Cring coached the team for four years, compiling a 55-31 record, but much has changed since he took over the helm.

Cring is now the full-time middle school principal at Cooperstown Elementary School as well as being athletic director, and also has three daughters ages 12, 7 and 3-years-old.

"I've been coaching for 14 years and it's in my blood and I will definitely do it again," Cring said on Friday. "This is one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make, but I feel like this is the right decision for me both personally and professionally right now."

Cring said he was in the process of interviewing two "in-house" candidates for the position and would likely make a recommendation to the school board at the end of the month or the beginning of August.

"Our boys basketball team has a chance to be one of the better teams in Section Three next year so whoever steps in is coming into a good situation," Cring said. "I have a lot of pride not only in the boys basketball program but our sports programs in general-both athletically and academically."

Cring added that the perspective of some parents in the community also added to his decision.

"I think parents need to realize that coaches in small schools are educators first and coaches second," Cring said. "We are not professional coaches, but we are professional educators and that always comes first with me. I love the competition but the most special thing to me is the camaraderie with the players. Having them stop in the office and talk, that kind of thing."

"I think you can get too caught up with the wins and losses and lose sight of what's really important. That line seems to be getting crossed more and more often."

Cring said he would likely get back into coaching at some level in a couple of years.

"I'd like to get back to basics and teach fundamentals, maybe at the junior high level," Cring said.