Hulit Leaving IWU As Softball Coach

July 17, 2007

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — As a result of personal considerations and a decision to hire a full-time faculty member in the Illinois Wesleyan University athletic department in 2008-09, Lloyd Hulit has announced he will not return as the Titans’ softball coach for the 2007-08 season.

The person hired for the full-time teaching position will serve as head softball coach, which brings the sport to the same staffing level of other team sports.

Given the success of his first two seasons, Hulit, who has coached the IWU team on a non-faculty basis, told athletic director Dennie Bridges he would like to bow out on a high note and is not interested in a full-time faculty position.

In addition, Hulit recently underwent knee replacement surgery and will have an extensive rehabilitation period. He indicated he also looked forward to being more involved with his grandchildren.

“I thank Lloyd for leading us to two outstanding seasons and I completely understand his decision to exit as a winner,” said Bridges. “Coach Hulit is presently dealing with knee replacement surgery. One knee has been operated on and rehab is underway and the next knee replacement is soon to follow.”

Bridges said that an interim coach will be hired for the 2007-08 season with a national search to be undertaken next year to fill the faculty and coaching position.

Hulit compiled a two-year record of 64-26 (.711 winning percentage) and a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin record of 25-3 (.893) with one regular season championship. His 2007 team was 32-14 overall, 13-1 in winning the CCIW regular season title and made an NCAA Division III tournament appearance, the first for IWU since 2003.

CONTACT: Stew Salowitz, 309-556-3206