and I’m sure most of my teammates will agree with me on this; we as players only feel discouraged and disappointed when reading negative comments about our program. Whether its about our coaches or about our performances, something is always negatively left in the back of our minds later.

As far as the Californian comments; I took pride in UW and I played along side Kris Zacher for two years and Samantha Polito all four years. Solid Wisconsin Softball Player! But, do not call out California girls as if we had some sort of entitlement to the softball world. All young women in softball, coast to coast, play hard and earn their positions. Plain and simple, it’s lack of exposure that keeps Wisconsin or any Midwest softball player out of recruitment to out-of-state colleges.

I want to see the UW softball program regain respect in the Big Ten. I want to see UW go to the Big Ten Tourny and NCAA Tourny again and again. As an athletic alumni, I want to see the program I played for succeed because it validates my reign during those years; that I was apart of a competetive program in the Big Ten. I know every past athletic alumni feels this way and I know every future one will feel the same.

Somehow, find a way to support the girls positively. I’m sure the girls would love to see more people in the stands!! With all these comments, where are you MIA bloggers at?!?! Alright, enough said, battle next year girls…

On Wisconsin, Athena Vasquez

Wow! I have two daughters that have played over 1000 competitive games of softball> i have coached them for 10 years and achieved success at the highest level in competitive an gold level softball. Both are thinking about UW for the great education to be obtained and would play softball there. This article and its responses makes me ill. What do i tell them about the school they want to go to… The fanbase of this article is caustic. What i know of the coaching staff has all been positive to this point but when I hear comments aluding to abuse, and improper touching??? I have a gutteral response. The University i am sure has a procedure to vette all of this out and has likely done so. To continue to respond to this type of detrimental verbiage is deadly at best to a program. The coaches and players need to evaluated on a fair and subjective platform - for hitters it is OB% or slugging or batting average, speed, etc. For coaching it is recruiting, program stats, etc. I am just leary that the cloud curretnly hovering over the team and coaches is one where the new recruits will find themselves doing everything except focus on playing the sport. I do not think a coaching change is what is needed here as much as a total attitude and cultural change is needed. Barry needs to step forward and let this newly young team know he will be attending practices and games where possible and show his support to the staff as well.

4:56 What you are missing is that there are a couple of bitter people with agendas. They are trying to poison the program. If you give them any credence, they win.

If you were at the last game, you would have seen players that played their hearts out. You would have seen a crowd that heartily supported the Badgers. You would have seen seniors hugging their coaches.

It seems if you disagree with the coaching of this team you are anti Wisconsin softball, not true. The first game I went to with the present head coach, one of her first games, the score was 0 - 1 we were down. With no outs the number 8 hitter got on in the 6th inning. Now with a runner on first and a left handed batter in the number nine spot our coach had the batter take three swings instead of bunting to advance the runner. She struck out. The coach then had the leadoff batter, presumably the batter with one of the best on base percentages on the team, bunt, so the batter in the two spot, presumably your best bunter,has to get a hit. If you coach you understand how totally foolish this move was and how the coach that devised this strategy does not belong at the D1 level. We lost 1 to nothing. I may not have changed anything but if the number nine hitter had successfully advanced the runner to second the Badgers would have had two chances with their top hitters to knock her in. This move as bad as it was, turned out was one of the more correct moves this coach made over the next four years. I love the softball program but what it needs is a coach that is at the right level to succeed.
Secondly, if the coach, who believes throwing her team under the bus at a press conference, thinks next year will be so much better because of her recruits, why were there any seniors playing this year, she has had three years of recruiting and I do not see the “shut down” ten strikeout a game pitcher in the pipeline, In fact where is the pitcher that was recruited for this year? During the last series Leah V completely outpitched the Northwestern pitcher in a losing effort, no homeruns from the team that is 2nd in the NCAA in homers, equaled or surpassed the strikeouts of the Northwestern pitcher, held Tammy Williams below her season average including a strikeout. Leah was pitching against No 13,Northwestern, they were pitching against us, and as much as I like our players, we do not have the lineup equal to Northwesterns. If the pitchers were switched the outcome would have been the outcome would have been the same except I believe Northwestern would have hit much better in that situation because they would not have been facing Leah.
To say we can not compete using Wisconsin players is bogus, Who is the leading hitter on the team, Jen Krueger, Leah is a very capable pitcher and as it turns out a good outfielder and third baseman(sic), Sam Polito was a star on the team, Lynn Anderson competed at a very high level, and Kristyn Hanson is a very capable pitcher and ball player. Wisconsin may not be able to produce nine players but we can certainly bring in two or three every year that can compete. And what is wrong with recruiting out of the mid-west. Is the 50th best shortstop out of California really better than the top one or two out of the mid-west. Does anyone believe the top California and Arizona infielders are chomping on the bit to get to enjoy the Wisconsin winters? How many players have we lost with the first snowfall? Recruit in the midwest, get the best players from here and go out and kick some West Coast Butt. Go Wisconsin Go Softball Team and Coach?? just go.

But, you’re naming Wisconsin women who play for the…Badgers…??? Can you attack the program for failing to recruit Wisconsin kids using the examples of Wisconsin kids who play at UW??? And, I guess I am a bit confused and maybe frightened by the fact that you only want student athletes from the Midwest. So, women from Ohio are o.k., but Kansas is too far?? Minnesota is o.k. but not Arizona?? Or, is this really about an athlete on the team who is afraid of having to compete with national recruits?

To the 9:41 post, please stop making Badger fans look insular and ridiculous. The hick mentality of “you ain’t from around here, is ya’” does not translate well into high level recruiting and competion.

I did not mean to say we should only recruit from the mid west, we can recruit from any where we can get good players. I am saying don’t ignore the midwest talent, and no Kansas is not too far, sorry if I did not name every state. The believe on this staff appears to be that if a player comes from a warm climate state it automatically means they are great ballplayers and this is simply not true, the proof of their ability does not lie in the climate they are from but in how well they play the game. I also did not say that we could field a team with only local players, what I said is that the local area does produce Big Ten talent and we need to get some of them. The tongue in cheek definition of an expert is anyone who travels more that 100 miles to solve your problem and apparently the definition of a good ball player is anyone who travels 1000 miles is a great ball player. My only point is that we have players that are being ignored and going elsewhere to play, if there are no players from the area that can play and that will sign with us, fine, get the players from some where else but when they are available we need them. Oh, who was it that made the all big Ten team this year? Where is she from?

Kids aren’t the problem. This is a coaching problem and just a coaching problem, all must go.You can take an average kid and get a great effort, but a bad coach will ruin a good player as we have witnessed. Lets face it this program is on the down slide. Well last is all you got. Enough of this article. Great comments on both sides but a Badger would not stand for below average even last place no matter what sport.

I don’t know how to break it to some of the people who have been posting, but the coaching staff is not going to be fired. They are obviously coming back at least for next season. If they were going anywhere it would have happened after the last game.

To the 8:50 poster, yet again, I am confused by your logic. You are pointing to a Wisconsin girl who in on the team??? Can you name a Wisconsin girl who was all-conference in any major D1 conference who is not a Badger? If not, who is being missed? And, thank you for clarifying that Kansas is o.k. Are you sure? It gets pretty warm in Kansas. Just think of how small our acceptable recruiting area will be once more global warming kicks in…

Coach Schulte cares about her team, it’s players, and the University. She can be brutally honest but she is always fair and willing to talk to and help her players. She expects us to work hard and frankly some of the girls have not been up to the challenge. They write in or have their parents write in after being given half of a story. Coach helped me, one of her former players, deal with my personal struggles to ensure I had a healthy and productive future, even though I was no longer of any use to the team. Basically, I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain. I wasn’t her recruit but she stood by me nevertheless. And, I’ve watched her stand by girls, literally right next to them, who were too afraid to tell their parents that they hated softball and wanted to quit. The lady has had to put up with a lot of crap you all don’t even know about while trying to get her job done. I hate to think of how some other coaches would have handled all the fires thrown her way. So back off and show her the same support she has shown us. Let’s put our new talent to good use and refocus on the game. To the writer of this article, you could learn a thing or two about character from Coach Schulte ….”Fun (or in your sense mean spirited humor) lasts a moment, character lasts a lifetime.”. Get some!!!!

Sad, she is still here……… Barry must not care.Most of the girls that wanted to quit,and the ones that did quit were because of Schulte. End of story.

Did another player L,Abney 2nd base quit? She isn’t on the roster.

I see UW softball is off to a stellar start by losing 2 to Winona Judd State. Even nicer that they ran a story on the web site for 1 day and then pulled the article. Now the coverup starts.

Ouch!!!!!!

The Truth hurts?

Hmmmmm, Wisconsin fans. Did you watch the games in the preseason? THERE IS NOT ENOUGH PITCHING!!! The one pitcher can move the ball but the other pitcher had no movement on her ball and had 10 hits against her in one game. They pulled her in the 5th inning as well. You can’t win a game with that many hits. I hope that the girl from Arizona heals quickly and can pitch in the spring or the team is screwed. Good thing the other girl from Arizona is in Wisconsin. I watched her play and she is an amazing player - both fielding and hitting. I watched in awe as she fielded some really hard hit balls. Her range is incredible. Wisconsin is extremely fortunate to have both of the girls from Arizona. The rest of the freshmen looked impressive as well. I can see why Schulte said most of them would start. I look for an amazing team to evolve if the pitching picks up. Good look girls - keep bonding and you will be amazing.

What is the girl from Arizona who is a pitcher healing from. Will she be able to pitch in the spring. Her Bio is pretty impressive. She played with the other girl from Arizona at the same high school i bet her abilities are just as well as the third basemans. With her healed, which will add another pitcher, things are looking up for the badger softball team. To many hits with the one pitcher. We badger fans need to be patient , let them continue to gel and work out the kinks and they will be awesome, the freshman that did play were all good, a few errors that working together for a while will work themselves out. I did watch there games hoping to see the girl pitch from arizona, I sure hope she will be ready. A lot of promise with this group of young ladies.

You have an injury now, what will happen in season with a one horse team. This article has been great for letting people vent on either side. We should all be on the Badgers side. Schulte is a problem and the school lets it keep sinking and looking at empty promises. I hope they can pull together and not fall into the same losing pattern that Schulte and her coaches have established at UW. See you in the spring and let’s hope the new promise and talent plays like they can, not like they are coached!!!

Had to make it 150…have to say with some of the comments on here, that is makes me wonder how many of the posters actually truly know the game of softball?