He has averaged more than 20 wins per season (74.2 win percentage) and is a seven-time GMC coach of the year. He currently sits 18th all-time in coaching wins, according to the OHSAA record books.Ĭastner is a member of the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame ( Class of 2018) and Butler County Softball Hall of Honor ( Class of 2019).ĭuring his tenure, he has led Lakota West to 12 district titles, seven Greater Miami Conference crowns, five regional championships and a Division I state runner-up finish (2018).

That’s just how my mom and dad raised me.”Ĭastner is the third Greater Cincinnati softball coach in history to reach the 500-win mark, joining brother Steve Castner (580 – Lakota 1990-1997, Lakota East 1998-2021) and Paul Fernandez (565 – Ross 1992-2015). Our athletic department is so supportive. “He pushes everyone to work hard every day, both on and off the field, and he does it with a compassionate and positive mindset at all times, adds humor when there needs to be and pushes the team to perform at their best.”ĭeflecting credit, Castner added: “It just means we’ve had a lot of great players, a lot of great assistant coaches and administrators at Lakota West. “In his 25 years as head coach for the Firebirds, coach Castner has made it a science in creating a unified and goal-oriented team,” Lakota West athletic director Scott Kaufman said. The Lakota West softball family had a new milestone to celebrate Wednesday when the Firebirds beat Princeton, 14-0, for Castner’s 500th career win. More: How to follow The Enquirer's coverage of high school sports More: Enquirer names Cincinnati high school athletes of the week for April 15 It’s a great sport that our parents, coaches and alumni love,” Castner said. “It’s a great feeling to know how important softball is to these girls and their families. When Castner’s club played conference-rival Mason on April 4, it was a who’s-who of Lakota West softball alumni in attendance – and in each dugout – watching the Firebirds prevail in extra innings. To truly reflect on what he’s helped build over the last two-plus decades, all Lakota West head softball coach Keith Castner has to do is look in the stands.

Best games of 2015 under 500