By Bruce Campbell Staff Writer



A warning to Drummond's future fast-pitch softball opponents.

Watch out for the Lady Bulldogs.

Drummond's Deborah Ott was voted News -- Eagle Northwest Oklahoma Coach of the Year by her peers after taking a Lady Bulldogs team with only two seniors to a 22-9 record and a district championship.

"It's definitely a humbling honor," said Ott, who has taken the Lady Bulldogs to four district crowns since starting the fast-pitch program in 1997. "The girls put in a lot of work on their own time this year. They really had a good attitude."

Ott sees Drummond building a tradition now that the Lady Bulldogs have established themselves as a consistent winning program.

"We have the young kids watching and getting involved sooner," she said. "That helps builds up success. Our expectations are higher now. We expect a little more out of ourselves."

Ott knows something about tradition and high expectations, growing up in sports-crazy Thomas.

She was an All-Stater in basketball and played on two state runner-up teams. She was an all-district selection in softball, playing on two state tournament teams.

"I hope the girls can experience success like I was able to experience as a player," Ott said. "I definitely grew up in a winning environment. It was expected of us to win. Coach (Randy) Nease expected the best out of you at all times."

Ott "s role model was her older sister, Sandra Weidenmaier, who played with the legendary Kelli Litsch at Thomas. Nease was another steadying influence.

"They expected the very best out of you in every aspect of school at Thomas," Ott said.

Like Nease, Ott is a science teacher.

"I like to think I'm a teacher all the way through," Ott said.

Ott said as a teacher or coach she has to continue the learning process. Her expectations for the program have grown as players have become more experienced.

Ott is "not afraid to be vocal either on the field or in the classroom." She sees herself as a cross between a player's coach and strict disciplinarian.

"I get intense during the games, but I try to stay laid back enough where it doesn't upset the girls or get them out of sync," Ott said.

Her personal life has changed drastically since coming to Drummond.

She married former Drummond basketball and baseball star John Ott, who acts as her first base coach.

"He's my biggest supporter," Ott said of her husband. "I couldn't do it without his help."

The Otts have two young sons -- Tate, 4, and Kelby, 1. That has changed her perspective of coaching as well.

"I think it has helped me stay calmer and keep things in perspective," she said.

Her parents and in-laws have helped with baby-sitting chores while the Otts are coaching.

Ott contributed her team's success to being fundamentally sound behind freshman pitcher Haley Johnson, considered one of the top pitching prospects to come through the area.

"Haley was very consistent," Ott said. "She let her defense do the work behind her."

The Lady Bulldogs went two-and-out in the regionals, which was the only disappointing part of the season.

"It was a little disappointing," Ott said. "I don't think we played our very best games there."

In her eight years as a coach, Ott has seen a growth in fast-pitch in the area.

"Teams are a lot more competitive than they used to be," she said. "I think our team is a little hungrier. I think the surrounding teams expect us to be more competitive. They're going to be ready for us."'

Ott said Drummond is a lot like Thomas.

"People here are very supportive," she said. "That's why I like the small towns and the small schools."