Courtesy photo Mike Tulgestke is pictured wearing an Alpena Community College shirt.

Alpena Community College (ACC) announced the hiring of Mike Tulgestke as the new head coach of the women’s softball program on Wednesday. ACC stated that Tulgestke brings decades of coaching experience and a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

He has served as an assistant coach for the ACC softball team for the past two seasons, according to ACC. A lifelong coach and mentor, Tulgestke began his coaching career as a young adult leading a county league baseball team.

The release explained that Tulgestke later spent 10 years coaching his sons’ Little League teams before turning his focus to softball. For 17 years, he coached the 18U Presque Isle Panthers softball team, helping develop countless athletes from across Northeast Michigan.

In 2008, Tulgestke founded the Presque Isle Panthers girls travel softball program with a single 18U team, according to ACC.. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to feature five age divisions and multiple teams, attracting athletes throughout Northern Michigan.

Tulgestke also founded the annual PIGS Fastpitch Tournament, which is now in its 17th year, the release stated. The tournament was created to bring fastpitch softball to Northeast Michigan.

“ACC softball will be competitive, something the community can get behind and be proud of,” Tulgestke said in the release. “I will bring a feeling of sportsmanship, a family-friendly atmosphere, and quality values to the student-athletes who come here to play softball and attend ACC.”

An ACC alumnus, Tulgestke earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, according to the release. He and his wife, Kathy Tulgestke, have been married for nearly 39 years and have two adult children, both married, and three grandchildren.

ACC stated that Tulgestke is “eager” to begin working with his coaching staff and building upon the support of his family, the college, and the surrounding community as he leads the Lumberjacks softball program.