Arlington Eagles hire new softball coach

The Eagles’ newest coach, Lonnie Hicks, is no stranger to softball in the Northwest. “He’s pretty well-known around his area, holding camps ­— especially pitching camps,” said Arlington athletic director Tom Roys. Hicks, who was the manager of the Western Washington University Vikings for nine years, was recently tapped to replace Dan Eng, who resigned over the summer.

By Travis Sherer • December 30, 2010 4:42 pm

ARLINGTON — The Eagles’ newest coach, Lonnie Hicks, is no stranger to softball in the Northwest.

“He’s pretty well-known around his area, holding camps ­— especially pitching camps,” said Arlington athletic director Tom Roys.

Hicks, who was the manager of the Western Washington University Vikings for nine years, was recently tapped to replace Dan Eng, who resigned over the summer.

The Eagles are considered one of the more promising programs entering the 2011 season, as a young roster finished in third place of the Wesco North with a 17-7 record, and came within one win of the state tournament.

Eng headed the program for five years.

But Hicks brings plenty of softball expertise, spending nine years at both WWU and Edmonds Community College.

Between the two programs, Hicks won 63 percent of his games, owning a 490-310 record.

He also coached seven league MVPs during that span and is considered to be one of the more innovative coaches in the area.

Hicks is the founder of the Pacific Northwest Softball School, Inc. out of Everett, which helps young pitchers prepare for collegiate softball.

He also designed and patented the batter’s face-guard for softball.

“We’re just so fortunate to get someone with the background and experience that Lonnie has to coach our kids,” said Roys.