The Fruitport softball team did a lot more than just win a pair of games on Thursday.

The Trojans elevated their head coach, Bob Dorman, into the career 300-win club by beating Holland 11-1 and 19-0 in non-conference action.

Dorman, who has been the coach since 2008, has had quite a few highlights in his career at Fruitport.

His team won a district title and advanced to the regional finals in 2012. The Trojans advanced as far as the district finals in four other seasons.

Veteran Fruitport softball coach Bob Dorman, who reached 300 career wins on Thursday.

His Fruitport squads also won the GMAA city tournament in 2014 and 2022.

But reaching the 300-win mark. which came in Game 2 on Thursday. was a huge benchmark for Dorman, who credited everyone but himself for his success.

“As I shared with my team last night, I haven’t had an at-bat, stolen a base or thrown anyone out,” Dorman said. “All of my wins are from their efforts and all the teams before them. For all of them, I am grateful.

“I don’t know who said this quote, but I believe it: Good coaches have great assistants, and I have had some great ones. And I wouldn’t be the coach that I am without the support from my wife Brenda and my family, who showed it again last night by being there to celebrate with me.

“I am blessed to be able to coach, and it’s not for the wins. It’s for the relationships that I have been able to make. A great big thank you to Fruitport Community Schools!”

Some big bats pushed the Trojans over the top in both games against Holland.

Fruitport’s Brylee DeWitt, who had three hits and drove in four runs in Game 1. Photo/Jeremy Clark

In the opener, Brylee DeWitt had three hits and drove in four runs for the Trojans.

She homered in the third inning, singled in the fourth inning and singled in the sixth.

Maddy Kohnke added two hits for Fruitport while Brooklynn Russell pitched the win, striking out nine while walking only one.

In Game 2, Kya Tawney had two hits and knocked in five runs for Fruitport. Her big blow was an inside-the-park grand slam homer in the second inning.

Madyson Prout added a three-run double to the Trojan attack. Marlee Veltman got the win on the mound.

The Trojans will have two more regular season games next week before competing in the Division 2 district tournament at Oakridge on June 1.
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