Walker resigns as head coach at Fort Madison

We would have loved to have kept him, but he has to make the best decision for him and his family.”

Jeff Lamb, Fort Madison High School Activities Director

Thankful for time at FMHS

I’d like this to be said - I needed that program more than that program needed me and I couldn’t be more thankful for my time there.”

Ron Walker, FMHS head baseball coach

FORT MADISON - The four-year run of Fort Madison Head Baseball coach Ron Walker has come to an end.

Walker submitted his resignation effective immediately to Fort Madison Athletic Director Jeff Lamb on Wednesday.

Lamb said the move wasn't a surprise, but the timing wasn't expected.

"We were surprised by his resignation today. Ron's done a great job and has been very good for this program over the past four years," Lamb said.

"We we're kind of expecting it, though, when he took the job in Ottumwa. We would have loved to have kept him, but he has to make the best decision for him and his family."

Walker, a master plumber by trade, became part of a new plumbing upstart in Ottumwa, and said the decision has been an emotional one for him.

"I’ll never say it didn’t make sense to do both, but I would only be cheating the program, my new job, and my family - by trying to do all," he said.

"I can’t be selfish and do what I want to do. I have to consider others here."

Walker racked up a 71-40 overall record and a 42-24 Southeast Conference record. He took over the program in 2019 from Ken Steeples and immediately took the Hounds to a winning 16-15 record in 2019 after the Hounds had just five wins in 2018.

"This has been a very emotional afternoon," he said. "I want Fort Madison to know that this has nothing against the community or the program I just didn’t want to cheat them and it be more than I could give."

Walker said he gave Lamb his recommendations for the program as part of the resignation, and said he hopes all the coaches that have been part of the program for the last four years will stay with the program.

"I love all those guys and couldn't be happier with what they've accomplished," he said.

"This is very bittersweet, I love baseball and want to be in a baseball world, but right now that's kind of tough.

"I've been supported by all three sides, baseball, work, and family. I've had a couple reach out to me and asked if I was sure about my decision even after it was made. It’s just time. The kids deserve better and the last thing I want to do is cheat them from time they deserve."

Walker said the program has brought more value to him, than he gave to the program.

"You tell your players they need the program more than the program needs them. Well,  I’d like this to be said - I needed that program more than that program needed me and I couldn’t be more thankful for my time there."

Lamb said he has informed the Central office and asked them to post the position immediately.

He said there are three or four people he hopes will apply and one of those is current assistant Albert Schinstock.

"With my background in baseball, I've got some people in mind that I hope apply and he's one of those people. I hope to put a committee together of three or four poeple close to the program and select the best candidate," Lamb said.