The search for Sterling’s new boys basketball coach didn’t take very long, nor did athletic director Greg King have to look very far.
Less than a month after Jim Preston resigned following 3 years at the Golden Warriors’ helm, former boys assistant Ryan Vasquez was tabbed as his replacement Monday, pending approval at the school board meeting April 29.
“It really means a lot to be part of such a great program at a great school,” Vazquez said. “It’s all about bringing positive energy to the table, and there’s no better feeling as a coach than seeing your players achieve their dreams.
“It’s all about the kids, and if I can help them achieve those dreams, whatever they may be, then I’m heading down the right path.”
Vasquez spent last season as the girls head coach, leading the Warriors to a 15-17 record, including 7-6 in Northern Illinois Big 12 play. He also has head coaching experience from one season with the Sauk Valley Predators, of the PBL, in 2013.
The 2001 Sterling graduate coached middle school boys basketball from 2001-04, then worked with the boys program on all three levels from 2007-13.
Vasquez has the reputation as a high-energy guy, and he believes that his experience with the boys program will be beneficial, as is the timeliness of the hiring.
“I’ve worked with these kids previously, so I think that will make this a very smooth transition,” Vasquez said. “It’s a huge plus to have so much of the offseason still, with 5 weeks left in the spring, then phase two this summer. Hopefully the guys will come in buying what I’m selling.”
The style will be a familiar one for the Warriors: hard-nosed, tough-minded basketball, with a focus on the fundamentals and working hard to get better every day.
It’s one of the big reasons why King will be looking for a new girls head coach now, instead of continuing his search for a boys coach.
“Ryan did a great job with our girls last year,” King said. “He provided great basketball instruction, great leadership, great motivation, and brought a family atmosphere to our girls program. I expect nothing but the same in our boys program.”
The girls head coaching job has already been listed, and King said he will look both internally and outside the district for Vasquez’s replacement, as there might be a teaching position open for next year.
Vasquez file
High school: Sterling, class of 2001
College: Ashford, class of 2007
FYI: Has been hired as Sterling boys basketball coach, pending approval of the school board at its April 29 meeting. … Served as Warriors’ head girls basketball coach last season. … Coached at all three levels in boys basketball program prior to taking the girls job. … Also coached 2 years with Sauk Valley Predators PBL team, including as head coach in 2012-13. … Works in the SHS technology department.