GREENVILLE — Greenville Lady Wave Softball’s win over the visiting Tippecanoe Lady Red Devils came with an extra treat, as long-time enthusiast, supporter, and devoted fan Clyde Stump delivered 10 pizzas to the Lady Wave dugout following the game.
Asked why he wanted to do something special for the team, Stump pointed to the work ethic and culture built around the Greenville softball program.
“Because I like the girls and I like sports,” Stump said. “These girls have built a good program out here, and it’s not because they are lucky.”
“They work at it,” Stump continued. “You have to give Coach Newland a lot of credit. He puts them through the wringer, and you don’t ever see anybody walking. They’re always trotting or running.”
For Stump, the answer was simple.
“Lady Wave Softball is a good organization,” said Stump. “It’s the best.”
Greenville coach Jerrod Newland said Stump has long been part of the fabric of Lady Wave Softball, along with his wife and many of the loyal supporters who have followed the program for years.
“I love Mr. Stump,” Newland said. “He and his wife (the late Jane Stump) sat out there for years and watched it.”
Newland also shared the deep ties between Stump and fellow Lady Wave supporters Bob and Naomi Runk.
“Mr. Stump grew up with Bob and Naomi Runk, and before the game, Naomi had chocolate strawberries for everyone she made,” said Newland. “Bob married Naomi 72 years ago; they’re 90 years old, and when they were these kids’ age, Bob and Clyde decided to get married. They got married, and here we are 72 years later.”
Newland said the stories and moments shared around the program are part of what makes Greenville softball special.
“Mr. Stump told stories today, it’s priceless, and his wife sat up there with him for years,” Newland said. “Last year at Miami, he was the maddest person there because he wanted some more softball. Rest assured, he’s back this spring for some more softball and having fun.”
The veteran coach said Stump’s care for the players and his daily presence mean a great deal to the program.
“Great man, Clyde enjoys the kids and has a joke of the day for my wife,” said Newland, “and that’s what it’s all about.”
According to Newland, Stump’s love for the program goes beyond game nights.
“He enjoys practice,” Newland noted. “He told me yesterday it is better than the games, and that’s when I knew we won. We have a good system and a good product here. The Runks and Mr. Stump and all these families that are a part of it – that’s what it’s all about, and just makes you so proud.”
The Lady Wave program recently honored Bob and Naomi Runk with a 90th birthday cookout following a home win. Both were born on the same day 90 years ago, and Stump, their lifelong friend, was there celebrating alongside the Lady Wave players and coaching staff.
Moments like pizza in the dugout, chocolate-covered strawberries before the game, and generations of supporters gathered around the field continue to show that Greenville Lady Wave Softball is about more than wins and losses. It is also about community, loyalty, and the people who have helped make the program feel like family.
