NEW LONDON, N.H. - Following a 25-plus year coaching career and 349 career wins, head baseball coach Jim Broughton announced his retirement from Colby-Sawyer effective January, 29, 2021.
Broughton became the first head coach in Charger history in 1995. During his tenure, Colby-Sawyer played in three conference championship games, securing two titles. Broughton garnered Coach of the Year accolades three times, twice from the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) and once from the North Atlantic Conference (NAC).
"When I reflect on the nearly 27 years I have coached here, there are so many things to remember," said Broughton. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Colby-Sawyer College. I was afforded a wonderful opportunity at a young age and I thank Deb McGrath for that opportunity back in 1994. It's been a great place to raise my family.
"I have spent my entire adult life here on campus. I have gotten to know a lot of great people here on campus. I've made lifelong friends. I have coached so many outstanding young men, helped them to mature, helped them to grow into men".
In his two and a half decades on the diamond Broughton has coached five student-athletes that have been inducted into the Colby-Sawyer Athletics Hall of Fame. Under Broughton's tutelage the Chargers saw 25 student-athletes earn first-team all-conference, five conference rookies of the year, and two conference players of the year.
"Jim leaves behind a lasting legacy," said Director of Athletics Mitch Capelle. "The impact he has had over 27 seasons as skipper has helped innumerable Chargers grow as student-athletes and as people. He devoted his entire coaching career to building our baseball program from the ground up, and for that I know our student-athletes - past and present - are eternally grateful. We wish Jim and his wife Andrea the very best on this next adventure in their lives together."
"Alumni Day and our alumni baseball game is my favorite day of the year," said Broughton. "It's been awesome to see so many young men come through this program. It is especially rewarding to see the guys that are now dad's themselves. For 27 years it's been about the kids! I thank Colby-Sawyer for this opportunity and I thank my entire family for their support as well. I've had an awesome job, not many people can say that"!