Veteran Polk County coach Ty Stott has decided to step down as the leader of the Wolverines’ baseball program after 21 seasons.

Stott, whose tenure is the second longest of any head coach in school history, won 262 games and five conference championships after taking over the program at his alma mater in 1996. Included in that success is a span of seven consecutive seasons in which the Wolverines finished first or second in the Western Highlands Conference.

“I felt like it was time,” said Stott. “I feel like I’ve accomplished a great deal with the baseball program, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. I don’t know what that is yet, but it will include some time off, for starters.

“There are a lot of challenges today in dealing with kids and running a program, and I felt like it was time for someone else to take on those challenges.”

Among other things, Stott said the move will allow him to spend more time with his daughter, Morgan, a sophomore softball player at Polk County, rather than focusing on bouncing back from the 6-17 record the Wolverines posted last season.

“I’m a very, very, very competitive person, and part of me wants to stay and fix this and get the program back on a winning track,” Stott said. “But in the last month, I’ve realized how much time I have given to the program, and I think I’ve done what I can do.”

Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron Greene said the district would soon begin accepting applications to fill the baseball vacancy. Stott will continue to work in the district as a physical education teacher at Tryon Elementary School.

“Ty Stott is to be commended for his dedication and accomplishments as Polk County High School’s head baseball coach,” Greene said. “The program’s success over his 21-year tenure is a testament to Coach Stott’s passion for baseball, knowledge of the game and commitment to student-athletes.

“His long-term vision and sacrifice helped build and grow the Wolverine baseball program since its start in the early 1990s. We are sad to see Coach Stott leave the position and thank him for his many years of service.”

For now, Stott plans to remain the school’s girls golf coach.

“It’s been an honor to serve as the head baseball coach for the past 21 years and to work with coaches and players that share the same passion for baseball,” Stott said.

– article submitted by PolkSports.com