"DU Family"
That's how team huddles are broken down after each practice and game involving Denison softball. It's been that way since the program became a varsity sport at Denison in 1997.
The truest definition of a winning program means that it must be about more than winning. The four-year experience is just a gateway to a lifelong affiliation with something much greater than you.
The gravity of the situation surrounding Denison softball set in quickly the week of March 9-13.
They opened the week still making plans for a once-in-a-lifetime spring trip to Hawaii where they were set to compete against some of the very best teams in Division III. Also, it was freaking HAWAII! This was a trip that has never been made by any athletic team at Denison and the planning and fundraising had been in the works for over a year.
The Hawaii trip was the first domino to fall. Within 48 hours the conversation shifted from figuring out what to do without a spring trip to realizing that the season was on the brink of cancelation. It was an emotional time for everyone, especially Denison's senior class of Angel Ehrenschwender, Emilie Fisher, Lindsey Clemson, Sarah Hamre, and Taryn Welch.
"These five remarkable women are responsible for making our program what it is today," said Ozbun. "They learned from those who came before them and found ways to make a great program even better. They are certainly leaving this program better than they found it, and for that, I am extremely grateful."
For so many athletes across America, seasons just stopped. Most learned about cancelations over social media instead of hearing it from their coach, and very few had an opportunity to compete one last time.
"We received word from the NCAA that all spring championships would be canceled in the middle of practice on Thursday (March 12). I am so thankful we were able to hear the news and process it together, in-person and not via social media or email," said Ozbun. "Our administration gave us the opportunity for one last competition, and I asked what they wanted to do in the meantime and without a pause all five collectively said PRACTICE."
The Big Red got two more practices in and pressed fast-forward on Senior Day plans. One final game against Muskingum was scheduled for Sunday and that ended up being the final varsity contest of the spring for all Denison athletes.
Coronavirus had done it. It canceled the season. But it also created a championship game atmosphere and one incredible of a send-off.
With all five seniors in the lineup, Ehrenschwender tied the game in the second inning with a double to the wall in left-center, scoring Hamre. In the bottom of the sixth, trailing 3-2, a single by Clemson put runners on first and second. Hamre followed with a two-run double to wall to give Denison the lead and senior ace pitcher, Welch, closed out the game with a strikeout in the seventh to clinch the win.
Seconds after the final out was recorded the elation shifted to tears as the gravity of the moment sank in. It was a sight that will never be forgotten by those in attendance.
"I am so thankful we were given the opportunity to give our student-athletes, as well as their families, an experience they will remember the rest of their lives," said Ozbun. "The women in our program are strong, resilient, and driven. Losing a season was devastating but I know this group and they will be back stronger than ever. This will give them a perspective they never thought they would need, and I am positive that in the future they will train, practice and play like there is no tomorrow."
