Softball Champs

From the Winter 1994 UNO Alum article, “10 Most Memorable Moments in UNO Sports History”

 

By Kevin Warneke

Connie Wichman's finger still sports a reminder of an Omaha University women's softball team that bested national competition.

 

The Alumni Association presented members of the 1975 women's softball team with championship rings after the squad captured the Women's College World Series title.

 

"The ring just means a lot to me," said Wichman, who played center field. "I'm sure most of us are still wearing them." The OU women first knocked off Northern, S.D., followed by wins over Oregon College, Western Illinois and Northern Iowa.

 

Wichman said the team had its share of talented players, but its strongest suit was unity. That cohesiveness received a test after the Maverettes advanced to the finals undefeated in the double-elimination tournament, but were defeated by Northern 11-1 to set up the final game. 

 

"We were pretty down. We kind of pulled each other up. We got each other pumped up." Wichman's double was a key blow in the Maverettes' 6-4 victory.

 

Although the national championship brought the OU women's athletic program credibility, the title didn't draw attention like it would today, Coach Connie Claussen said.

 

The Omaha World-Herald's recap of the championship drew front-page placement, though below the center fold. Stories that day which drew top attention were Ak-Sar-Ben's request for a 60-day racing card in 1976, and the opening game of the NBA Finals.

 

"The women's athletic department had to pay for the 'Congratulations' sign that went up in front of the Eppley building," Claussen said.