Date: August 3, 2005
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

Purdue North Central Appoints New Softball Coach

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central Athletics Director John Weber today announced the hiring of Jeff Boardman as coach of the women’s softball team. Boardman takes over as coach of the Panthers following Gil Arzola, who resigned after four years at the helm.

Boardman served the past two years as the head coach of Calumet College of St. Joseph, a fellow member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). He took over a program of only seven players and doubled the roster after one season. In one year’s time, Boardman led the Crimson Wave program to a competitive level they had never experienced before.

Boardman will retain current Panther assistants Denny King and Jim Brocksmith.

“Jeff’s extensive background, experience and familiarity with the CCAC made this an easy decision,” said Weber. “He came highly recommended from several people, including our outgoing coach, Arzola, and our current assistants, King and Brocksmith.”

Boardman will also bring with him Greg Koontz, who assisted him at Calumet College.
“We think very highly of Denny and Jim,” said Weber. “We’re happy they agreed to stay on with the program.”

Boardman agreed with Weber’s comments.

“I’m looking forward to working with the two coaches remaining on staff,” said Boardman. “I’ve known and respected Denny and Jim for years. They bring a lot of softball knowledge to the program and they relate well with the players. Along with Greg, who helped me get the program started at Calumet College, this should be a complete staff.”

Boardman said he was excited about the possibilities of building on the strong foundation and tradition that Arzola and his staff had started.

“There are a lot of very good players at PNC with a number of talented freshmen coming in,” said Boardman. “We should be able to keep the program moving in a positive direction. I feel that Northwest Indiana is the best in the state for softball talent. PNC offers a great opportunity for players to stay close to home while earning a degree and continuing their softball careers.”

As Boardman readies himself for this new opportunity, he gave his thanks to Calumet College.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity that Calumet College gave me and for the support I received from athletic director Andy Juscik,” said Boardman.

Arzola started the Purdue University North Central softball program from scratch in 2002 and led the program from club status in its infancy to NAIA status the past two years.

After competing as an NAIA independent in 2004, Arzola guided the Panthers to a sixth-place finish and a conference tournament appearance in their first year of eligibility in the CCAC. The Panthers finished 16-27 overall and 8-10 in the CCAC. In the tournament the Panthers defeated the St. Francis (number three seed) before falling in two, one-run games.

In 2004, the first year at the varsity and NAIA level, the Panthers burst on the scene with a 19-20 record. PNC finished 18-20 in Arzola’a first two years at the club level as he built the foundation and planned for the future NAIA status of Panther softball. 

“Gil did an excellent job,” said Weber. “Now, we’re excited to have Jeff aboard to keep the program moving in the right direction and take it to the next level.”

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