Coach Wyrick, along with longtime assistant coach Curtis Peters, launched the Summertown softball program in the 1979-80 school year, which was just the second year the sport was sanctioned by the TSSAA.   Coach Wyrick would remain at the helm until the 2012 season – a span of 33 seasons.

During his tenure, his overall record was 679-280 (959 games) for a 71% winning percentage

His District Record was 284-47 (331 games) for an 86% winning percentage

 During the 33 seasons, his teams captured 25 District Seasonal Championship titles, 23 District Tournament titles, 5 Region Championships, 10 Region Runner-ups (making 15 Sub-State appearances), and made it to the Final Four twice.    It should be noted that since softball became a TSSAA sport in the 1978-79 season, only 4 Class A State Championships have been won by public schools – the other 30 have been private schools.

During a part of his tenure as SHS Softball Coach (during the 1980s, Wyrick also served as the Lady Eagles (then called the Eaglettes) Basketball coach – many of his players played for him in both sports.

Wyrick was joined on the field by his wife Mitzi, daughter Mindy Beckman, Son-in-Law Ben Beckman and grandsons Sawyer Beckman and Parks Griffin.   Also joining the family were SHS Principal Brent Long, Athletic Director Craig McGill and a host of Wyrick’s former players.

Congratulations Coach Wyrick on this well-deserved honor !

The following tribute was penned by Curtis Peters, Coach Wyrick’s longtime Assistant Coach –

“Coaching gives one a chance to be successful as well as significant. The difference between those two is that when you die, your success comes to an end. When you are significant, you continue to help others be successful long after you are gone. Significance lasts many lifetimes. That is why people teach, why people lead, and why people coach.” – Coach John Wooden

Being a father of two boys, I’m always awestruck at how quickly they “grow”.  Growth involves struggles and obstacles along the way. Mistakes will be made and set backs will occur, but it’s amazing to watch a child persevere to take their first steps, or write a letter a little more clearly.  The joy they exhibit in this personal growth is one I cherish and get to share with them. Coaching allows you to share these types of moments with so many different people. Their growth inspires you to keep growing in turn.

Like many coaches, Coach Wyrick had many varied reasons for coaching over his many years in the role. He loved the game of softball, liked the competition athletics provide, and enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful community. Most of all, he loved working with the young ladies he was privileged to coach. Many of his former players have gone on to a life of coaching of their own. During my 25 years of coaching alongside Coach Wyrick, we had many highs and a few lows but always could not wait to play the next game.  Many miles of travel, cold (VERY cold) days, and hot days always provided an exciting time for Coach Wyrick and the girls playing softball for Summertown High School.

 Those times will always be fondly remembered by the many who were a part of Summertown Softball and lucky enough to have been coached by Coach Bobby Wyrick.