Stoll, 58, said he intended all along to retire next spring because of changing retirement laws. He has been with the school district since 1982.
“People ask me all the time what my No. 1 memory is, and I always say it’s the relationship I have with the kids,” Stoll said. “Yes, there are some big moments on the baseball field or on the court, but you’re always going to remember the relationships.”
Stoll took over the North baseball program in 1982 from longtime coach Don Henderson. Stoll also was an assistant basketball coach to Eddie Ford for 12 seasons.
Before becoming North AD in 1995, he taught health and physical education. Stoll has been Springfield’s AD since the merger of North and South in 2008.
“I’m certainly proud of all the work we’ve done with the consolidation of the schools,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to work with Greg Newland (assistant AD) in that consolidation and build on our relationship and to get the people involved. We set a good foundation.”
Stoll isn’t sure what he’ll do in retirement.
“I’m going to take a little time to evaluate some things,” he said. “I’m not going to rule out coaching. I think I’m too young to just sit on the porch. But that’s a matter of interpretation. I like to be involved with young people. I think I still have something to offer.
“But I’m not getting any younger. I’ve had six joint replacements. I’m the bionic man. I’ve been very fortunate to spend my entire career in Springfield City Schools.”
David Estrop, the Springfield City Schools superintendent, said the district would recommend the hiring of a search firm to fill the jobs of athletic director and director of special education. A proposal was submitted at Thursday’s school board meeting to use the firm Finding Leaders, which was used last year to fill two positions.
Estrop said community members would also get their say in the search process.
About the Author
