University of Tennessee Athletics
UT's Weeklys Honored At PLU Hall Induction
September 29, 2012 | Softball
Sept. 29, 2012
(Photo Courtesy of John Froschauer/PLU Athletics)
PARKLAND, Wash. - Tennessee softball will open its 18th season in the 2013. But 26 years ago, all the way in the northwest corner of the continental United States, the Lady Vol softball program that we know today was started on the fields of Pacific Lutheran University.
In 1986, Tennessee co-head coach Ralph Weekly took his first collegiate softball head coaching position at Pacific Lutheran and compiled a 310-93 record with two NAIA national titles from 1986-94. UT co-head coach Karen Weekly (formerly Karen Kvale) starred on the softball field for PLU from 1984-87 and was the program's first All-American in 1987 before serving as an assistant coach while attending law school at the University of Washington. Tennessee volunteer assistant Marc Weekly enjoyed an incredible football career at PLU, setting numerous records as a starting quarterback from 1990-93 and leading his team to the 1993 NAIA Division II national title.
On Friday, Pacific Lutheran University inducted Ralph Weekly, Karen Weekly, Marc Weekly and the Lutes' 1988 and 1992 softball NAIA National Championship teams into its Athletic Hall of Fame.
"It was a fantastic day," Ralph said. "We got to spend a lot of time with players from both national championship teams and friends from PLU. It was a very special watching Marc be inducted. We will cherish these memories forever."
The Weeklys' return to Parkland, Wash., was truly a special experience. PLU was a place where some of the softball principles that the Weeklys preach to today's Lady Vols first bore success. In some ways, one could argue that the Weeklys' run at PLU was an early blueprint for what would two decades later produce Tennessee's five Women's College World Series appearances, 25 NFCA All-America selections and involvement with USA Softball for UT players and coaches.
"What a humbling day," Karen said. "Sharing an honor like this with Ralph and Marc, in the presence of family and friends, was truly special. It was great to see so many people who inspired my playing and coaching careers."
