Kingston Takes Opportunity as Head Coach at South Florida

[June 04, 2014]  NORMAL - Director of Athletics Larry Lyons has announced that Mark Kingston has stepped down as the head baseball coach at Illinois State to pursue an opportunity at South Florida Wednesday.

“Mark did an outstanding job with our baseball program, and we thank him for all his efforts,” Lyons said. “We wish Mark and his family all the best as they move to South Florida. Illinois State baseball is a first class, highly competitive program, and we will go to work to find our next head coach.”

Kingston is appreciative of his time at Illinois State and knows the team’s success will continue.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be the head baseball coach at Illinois State University,” Kingston said. “We were able to have great success, because of the foundation laid by Duffy Bass, Jeff Stewart, Jim Brownlee and the loyal and proud ISU baseball alumni. I would like to thank the great athletic directors I worked for and the support of the entire administration. Lastly, this opportunity comes as a result of the hard work and dedication from assistant coaches and student-athletes. I thank them sincerely. Moving forward, there is no questioning that ISU baseball will be a force for years to come.”

ISU will begin an immediate search to fill the head coach position.

[Text received; LAUREN HUTCHCRAFT, ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY]

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