Delaware State Softball Coach Jeff Savage has signed a new contract as announced by DSU Director of Athletics Rick Costello, today. The new contract will secure Savage as the Hornet’s head softball coach through the 2010 season.
“I am extremely pleased with the progress that our softball program has made under the leadership of Jeff Savage,” said DSU Director of Athletics Rick Costello. “I am very proud to re-affirm our commitment to him. His unrelenting pursuit of excellence and his steadfast commitment to Delaware State have established a solid foundation for future success.”
Savage notched the program’s first-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship last year. He also guided the team to its history-making first appearance in the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
“I truly appreciate the faith and confidence that the Delaware State University administration has placed in me and the softball program,” said Savage. “I’m grateful to (DSU President) Dr. Sessoms and (Director of Athletics) Rick Costello for their efforts to make Hornet athletics the best in all areas. I’m looking forward to working with the entire university community to continue the success of our softball team on and off the field.”
Since his appointment prior to the 2000 season, Savage has posted an overall record of 256-222, including a 119-35 mark in MEAC regular season games. He also led the team to four consecutive MEAC North titles from 2001 to ’05.
The Hornets were 25-23 during the 2008 regular season. Senior Jessica Chrabaszcz (INF) and sophomore Sha Tabor (UTL) were named to the All-MEAC First Team, while senior Nicole Demers (INF) and junior JoJo Shields (C) were second team selections. Chrabaszcz was also selected to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Softball First Team, the first Delaware State student-athlete to earn the distinction.
Savage’s 2007 squad was 10-4 in the conference and reached the MEAC Tournament semifinals for the fourth straight year. Outfielder Samantha Snow was named to the 2007 All-MEAC First Team, while Catrina Ansbach was a Second Team pick. In addition, Snow, Chrabaszcz, Ashley Fisher, Courtney Sams, Megan Lambertz and Nicole Demers were selected to the 2007 NFCA Academic All-America and MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic teams.
The 2006 Hornets posted 34 wins for the second consecutive season (34-22) and reached the MEAC Tournament championship round for the second time in three years. The 2006 Hornets also featured All-MEAC First Team selections Catrina Ansbach (catcher), Diana Gomez (OF) and Ashley Gray (UTL). In addition, Delaware State ranked 10th among 99 schools on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) list of Division I team grade-point-averages in ?06. Eight players were selected to the 2006 NFCA Academic All-America and MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic teams.
Four seasons ago, the Hornets recorded 34 wins (34-22) and posted an 18-2 mark vs. MEAC North competition. The 2005 highlights also included the selection of Catrina Ansbach (catcher) and Janice Savage (utility) to the All-MEAC First Team. Ansbach was also named to the All-East (ECAC) Second Team. The ’05 squad also ranked 14th on the NFCA list of scholar-athlete teams, while seven players were selected to the national Division I and MEAC All-Academic teams.
Savage’s 2004 squad posted a school-record 41 wins (41-22) and reached the championship round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament. In addition, Delaware State won its third straight MEAC North title in 2004, posting a 17-3 record in division play. The 2004 season also featured two milestone wins. Delaware State’s 3-2 win over Pittsburgh at the University of Maryland Tournament was the team’s first against a Big East opponent. The Hornets also defeated in-state rival Delaware (2-0) for the first time. As for individual honors, pitcher/first baseman Janice Savage was selected to the 2004 Louisville Slugger/TPC All-Region Second Team. Four members of the 2004 squad were selected to the 2004 NFCA Academic All-America Team.
In 2003, Delaware State captured its second straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern Division title. Savage’s 2002 squad posted a then school-record 29 wins (29-22) and captured the school’s first MEAC Northern Division title. In 2001, he led the Hornets to a then school-record 22 wins (22-22) record and two victories in the MEAC Tournament.
Savage joined the DSU staff after serving as head softball coach at Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Delaware in 1998 and ?99.
In addition to his coaching success, Savage has made his mark in the state for his work on behalf of such organizations as the Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware and Delaware Special Olympics.
Savage is a 1983 graduate of Rio (RY-oh) Grande University in Ohio, where he was a member of the baseball team for four years.