A familiar face on the local sports scene is getting ready for his first season at the helm of the Goodrich softball program.
Ortonville resident Rick Bescoe, formerly an assistant under Brandon softball coach Don Peters, is the new Goodrich High School varsity softball coach.
In addition to his experience at Brandon, Bescoe has coached summer softball for about 17 years, and also has coached the Michigan Oilers, a traveling softball team.
When the Goodrich softball position opened up, athletic director Al Martus called Bescoe and asked if he was interested.
‘I thought it over and decided to take the position,? Bescoe said. ‘Being from Brandon, we always knew Goodrich had a lot of good athletes.?
Last year, the Martians went 25-11 in the Genesee Area Conference Red Division. The girls on this year’s softball team have created a very favorable first impression on Bescoe.
‘They’re very hard-working girls and dedicated athletes,? he said. ‘They respond to hard work and have a positive attitude.?
Bescoe said his primary goal as coach is ‘to be recognized as having the best sportsmanship out there.?
‘I believe our won-loss record will be based on that,? he said. ‘Teaching the softball aspect is easy and the fun part. It’s always nice teaching these athletes living skills.?
Bescoe is married to wife Cathy, and the couple has two children (Jason and Heidi, both Brandon High School graduates) and six grandchildren.
He is assisted on the Goodrich staff by Marv Hess, Bob Morgan, Michelle Thorburn, and Brenda Mahalak (junior varsity). The Martians get underway with an April 1 game against Atherton.

Goodrich Varsity Softball
2004 Roster
No. Name Gr.
2 Ellen Nothhelfer 11
3 Jessica Morgan 11
5 Tori Morgan 9
7 Julie Owen (*) 11
8 Lauren Heidenberger 12
9 Alyssa Bertrand 10
10 Tara Garman 10
11 Blaze Wilson 9
13 Kelsey Krych 9
17 Alisha Bergeron 11
21 Ashley Short 9
32 Jenni Brothers 9
44 Kristan Childress 12
(*) ? captain