WELLS – You can say at least a couple things about former United South Central softball coach Greg Ellsworth.

Sunday, June 17, 2001

WELLS – You can say at least a couple things about former United South Central softball coach Greg Ellsworth. He knew what he was doing on the field. He also knew when to get out.

Ellsworth ended his successful coaching career after the 2000 season, leaving his successor with only one returning starter and no pitchers with varsity experience.

Brad Huse made the most of it.

Huse guided the Rebels to a 12-13 record and the final four of Section 2AA in his first season as head coach, making him the Tribune’s Softball Coach of the Year.

Huse, 35, has enjoyed athletic success all his life, earning 10 varsity letters and all-conference honors in three sports at Sherburn. He coached the Fairmont High School baseball team to second place in the 1993 state tournament and his Blue Earth Area softball team reached the section finals in 1999 and 2000.

As for 2001, however, Huse said credit goes to his players.

&uot;The (coach of the year) honor’s great, but it’s just a reflection on the girls,&uot; said Huse.

His peers will tell you it’s also a reflection on Huse.

&uot;He did a great job coaching,&uot; said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz. &uot;We beat them 8-0 the first time we played them. The second time, he moved some people around to different positions and they beat us.

&uot;They did a great job late in the season, when a team should be peaking.&uot;