Cheri Ritz: A Legacy of Excellence in High School Softball Coaching at Wayland
Cheri Ritz: A Legacy of Excellence in Wayland Softball
WAYLAND – Cheri Ritz is not just a coach; she is a cornerstone of the Wayland High School softball program, with over 40 years of dedication and success under her belt. As she embarks on another season, Ritz remains steadfast in her commitment to the sport, with a unique measure for when she will step aside: the performance of her team.
Currently sitting 10th on the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s all-time wins list with an impressive record of 1,037-275, Ritz has led her teams to 23 Ottawa-Kent Conference Gold titles, 34 District and Regional championships, and two Division 2 Finals titles in 2006 and 2015. Yet, she insists that her retirement will come only when the program’s success begins to decline.
"I’ll know it’s time to move on when I can’t pitch batting practice anymore," Ritz stated. "If I ever get there, it means I’m not doing my job."
Fortunately for the Wayland community, that time seems far off. The Wildcats have won 41 of their last 52 games over the past two seasons, clinching four consecutive conference titles and 14 in the last 17 years.
Ritz’s competitive spirit extends beyond the softball diamond. Whether it’s a friendly game of pickleball or a spirited round of ping pong, she thrives on competition. "If a score is kept, there’s only one side of the ledger to be on," she declared.
Reflecting on her journey, Ritz acknowledges that her coaching philosophy has evolved since her early days at Wayland, where her teams initially struggled with a combined record of 29-34 in her first two seasons. It wasn’t until her third year that she experienced her first taste of success, leading the team to a remarkable 31-6 record.
While her drive to win remains unwavering, Ritz has grown to appreciate the broader impact of her role as a coach. "I’m probably more transformational now," she said. "I enjoy molding players into a great team and better people."
The success of the Wayland program is no accident. Ritz, who also serves as the director of middle school athletics, has her finger on the pulse of upcoming talent. She runs offseason leagues, conducts clinics, and emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, contributing to her impressive winning percentage of .790.
Her coaching legacy includes guiding 43 players to collegiate softball careers, with five advancing to play at prestigious universities like Michigan and Michigan State. Among her proudest moments are the championship teams of 2006 and 2015, which not only showcased exceptional talent but also resilience in overcoming significant challenges.
Ritz’s coaching philosophy is clear: every player on the roster is expected to be pushed to their limits. "They know my expectations," she said. "Winning is fun, and I want the best for our program and the kids."
Despite the changing landscape of high school athletics, Ritz’s passion for the game remains as strong as ever. She finds joy in hearing stories from former players about their successes and the impact of their time at Wayland.
As she gears up for another season, Ritz’s enthusiasm is palpable. "I still get excited about practices," she said. "I tell the girls I like to win practices, and they like to win games."
With her unwavering commitment and a legacy that continues to inspire, Cheri Ritz is not just a coach; she is a beacon of excellence in high school softball, and her journey is far from over.
