Morton High School announced this week that Ben Studebaker will assume the role of head baseball coach, following a unanimous vote by the District 709 school board on July 14. He replaces Ryan Lindley, who stepped down in June after a tenure that produced a 23‑13 overall record and a third‑place finish in the Mid‑Illini Conference.
A Proven Track Record
Studebaker arrives with an extensive résumé that includes twelve years as a varsity assistant at Eureka High School, where he helped the Hornets capture seven regional titles and finish third in the 2025 Class 2A tournament. Prior to that, he served as head coach at Peoria Christian from 2004 through 2013, compiling a record that cemented his reputation as a developer of championship‑caliber programs.
Program Outlook
Athletics director Scott Jones expressed confidence that Studebaker’s vision and commitment will keep the Potters competitive. The team finished the 2026 campaign with a 23‑13 record, winning five straight games before a loss to Dunlap in the Class 3A regional championship. Key contributors such as Hudson Lovell, Cam Crawford, Camden Taylor and Collin Burns earned all‑Mid‑Illini honors last season, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming year.
Jones highlighted Studebaker’s ability to build on the program’s tradition while emphasizing player development and community engagement. The hiring marks a continuation of a strong local pipeline, linking Eureka, Peoria Christian and now Morton in a shared pursuit of baseball excellence.