Standards Of Excellence

FARMINGTON -- When he was hired as head coach of Farmington softball Randy Osnes was challenged; former Farmington Superintendent Michael Gray told him, "We want to have a winning program."

As he reflected on that experience during an interview prior to the 2012 season, speaking on behalf of the coaching staff, players and managers, Osnes stated, "I think we've held up our end of the bargain."

Five seasons later, the standards of excellence Osnes pushes each Lady Cardinal softball team to consistently achieve are as evident as ever, and that mindset continues to elevate his status. Osnes' career record is 511-146. He has coached 17 conference champions, including a streak from 1998-2014, and 2017; plus led the Lady Cardinals to 20 state tournament appearances.

All-Star Coach

After a season in which Farmington won the 5A West regular season conference championship, placed third in the conference tournament, and qualified for state, Osnes has been selected as head coach for the 2017 Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star softball game to be played June 20 in Conway. The doubleheader will be at UCA's Farris Field starting at 5 p.m.

Among the West softball All-Stars is 2017 Farmington graduate Brandy Wallace. As a senior, Wallace played in 31 games. She was the leadoff hitter for much of the season as a third baseman. Wallace had a .552 batting average with 58 hits, 38 runs scored, 35 RBIs, 18 doubles, 3 triples and 5 home-runs.

Inclusiveness

Part of Osnes' success is that he has been inclusive in building his program. He won't overlook the efforts of anyone, who is contributing. Osnes cheerfully interacts with freshmen, termed a Rookie in the Lady Cardinal terminology; managers, parents, fans, assistant coaches, booster club members, and administrators, making each feel like they are a valued part of the program.

That management style has served him well.

Osnes has witnessed a positive response across the board as people buy into his personal dedication in promoting Farmington softball. From day one, players participating in the program have gone an extra mile.

"Even back before we had the indoor facility, we were working in the old gym on the rubber floor," Osnes said.

Recently, Osnes and assistant coach Steve Morgan were looking at film. When they looked up, they were still surrounded by players concentrating on improving their athletic skills.

"We're 45 minutes after practice and the Indoor's still full of kids," Osnes said. "Back in 1997-1998 it was like that here (at Farmington). We had an outdoor batting cage and kids would stay after practice and take swings."

"It's taken that kind of commitment to do the things this program has done," Osnes said.

Tough Competition

On senior night, Farmington entertained 6A Russellville, and closed out an undefeated league schedule (12-0) in the blended 6A/5A District 1 with a 5-0 victory April 25. The contest began as pitcher's duel between Russellville's Dayven Pledger, a freshman, who pitched 4 innings allowing 5 hits and 2 runs and Farmington's junior Paige Devecsery, who worked 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, 0 runs with 9 strike-outs.

Farmington broke a scoreless tie with a run in the bottom of the third on Alyssa Reed's RBI. Paige Anderson drove in a run with a double in the fourth. Three more runs came in the sixth inning after a bunt single by Anna Bennett, who scored on two passed balls and a wild pitch. A walk to Devecsery, followed by singles from Wallace and Callie Harper extended the score to 5-0.

After the contest, coaches, parents, fans and the team gathered on the field to honor seniors Bennett, Harper and Wallace, plus senior manager Brooklyn Warren.

"These three kids are class people, they have 4.0, 4.0, 3.8 and 3.85 grade-point averages," Osnes said. "They are not only great softball players, but their work ethic out there on the field is tremendous, and their work ethic in the classroom is the same."

500 Wins

For all of his accomplishments, Osnes remains humble. He did not publicly disclose he reached 500 wins as head of the Farmington softball program, a milestone that came April 1 with a 5-4 win over Conway in a tournament hosted by the Wampus Cats, which had beaten Farmington earlier in the day by the same score.

But the players and fans knew, they sprang a surprise on Osnes, presenting him with a bat commemorating the 500th victory with more than 20 former players attending the ceremony after a Friday evening, 3-1 win over 6A Greenwood, April 15.

"The biggest thing about that was that 30 girls could keep a secret for one week," Osnes said.

Osnes has been head coach at Farmington since 1996. He has guided the Lady Cardinals to state championships in 2000, 2005 and 2011, three state runner-up finishes in 2001, 2002 and 2003, plus 19 conference championships. The Lady Cardinals' 2017 squad finished 23-9.

"Five hundred wins means I'm getting old, you can tell by my hair," Osnes said, jokingly referring to his gray. "I've had great players in 21 years. The community backs the program, so does the school, the parents, and the administration. It takes all of that to have a successful program."