Horton Is Discovering Difficulty of Success

Minutes before the Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball game between Fullerton and Cypress two weeks ago, a referee approached Fullerton Coach Dieter Horton.

After shaking Horton’s hand, the official said: “Welcome to the Orange Empire Conference. Are you sure you want this job?”

The question was meant in jest but Horton, despite being only 26, is fully aware of the trials of playing in a conference that is more competitive from top to bottom than most in the state.

About a year ago, Horton went from first-year assistant to head coach when Tim Sweeney stepped down because of a heart condition. Fullerton, 0-4 in conference at the time, finished 0-14.

Horton said losing was tough but what he didn’t know at the time was that winning would be even tougher on him mentally.

Fullerton has started conference play with four consecutive victories, including one over Riverside, which has advanced to the state tournament the last three seasons, in Riverside Friday, 96-91.

“It’s actually getting worse and worse,” Horton said. “I’m just shaking my head because I know it’s only going to make teams come after us that much harder. Plus, it’s so, so early in the race. No matter what, it means more sleepless nights.”

It’s doubtful Horton will get much rest this week even though his Hornets (11-7 overall) are playing twice at home after being on the road for three of the first four conference games.

Fullerton meets Saddleback, the defending conference co-champion, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday then plays Irvine Valley at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Irvine Valley is the other team in the conference with a 4-0 record.

Fullerton is led on offense by Sterling Rachal (15.3 points), Brian Montonati (14.3) and Ty-Juan Berry (13.9).

“I can’t even think about Irvine Valley,” Horton said. “Saddleback is Saddleback and that means a tough game.”

There were times this season when Fullerton’s fortunes didn’t seem that much improved over last season.

The Hornets were 3-7 after being bounced from the Riverside tournament in two games.

Playing the entire month of December on the road did little to help and Horton said that’s a scheduling mistake he won’t repeat. But with each game, Horton could see a little more of the poise and perseverance he spent all fall trying to instill.

Horton said discipline was one thing he wanted most from this team after last year, when players quit as losses mounted. Fullerton played the final game with five players. The word--discipline--is stenciled on the bottom of the players’ practice shorts as a constant reminder that appears to be working.

“We don’t have a jerk on the team this year,” Horton said.