Between pre-game batting practice and first pitch of the scheduled doubleheader, VYPE Three Rivers editor Bill Huddleston sat down with the new head coach of Muskogee softball Mark Dicus to talk about his first season in the Lady Roughers dugout.
VYPE: It’s been several seasons since your first game as a head coach. Where did you go to high school and where was your first job?
DICUS: You’re right, since graduating from Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City, it’s been a few days and nights since I got my first job at Tuttle High School.
VYPE: How many years have you been coaching softball? What are a few of your career highlights?
DICUS: Altogether, I’ve been coaching for 43 years! I’ve been fortunate to have some outstanding players that have enabled me to win a lot of games. But honestly, my career highlights revolve around my players that have been winners not just on the softball diamond but also have had successful careers and personal lives.
(Dicus compiled 448 wins as head coach at Dewey High School from 1987 through 1999 including winning the national coach of the year award in 1994. His teams won four state championships and reached the state tournament eight consecutive seasons (1987-1994). Dicus continued his success on the collegiate level at Seminole State where the Lady Trojans won seven conference crown amidst 445 victories including a third place nationally in 2003 before moving to Rogers State University for five years where his team reached the NAIA National Championship Tournament. The veteran coach guided Pryor softball to success winning the state championship in 2016 and two state runner-up finishes during his seven-year stint with a 215-83 record. Dicus was an inaugural inductee to the Oklahoma Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.)
VYPE: Do you have a coaching mentor, someone that you called upon for advice?
DICUS: My college coach, Cecil Perkins was my go-to-guy. I learned a lot from him not only about softball but also about day-to-day things that have made me a better person and coach.
VYPE: Let’s have a little fun and talk about coach’s favorites. What’s your favorite place to eat? What will be on the Coach Dicus “Champions Dinner.”
DICUS: If I get to choose, I’ll pick Logan’s Roadhouse. As far as the Champions menu, Steak will be the main course for sure.
VYPE: What’s your favorite movie? Why? If I had to choose one, it has to be “For the Love of the Game” because it’s the Truth.
VYPE: It may not be the soundtrack played on the bus traveling to games, but who is your favorite music artist? Do you remember the first concert you attended?
DICUS: Christ Stapleton is my favorite. It’s been awhile since the first concert but John Anderson and Hank Williams Jr. were on stage.
VYPE: Coaches don’t always have time for personal hobbies, but when you’re not at the ballpark for practice or games, what’s something you like to do?
DICUS: Nowadays it’s my grandkids…they keep me going. When I get some me time, I enjoy fishing and golf.
VYPE: Moving to Muskogee to rebuild the winning tradition of the Roughers softball program, what has been your biggest challenge? Biggest surprise so far in year one?
DICUS: In your first season at a new school, there’s always the challenge of getting the players to trust the “old man.” It’s not a real surprise but the amount of talent that’s hidden in the softball program is really exciting and gives you a place to start. Like I said earlier, it’s about the players.
