Coach Weagraff bows out as Viking softball coach

Coach Phil Weagraff, who headed the Garfield/Palouse softball program since its conversion to fastpitch, has resigned. Weagraff headed the Vikings for seven years including trophy finishes in the last three state tournaments.

His final game at the helm was a battle with Mossy Rock which extended into overtime at the state finals at the Gateway Sports Complex in Yakima. The two teams were literally the last B division clubs to wrap up their seasons.

Garfield/Palouse finished in fourth place in their first season among the 2B power clubs. They placed second to Touchet in the 1B championship the previous year and fourth in 1B three years ago.

“I feel we had a real good run. I know I was happy and proud to be a part of it,” Coach Weagraff commented.

Weagraff has been a science teacher at Garfield/Palouse Middle School since 2001. He took over the head softball job a year later when the state switched to a fastpitch mode.

Weagraff said he decided now would be a good time to step down from the coaching ranks. One factor was the graduation of their daughter, Shealyn, from GP last June. She was one of six Viking seniors who wrapped up their softball careers at Yakima two months ago.

The Weagraffs have two sons, a junior and a fourth grader, and their adventures in sports and other activities will become the prime focus for the coming years.

Weagraff was a pastor at Garfield before joining the middle school faculty. He continues to fill in for pastors around the area when needed.

Weagraff said he could return to the coaching ranks some time down the road if the situation presents itself.

Robert Lopez and Steve Witthuhn, who have been assistant coaches under Weagraff for the past two seasons, have been named co-coaches for the club when it starts its second year campaign in the 2B ranks next year.