Republic baseball coach Curt Plotner will step down at the end of this season. Plotner told his players this morning.
Plotner has been a part of the program since 2010, first as an assistant under Howard Quigley, then as head coach starting in 2018.
In a statement, Plotner said it wasn’t an easy decision. “It has been an honor to serve as head coach for the past nine years, and I am incredibly proud of what this program has accomplished during that time,” he said. “Those successes are a direct result of the commitment and hard work our players and assistant coaches have poured into the program each day.”
Plotner will remain through the end of the season. “I am fully committed to our team as we finish this season strong, and I look forward to continuing to connect with students in my teaching role in the years to come,” he said.
The Tigers are 7-16 and have lost six in a row. Seven of the 16 losses have been by two runs or fewer.
The Tigers’ best season under Plotner came in 2021, when they reached the state quarterfinals, losing a 1-0 game to Jefferson City that left Republic just short of what would have been the program’s only Final Four appearance. Republic has earned nine all-state player selections under Plotner in this decade.
Plotner said he’s grateful for the relationships he’s built with players and their families over the years. “I have always believed the most important part of coaching is the opportunity to work with and support student-athletes as they grow,” he said.
Athletic Director Trevyor Fisher said Plotner has “made a lasting impact” on the program and the players.
“Under his leadership, the program reached new milestones, including a historic state quarterfinal appearance, two Central Ozark Conference championships and a district title,” Fisher said. “We are grateful for his commitment to Republic High School and the time and energy he has invested in our student-athletes.”
In eight seasons to date, Plotner’s record as head coach is 122-109. In the eight seasons prior to his hiring, Republic was 72-101.
Fisher said he’ll begin the search for a new head coach right away.
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