Excelsior Springs, Mo. — After six years of leadership in Excelsior Springs and a 28-year career in education, Eric Marshall is retiring as the district’s athletic director. Stepping into the role will be Doug Baker, currently an assistant principal at Excelsior Springs High School, who will officially assume the position on July 1.
Marshall, who has dedicated nearly three decades to education, emphasized the relationships he built with students, staff, and the community as his proudest achievement. “I put forth a lot of effort to get to know people and figure out ways to help them achieve their goals,” Marshall said. “This is a service industry, and I’ve always tried to be an encourager.”
With retirement ahead, Marshall looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his sons—one of whom plays football at William Jewell College. “I feel like I’ve been tied here for so long,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the freedom to make decisions about what’s next.” While he intends to stay busy, he has no immediate plans beyond enjoying time with his family and exploring new opportunities.
Baker, who joined the district alongside Marshall in 2019, brings a strong background in both athletics and activities. Having grown up participating in multiple sports, band, and choir, he understands the impact extracurricular activities can have on students. “Athletics and activities had a major impact on my life, and I hope our students and staff can look back on their experiences here and feel the same way,” Baker said.
One of his priorities as athletic director is fostering early involvement in all programs, including both sports and fine arts. “Our band is discussing the possibility of adding a fifth-grade program to get students involved sooner,” he noted. “The same principle applies to athletics—we’ve seen how successful programs like soccer and wrestling have been because of strong youth feeder systems.”
“I know how impactful athletics and activities can be,” Baker said. “They provide structure, friendships, and lifelong lessons. I want our students and staff to look back at their time here with that same feeling—that it was meaningful.”
Along with overseeing student activities and athletics, Baker will also help guide the Tigers through their transition into the Midland Empire Conference (MEC), a move that will bring new competition and logistical challenges in the coming years.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Baker is ready to take on his new role. “Sitting in a new chair always comes with unknowns, but I have great people to lean on,” he said. “Eric has taught me so much over the past few years… I know I have big shoes to fill, and I’m excited to carry on the work he’s done.”
The district has not yet announced a timeline for filling Baker’s current position as assistant principal.
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