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We know all too well how much Athletic Trainers do day to day. It's no secret that there are long hours, few days off, and even a night or two spent in the training room. But we had to stop and recognize one particular AT who is retiring after 25 years.
Why?
Because Herb Minch was not only the West Liberty University Head Athletic Trainer for 20 years, he was also the head softball coach and taught classes!
Speaking on Minch's legacy, the AD of West Liberty, Lynn Ullom, said:
“Coach Minch’s nearly three-decade-long association with our athletic department and the university itself has been monumental. Beyond nurturing a softball team that consistently competed at regional levels, his acclaim as one of the nation’s finest Athletic Trainers is noteworthy. We extend our best wishes for his future.”
Minch, an alumnus of the institution, also had the pivotal role of Head Athletic Trainer for over 20 years. He was overseeing the healthcare of more than 3,000 student-athletes while he was coaching!
He did take a brief hiatus from coaching, concentrating on the duties tied with WLU's Athletic Training program, particularly as an instructor and Clinical Education Coordinator. He resumed his coaching role in 2017.
The coaching legacy that Minch leaves behind is robust. His illustrious career saw him become West Liberty's most successful softball coach with a whopping 564 career wins. Of these, 342 wins came in conference games. The team under his stewardship registered six 30-win seasons, with the most remarkable being the 42-16 record in 2004. A three-time winner of the Mountain East Conference Coach of the Year and an honored member of the WLU Hall of Fame, Minch’s leadership guided the Hilltoppers to four conference titles and two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
Reflecting on his time at West Liberty, Minch said:
“The time I've spent at WLU, whether it was teaching, ensuring the well-being of thousands of student-athletes, or coaching, has been a treasured experience. I believe it's the right time to pass the baton to the younger generation, eager to achieve greater heights in championships. My heartfelt thanks to West Liberty University. Go Toppers!”
Ullom has now assigned the responsibility of interim head coach to assistant coach Nikki Nuzum, who joined the staff this year with a rich coaching history from other institutions.
Nuzum is stepping into some pretty big shoes. But she comes into the role with significant experience. She had noteworthy head coaching roles at Franciscan University and Alderson Broaddus and has served as an assistant coach at notable institutions such as Penn State-Fayette, Washington & Jefferson, and Youngstown State. Nuzum’s credentials extend to her playing days as well, being a two-time All-Stater and an All-Conference and NCAA Division II Academic All-District pitcher with the Falcons.
So... our hat is off to you, Coach and Head AT and Teacher Minch! Those 25 years must've flown by!
