Titan Baseball Coach Horton Rejects Washington State Offer

The head baseball coaching job at Washington State was George Horton’s if he wanted it. But Wednesday, the Cal State Fullerton associate head coach decided to remain with the Titans.

Horton said contract negotiations broke down over money matters.

“Yeah, it was a money thing,” Horton said. “They (Washington State) just couldn’t come up with something to my liking.”

Earlier, Horton had expressed concerns about his family, which includes his wife, Francie, and three daughters, living on one salary in Washington.

“One of the factors to be considered is that my wife has a great job here as an office supervisor for a dental group,” he said.

Horton, who would have replaced the retiring Bobo Brayton at the head of the Cougars’ program, had said the weather would also affect his decision. He was concerned about how much time his players would have on the field at Pullman.

Horton, who lives in Yorba Linda, said he has received a lot of support from the Fullerton community, many people indicating they wished he would stay. He called the negotiations a “win-win” situation.

“It was a tough decision,” Horton said. “I’m a Titan and always will be. I went to school here. I have a lot of feelings toward Fullerton.”

Horton joined Coach Augie Garrido’s staff in 1991, after heading the Cerritos College program for six years. He led Cerritos to three State community college championships and a 226-53 record.

During his time at Fullerton, where he has been primarily responsible for the pitchers, the Titans have reached the College World Series twice (1992 and ‘94).

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Michelle Gromacki, a former all-conference catcher at Cal State Fullerton and a member of Team USA, has been appointed assistant to softball Coach Judi Garman, the school announced.

Gromacki, 30, replaces Kathy Van Wyk, another former Titan who resigned in April after nine seasons to seek a head coaching position.

Gromacki was a reserve for Fullerton in 1985, then started the next two seasons when the Titans won the national championship in 1986 and finished third in ’87. She won All-Pacific Coast athletic Assn. honors in 1987, when she batted .288.

Fullerton, with only three seniors, was 35-29 last season and reached the final game of the NCAA regional at Cal State Northridge.

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The Bullfrogs and Sports on Wheels, a newly formed non-profit organization that helps fund disabled youths and adults who compete in sports, will have a wheelchair exhibition game during halftime at the Bullfrogs’ game July 17 at The Pond of Anaheim, and at 1 p.m. July 24 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

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Valencia quarterback Rob Petko has been named to replace Los Alamitos’ Mike Good on the North’s roster for the Orange County All-Star football game July 8 at Orange Coast College.

Also added to the North squad: Los Alamitos’ Anthony Tucker (receiver), Katella’s Aaron Marsh (offensive tackle) and Buena Park’s Wali Sibrie (tackle). Dropped from the team: Sunny Hills’ Craig Borsari (receiver) and Esperanza’s Jimmy Stewart (linebacker).

Added to the South squad: University’s Jaime Polidore (receiver), Marina’s Eric Fegley (tackle), El Toro’s Jeff Fackrell (linebacker) and San Clemente’s Jeff Javorsky (center). Dropped: Newport Harbor’s Wade Tift (running back), Capistrano Valley’s Mitch McCrimmon (lineman) and Costa Mesa’s Bryan Luxembourger (linebacker).