Campbell head girls and boys soccer coach Bryan Horton (center) announced his retirement from soccer at Monday’s annual team banquet. Also pictured are assistant coaches Steve Ward (left) and Matt Schroeder (right.)

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – For a man who has been involved with soccer in Campbell County for nearly 25 years and who has been the head coach for both Cougar and Lady Cougar Soccer for several seasons, Bryan Horton said it was time to call it a career. After building a successful program at CCHS, Horton made the announcement at Monday’s annual soccer banquet. His right hand man for many of the more than 20 years, Steve Ward, also announced it was time for him to call it a wrap.

Horton, who excelled in soccer as a high schooler in the greater Louisville area, dove right back into soccer when he moved to Campbell County in the 1990s. It wasn’t Horton’s idea to start soccer in Campbell County, but once he began coaching a team, he became the driving force to what eventually resulted in Campbell High having varsity soccer for both girls and boys.

“We’ve had tremendous support from administration, parents and the community. We’ve had a whole lot of people who don’t have anyone playing soccer or any connection, but they, too, have stepped up big to help us make soccer at the high school possible along with out own field,” said Horton. He adds, “We spearheaded it, and the community followed.”

Horton, Ward, and Assistant Coach Matt Schroeder have had more than their share of fun stories and times. “We bought our scoreboard for $17.50. Steve and I, both with fulltime banking careers, took one morning and drove to South Carolina to fetch their bargain board and still made it back to work by noon the same day,” said Horton.

All three coaches stressed how what they’ve done all these years is for the kids. They thanked the parents for allowing their children to play and for their support. “We taught some soccer and a lot of life to our players,” said Ward. Schroeder said that friends became family from coaches to players to parents.

“It’s been a pleasure, and I’ve not worked this hard for Campbell Soccer to fail. I wish the next coach and these returning players nothing but the best,” said Horton. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/17/2022-6AM)

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