Mr. Horst, throughout his time at Victor, has been known mainly for his role in teaching math to upperclassmen and being a chess enthusiast and advisor for that respective club. However, many people don’t know that on top of those things, he is an avid coach for the Victor Track and Field teams.
In participating in track, football, and basketball throughout his high school years, Horst discovered that his favorite above all else was track, with football being a very close second. In track, he was a multi-athlete, participating in not only shot put and discus but also hurdles and long jump.
Horst continued to play football and run track in college at SUNY Stony Brook while also majoring in math. However, it got to the point where he had to choose between being a full-time athlete and being a dedicated math major. Because it was something he loved more than athletics, he chose to prioritize math and put his sports of interest on hold.
Image Source – Hannah Grace Check, used with permission
Throughout both high school and college, he had his father and grandfather who were both coaches for throws. They taught him most of what he knows. However, it seemed that his coaches from school didn’t know what they were doing and were really only there for a paycheck. Horst decided that “it would be nice to have a coach who knew what they were talking about”. He wanted to be that kind of coach for athletes.
Through his diverse experiences at Victor, he has gotten a good sense of all of the different aspects of people and activities available to students. However, Horst does not have a favorite. Being a math teacher, a chess club advisor, and coaching all have their own places in his heart. “Teaching is who I am, coaching is fun, and chess keeps my brain moving.”
Even though he found happiness and success being involved in all of these activities, he did end up taking a break from coaching in order to watch his kids grow up and be there for them. “When it comes down to it, I will choose Phoebe and Eli. Every time.”
However with both of his children now graduated or close to graduating from high school, and the coaching position available, Horst decided in the outdoor track season of 2023 that it was time to come back and resume his coaching career.
Some of the most exciting things about coaching for Mr. Horst include watching kids break school records, watching many people score in sectionals instead of just a few, watching athletes hit goals and personal records, and watching kids have “the moment it clicks” and having breakthrough moments.
One of the amazing things about the throwing events and track and field, in general, is that you can really be any type of person and can still find so much success if you dedicate and really work towards it. “At the end of the day, the only person you can blame is yourself. For failure or success, it’s on you.”
Horst’s favorite throwing event to coach, and even participate in, is discus. It is an event where
Image Source – McKenzie Zafuto
you can really be any type of person and still have so much success as long as you put in the time and effort into learning.
Mr. Horst has coached many decorated throwers who end up doing well in sectional, state qualifier, or state meets. However one cannot only define success as how many medals you have. “Watching kids have breakthrough moments and hit their own goals is just as rewarding.”.
Being a teacher, coach, and club advisor, Horst has had many positive impacts on students and athletes throughout the years. However, he finds it very impactful when athletes that he has coached go on and become coaches later in life. It shows that he really had an impact on them and they wanted to do for other kids what he was able to do for them.
Mr. Horst has had a positive impact on the people he helps through high school. He is a great coach and we are all looking forward to many fun and successful seasons to come.
