Jeff Osment Jeff Osment will be leaving some very large Shaquille O'Neal-sized shoes to fill.

Osment, who guided American Legion Post 109 to unprecedented success, has stepped down after 11 years.

During that time, Post 109 captured three league championships, advanced to four state tournaments, where he has posted an 8-7 record, and made one trip to the Southeast Regional.

Prior to Osment, Post 109 made just one playoff appearance and never advanced to the state tournament.

Despite a depleted roster and a thin pitching staff, Post 109 finished with a remarkable 22-6 mark this season, including another trip to the state tournament.

Osment said he believes he's making the right decision.

"I just think it's the right thing to do now and it's in everybody's best interest."

Osment said he'll now be free to use the summer months to obtain his master's degree.

But he admits it won't be easy walking away from one of the top American Legion programs in the state.

"I was part of the program when we really didn't win a lot," he said. "My first season, we were 3-15. But I have a lot of great memories and I couldn't have done it without a lot of great coaches."

His assistants have included Brad Phillips, Travis Clary, Jeff Mages, Brock White, Zach Bridges and Zach Clary.

Osment, who also led Gaffney High baseball team to its first ever state championship this season, said he has no idea who will succeed him.