Cape High softball field to be named after Bill Cordrey

The Cape High softball field will be named in honor of former head coach Bill Cordrey, after a unanimous school board vote July 28.

Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton said the request to dedicate the field in honor of Cordrey was first made last year. Cordrey was obviously an outstanding coach with a winning record and a streak of state tournament appearances, Fulton said.

“Knowing Bill a little bit, the records and his accomplishments as a coach over that period of time are really impressive, but I just feel that Bill, as a person, is even more impressive than anything he did, his records or anything like that,” Fulton said.

Cordrey is genuine, hardworking and modest, all the things you want in a leader or coach, Fulton said.

Last year, Fulton said he recommended the board follow policy that states a one-year waiting period be observed for such requests. Now, he said, he recommends the board waive the policy and take action.

By waiving the policy, Fulton said preparations can be made in order for the field to be named in advance of this season; he recommended the board approve the name Bill Cordrey Field.

After the unanimous vote, board member Bill Collick said the honor couldn’t happen to a better person.

“We talk about wins and losses, but talk about an individual who did so much for our community, for people’s kids,” Collick said. “It’s a wonderful thing that we're doing.”

While making the request to name the field after Cordrey in 2021, head softball coach Shannon Timmons said Cordrey amassed a 221-77 record as Cape’s softball coach from 1993 to 2008. In his 15 years, the team made it to the state tournament 14 times and reached the finals in 2004. The Bill Cordrey Award is now given to a player exemplifying hard work, dedication and commitment.

A 1966 Milton High grad, Cordrey earned varsity football, basketball and track letters and went on to Emporia State College, where he played basketball and threw the javelin. He taught physical education and coached for many years in the district, retiring in 2008.

A celebratory event will be planned for the 2023 season, Timmons said.

In an email after the meeting, Timmons said she coached against Cordrey in the early 2000s.

“As a young coach, when I looked around the Henlopen Conference and at softball teams and coaches, I was looking for the best,” she said. “Who did I see that I wanted to emulate, who had a program like the one I wanted to build?”

By looking for the best, Timmons said she meant who was treating umpires with respect even when they didn't agree with a call, and how athletes represented their schools and softball programs.

“Who had the kind of team culture I wanted to cultivate, who was fundamentally sound, who would be a challenge to coach against?” she said. “All roads led to Cape and coach Cordrey. He was someone I respected, enjoyed playing, even though it was always a tough matchup.”

Cordrey challenged her as a coach, Timmons said, making her and her team better. 

“As good of a coach as Bill was, he's a better person, and there is no one more deserving of this honor,” Timmons said. “I am humbled that I get to be a part of honoring him.”