Herb Horton(file photo)
The Coffee County Central High School Lady Raider basketball team will be looking for a new head coach for next season. Herb Horton, the Lady Raiders coach for the last 4 years, has resigned his position effective immediately. Horton met with his team on Wednesday afternoon to inform them of his decision.
Horton, who was named the District 8AAA Coach of the Year last season, led Coffee County to a 21 and 8 record and a berth in the Region 4AAA Tournament this year. Horton was hired in April of 2013 and came to Coffee County after spending the previous 24 years as head coach at Gilmer High School in Ellijay, GA.
Dr. Joey Vaughn, Coffee County Central High School principal, had nothing but praise for Coach Horton when contacted by Thunder Radio on Wednesday afternoon. “ I appreciate Coach Horton and the work he has done at Coffee County Central High School and with our student athletes” said Vaughn. He went on to say “I am confident that he leaves our program in a better state than he inherited it 4 years ago and I believe Lady Raider basketball will continue to build on the foundation he has laid here.”
The resignation was announced to the public via a press release from Ryan Sulkowski, Coffee County athletic director. In the release, Sulkowski had this to say: “On Wednesday April 26, 2017, Coffee County Central Principal Dr. Joey Vaughn and I received and accepted the letter of resignation of Lady Raiders Girls Basketball Coach, Herbert Horton. The Coffee County School District, Coffee County Central High School, and our Athletic Department would like to thank Coach Horton for everything he has done for the young ladies at CCCHS and wish him and his family nothing but the best of luck in their future endeavors. A search for his replacement will begin immediately.”
Coach Horton released a statement, via an open letter to the Community of Manchester and Coffee County, early Wednesday evening.
“It has been an honor, a blessing, and a privilege to have been the coach for the Lady Raiders Basketball Team for the past 4 years. During this time I can honestly say that I have put my heart into our team, my players, and our program. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and having you support our team and our school. After much thought, much prayer, and much discussion with my family, I have decided to step down as your Lady Raiders’ Basketball Coach. I only wish the best for this community, our school, and all of our students and teachers. The time spent with the Lady Raiders Basketball Team over the last 4 years has been very special to me. I have seen our players and our program grow and gain much respect in the district and surrounding area. In sports, as well as in life, there seems to be constant construction. I have tried to encourage my students and my players to always give their best effort in the classroom, on the basketball court, but more importantly in life. For me teaching and coaching has always been about developing relationships with my students, as well as my players. Teaching these kids the importance of being a person with high morals and character is the most important legacy that we can leave with our kids. I wish only the very best for them and for the citizens of Coffee County. May God always bless each of you and your families!
Sincerely,
Herb Horton”
