Wayne State University Athletics

GLIAC Media Relations

Coach Mike Horn and Max Leppelmeier at the 2024 GLIAC Championships.

Men's Golf 12/27/2024 12:14:00 PM Harrison Chapman, WSU Sports Communications Class

The Legacy of Mike Horn

The following is a feature story written by a student (Harrison Chapman) in Christine Maleske, Ph.D. Fall 2024 Sports Communications Class. Besides serving as the head coach of the men's golf program for the last 23-plus seasons, Mike Horn was a two-time All-GLIAC selection on the golf team. He was named to the Division II District IV All-American squad in 1986 and participated in the NCAA Division II championship tournament. The 1985 GLIAC Champion, Horn was a six-time medalist during his collegiate career and a 2001 inductee into the Wayne State Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Legacy of Mike Horn

After a great college athletic golf career at Wayne State University, Mike Horn has dedicated the last 24 years of his life to building more than just winning teams. Mike Horn has a very deep connection with the college and the golf program. He started rebuilding the golf program from a team that was not competitive, when he first became the coach in 2001.

After three years of coaching in the 2003-2004 season, he had a squad that was consistently competing with all of the teams in the conference and the state. That season, the WSU team finished first in the GLIAC (in a playoff over Ferris State).

When I asked Coach Horn if he could explain his coaching career in one word. The response that he gave me was "Lucky." The way that Mike Horn carries himself is not like any other golf coach in the GLIAC, he pushes his players to not only be successful on the course, but also in the classroom. He has a gift for keeping the team competitive, while maintaining healthy relationships, by disciplining when needed and showing empathy with all of his players.

Coach Horn has a lot of great memories with all the teams that he has coached, but when I asked if there was one memory that really stuck out his response was, "After winning the 2003 conference championship in Erie, Pa. the ride back was so special. I did not say a word the whole way back to campus, I just drove and listened to the guys celebrate, it was fantastic."

Through the many years that Mike Horn has coached, he has learned to take a step back and be patient with his players in tough situations, showing his growth as a coach and a mentor. The ability as a mentor that pushes his players beyond their athletic skills, teaching his life lessons about perseverance, resilience, and character. This adds depth and strength to his journey as a coach.

He said, "One of my biggest struggles as a golf coach is the ability to relate to the team as I get older. Now how to calm a player down or hype a player up has changed from when I played. Learning the new ways was very hard for me". However, he is continually evolving his methods of communication and mentorship, making sure to stay connected with his team to maintain trust and mutual understanding.

Initially recruiting only from the local downriver area, Coach Horn has since expanded his efforts beyond the metro area and even outside the state. This strategic shift in recruitment has been crucial in maintaining the team's competitive edge, bringing in diverse talent, and positioning the program for continued success on the national stage. Mat Hawryluk, Josh DiCarlo, and Tyler Hurtubise are players that are all from Canada. These players are all very successful players on the team today, with all of them having one if not multiple tournament wins in their college careers. Another player that is out of state is Max Leppelmeier from Ohio. He has also had a very successful golf career on this team. Max has tied the 18-hole all-time scoring record (65), and the 54-hole scoring record (204). This shows how well his different recruiting strategy has impacted the men's golf program.

Mike Horn is not only a golf coach at Wayne State University, but he is also a family man. Having his son has grounded him and shaped him not only in his personal life but also in his coaching philosophy. When he is not on the course or caring for his family, he has a small company outside of the team where he can take his mind off stressful situations that happen in everyday life. Although he has a lot of other activities in his life, he is fully dedicated to the golf program, so he made it clear that the team will come first instead of his small lawncare/Housecare company.

Coach Horn has a very competitive mindset, with plans to win another conference championship, make it back to the National Championship again, and to finish in the top 10
national ratings. For this to happen, he will have to continue to push his players to be the best they can on and off the course. For Coach Horn it is more than just talent, it's about the will to succeed, the camaraderie, and the drive to improve. "Ever hear of Wayne? Well, you will soon!"

Editors note: The WSU men's golf program has had 18 consecutive winning seasons, qualified for the NCAA Super Regionals 16 times in the last 20 years it has been held, and had two teams (2008-2009 and 2009-2010) advance to the NCAA Finals.

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Players Mentioned

Mat Hawryluk: 5' 11"; Senior

Harrison Chapman: 6' 0"; Redshirt Sophomore

Josh DiCarlo: 5' 5"; Graduate Student

Tyler Hurtubise: 6' 3"; Senior

Max Leppelmeier: 5' 10"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Mat Hawryluk
: 5' 11"; Senior

Harrison Chapman
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Sophomore

Josh DiCarlo
: 5' 5"; Graduate Student

Tyler Hurtubise
: 6' 3"; Senior

Max Leppelmeier
: 5' 10"; Senior