BY JEFF FALK

 In many ways, Tod Whitman was a savior. He came into the picture when the Palmyra softball program needed it the most.

 Now the Cougars are seeking someone to carry on the culture, the tradition that Whitman established.

 Recently, Whitman stepped away from the Palmyra softball program he was so instrumental in turning around. Whitman cited career pursuits, including a web-development business, as part of his reason for going in a different direction.

 This spring, the Cougars enjoyed one of the most successful softball seasons in the history of the program. Palmyra posted a 15-5 overall mark, captured the Mid-Penn Keystone Division championship for the first time in more than 20 years and qualified for both the MPC postseason and the District Three Class AAAAA playoffs.

 Whitman took over the program in 2016, when Palmyra softball was at one of its lowest points. By putting his players first, instituiting team-building exercises and stressing unity off the diamond, Whitman helped changed the culture and climate within the Cougar softball community.

 During his four seasons at the helm, the Cougars compiled a 42-38 overall record and seemed to get better every year. But with many of Whitman’s principles still in place and a good core of talented players returning, the future of softball in Palmyra remains bright.