In a community where baseball holds a special place, Rich Horan has been a towering figure, revered for his contributions to the sport at Audubon High School. After an impressive 35-year tenure, Horan has decided to step down from his role as the head coach of the Audubon Green Wave baseball team.
During his time at the helm, Horan amassed an astounding record of 641 wins, guiding the Green Wave to seven state championships and 11 sectional titles. His leadership and dedication have made a significant impact on the program and the players he coached.
On Friday, Horan shared the news of his retirement with his players, a decision he described as challenging. "It was a really tough decision," Horan remarked, emphasizing that family considerations played a crucial role in his choice. He expressed a desire to spend more time with his grandchildren, stating, "When I took over the program, family usually was the second seed in many situations. I wanted that to change now." This sentiment underscores the personal sacrifices he made throughout his coaching career.
Horan's influence on the Audubon baseball community is undeniable. Nick DelGozzo, a former all-state player and member of the 1994 state championship team, reflected on Horan's legacy, stating, "He is Audubon baseball; he’s an institution. His pregame speeches were legendary. He developed a culture for Audubon baseball." DelGozzo highlighted Horan's commitment to instilling a strong work ethic in his players, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and competitive, regardless of personal circumstances.
Chris Harris, who played under Horan and later returned as an assistant coach, echoed these sentiments, praising Horan's passion and dedication. "He’s a very passionate guy who always got the most out of his players," Harris noted. Horan's commitment extended beyond the high school level; he was known to attend Little League games to scout future talent, demonstrating his investment in the program's long-term success.
A graduate of Audubon High in 1973, Horan began his coaching journey as an assistant at Gloucester Catholic from 1979 to 1986, where he contributed to four state championship teams. In 1992, he took over the Green Wave program, immediately making an impact with a 24-3-1 record in his first season. Under his guidance, Audubon experienced an era of sustained success, with 18 seasons featuring 20 or more wins.
One of the highlights of Horan's coaching career came in 1998 when the Green Wave achieved a remarkable 30-2 record, culminating in a state Group 2 title. That season was particularly memorable, as the team's only losses were by a single run, showcasing their competitiveness and skill.
Throughout his career, Horan's teams captured state Group 1 titles in 1994, 1995, 2011, and 2012, along with Group 2 championships in 1996, 1998, and 2001. His coaching legacy includes developing numerous standout players, such as Dan Severino, who won three consecutive titles, and Brett Laxton, who had an impressive 10-0 record in Horan's inaugural season.
As Horan steps away from coaching, he leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to influence future generations of players. His impact on the community and the sport of baseball in Audubon is immeasurable, and his dedication will be remembered by all who had the privilege of playing under his guidance.
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