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GHS Softball Head Coach Mark Falcon Retires From 12-Year Career

Long-time Glasgow High School softball Head Coach Mark Falcon announced his retirement at the Scottie Booster Club All-Sports Banquet last Tuesday, May 26.

Falcon became the Scottie softball head coach in 2004, with Arlene Archambeault as his assistant coach. Although assistant coaches have come and gone, Falcon has remained at the helm until the close of the 2015 season.

Scottie softball team established its inaugural season in 2003. It won the first ever home game on April 8 with a 3-2 victory over the Sidney Eagles, under first-year head coach Jeff Kalinski. Although the program was on the brink of dismantling the very next season, enough players did come together to field a team. Falcon became the head coach for the next 12 years.

"It's time," said Falcon. "I feel that I have left the program in a good shape. We have strong players returning next year, and there has been a good feeder program over the last 3 to 4 years that has really developed the young players. I think our softball program will be in good hands."

Falcon sees himself as a teacher and a leader for the team. He expects his players to strive for improvement. "Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the players finally execute all the fundamentals that we work so hard on," said Falcon.

He also enjoys seeing his former players giving back to the community by volunteering as young girls' fast pitch coaches. "They are good role models for the next generation," said Falcon.

Falcon was born in Glasgow and raised in Bainville. He enjoyed playing baseball in his youth. Later, he coached his sons' baseball team on his days off from the railroad. His daughter Kimberly Falcon was a freshman when Falcon took over the head coach position. She became a softball standout.

Brenner Flaten, GHS Vice Principal/Activities Director, praises Falcon's contribution to the Scottie softball program. "Coach Falcon is bringing 30 years of coaching baseball and softball at all levels in Glasgow to a close. His effect on the youth of Glasgow and the growth of our softball program is very evident and is very appreciated. He will be greatly missed."  

Among Falcon's achievements are: 

• 3-time Eastern B/C Divisional Champions (2011, 2012 and 2013)

• 3rd place State B/C 2007

• 2nd place State B/C 2012 

• He coached 23 1st Team All-State Players!  

• Career Record: 192-102 

He was especially proud of knocking Huntley Project out of the 2007 state tournament, a team that Glasgow was not able to beat before. "I really felt that we turned our program around after that. We gained a lot of confidence. It was a turning point," said Falcon.

Falcon expresses appreciation to his assistant coaches throughout the years: Arlene Archambeault, Rod Karst, Joel Smith, Steven Falcon, and Gil Johnson. He also thanks all the support from his wife and his family, players, parents, school administration, and the Booster Club.

"You've got to be willing to put in a lot of time," reflects Falcon as he imparts wisdom for the next head coach. He expects the conference to be tough next year.

 

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