UCI’s Serrano neglects another coach opening

Another big-time college baseball coach opening, another gig turned down.

That was the case for UC Irvine’s Dave Serrano, who was quick to squash speculation that he would be interested in the Cal State Fullerton head position with the Titans’ George Horton accepting the Oregon job.

Serrano, who guided UCI to its first appearance in the College World Series last year, was Fullerton’s pitching coach for eight years prior to coming to the Anteaters in 2004.

“I have no interest in leaving UC Irvine for Cal State Fullerton,” Serrano said in a release from UC Irvine. “I feel that we have something special building at UCI with the program moving in the right direction. Fullerton is a great program and I have many enjoyable moments from there but my family and I are very happy in Irvine.”

Serrano was named Coach of the Year by Baseball America after guiding the Anteaters to a 47-17-1 overall record, which set the school’s Division I record for single-season victories.

According to various reports, it is expected that Horton will be introduced as Oregon’s coach today. Serrano turned down an opportunity to discuss the job with the Ducks on Aug. 22. Oregon is bringing back its baseball program after 26 years without the sport.

Serrano said that Fullerton associate head coach Rich Vanderhook is the right man to succeed Horton as the Titans’ head coach, according to baseballamerica.com.

— From staff reports