Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Missouri resident with a history of coaching in this part of Illinois is coming back to this area to lead the athletic department at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC).

According to a news release, the college has named Todd Creal, most recently at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, as Athletic Director.

Creal, a native of Brighton, got degrees at Illinois College in Jacksonville and Western Illinois University in Macomb.  He played basketball at Illinois College, where he was captain in his senior year.

While at Westminster, LLCC says he served as head men’s basketball coach, sports information director, interim associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics, associate director of athletics, senior compliance officer, and oversaw the implementation of an athletic Hall of Fame.

“I look forward to being at LLCC and working to continue to uphold the values of what it means to be a Logger,” said Creal, in a news release.  “I will work hard every day to enrich the student-athlete experience, support our fantastic coaches, and continue to to elevate our presence on campus and in the greater Springfield community as a whole.”

Creal was also a former coach at Illinois College, as well as at Millikin University in Decatur.

“Todd Creal is truly a leader who truly understands the dual mission of collegiate athletics,” said Shanda Byer, LLCC vice president of student services, in a news release.

Creal’s salary was not disclosed.