West hires Lutjen for softball

IOWA CITY -- Four straight years, Justin Lutjen coached Mid-Prairie to the state softball tournament.

Now, he'll try to match that kind of success in Class 5A and the Mississippi Valley Conference.

Iowa City West Athletics Director Scott Kibby said Monday that Lutjen has been named the Women of Troy's coach, pending board approval.

Lutjen posted a four-year mark of 109-60, with the Golden Hawks always playing their best ball in July. Mid-Prairie was 32-10 last year and finished fifth in Class 3A.

"Coach Lutjen brings tremendous passion and work ethic for the game of softball," Kibby said. "He has shown the ability to improve his teams and individuals as the season progresses.  We anticipate he will bring this same level of enthusiasm and success to West High as he experienced at Mid-Prairie.'