Alan Colglazier hired as new softball coach

It’s the job he craved the most. The position he wants to develop and bring back to its glory days. And the place where he wants to be.

So color Alan Colglazier, a celebrated name in Colorado softball, as very upbeat as Mullen’s new head coach.

“I’m extremely excited, needless to say,” Colglazier said after taking over for Greg Hogan.

Heavily Involved with the game as a significant player and coach in and beyond Colorado for more than 40 years, Colglazier said he appreciates the Mustangs history as “this was the place, they set the standards for everyone.”

Mullen won championships in softball in 1996, 1999 and 2001, and stands third all-time in Colorado titles (77), so he’s eager to get started.

“I’m going to have pencil and paper in hand and see our facilities, and take inventory of what we have and what we don’t have,” he said.

The Mustangs, who compete in Class 4A but play their regular season in the 5A Centennial League, made the state semifinals the past fall.

As for Colglazier, his impressive softball list is extensive and includes: assistant coach at Mississippi State; interim head coach at Southern Colorado; and head coach at Pueblo East High School. In addition as a player, Colglazier doubled as a pitcher and coach for the 1980 World Championship Team; did the same for the 1983 Canadian Champions; was an all-World player in 1980, 1983, 1985 and 1986; was an ASA All-American pitcher seven times; a Silver medalist in the 1980 National Sports Festival; has been inducted into multiple halls of fame; and ran clinics in Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S.

His appointment has started a buzz throughout the prep game.

“Mullen is very pleased to introduce Alan Colglazier as our new head softball coach,” athletic director Vince Massey said. “Alan possesses tremendous experience and knowledge, with over 40 years involvement in the game. He wants to coach at Mullen and we are excited for the future of Mullen softball.”

Colglazier, who runs a pitching academy based in Colorado Springs that he plans to move to the Denver area, said he’s very interested in teaching at Mullen if the opportunity is presented and is adamant about being on campus regularly.

“I want to be there for the incoming parent and student night (this week) and meet with the team and booster club,” he said.

“We want to plan for the summer and the workouts. I know a lot of the girls who play travel ball. We need to get them involved.”

Pitching remains Colglazier’s background and it’s where he will begin building the Mustangs, who were 16-9 a year ago.

“It’s my background and you have to draw the pitchers,” he said.

Coming in as a new coach will be challenging for Mustangs players, Colglazier agreed, “because change is hard, change is tough. They’ve got to develop the mindset that they’re tough.”

But the new coach said he’s ready for all aspects.

“I want to be there,” he said.