Doty resigns at Springdale, takes Charlotte job

SPRINGDALE -- Springdale High baseball coach Shohn Doty is headed back to the college ranks.

Doty, a Springdale alum, resigned his post and will be named pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at North Carolina-Charlotte on Monday, Doty said Saturday.

The 46-year-old, who spent 20 years coaching in the college ranks at various places like Indiana State, North Carolina-Wilmington and Old Dominion, spearheaded an incredible two-year turnaround for the Springdale High program, which ended with the Red Bulldogs' first state tournament appearance in 10 years this season.

Springdale fell 1-0 in eight innings to Conway, which finished as state runner-up, in the first round. Doty acknowledged the experience was a special one.

"What we've been able to accomplish in two years at Springdale, being my hometown, I'm as proud of as anything I've every done," said Doty, who also served as associate head coach at Arkansas-Fort Smith for seven years before taking the Springdale job. "That's a credit to the kids. For us to win 20 games this year and go to the state tournament, it's one of the most special things I've ever done. That's what made this decision more difficult.

"We've kinda laid the blueprint for the next staff. The foundation's built. I like the guys that are coming back. The biggest thing I want to get across is Springdale is home for me. It's family and friends that are like family. There's not many things that would have got me to leave."

Springdale athletic director Wayne Stehlik was grateful for the job Doty's done, but said he will move quickly to find his replacement.

"Shohn's done a phenomenal job of creating the baseball culture in his two years, and we'll miss him," Stehlik said. "He's an old Bulldog, and this was an extreme challenge to go back to Division I baseball or stay with his Springdale family. I respect his wishes for giving us two years.

"We will post the position on Monday on our district website. I'm sure I'll be taking phone calls from coaches who want to test the waters. We'll get a coach that will take what Doty has done and build upon it."

Doty admitted his relationship with Charlotte baseball coach Loren Hibbs also was key.

"It's been a whirlwind, a crazy time really," Doty said. "I've known him for 20 years, and he contacted me and asked if I had an interest. I got on a plane Tuesday to Charlotte, went through the interview process and was offered the job on Thursday before I got on a plane to come back. It was definitely not a deal where I was looking, but something that found me and was the right opportunity."

Sports on 07/10/2016

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