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Stoll submits resignation from XHS Athletic Director job

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XENIA — Citing the need to spend more time with his wife, Debbie, his family and his grandchildren, Xenia High School Athletic Director Mark Stoll announced his resignation on Wednesday.

“I just felt it was time,” Stoll said by phone Wednesday evening. “I’ve been coaching and working as an athletic director for 37-some years, and it just feels like it’s time to dedicate more of my time with my family.”

Stoll, 60, presented his letter of resignation to School Superintendent Denny Morrison, Xenia High School Principal Ted Holop and the Xenia Community School Board members in a formal letter dated Oct. 29. Morrison then presented the letter to the school board during last week’s school board meeting.

In the letter, Stoll expressed his desire to “retire again” effective at the end of the 2015-‘16 school year.

‘It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve as Athletic Director for Xenia Community Schools and the Xenia Community,’ Stoll said in the letter. ‘I have enjoyed my time as Athletic Director and feel that we have accomplished many good things during my tenure with Xenia Community Schools. I would also like to thank the Xenia Community Schools Coaches, Athletes, Parents, Booster Groups and Community Members for all of their support and efforts during my time here.’

Attempts to obtain comment from School Superintendent Denny Morrison were unsuccessful.

Stoll has served as the Xenia AD for three years.

“My time at Xenia has been great. The community has been outstanding, their support has been great. I’ve been very fortunate and it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be here at Xenia in the Athletic Director position,” Stoll said by phone. “I am so fortunate, and I have learned so many things, even after 35 years. Just to be a part of it … the Xenia people are great people.”

Stoll said formulation of a search committee hasn’t been discussed as yet with him, but said he’d be very willing to help in finding his successor.

“We’ve done a lot of good things — and when I say ‘we’ it’s always a team effort, it’s not just one person. In athletics, you’re always a work in progress, there’s never a finished product. Just like the Kansas City Royals won the World Series last month. Well, they’re not sitting around patting themselves on the back right now. They’re back to work trying to create the best team they can for next year,” Stoll said.

“That’s the thing about Xenia. We had a lot of accomplishments, but we’re always looking for the next thing we can do to get better. And that’s what I respect and admire about the people, the kids and the community of Xenia.”

Stoll served in either a coaching or athletic director capacity at Springfield South and Springfield North High Schools for 32 years before being named the athletic director at XHS three years ago. He was part of the five-year consolidation effort of the two Springfield high schools, and was the new Springfield High’s AD for its first five years.

Stoll said his decision wasn’t made because of any sudden health issues.

“No. I’m healthy. Somebody once told me that ‘you know when it’s time.’ And it just feels like this is the right time,” he said.

By John Bombatch

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John Bombatch can be reached at (937) 372-4444, Ext. 2123.