Update with quotes: Mitch Wood stepping down as Oran baseball coach

Long-time Oran baseball coach Mitch Wood said it was simply time to walk away from the coach's box after 21 years at the school and 24 overall.

"I made the point a long time ago of saying when I was kind of ready to get out, I didn't want to stay around," he said. "It's been a struggle this year as far as staying out and different things, just for various reasons. But I didn't want to do anything early because I don't think that's something the kids need to be thinking about and what our program's about."

The struggle, he said, has been with his own motivation.

"I'm talking about just being in it so long," Wood said. "It's not really a struggle as much as just I said when I'm not just having a ton of fun every day getting up and wanting to come out here that I was going to not be one of those that stay around -- talent [or] no talent."

Wood plans to continue to serve as Oran's superintendant and as the director of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament. He'll also continue to work with the Lids Missouri Bulls baseball program, but will not coach a team.

"I'll be out of coaching for a little while," Wood said. "It's been a good 24 years. It's been a good run."

I just filed a full story about Wood's decision, which includes more information and player quotes. It will be posted after some much-needed editing.