By Bob Hamar
bob.hamar@theindependent.com

Now, the job is his.

Asher, who had compiled a 45-40 record in four seasons at Wood River, was introduced Saturday as the new St. Cecilia coach. Asher had been offered the job a year ago when Scott Rosno resigned after 11 years, but he wasn't ready to make the move at that time.

"The timing was the big thing," Asher said. "Last year I was offered the position in May. I felt it was too late and I was committed the Wood River kids and the program.

"It just wasn't the right time to pull out of a contract I'd signed two months earlier. I just felt I was needed at Wood River to try and finish things out there or at least continue things there."

St. Cecilia began this season under co-coaches Trent Blackwell and Mike Trader, but Blackwell was put on administrative leave in January and later dismissed for undisclosed reasons.

Rob Kober, a former assistant under Rosno, took over as interim co-coach the remainder of the season. With Kober, Trader and assistants Mike Allsman and Brandon Vacek leading the way, the Bluehawks went 23-2 and won the Class C-1 state title for the program's first state championship since 1969.

St. Cecilia loses just three seniors, including one starter, from this year's team. The Bluehawks will return their two leading scorers in guard Jake Hamburger and center Blake Wright.

"They have a nice group back," Asher said. "We'll miss the leadership from the seniors, but we have a good senior group coming back and some good underclassmen."

But nothing is guaranteed in sports. That's the message Asher has for his new players and all involved with the St. Cecilia program.

"There are no guarantees," Asher said. "Sometimes the parents and the kids are unrealistic. You just have to take it day by day."

Asher said he met with the players Saturday to get an indication of who would be back next year. Now he'll begin the task of organizing summer leagues and get things going for the off season.

Asher said he scouted the Bluehawks twice this season and saw all six of their games in the post season.

"I was impressed with their on-court demeanor," he said. "They really handled themselves well at the games I saw."

St. Cecilia was considered one of the top defensive teams around last season. Asher plans to keep that reputation going.

"Hopefully that can be our staple," he said. "You get the final few teams in any class and you have to play great defense to get yourself in position to win.

"We'll take a lot of pride in our defense. We're not going to change a lot of things."

Asher said he doesn't believe there is more pressure on him taking over a state championship team than he had at Wood River where the Eagles went 3-16 last season.

"I felt pressure this last year trying to get to four wins," Asher said.