It was a great run while it lasted, but as Bobby Pacheco says, “Good things sometimes have to end.’’

The softball coach at Phoenix St. Mary’s informed me of his departure from the program. No reason was given, but he said he will be looking to start a new tradition elsewhere.

Pacheco’s influence helped the Lady Knights earn the Class 5A Division I championship in 2007 over Sierra Vista Buena. The team also had two runner-up finishes in 2010 (to Mesa Red Mountain) and for Class 5A in 2005 (to Tucson Canyon del Oro).

His best player undoubtedly was pitcher Dallas Escobedo, who just completed her sophomore season at Arizona State. Escobedo was a two-time Arizona Republic Player of the Year, as a freshman and a senior.

Pacheco preached sound fundamentals and discipline, the latter part coming partially as a result of his long-time job with the Phoenix Police Department. St. Mary’s might not have always had the best talent, but he certainly got the most out of his players.

Here’s hoping that Pacheco can land another coaching job soon, and that St. Mary’s finds a replacement capable of continuing the tradition he helped build.