Skole, The Citadel part

Tony Skole was one of the heroes
in his alma mater's College World
Series run in 1990. (The Citadel photo)

As reported by the Post and Courier in Charleston, The Citadel has parted ways with baseball coach Tony Skole. 

Skole had a 123-216 mark in seven seasons at his alma mater. This season's team went 21-32, including 3-19 in the Southern Conference, and lost to Wofford in the conference tournament on Wednesday.

He was part of two Southern Conference teams as a player and was on the 1990 Bulldogs team that reached the College World Series.

"Tony has served as an integral part of our athletics department for nearly a decade, and his passion and dedication for not only the game of baseball, but The Citadel as well has remained consistently strong throughout his time here on campus." said athletics director  Mike Capaccio said. "I'd like to personally thank him for his contribution to The Citadel athletics, and join Bulldogs everywhere in wishing him luck in all his future endeavors."

"It has been a tremendous honor to coach at my alma mater, but after sitting down with Mike today, we mutually agreed it was in the best interest of the ... baseball program that we move in a different direction," Skole said. "I will forever be grateful for Mike, our administration, my assistant coaches, all the other coaches in our department (and all) the people that have supported our program on our campus over the last several years.

"It will always be a great disappointment to me that I could not get our program back to a championship level, but I am extremely proud of all our players, who are truly some of the best young men this world has to offer," Skole added. "I am hopeful that our program will soon achieve the championship dreams we all have worked towards. I leave with fond memories and heart full of gratitude."

 

The school said a national search for a new coach will begin immediately.

The Citadel is the third state school with a known coaching vacancy. Tom Riginos was let go at Winthrop and Art Inabinet retired at Francis Marion.

Kevin Schnall has already been named as the replacement for Gary Gilmore, who is retiring after this season.

(quotes are from a release by The Citadel)