Central Softball Sportsmanship Story Receives Overwhelming Response From People All Across The Country

May 2, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - When Central Washington University softball players Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace helped an injured opponent around the softball field during an April 26 home game, they never dreamed such a simple gesture would become national news.

But their selfless act has gotten significant national attention, with numerous news outlets, including the New York Times, USA Today and ESPN, covering the heartwarming story. The girls, along with CWU softball coach, Gary Frederick, also appeared on the "The Early Show" on CBS and ESPN2's "First Take" early Thursday morning.

Along with the media attention, the story has touched the lives of people all across the country. Many have been so inspired by the story, they've sent hundreds of e-mails and made many phone calls to Central thanking the girls for their selfless act.

"We are definitely surprised by the response," said Holtman, a 22-year-old Wildcat first baseman majoring in business. "I think it's exciting we've gotten so much great attention. It's good for softball and for Central."

Central thanks all who have responded so kindly after hearing about the story. The many caring words have resonated throughout the university. We recognize the extraordinary sportsmanship of Mallory, Liz, and Coach Fredrick, along with the entire Women's Softball team.

During the game, Western Oregon University outfielder Sara Tucholsky hit her first-ever, college-career home run. Distracted and surprised by her accomplishment, Tucholsky missed first base as she ran past it. She turned around to tag the base, but her knee gave out, sending her to the ground with a painful injury. It was later determined to likely be a torn ACL.

As Oregon's coach, Pam Knox, was about to send in a pinch runner, Holtman spoke up, asking if she could carry Tucholsky around the field. Umpires conversed and decided that yes, it would be allowable. So Holtman and Wallace, locking their hands under Tucholsky, gently lifted and carried her from base to base, allowing her to tap each base with her left foot. The three players exchanged giggles as they made it around the field.

"We didn't even know that while we were carrying her around the bases, people in the stands were crying," Holtman said. "We just thought it was the right thing to do."

That sportsmanlike, and most importantly, humanitarian spirit, has caught the attention of the nation - much to everyone's surprise.

"It's humbling and overwhelming," said shortstop Wallace, a 21-year-old elementary education major. "It's true, there's a lot of bad press about sports. I hope this reminds them to love and respect the game. I hope that maybe people who've forgotten that can remember."

Both players credit CWU softball coach, Gary Frederick, with the sporting spirit and said he's one of the most positive influences in their lives.

"He's one of the best role models we could ask for," Hotlman said. "He teaches us there's more to softball than winning and loosing. There's more to life than that."

Frederick said he too had excellent sports mentorship while growing up, and that he hopes he passes some of that to his players; however, Saturday's act was one of character, he said.

"I'm not surprised that Mallory and Liz did that. I think anybody on my team would have. They are quality individuals," he said. "They felt that young lady deserved a home run and they helped her."

Frederick, a CWU coach for the past 40 years, said he's never seen anything like what he saw Saturday. He can understand why it's become such big news.

"It's true that a lot of the press about sports is negative. I think in this day and age, people want to hear a feel-good story like this."

Photo on the CWU home page by Blake Wolf.
Home video footage courtesy of Sue Wallin, mother of CWU senior softball player Logan Mohr.

Be sure to visit www.wildcatsports.com, the official athletics web site of Central Washington University, for updated links to stories as they are made available online.

Below are links to the coverage of this story as they are currently available: ESPN.com article (by Graham Hays, posted Apr. 28)
WCBS radio story (Apr. 29)
New York Times story (by George Vecsey, posted Apr. 29 for print Apr. 30)
The Oregonian (by Brian Meehan, posted Apr. 29 for print Apr. 30)
KGW TV (Portland, Ore.; Apr. 29)
Statesman-Journal newspaper (Salem, Ore.; Apr. 30)
CNN News (posted Apr. 30)
KOMO TV (Apr. 30)

Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.