Little River High School’s new athletic director is Shaun Craft, formerly of Marion High School.
Craft announced that he accepted the Little River AD post last Friday.
Craft replaces former Little River athletic director/head boys basketball coach Erik Base, who accepted the head boys basketball coach at Cheney High School in May.
Base served as Little River boys basketball coach and AD from 2021-26.
“We are proud to announce the hiring of Shaun Craft, as our new athletic director and middle school social studies teacher,” said Little River High School on social media. Please give him a warm Redskin welcome.”
Craft has been a teacher and coach for 22 years, including 21 at his alma mater Marion Middle School and Marion High School.
Craft has been a football coach for 22 years (eight as head coach) and 17 years coaching track, including head coach this past season.
In addition to serving as AD, Craft will teach middle school social studies for USD 444.
“I am excited for the opportunity to join the Little River Redskins and to add another layer to my career in sports and education,” Craft said in a press release. “I’m eager to continue the well-known traditions of this school and to do whatever I can to help them grow and thrive in every way.”
Craft said leaving Marion is a tough decision.
“I have been a Marion Warrior my entire life,’” he said. “I have had the pleasure of not only attending this school, but teaching and coaching here for the last 20 years as well. My time here has been filled with moments that iI will cherish for a lifetime.
“Recently, I was given an unexpected opportunity to be the athletic director at Little River, which allows most of my family to live under one roof and not out of suitcases or going in opposite directions all the time. It’s hard to imagine not waking up every day and putting on my Marion gear, but this is an opportunity I cannot pass up. It has been a privilege to work alongside such inspiring staff, coaches and mentors.
“I want to thank the USD 408 administration for giving me grace when i needed it, and allowing me to teach and coach some amazing kids throughout the years. I would also like to thank the entire community and parents for all their support over the years. To my former students and athletes, I hope you’ll always think of me as “coach” and know that am always rooting for you and I am just a phone call away.”
Craft attended Tabor College and was on the football and track teams. He continued his education at the University of Kansas and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education.
This will be a big week for Craft. He will be getting married this week to Little River alum Ashley Gretencord. Together they have six children.
Base said he wanted to thank Little River High School and the fans for the opportunity to be AD and coach the past five years.
“The last five years have been so special to my family and I,” Base said. “They have been filled with moments that I will cherish for a lifetime. I hope this time has given you special moments as well.
“Thank you Redskin nation. You are among some of the most passionate, supportive and dedicated fans in the state.
I would also like to thank the USD 444 administration, Mr. Brent Garrison, Mr. Randy Hendrickson and Mr. Jon Paden. Your leadership and support has been greatly appreciated by our family from the moment we walked into the door.”
