HUNTINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Wesleyan Head Coach Steve Babinski celebrated a career milestone Friday winning his 500th career game in a pair of victories over Huntington. 

“500 career wins is a testament to Steve’s commitment to excellence as a recruiter, motivator, and teacher of the game,” said Athletic Director Mark DeMichael. “His passion, intelligence, and creative game strategy make him truly elite. I am incredibly grateful that Steve is a part of our IWU Athletic Family and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.”

Babinski’s record sits at 501-246, a winning percentage of .670. He currently ranks 23^rd among active coaches in the NAIA. In the last 8 seasons, Babinski has coached 1 National Player of the Year, 5 Conference Players of the Year, 2 Conference Pitchers of the Year, 10 NAIA All-Americans, 10 NCCAA All-Americans, and a slew of All-League and academic all-conference student-athletes.

In Babinski's first year at the helm, IWU was ranked No. 25 in the nation marking the first time in school history to be ranked in the NAIA national poll. Since then IWU has been as high as No. 10 in the polls.

Babinski came to Indiana Wesleyan from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas where he compiled a career record of 220-136.

“I am incredibly humbled with this accomplishment,” said Babinski. “So many great teams and coaches have helped me achieve this. God has allowed a platform for me to share His love and I am eternally grateful. My prayer is every time we touch the field we are glorifying the One who gives us real life. My purpose as a coach is to share our Saviors love so we can make heaven a more crowded place”  

GAME VITALS

• Game 1 Score:  Indiana Wesleyan – 2    |   Huntington (Ind.)  – 0
• Game 2 Score:  Indiana Wesleyan – 6    |   Huntington (Ind.)  – 1
• Records: IWU – 41-6,23-4 Crossroads League |   Huntington (Ind.)  – 18-15, 13-10 Crossroads League   
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Indiana Wesleyan - #11   |   Huntington (Ind.)  - #Unranked
• Location:   Huntington University   |   Huntington, Indiana |      Forester Softball Field

GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS

• Kristen Exposito and Kelsey Kooistra scored in the top off the inning off a Huntington dropped fly ball.  
• Kelsey Kooistra: 2-3, R, SB
• Carlie Weaver: 7 IP, 5 K, 1 H

GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS

• Lauren Buckley: 2-3, R
• Kira Madl: 2 RBI, H, R
• Alex Springer: 3-4, 2 RBI
• Kristen Exposito: 2 H, RBI
• Mckenzey Ridge: 6 IP, 2 K, 1 ER

NEXT TIME OUT

• IWU heads south facing #2 Marian University (Ind.) on Saturday. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.