Matt Wixon

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Just nine years ago, Frisco had only one high school and it competed in Class 3A. Now the city has four high schools, all of which are in 4A, and a fifth school is set to open in the fall.

Obviously, a lot has changed this decade. But one thing has not, and Frisco softball coach Max Bledsoe doesn't intend for that to change anytime soon.

The only coach the Frisco softball team has ever known is not retiring. But Bledsoe understands why rumors of his retirement might be floating around as this season heads toward the playoffs.

"A lot of people have told me they thought I might retire because my youngest daughter is graduating," said Bledsoe, who started Frisco's softball program 15 years ago. "I'm still where I want to be. I'm planning on being back unless someone wants me to leave."

It would be difficult to find that someone. Bledsoe, whose daughter, Whitney, is a senior outfielder and first baseman, has more than 300 wins as softball coach and led Frisco to the 2002 4A state title. Frisco has also made the playoffs four straight seasons, although that streak is in jeopardy because the Raccoons entered Wednesday night's game against Denison with a 13-14 record and in fifth place in District 9-4A.

The last three games of the regular season will probably determine whether Frisco makes the playoffs. But the season's crunch time won't change Bledsoe's approach.

"He's got a really good coaching demeanor. He's calm and laid back," said senior pitcher Jeni Olbeter. "He's really good at explaining things."

And not just in softball. During his 30 years with the Frisco school district, Bledsoe also spent nine years as the girls basketball coach and 13 years as a baseball assistant.

Thirty years is a long time, but Bledsoe is only 50 years old. He accepted a job with the Frisco ISD right after he graduated from East Texas State in December of 1979. That brought him back to his hometown, which really was a town when Bledsoe graduated from Frisco High in 1976. Now Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.

"I never dreamed I would stay in my hometown my whole life," Bledsoe said. "But it's all worked out. There's no reason to leave."

YEARBOOK MOMENT: During this week in 2001, Richardson Berkner pitcher B.J. Brandenberger pitched a three-hitter in an 8-1 victory over Lake Highlands. Brandenberger, who was named District 9-5A MVP, helped Berkner qualify for the playoffs that year for the first time since 1990. Brandenberger later played for UT-Arlington.

ICY FINISH: On a chilly Saturday in Georgetown, Plano boys coach Bob Weir got doused twice with the ice-cold contents of coolers. He didn't seem to mind as he and his players celebrated Plano's 5A title, the Wildcats' first since 2000. Coppell coach Chris Stricker, whose team won the 5A girls title, got doused while I was talking to him after the game. "Watch out," he said calmly, "I think I'm about to get hit." The warning was much appreciated.

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: In every sport it seems to be true, and 4A girls state soccer champion Richardson Pearce is another example. Pearce allowed a total of two goals in its eight playoff games, including a 1-0 shutout in the title game against Friendswood.