The York City school board has placed a new item on its June 17 agenda that will determine the future of the Bearcats’ football program. The agenda item lists Eastern York coach Daryl "Bud" Kyle as the proposed successor to Russ Stoner, who has led the team for the past ten seasons.
Stoner’s departure comes after a distinguished run that includes a 62‑41 overall record, an 11‑2 season in 2018 and a 6‑4 finish in 2025 that saw the Bearcats outscore opponents 373‑273. Over the decade he mentored 72 players to college, with 50 of them graduating, a testament to his player‑development focus.
A decade of change at York High
Beyond the wins, Stoner has been the driving force behind Accountability For Life, a York‑based nonprofit that mentors adolescents and addresses social challenges in the community. The organization’s work has become intertwined with the school district’s broader outreach efforts.
A Change.org petition started by Stoner’s daughter Maddi has already gathered more than 450 signatures, reflecting a community that is both appreciative of his contributions and hopeful for a smooth transition.
Eastern York’s Daryl Bud Kyle, currently the head coach at Eastern York, is slated to take over the Bearcats program. Kyle brings a reputation for disciplined play and a track record of developing talent, qualities the school board believes will sustain the team’s upward trajectory.
The transition underscores a broader shift in the district’s athletic strategy, one that blends on‑field success with community outreach initiatives championed by Stoner’s nonprofit. As the board prepares for its June 17 meeting, the focus will be on how the new leadership can build on the foundation laid over the past ten years.