Softich.com

Last Dance

2010-10-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is the last post.

Stay Tuned....

2007-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

There has been very little activity here recently, but that will all change.

We will be launching the new site in September so stay tuned.

Thanks for your patience.....

5 Things You Didn't Know About Me

2007-01-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

I’m it.

My buddy Rick Stavanja tagged me to play "5 Things You Didn't Know About Me". So, even though my life is pretty much an open book, (albeit not very thick and with a lot of pictures) I’ll give it a try.

1- I started drinking in Junior High School. Yep, and it became quite the hobby. As my old friend John Likarich once told me “You don’t drink a lot, just often.” It has been over 20 years since I quit, but there are many people out there who never knew me sober. Maybe that is why whenever I run into some of my old High School acquaintances they have that strange look on their face.

2- I am somewhat of a "grognard" and have a pretty good collection of war games mostly of the Avalon Hill board game variety. But don’t have the time or the opponents around to play them. Some day somebody will find some great deals on eBay if I ever get around to selling them.

3- Like Rick, it took me a long time to warm up to computers. I actually thought they were a passing fad. Then I started using them for football and eventually broke down and got one. And now I can’t imagine life with out one. It is funny now that some people consider me a real computer guru and turn to me for advice. (I also thought Madonna was going to be a One Hit Wonder, but that is another story.)

4- I used to pick up extra money working as a figure model for art classes, oftentimes posing nude. In Butte no less. Again, my friend John Likarich had a hand in this. "C'mon, $50 an hour, it's easy..." And it was even after I stopped drinking, which took some of the fun out of it I guess.

5- In spite of being a coach for most of my adult life and being around people constantly, I am not too good at remembering names. I am kind of the opposite of Joe Glenn in that regard. But chances are if you tell me your birthday I’ll remember it and be able to tell you who else shares it or what happened on that day. I guess all the beer, wine and brandy rewired something back when I was a teenager.

Now, I get to “tag” a couple of people to blog their 5 things. So, I am reaching out and tagging my nephew, John Softich and my good friend Phil Maxted to perpetuate this.

Slip Kid

2006-11-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Ran into an old player of mine the other day. And I mean old, from the Auto Wash Bear days. Anyway, here is a shot of that team from the late 70's and I'm sure you can pick me out.

The Kids Are Alright

2006-11-02T02:32:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I have been a Pittsburgh Penguin fan for years. Since their inception in fact. It has not always been easy since they have had some very lean years, especially the last 4 or 5. However, all those low finishes and high draft picks are starting to pay off.

The Penguins have four teenagers starting for them. Yep, four players only a couple years older than Ben are not only playing but playing very well. And the 20 year old rookie they have, Evgeni Malkin, has scored a goal in his each of the first 6 games of his career. That has never been done before in the NHL. Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fluery and Jordan Staal, who aren't close to 20 yet, are arguably among the best 10 or 12 young players in the league.

Now I know the season has just begun and just because the Pens are on top of their division for the first time since Emma was still living in Indiana I should curb my enthusiasm a bit. But, when a team is this young and this good I think it bodes well for the future. These guys have the potential to give the teams of Lemieux, Jagr, Francis and Barrasso a run for their money. And with the diluted talent pool which is today's NHL any group this strong could dominate for years. Should be fun to watch.

Now if the Orioles could find an owner.....

Far Away Eyes

2006-10-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

World Series - Tigers v Cardinals

So, I was wrong about the Tigers. Again. But, much to the chagrin of my buddy Phil, right about the Cards. And now we have another Detroit-St. Louis series. I remember the last time they faced off, in 1968, very well. My Mom let me stay home from school and watch a few of the games in the afternoon. She liked Bob Gibson and loved watching him pitch. I remember sitting there as Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Norm Cash and Al Kaline gave it their all. I recall the announcers talking about Lolich and McLain and Dobson and the Tiger pitching. But Gibson stole the show with what I think was one of the best performances ever by a pitcher in a series. I'm not sure on the exact stats but I know he had 3 complete games and struck out something like 36 batters while walking 4 or 5. Incredible.

I also remember that series because my Dad would come home from work and I would let him know what had happened in the game. He would tell me all about the '34 Series and the Dean brothers for St. Louis and how he would listen to the games on the radio and keep score. It was during that series that the lady who lived across the alley from us, Mrs. Kralic, died. Her first husband had went down on the Titanic and maybe that was why she got so upset every time we broke her bedroom window, which was quite often. We couldn't help it if it was located in right center field and both Mike and I were push hitters.....

Anyway, I'm sure as I watch this years edition of the World Series those are the visions which will pass before my eyes and poor Emma will have to listen to some boring stories. I'm almost as sure that the Tigers will win it because they just have too much and the Cards are spent. Leyland will outsmart LaRussa in this one. Then again, I have been wrong before. Detroit in 5.

Wild Horses

2006-10-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, after going 3 for 4, (the Yankees messed me up) here are my LCS picks. Again, feel free to agree with me....

AL -

A's v Tigers: Last time these two franchises met in the playoffs I was was in Junior High and my pick is the same... Oakland. With Catfish and Reggie and the irrepressible Joe Rudi the Tigers will be hard pressed...wait a minute, back to now. With Zito and Frank and the irrepressible Jay Payton the Tigers great run will finally come to an end. Though I hate to bet against Jim Leyland, the A's pitching is just too deep and I think Detroit got too emotional over beating the Yankees. That hangover may cost them and so I'm going with Gene Tenace over Pudge... Oakland in 6.

NL -

Cardinals v Mets: The Mets may have better talent all around. Glavine is experienced and I like the way the Mets put away the Dodgers. But Floyd is a big maybe and I'm not sure if Randolph is up to taking on LaRussa. But there are three big reasons I think we may see the Arch featured prominently on Fox in 2 weeks: Pujols, Carpernter and Rolen. Sorry Nick. St. Louis in 6.

As Tears Go By

2006-10-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Lorraine Nordbye Frazer
1921 - 2006

Hand Of Fate

2006-10-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Received an email from an old college friend of mine this morning. Seems he had a close call which really made him put things in perspective. I think sometimes we all need to be reminded just how much we take for granted, and this experience really did it for him. He is a great guy and was able to very eloquently put into words what most people keep pushed just below the surface. It is worth a read here. I am very glad he was able to send it to me and as Sgt. Esterhaus used to say, "Hey, let's be careful out there".

You Can't Always Get What You Want.....

2006-10-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need....

Beast Of Burden

2006-10-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sixteen and never been missed....

The Song Remains the Same

2006-09-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of inquiries lately as to my current coaching situation. Since I haven't had the time to contact everyone individually, I will lay it out here in as simple of terms that I can.

I am no longer coaching or affiliated with the Missoula Raptors. I am now the head coach of the Missoula Phoenix. The Phoenix are, basically, the former Raptor players and coaches except for a very small minority. We are essentially the same team with a new name and new colors, etc. For more information follow this link.

Despite a 2nd consecutive Montana Division Championship and playoff appearance, the team was badly mismanaged and as a result were not the "force" in the community we should have been. A change was brought about by the players themselves who were tired of the way the administration failed to live up to their responsibilities. Even though the effort was there at times, it is the final results that count.

I also was not going to come back under the same organization. The founders of the Raptors are great guys, and I wish them well, but they were not able to run the team as it should have been run. This was evident not only to the players and the public last season, but also my family as well. And since they are my first priority, I was ready to walk away.

It will be a very positive turn of events for everyone involved. We already have several professionals in place who will make sure things are well taken care of off the field, while leaving the on field responsibilities to me and my coaching staff. So now we can get on with the business of trying to win the League Championship, which has always been the goal.

Our new website, MissoulaPhoenix.com, which is being set up by my buddy Rick, will be up soon. Check it out. Also, I will try to keep you up to date on what is happening.

Celebration Day

2006-09-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today Emma started First Grade. She was so excited she could hardly sleep last night. She really likes school and, for some reason, is fairly popular. Her teacher is Mari (Gallagher) Bender, who grew up about 2 blocks from us in Anaconda. Small world....

Sarah Jane...

2006-08-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Just as I am ready to head up and watch my niece Melissa get married, I have finally got around to posting a few pics of Sarah's wedding. The lucky guy is Scott, a fellow Packer fan who seems to be really grounded in life. He is smart, caring and, like I mentioned before, a Packer fan. It was a fun wedding and it was good to get together with family again.

My Favorite Headache

2006-06-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

This is our quarterback, Shane Jurasek. He is one of the best QB's I have ever had the pleasure to coach over the course of my career. But, like all great QB's, he tends to do things which, let's say, "challenge" my patience. Like changing plays in the huddle, making plays up, throwing into double and sometimes triple coverage, wearing his former teams T-shirt under his jersey, small things like that. Being the control freak that I am, you can imagine how well this goes over with me during a game. But I haven't killed him yet, even though he may have learned some new phrases during this season. Phrases Emma calls "Football Words". However, after watching him throw 60 yards across his body on the run, evade the sure sack only to flip the ball underhanded to the open receiver and the many other amazing plays he makes every game, one can see why I prefer to keep him alive. He is a big reason we are playing in the playoffs tomorrow. Now if I could only get him to listen...

P.S. - If I look a bit "flustered" in the picture it is because 10 minutes earlier he and a couple other "headaches" dumped a bucket of Gatorade on me after we clinched the Division Title.

"Now I know..."

2006-04-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Last week while Emma and I were in Anaconda, we ventured up to the cemetery like we always do whenever we are in town. As is the custom, Emma wandered down to find "Gramma and Grampa". But this time, as she knelt down, she could actually read the names. After she ran her fingers over the letters and sounded out the names, she looked up at me, her eyes big and welling with tears and said, "Now I know why we come here Dad. Now I know." She got up, came over to me and gave me a big hug. Then, in a voice that had an echo from both my parents she said, "But I'm not sad, 'cuz they really aren't here are they? They are not gone because we keep them alive in our hearts." Then she skipped off, picking up flowers that had blown away from their graves and replacing them "back where they belong."

Mom and Dad always told me you don't really know what love feels like until you have kids of your own. I am reminded daily how right they were.

Or as Emma said, "Now I know...."

Art's Obituary from the Standard...

2006-03-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Arthur Softich

ANACONDA - Arthur V. Softich, 85, of Anaconda died Wednesday, March 22, 2006, in Community Hospital of Anaconda.

He was born Sept. 23, 1920, in Anaconda, to Joseph and Lubica Softich. He married Betty Gene Reed in May 1946 and enjoyed 49 years of marriage.

He was a faithful husband and a very dedicated caregiver to his wife the many years she was ill. He was proud of his Croatian and Goosetown heritage.

He attended St. Peter's Grade School and graduated from Anaconda High School. He worked at several jobs before working 40 years at the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of the Anaconda Catholic Community and Croatian Fraternal Union. He enjoyed family occasions and had a lifetime of many friends. His life was filled with many hobbies such as gardening, electronics, playing his guitar, and singing. His special love was being with his family enjoying holidays. He especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lubica Softich; wife, Gene; brothers, Joseph Softich, Tony Softich, Ann Softich, Matt and Rosa Softich, Walt and Angela Softich; and grandchildren-in-law, Harvey and Grace Reed.

He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Boyer, Joan Lindgren, Stephanie Softich; sons, Mark (Kathy) Softich and Chris (Sandy) Softich; grandsons, Billy Butler, Joe Perez, Matt and Nathan Kuffner; granddaughters, Jean Lindgren and Reed Perez; great-grandchildren, Micah and Emily; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Longfellow Finnegan Funeral Home, where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials: Anaconda Catholic Community or Community Nursing Home.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.

Arthur Valentine Softich 1921-2006

2006-03-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

Back together with Tony, Walt, Joe and Fat....

Yet another addition to the family....

2006-03-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

As the result of a very successful Pet Proposal, there is now a new addition to the Softich family here in Missoula. Ginger Lilly, or as he prefers to be called, "Ginger", joined us this afternoon. He is a Syrian Honey Bear Hamster, (Mesocricetus auratus) who Emma fell in love with after about three weeks of research. (Ginger was actually picked mainly because the other two nearly identical animals in the display cage bit me.) Ginger and Emma are doing fine.

Thanks to Phil....

2006-03-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to throw some props to Phil who is responsible for the new banner at the top of Softich.com. Phil is my good friend who is stuck down in Dallas, not an easy thing when you are a Colts/IU/Cardinals fan. But he has a great job there grooming elk or something and seems to enjoy it. He is the guy who puts together the cool Christmas cards for us and keeps me supplied in coffee. He also shared his copy of the family tree that he uses to keep everybody straight when we discuss the family. Check out his site, he is very artistic. Thanks much!

Branches of the Stich Family Tree

2006-03-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

You can't tell the players without a scorecard.

Strange days....

2006-03-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

You know, every time I start to think Lisa's kids are weird, I have to look no further then my own living room....

Christmas Card

2005-12-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

This was our Christmas card this year. Many thanks go out to my good friend Phil Maxted, who did the vast majority of the work. How many people are you able to identify? Even a few members of Sheila's family "got" it this time...