Blint resigns as NL softball head coach

By Andy Krutsinger, Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? New London softball games will be missing a familiar face when the summer sports season rolls around. Duane Blint has resigned as the head coach of Tiger softball.

Blint has been with the Tiger softball program for 15 years. He served under Troy Mears as an assistant before becoming a co-head coach with Paula Bliven. He has been the lone head coach for New London for the last two years.

Blint has had a ton of success since moving into the head coaching position. Over the past six years, New London has made four state tournaments, including one more this season.

Blint?s decision comes on the heels of daughter Camryn?s graduation. She was one of a handful of New London seniors who have made a huge impact on New London girls? athletics over the past four years.

Coach Blint doesn?t plan to stay completely off the diamond. He plans on jumping right into helping his grandchildren with baseball and softball when the time comes.

Blint has shared his softball success with his children. Daughters Jena, Ashley and Camryn have all had a taste of the state tournament in Ft. Dodge during his tenure.

?My plans are to spend as much time with my family and grandchildren as possible,? Coach Blint says. ?My grandson will start some sort of baseball next summer in the Alburnett school district in a few years (and) I plan on working with my granddaughters on pitching. Yes, pitching. Maybe there is a Camryn or Jena in the future.?

Blint says he?ll miss the interaction with everyone at the games, and he?s still leaving coaching in the future open, saying he may be coaching again sooner than later.