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Clemson head coach John Rittman recorded his 900th career win in a 5-4 triumph over Virginia Tech on Sunday.
Here are Five Fast Facts about the Tigers’ leader.
1. He founded the Clemson program
Rittman is the only head coach that the Clemson program has ever known. Hired in November of 2017, Rittman built the program from the ground up – quite literally. Everything from stadium construction to building a roster and coaching staff came under his watch. The Tigers began play on the field in 2020 and are currently in their fourth season (third full season) of existence.
2. The milestone win was also his 150th at Clemson.
In addition to being #900 overall, Rittman’s win on Sunday was also his 150th victory during his tenure at Clemson. Those wins have come in less than four full seasons and in 190 games in total. His record at Clemson now sits at 150-40.
3. Under his watch, Clemson has become an immediate national contender.
While examples are few of schools starting softball programs anew in recent times, Rittman’s tenure at Clemson has been successful in general and even moreso through the lens of the program’s continuing-infancy. In 2021, the Tigers made their first NCAA tournament in the program’s first full season of play. In 2022, the Tigers hosted a regional and played in their first-ever Super Regional.
4. He led Stanford to two Women’s College World Series appearances.
Prior to being named head coach at Clemson, Rittman’s career included an 18-year stretch as head coach at Stanford where he also vaulted the Cardinal to status as national contenders. Under his watch, Stanford reached 16 consecutive NCAA tournaments, won 750 games, and played in five Super Regionals and two Women’s College World Series’.
5. He played college baseball.
Rittman began his college career at Yavapai Junior College in Arizona before transferring to New Mexico State. He spent three years roaming the outfield for NMSU before graduating with a degree in journalism. His wife, Lorie, is a former Oklahoma softball player.