Houck steps down as Juniata softball coach
John Houck, head softball coach at Juniata College since 2002, has announced his resignation effective immediately.
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – John Houck, head softball coach at Juniata College since 2002, has announced his resignation effective immediately.
Houck cited spending more time with his family as the reason for his departure. Assistant coach Ed Habbershon will lead the squad for its remaining 10 games of the 2012 campaign.
A national search for a new head softball coach will be conducted at the end of the season.
"I have nothing but appreciation for the job John has done leading our softball program," said Greg Curley, Juniata's athletics director. "He inherited a program that struggled competitively, and, as a part-time head coach, guided Juniata to four post-season appearances over the last 10 seasons."
"But John is a father first, and I know the time he spends away from his family weighs heavy on him. I wish John, his wife Debra, and daughters Sydney and Jordan all the best in their future," said Curley.
Houck posted an overall record of 166-190-1 over his nearly 11 seasons at the helm of Juniata softball, a .466 winning percentage. Under his guidance, Juniata softball logged the only four 20-win seasons in program history, including a school record 24 wins in 2009. The Eagles finished .500-or-better in six of Houck's 10 full seasons as head coach.
Houck guided the Eagles to Commonwealth Conference Tournament appearances in 2003 and 2004, and brought Juniata softball back to the post-season with Landmark Conference Tournament berths in 2009 and 2010. Juniata softball also earned its way into the ECAC Division III South Region Tournament in both 2003 and 2009, earning the number one seed of the 2009 tournament.
Juniata (8-14, 1-5 Landmark) returns to the diamond on Wednesday, April 11, when it hosts Lycoming College on Weaver Park Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
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