Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Honors ’79, ’80 Softball World Series Teams
9/16/2017 3:17:00 PM | Softball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Athletics is honoring the 1979 and 1980 Indiana Softball Women's College World Series teams this weekend as both teams received World Series rings at Friday's Leanne Grotke Award ceremony.
"It is our honor and privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 1979 and 1980 College World Series softball teams this weekend," said Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass. "They were true pioneers and providing them with rings was a long overdue recognition of their remarkable accomplishments that continue to inspire our athletes today."
The 1979 team, coached by Ann Lawver, was the first Indiana squad to advance to the World Series. The Hoosiers finished in fifth place with a 32-14 record. Indiana made its return to the World Series the following season under head coach Gayle Blevins and posted a 33-16 record. Blevins led the Hoosiers to second place in the World Series, the best finish in program history.
Of the 25 players, coaches and personnel associated with the two teams, 22 have made the trip to Bloomington this weekend. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to spend time with this year's squad as they attended practice on Saturday afternoon.
The rosters included some of the most decorated alums in program history, including Indiana Hall of Famer Diane Stephenson and All-American Linda Spagnolo.
For the latest on Indiana Softball, be sure to follow #IUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
#GoIU
"It is our honor and privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 1979 and 1980 College World Series softball teams this weekend," said Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass. "They were true pioneers and providing them with rings was a long overdue recognition of their remarkable accomplishments that continue to inspire our athletes today."
The 1979 team, coached by Ann Lawver, was the first Indiana squad to advance to the World Series. The Hoosiers finished in fifth place with a 32-14 record. Indiana made its return to the World Series the following season under head coach Gayle Blevins and posted a 33-16 record. Blevins led the Hoosiers to second place in the World Series, the best finish in program history.
Of the 25 players, coaches and personnel associated with the two teams, 22 have made the trip to Bloomington this weekend. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to spend time with this year's squad as they attended practice on Saturday afternoon.
The rosters included some of the most decorated alums in program history, including Indiana Hall of Famer Diane Stephenson and All-American Linda Spagnolo.
For the latest on Indiana Softball, be sure to follow #IUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
#GoIU
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