Ralph Halbach completed his 10th season on the Saint Michael's coaching staff in 2005. Halbach works primary with the pitching staff, but helps out with all areas of the program, including recruiting.

Halbach has been a pitching coach in Vermont for more than 13 years. A native of Saint Anna, Wisconsin, Halbach spent nine years in the Air Force and was stationed at the Saint Albans Radar site for nearly six years.

Halbach has spent most of his life around the game of softball, playing for local leagues in Wisconsin, Air Force teams, and a team from Grand Rapids, Minn. His knowledge and experience are a critical asset to the pitching staff for the Purple Knights. Halbach has worked for IBM as a lab technician since leaving the service 24 years ago.

In January of 2005, Halbach was recognized for his contributions to softball throughout the state by being inducted into the Vermont Expos/Banknorth Sports Community Hall of Fame.

Halbach’s sense of humor and passion for the game of softball have positively impacted all of the players that he has coached at Saint Michael’s College.

University of Vermont graduate Amanda Surgen completed her third year on the Saint Michael's coaching staff in 2005. Prior to coaching at Saint Michael's College, Surgen was an assistant coach at Middlebury College, just 30 miles south of Colchester.

As a player, Surgen was a four-year starter for the Catamounts in left field. She was a 1999 Honorable Mention All New England Team and America East All Conference Team pick in 1999 and 2000. In 141 career games, Surgen is sixth in UVM history with 118 career hits. Her career batting average of .281 places her 17th on the all-time list at UVM.

Surgen works with outfielders and also provides guidance and expertise for the Purple Knight batters. Originally from Northampton, Mass., Surgen's voluntary commitment and dedication to her alma mater's cross-town rival is much appreciated by the players and coaches alike.