When he was coaching at other area high school softball programs, Carl Gabrielson saw firsthand the sustained success of the Brandon softball program.
He will now lead the Blackhawks in their quest for a successful 2005 season. Gabrielson was hired as the new Brandon coach last month, replacing Don Peters, who is now the varsity softball coach in Clarkston.
Gabrielson brings plenty of softball coaching experience to the table. Most recently, he was the varsity coach at Flint Powers Catholic High School from 1999-2003. Gabrielson went 103-80 during that time span, and his teams won two district championships (in 1999 and 2002).
He decided to take last season off from coaching, ‘just to see what it was like,? and coached Little League baseball during his year off. During that time, he said he missed coaching at the varsity level, so when the Brandon varsity softball coaching position opened up, Gabrielson decided to go for it.
‘Going to work here is a matter of taking over a successful program and continuing the success that Don Peters had here and building on it,? Gabrielson said. ‘I have great respect for Don. He’s been very successful, and one of the best coaches in the state.?
Gabrielson has also coached varsity softball at Linden (1989-95) and Clio (1996-98), where he co-coached with Wayne Moss. He won district championships at both stops (Linden in 1995, Clio in 1996).
Brandon will be returning nine lettermen from last year’s team. Heading up that list is junior pitcher Jill Perry, who earned All-State honors last year as a sophomore; junior Meridith Dura, who made honorable mention All-State in center field; and senior catcher Katie Flood.
In addition, two sophomores who came through at the corner spots as freshmen last year, third baseman Lauren Ross and first baseman Chelsea Wengren, will anchor those positions once again this year.
Gabrielson said the Blackhawks will receive a boost this year as senior pitcher Jackie Wojtkowicz returns to the varsity after a one-year absence, joining forces with Perry to form a solid one-two punch on the mound.
He said the Blackhawks? experience will be a valuable asset this season.
‘I know by experience that all nine returning lettermen are quality players,? Gabrielson said. ‘I think we have a good chance of winning our league, as well as districts and regionals. They have one common goal in this program ? they want to win games.?
Gabrielson lives in Fenton with wife Roseann. The couple has a daughter, Angela, who is expecting a child, and a son, Carl, who recently graduated from the University of Michigan.