Fischer says goodbye to OSU softball

STILLWATER - Sandy Fischer is out as the Oklahoma State softball coach.

Fischer, who in 23 years on the job won 900 games and took the Cowgirls to nine Women's College World Series or AIAW national tournaments, declined comment Thursday when reached at her home.

A carefully worded statement released by OSU on Thursday said Fischer "will be leaving the university."

But an OSU source said Fischer and athletic director Terry Don Phillips agreed on the departure, which is not believed to be connected to on-field success.

The Cowgirls were in the World Series as recently as 1998, when they finished fourth. Fischer's 2001 team finished 28-23 but reached the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament. Fischer leaves OSU with a 900-383-3 record; she is just the third active NCAA coach to reach 900 victories.

Margaret Rebenar, Fischer's assistant for 22 years and associate head coach since 1993, is expected to be named interim coach, the OSU source said. Rebenar is expected to be a candidate for the permanent job.

"Coach Fischer has brought national prominence in the softball program to the university, and she will be missed," said Phillips. "She is an outstanding coach and individual. We wish her the very best."

Fischer has experienced personal tragedy in recent years. She left the team in 1998 to care for her sister, who was dying of cancer. Fischer's brother, father and mother also had died of cancer. Fischer also missed some games later that season because of recurring back injuries.

"It has been an extraordinarily successful 23 years at OSU," Fischer said in the university's release. "I have had an opportunity to coach some of the best athletes in the nation and world. I look forward to relaxing and taking a breather and continuing to be a supporter of OSU athletics."

Fischer is a graduate of Western Illinois University and a member of its hall of fame. She played softball there from 1971-75.

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