Special to Echo Sports

Posted Aug. 19, 2005 12 p.m.

The University of Central Arkansas has hired Steve Kissel to take over the Bears’ softball program.

Kissel comes to UCA from Oklahoma Panhandle State, where he has coached since 1998. At Panhandle, Kissel was head softball coach and head cross country coach and also taught classes. While at Panhandle, Kissel also served as NCAA compliance coordinator and was HPER Department chairperson.

Kissel had an overall 170-240 record at Panhandle and is 453-426 overall in his 17-year career.

Prior to his stint at Oklahoma Panhandle, Kissel spent two years out of coaching. Before that, he served as head softball coach at Pittsburg (Kan.) State in 1995-96 and finished 36-22 overall and 12-4 in conference play.

He coached previously at Minot (N.D.) State University from 1994-95 and Dana College (Blair, Neb.) from 1987-94.

He was a six-time conference coach of the year, two-time district coach of the year and his teams won six conference championships and were district champions once. Kissel’s team at Dana College reached the NAIA quarterfinals in 1994.

Kissel replaces Natalie Shock, who moved into athletic adminstration in the area of NCAA compliance.







		Special to Echo Sports Posted Aug. 19, 2005 12 p.m. The University of Central Arkansas has hired Steve Kissel to take over the Bears’ softball program. Kissel comes to UCA from Oklahoma Panhandle State, where he has coached since 1998. At Panhandle, Kissel was head softball coach and head cross country coach and also taught classes. While at Panhandle, Kissel also served as NCAA compliance coordinator and was HPER Department chairperson. Kissel had an overall 170-240 record at Panhandle and is 453-426 overall in his 17-year career. Prior to his stint at Oklahoma Panhandle, Kissel spent two years out of coaching. Before that, he served as head softball coach at Pittsburg (Kan.) State in 1995-96 and finished 36-22 overall and 12-4 in conference play. He coached previously at Minot (N.D.) State University from 1994-95 and Dana College (Blair, Neb.) from 1987-94. He was a six-time conference coach of the year, two-time district coach of the year and his teams won six conference championships and were district champions once. Kissel’s team at Dana College reached the NAIA quarterfinals in 1994. Kissel replaces Natalie Shock, who moved into athletic adminstration in the area of NCAA compliance.

All material Copyright 2005 Echo Sports