By Wendy Brindley with Amy Hensel

Softball coach celebrate 200 wins and counting

Ogemaw Heights High School Varsity Softball Coach Dave Mairose recently celebrated his 200th win. He started coaching the Falcons in 2014. “It’s my 11th year as head coach but only my 10th year of actually playing games.” (Spring sports missed a season in 2020 due to COVID-19.)

Routine paperwork brought the milestone to his attention. “I really didn’t think about it until I had to submit my win-loss record for MHSSCA,” Mairose said. “It was never a goal of mine, but it’s kind of neat!”

Mairose began coaching softball about 20 years ago. “My daughters started Little League,” he said. “Then we started the Ogemaw Outlaws.”

He got into coaching because he loves the game. “I want to work with players to help them improve and learn about the game and hopefully continue playing at the next level if that is something they want to do,” Mairose said.

Some his players continued their softball careers in collage. “I think it’s like 16 if you count the four that will be going this year,” Mairose said.

In a career of memorable games, one season stands out. “My first year at OHHS,” he said, “Because we won a district title.”

Winning games is a team effort. “They aren’t just my wins,” Mairose said. “They are wins for all of the girls that have played for me over the years, too.”