Head basketball coach Gary Stanfield is retiring. Stanfield came to Republic four years ago, and led the Tigers to a Final Four appearance in 2010.
Under Stanfield, the Tigers had two 20-win seasons. They also won the Blue and Gold Tournament for the first time in a decade.
Before coming to Republic, Stanfield had been head coach at Drury University for 12 seasons. Before that, he had led Springfield Hillcrest to a state championship in 1984.
Athletic Director Greg Garton says Stanfield has been a “stabilizing force” for the program in his four years here.
“He’s been a great teacher of the game of basketball,” says Garton. “Our program is very healthy now, and he’s left it in great shape for the next coach that takes over.”
With a JV team that finished with 22 wins, and new athletic facilities, Garton says he anticipates a lot of interest in the open position.
“A testament to a coach when he leaves the program is what kind of shape it’s in when he leaves,” says Garton. “But the biggest compliment I can give Gary is he’s the type of person I’d want my child to spend time with.”