HARWELLPHOTO.COM
Wadsworth rising junior Niki Weaver, who set a school record for hits in a season, has a new coach. Michelle DeAngelis takes over the program after coaching two seasons at Doylestown Chippewa.
WADSWORTH, Ohio – How do you replace a legend on the softball diamond?
Wadsworth athletic director Rich Berlin hopes it’s by succeeding him with a budding prospect.
On Monday night, the Wadsworth Board of Education approved Berlin’s recommendation and replaced coach Mike Schmeltzer, who stepped down in June, with former Doylestown Chippewa coach Michelle DeAngelis.
In 13 seasons, Schmeltzer racked up a 249-103 record. District runners-up to Copley this season, Wadsworth made it to the regional level in 2000. The Grizzlies were league champions in 2002 and runners-up in 1999 and 2000.
Schmeltzer bowed out by winning 13 straight games last season and won 17 of 19 games to finish 22-7.
DeAngelis took over the Chipps in 2010, won 11 games and then turned things around by winning a school-record 18 games last season.
“She has the self-confidence to take this on,” Berlin said. “Her ability was another thing that came across in the interview process.
“Sometimes there’s no replacement for that. She’s enthusiastic.
She’s willing to put in whatever time necessary to keep the program successful and build on what’s already established.”
DeAngelis, 28, also has a background with the Grizzlies. An intervention specialist for the high school and middle school at Wadsworth, she is already well known by the team.
Add a year as a volunteer assistant with the Grizzlies before going over to Chippewa, and her hiring was a cinch.
“Her knowledge of softball is an obvious strength,” Berlin said. “In the interview process what came out was her willingness to put the time in to keep the program strong and keep building on what has already been established.
“She always had a plan. She knew how to do it and she knew exactly where she started. When they say, ‘Here it is.’ That always stands out with me. She has already established a rapport with the kids. She was a teacher in the district so she already knows them and that’s huge.”
As for whether or not she’s ready for the Division I level, that became apparent last season.
Finishing third behind only 2010 Division III state champion Jeromesville Hillsdale and 2011 regional finalist Creston Norwayne in the Wayne County Athletic League, DeAngelis proved she belonged.
“She has two years varsity experience on top of everything else coming in,” Berlin said. “She’s ready for that role.”