Taking over reins of Palmyra baseball program allows QHS’s Crisp more quality time with family

QUINCY — Brandon Crisp hoped to find the best of both worlds.

The Palmyra School district is affording him that.

The Quincy High School baseball coach informed his staff and players Wednesday he is resigning at season’s end to become the head baseball coach and an elementary school physical education teacher at Palmyra. The Palmyra School Board confirmed his hire this week.

Crisp lives in Palmyra and sought an opportunity to devote more time to his son, who is a first grader at Palmyra Elementary School.

“Ever since he’s been going to school, I haven’t had the chance to take him to school because of the commute,” Crisp said. “Now, not only do I get to take him to school, but I get to see him everyday. It’s just going to make it a lot easier when it comes to the family.”

Leaving QHS after five seasons wasn’t an easy choice.

“This is the hardest professional decision I’ve ever had to make,” Crisp said. “I love my guys over here at Quincy. We’re really building a good culture here. Not only is our senior class good, but we have some really good classes coming behind it and at the junior high level.”

The Blue Devils are 6-5 heading into Saturday’s Western Big 6 Conference doubleheader at United Township.

“I love competing in the Western Big 6,” Crisp said. “I love competing in the regional we’re in because those are usually the best of the best.”

Crisp will see quality competition at Palmyra, too.

“I’m excited about that,” he said.

The Panthers have won seven of the previous nine district titles and advanced to the state quarterfinals once in that stretch. Three former Panthers — Quincy University’s Nolan Wosman, Maryville’s Jacob Kroeger and Lindenwood’s Bennett Stice — are currently playing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

“I grew up in Kirksville and we heard a lot about Palmyra athletics,” Crisp said. “My first job was at Mark Twain, and Palmyra beat up on us in every sport. I really enjoy the community. I’ve lived there for almost a decade now. I love living there, and I love the kids who come out of there.

“They’re really tough kids. They are very good in a lot of their athletics. The kids I talk to are very respectful. I want to be part of a situation like that.”