Al Eckmann knows what it takes to get the Austin softball team to the top and he’s going to try to do it again.

After coaching the Riverland Community College softball team to the Regional softball tournament last spring, Eckmann is making his return as head coach of the Packers. He led Austin to three state championships, five state tournaments and seven Big Nine titles when he coached the team from 1977-1986.

The Packer softball team is coming off a five-win season and they’re hoping Eckmann can help get the program back on track. Austin junior Shayley Vesel said the Packers are well aware of Eckmann’s background and they’re looking forward to working with him.

“It helps to have a coach with a lot of experience, and we’ve learned a lot of stuff [from him] this year already,” Vesel said.

Austin senior catcher Sydney Murphy said Eckmann has focused the team towards improving this season.

“He really emphasizes hard work and getting better each day. If we improve each day, we’re going to head in the right direction,” she said.

Eckmann has a record of 222-80 with AHS and he is in the AHS Hall of Fame, the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Eckmann was an assistant coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2002 to 2005.

Eckmann is glad to be back coaching at the high school level with the Packers.

“It’s been really positive. They’re working hard and they’re really willing to learn things and we’re teaching them a lot of things,” he said. “It’s my favorite place to coach without a doubt. I had fun a the University of Minnesota when I was up there and I had fun at Riverland, but it was time to come back here and I’m really enjoying it.”

Austin will open its season with a doubleheader at Waseca April 2 at 4:30 p.m. The Packers will host Faribault April 7 at 5 p.m.