Science teacher Al Wachutka began coaching softball eight years ago, loving the interactions he could have with the team outside of school. Now, he’s moving on after resigning as head coach Nov. 17.

Wachutka said he will miss working with the team and engaging with the players.

“I’ll miss coaching,” Wachutka said. “It happens every time I stop doing something.”

Wachutka said many factors, such as the time commitment, contributed to his decision. He said he plans to find other things to do with his time during the spring season.

Sophomore softball player Megan Perkins said she will miss Wachutka’s charismatic personality.

“Personally, I’m very disappointed about (his resignation) because Wachutka has always been a really good coach and I think everyone has always liked him,” Perkins said.

According to Perkins, some players may struggle adapting to a new coach in the wake of Wachutka’s decision.

“I think a lot of people might lose some of their confidence because he knew the strengths of everyone,” Perkins said.

Despite his resignation, Wachutka said he believes the girls will continue to succeed and improve.

“I hope they do well — they should. They have a good core group coming back. They graduated just one starter so they should have a good core of people to build on,” Wachutka said.

Senior softball player Mackenzie Evenson said Wachutka’s ability to inspire the players benefitted the team.

“He definitely brought motivation to other players that didn’t seem to find it or couldn’t find it within themselves,” Evenson said.

Evenson said her favorite memory of Wachutka was when he ran the bases during practice one day.

“He was really slow but he still did it,” Evenson said.

Wachutka said he’ll miss the players and the interactions far more than the sport.

“If you (coach) because you just plain old like the game you’re coaching, you don’t last very long typically because that’s not a good enough reason,” Wachutka said.

According to Perkins, Wachutka’s interactions with the players fostered a supportive environment.

“He was able to connect with everyone and he was able to understand everyone’s issues and problems,” Perkins said.

Perkins said she still wants to make Wachutka proud of the team’s accomplishments even after his resignation.

“He definitely left an impact on everyone,” Perkins said. “Hopefully, we can all continue his legacy and live up to it.”