Horn Steps Down As Mercer Baseball Coach
Horn Heads Back To Whitley County
Horn intends to continue his career in special education teaching at Whitley County, and may help coach Whitley County’s baseball team. (Image submitted).
Sam Warren
Herald Staff
sports@harrodsburgherald.com
Nearly one year since being named the head coach of the Mercer County baseball program, Austin Horn has decided to step down.
Horn wants to advance his career as a special education teacher and has accepted a job in the Whitley County school system, where he left last summer before coming to Mercer.
“I’m a special education teacher right now, but almost done with my master’s and thinking about continuing on in my educational career. Along with that, there are other things in my life that I need to devote more time towards. Remaining as head coach would not allow me to devote the time needed,” said Horn.
Horn talks to his players during a game. While his career it taking him away from Mercer County, he said he hopes to be able to continue coaching. (Image submitted).
He was only 26 when he was named head coach at Mercer in July 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic impeded the 2020 baseball season, which meant Horn would never coach the Titans from the dugout in a regular season game.
Despite this, he made memories and developed relationships during his time as coach.
“Being able to build the relationships with these young men and get to know them was awesome. Along with the personal relationships, seeing the team grow during the eight month period in which I got to work with them was great. They started to see that each individual team member had a vital role, they were looking to everyone and being one big family. That is something I will never forget and something I am thankful I was able to be a part of. Along with that, I loved being able to coach with an outstanding coaching staff that included John Ingram, Chris Caton, Jared Long, Caleb Berger and Steve Horn,” said Horn.
Horn would love to coach baseball again one day, when he has more time and he feels the situation is right.
“I love coaching. It is the reason I got into education. With my new teaching job in a new district, I’m sure I will end up helping coach in some way. Just won’t have the time commitment of being the head coach. We will just have to wait and see,” said Horn.
Horn played for the Titans from 2009-2012 and was a part of the Titan’s 2011 state championship game appearance.
Horn’s time as a Titan meant a lot to him and he has a deep appreciation for the Titan baseball fans.
“The Titan family has been great to me over the years, from my time as a player, to assistant and then head coach this past year. The administration was supportive and allowed me to do what I thought was necessary. The families who make up the Titan family are outstanding. I am grateful to this program and school. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Much love to the fans, family and administration and I wish them nothing but the best,” said Horn.
