NEW PALESTINE — Ed Marcum has been surrounded by family every step of the way.
The New Palestine softball coach, who just led his team to its fifth state championship in his 15 years of coaching, has become accustomed to winning, compiling a 385-59 record in his career. To do so much of that winning with his family around — whether as players or now assistant coaches — has been one of the best parts of the experience for him.
“It’s kind of unreal. I would have never anticipated anything like this,” Marcum said. “It’s certainly an honor, and there again it just goes to the players that came in, with talent, worked hard, and bought into what we’re trying to do. The Lord’s really blessed me being able to do this with my family. Softball has been an incredible part of our family.”
The family connection didn’t start in 2008, but a devastating loss helped strengthen the bond. Marcum’s mother passed away just two weeks before the season, a year that saw Ed’s daughters, Alyssa and Michelle, both on the team.
“That was a pretty tough time for everybody,” Marcum said. “For us to be able to go out and win in 2008 with Alyssa being a senior and Michelle being a sophomore, they kind of dedicated that season to my mom, and obviously that was really special for Dad.”
Alyssa Dillard and Michelle Hokl are two of the Dragons’ four assistant coaches now and have shared in multiple championships with their father. Alyssa calls pitches for Marcum. Michelle is the one he credits with keeping him calm during games. His wife, Becky, is right there with them as the team’s scorekeeper.
And Ray Marcum, Ed’s father, has been there for all of the big moments. This season, he celebrated his birthday with the team in grand fashion. He turned 88 the day the Dragons won semistate and was serenaded by the team, parents and fans singing “Happy Birthday” while he held the semistate trophy with his son.
“He and my mom were the ones who allowed us to put our hitting facility on our property,” Marcum said. “They certainly had a big part in it. With him being 88 now, he just loves it. He loves it. I think he enjoys us winning as much as anybody. I walked up Saturday (June 9) and you could see his eyes were watery and he was just so excited that we were able to pull out that championship. As a son you love those father-son moments.”
The family softball connection began with travel softball. It allowed the Marcums to travel and spend a lot of quality family time together. That’s led them to where they are now, all being together on the softball field, part of one of the most successful programs in state softball history.
“It’s just really cool. It shows the consistency of the program and how blessed we’ve been with so many talented players through the years,” Marcum said. “To be able to keep this kind of consistency is what this state title is all about. It’s kind of overwhelming. Most people don’t have an opportunity to experience it once. It certainly doesn’t get old.”
Getting the opportunity to share the experience with his family in a third of the seasons he has coached has made the championships that much sweeter. Marcum is now tied for the most state championships as a softball coach in state history, and as a team the Dragons are just one title away from tying that record.
Of course, as one of Marcum’s friends recently pointed out, his winning percentage isn’t that impressive when compared to his team’s statistics.
“A good friend of mine from North Carolina has been following us, and he called me afterwards,” Marcum said. “He said, ‘You know, you’re only batting .333. That doesn’t even make your lineup.’”
Marcum got a laugh out of that. Even with all the winning and all the expectations that come with consistent success, he makes sure to keep things fun and light. That approach has transferred to the team, who had a lot of fun this year on the way to another championship.
The “Championship Mindset” motto Marcum used this year paid off. It’s a mindset the coach and his family don’t want to see go away any time soon.
“There is nothing like winning a state title,” Hokl said. “Now, imagine winning a state title surrounded by your whole family. It makes it that much sweeter. As a player, winning a state championship with my sister as a teammate and my dad as the coach was my best softball memory. Now as a coach, it is just as great, and I think that is because Alyssa and I are now able to share these moments with our husbands and sons as well.
“Our family has dedicated so much to the game of softball, and the sport has given us even more back.”
Leading by example
New Palestine players and coaches shared their thoughts on their coach shortly after winning the program’s fifth state championship.
“Coach Marcum is not only a great coach, but also a great person outside of softball. He cares about all of his players and wants the best for all of us. He pushes us, but at the same time wants us to have fun and enjoy the game.” — Rieley Widmann, senior first baseman
“Coach is an amazing guy! He is so uplifting and believes in us so much. It helps having a coach who has so much confidence in his team and knows what we are capable doing.” — Emma Tucher, junior outfielder
“Coach is awesome. Playing for him in high school is just fun. I’m just excited for one more year with him. It’s going to be bittersweet, knowing that he is the guy that has influenced me to be the player I am today, and playing for him one last time.” — Tatum Biddle, junior second baseman
“Playing for coach Marcum has been so much fun over my last four years. He makes sure practices, bus rides and games are focused, but he also makes sure that we are having fun and enjoying each moment. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done throughout my high school career.” — Ashley Prange, senior shortstop
“It has been such an honor to be able to work alongside Ed. He really enjoys what he does, and I think that is a big part of being successful. He never stops learning, and that makes him a great coach. I have learned so much from him these past two years. I am very thankful that Ed thought I was someone who could help his program!” — Audrey East, assistant coach
“I’ve become a better leader myself because of coach. He’s helped me to have even a better championship mindset than I already had because he sets the bar high for the entire organization. I appreciate him for his inclusiveness and willingness to share his knowledge of the game. He is a champion and Hall of Famer in my book!” — Matt Hayden, assistant coach
“Coaching with my dad has been extremely special. He is an extraordinary leader. He is one of the most brilliant softball minds you will ever meet. More than anything though, he is an outstanding role model. One thing I have always loved about my dad is his commitment to God. He leads by example, and he always has. He is an amazing softball coach, but he is an even better father and man of God. That is what makes him such a great leader.” — Michelle (Marcum) Hokl, assistant coach