Head Coach 1980-Present

Is Head Coach Mike Rappl the most successful coach in Western New York College history? I can't verify that, but the numbers make a compelling case.
Mike Rappl is the only Head Coach the Golden Griffins have ever had. In 30 years of coaching Canisius College Softball, Coach Rappl's teams have only had 3 losing seasons. The Griffs joined the MAAC 20 years ago---he has led the team to the MAAC Tournament 19 times. His teams have advanced to the Championship round 16 times. He has won the MAAC Tournament 12 times, taking his team to the National Tournament 11 times. If you know of a more successful local college coach, write me.

Last season Coach Rappl won his career 700th game, with the team finishing with a 26-25 record and a MAAC Championship. He ranks in the top 25 of active NCAA Division 1 coaches in wins; in the top 15 in winning percentage. His teams have won over 30 games 8 times; and have won over 20 games 22 times. In 1993 his team won a then Division 1 record 35 consecutive games. His teams have won 5 NCAA Tournament games, the only MAAC school to ever win in the National Tournament.

Those are the numbers, and they speak for themselves; in 2007 Coach was inducted into the Western New York Softball Hall Of Fame. Outside the numbers, Coach Rappl brings consistency and stability to the Canisius Softball program. He is an outstanding recruiter who attracts top flight out of state softball talent, as well as the best local players. I'm not in the know, but it seems that his players love playing for him. He's not demonstrative on the field; he doesn't berate his players as some coaches do. His teams always seem very prepared. He has stated that he likes to get the young players acclimated as soon as possible, but he also gives the experienced players the most responsibility. He's not a soft coach though; he has benched players for not performing well, usually to good results.

His assistant Coaches for the 2010 season are: Pete Scott, who is pitching coach and instructs bunting and slapping;

Kim Griffin, who enters her third season with the Griffs. She coaches on the field and assists in practice planning;

Mary Ann Hopkins, who has rejoined the team as a volunteer coach and will work with the 3 young pitchers. A WNY Softball Hall Of Famer, Mary Ann was with the Griffs in the early 1990's.