Alstork Resignation Shows Lack of Direction at Clark State
By Deon Cash
Quinton Alstork, in just three seasons, lead the Clark State Eagles from the basement of the OCCAC to nearly the top of the standings.
With it came a bevy of opportunities for the staff, players, fans, and faculty.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Eagles had a winning record two seasons ago.
For the first time ever this year, the Eagles won 20 games. And with it, Alstork became the fastest player to win 50 games in Clark State history.
He also was a legitimate Top 3 candidate for OCCAC Coach of the Year.
However, due to some reasons that were not explained, Alstork was given only one real option.
To resign.
While it was noted that one player was deemed ineligible at mid-season, Alstork was clear and concise with the board about all the dealings with the player. Brandon Cromer, the star guard from Atlanta, was deemed ineligible, and sat out the 2nd part of the season.
And while he had a minor situation in his first season with a player (in 2024), it was quickly dissolved after a meeting with the player and the coaches.
So, after a program that has flown under the radar for decades, they decided that Alstorks' job was "under review" after looking at the recent events, and literally not even acknowledging the real growth of the program in Alstorks' short tenure.
While Alstork has remained silent about everything, he was "shocked" at what was presented to him by the Athletic Director, Naz Butler.
Since then, the entire Southwest Ohio region has been abuzz about the sudden departure of Alstork.
While some thought Alstork had another job lined up, others were really stunned to see a program, that has been irrelevant for the most part of 3 decades, get rid of the guy who helped guide their way back into the mainstream for JUCO basketball recently.
Alstork was preparing for a monster 2026 season, when the AD told Alstork the suprising news.
After Alstork processed the information, he decided to step down.
"I didn't really understand why, and was never given a explanation. But regardless, what we did at Clark State, nobody has ever done before.
We put that program back on the map. And we did it with respect and Springfield pride.
I want to thank Clark State for the chance to show that I am a top tier head coach in college and can lead any college basketball program to the next level."
Which brings us to this point.
With the current coaching changes that have continued over the course of 3 seasons, its clear that there is no rush around Clark State Athletics to elevate the program, despite the desperate need for it in the Springfield community.
With the board and directors continuing to get rid of high quality coaches who graduate kids and send them to the next level, what is the ultimate goal?
Many seem to think that the answer is to just be functional.
While that works for some coaches, Alstork felt the writing on the wall. Alstork is not a "Functional Coach."
Alstork is a "program changing coach", and everyone saw and felt that.
A myriad of coaches, even some from the OCCAC, have questioned why Alstork left.
With the loss, who will step into the position? It sounds to be a two man race, from the reports.
While there will be no outside coaches who have been considered, the word is that it is between coaches that were under the Alstork umbrella, which makes this story even more worth watching.
Butler, the Eagles Athletic Director, could not be reached for comment.
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