Gutesha takes over at St. Charles East

St. Charles East didn't have to look far to find a replacement for softball coach Kelly Horan.

Jarod Gutesha, who assisted Horan the last seven years, was named the new coach on Aug. 21.

"To take over a program that has been so successful is just exciting," Gutesha said. "I wish the season was starting tomorrow."

Horan, who stepped down in June to spend more time with her two young children, compiled a 174-74-3 record with two regional championships in her seven seasons, highlighted by a runner-up Class 4A state finish in 2013.

St. Charles East went 29-5 last year.

"There is a lot of talent, obviously, at the varsity level and there is talent all the way though the entire program," said Gutesha, who called pitches and worked closely with the Saints pitchers. "It is definitely exciting. There is a good core group of players that will be around. I like the players we have, they are dedicated and they enjoy the game. That makes it more exciting. Practice or a game they put the work in."

Gutesha, a 1998 graduate of West Aurora High School who played golf and baseball for the Blackhawks, plays fastpitch softball himself in the summer. He played college baseball at Parkland, Waubonsee and Aurora University, where he graduated in 2002.

After serving as an assistant coach for the Saints baseball program under then varsity coach Mark Foulkes and later as the sophomore baseball coach, Gutesha joined the softball staff when Horan took over in 2008.

"I've been playing the sport since I was 16 playing men's fastpitch softball in Aurora," Gutesha said. "The game is a fast-paced game, exciting, always on your feet. Never a dull moment. Not that I didn't like my experience as a baseball coach, but there is something about fastpitch softball."

Gutesha teaches special education at St. Charles East.