Serrano left to become coach at Cal State Fullerton one week after issuing a statement through UCI that he had no interest in the Fullerton job. Serrano earlier pulled out of consideration for the Oregon baseball coaching job.
Gorgen said he has had several conversations with Serrano and plans to continue his relationship with the man who guided UCI to its first Division I College World Series in his third season at the helm in 2007.
Gorgen expressed gratitude toward Serrano for believing in him when no one else did [UCI was Gorgen’s only suitor out of high school] and laying the foundation for his collegiate success. But Gorgen said the way Serrano handled his departure created bitter feelings that remain for him, as well as his teammates.
“[Serrano’s] departure was rough; it was bitter, though it is understandable when all is said and done,” Gorgen said. “I’ve had many conversations with him and he’s a guy I’m going to keep in contact with. He helped me get to where I’m at and I will owe him a lot for giving me that opportunity.”
Gorgen said Serrano’s decision to reverse himself and accept the Fullerton job, hit the UCI players hard.
“I think he really did stick his foot in his mouth with the media,” Gorgen said of Serrano’s aforementioned statement removing himself from consideration for the Fullerton job.
Serrano, named National Coach of the Year by Baseball American after leading UCI to a 47-17-1 record, later apologized for that statement.
