(Story courtesy of the Colorado College
website)
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Horst Richardson, who recently
completed his 47th season as head coach of the Colorado College
men's soccer team, was named West Region Coach of the Year by the
National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Richardson guided the Tigers to a 14-5-3 record and a return to
the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. It marks the
fifth time in Richardson's legendary career that he was honored by
his peers.
“I'm obviously gratified, and at the same time humbled, at
being selected by my esteemed colleagues for this award,”
Richardson said. “Having been in this game for a long time, I
realize this award needs to be shared with at least three parties
– the team, in particular the eight seniors, our able
assistant coaches, in particular James Wagenschutz, and a great
part of this award must go to my dear wife Helen, who has been my
right hand throughout my career.”
Richardson was named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach
of the Year for the first time in 2012 after CC finished second in
the regular-season standings with a 6-2-2 league record. The Tigers
were ranked as high as No. 22 in the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA
Division III Men's Poll as well as No. 2 in the West Region.
Colorado College, which made its 19th NCAA Tournament appearance,
finished the season with a 14-5-3 record after advancing to the
second round with a 3-1 victory at Babson College. The Tigers
posted a .704 winning percentage, the program's highest since the
2006 squad went 14-4-2 (.750) but did not receive an invitation to
the national playoffs.
“There are wonderful programs all around the country, and it
usually comes down to a coach of a team who made the NCAA
playoffs,” Richardson said. “That seems to be the bar
that has been set.”
Since taking control of the program in 1966, Richardson has
compiled a distinguished record of 538 victories, 29 defeats and 67
ties. He ranks eighth all-time and fourth among active Division III
men's soccer coaches with his 524 career victories.