Laingsburg softball coach Jeff Cheadle is 14th in Michigan to win 900 career games

LAINGSBURG ― With an 11-1 victory over Ovid-Elsie in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader, Laingsburg softball coach Jeff Cheadle earned his 900th career win in his 37th season.

Cheadle became the 14th softball coach in Michigan to reach 900 career victories and the second from Greater Lansing, joining Jack Anderson, who won 977 games while guiding Portland from 1981 to 2019.

"It's a long time coming right, and it's a lot of coaching and a lot of years, but I'm relieved that it's done," Cheadle said after receiving a commemorative bat from his team to mark the milestone. "This group is really fun and they play hard and work hard and it makes it special. It's just another win right now, but I'll reflect on it more afterwards."

Cheadle's career record now sits at 901 wins and 415 losses. Cheadle started at Lansing Everett and coached there from 1987-2004, going 481-197. With the Wolfpack, Cheadle is 420-218 and has won eight district titles, including four straight.

Last season's run to the state semifinals was the furthest Cheadle has taken Laingsburg in the state tourney. And with a 14-0 start this spring, the expectation for another deep playoff run is there for the Wolfpack.

"They know what it takes to get there and they've put in the work," Cheadle said. "That's been the goal all year, and we really don't care who we are playing, we just come out and do our thing and we'll see what happens. We're starting to believe in ourselves more, too."

Cheadle has coached several great players throughout his career, including senior shortstop Ashley Bila — a Central Michigan commit who just two days ago broke the MHSAA record for career runs scored.

Bila is one of many important pieces who returned to Laingsburg following its semifinal run, and will now look to help Cheadle capture the program's first state softball title in 46 years.

"It's a huge accomplishment for him, and both myself and the other senior, Ella Merrill, were here for his 800th, and we hope he makes it to 1,000," Bila said. "It's been an honor playing for him. There's nothing more I could ask for from him. He taught me to have the determination to win and we want to make it back to MSU this year."

Laingsburg, which has outscored its opponents 179-6 in 14 games this season, will face Fowler in a doubleheader on Thursday.

Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @Nathaniel_Bott

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Laingsburg softball coach Jeff Cheadle earns 900th career win