CC's Richardson named West Region Coach of the Year

CC's Richardson named West Region Coach of the Year

(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.

Happy Holidays from the SCAC!
December 25, 2012 Happy Holidays from the SCAC!