Football hire should provide consistency for Washington players and program

CEDAR RAPIDS — Almost three weeks have passed since Paul James was named Linn-Mar's head football coach, leaving Cedar Rapids Washington, where he spent more than 40 years involved with the program as an assistant, head coach and activities director.

Washington administrators and the Cedar Rapids Community School District are in the infancy stages of finding his successor. Washington will have its share of qualified candidates, looking to step into an established Class 4A football program that has reached the state semifinals two of the last three years including a runner-up finish 2014.

Washington has a unique situation that could impact things. The school has an interim principal and an interim A.D. The program will need consistency with the possible turnover in office leadership. The best way to ensure that is to hire from within and James, himself, said the staff has capable replacements.

'In the course of my two different stints, we worked at developing a cohesive staff,' James said when asked about a possible replacement after Linn-Mar announced his hiring. 'I think the way we do things is a good training ground for our coaches to become head coaches and move on in their quest to move on professionally.'

The list has to begin with assistants Maurice Blue and Frank Scherrman. There are other Washington assistants and non-varsity coaches that could be considered, but those two are interested and would fit the bill. Scherrman echoed James' sentiments.

'We have qualified assistants on our staff that are perfect for the job,' Scherrman said.

In full disclosure, I was a teammate with Blue at Washington for the 1992 prep football season and have remained friends, but that shouldn't detract from his qualifications to leading the Warriors.

Blue was an all-state defensive end for Washington's 1993 playoff team. Blue signed with University of Northern Iowa and concluded his college career at Coe College. He is an accomplished player.

He has been a fixture at the school for the last 25 years, starting his coaching career in 1996 as a boys' track assistant to Bob Potter.

He joined the football staff under James in 1998 and has since been a constant in the program that has included both spans by James and Tony Lombardi's tenure.

He knows the program, the student athletes and the history of the school. He is consistency that is needed, and knows what can boost the program.

James helped develop Blue, entrusting him to coach each defensive position. He spent time next to James in the press box on game nights. Blue has said James taught him a lot about organization and preparation. Blue has the knowledge of the game and schemes, working in just about every facet as an assistant over the years.

Few know the school's halls. He works at the building and will be in-house. A teaching position won't need to become open to have the head coach on site. Not a requirement, but a benefit.

Blue has experience as a head coach, leading the boys' track team. He tutored under former head coach Bill Pinckney and was a co-head coach for a few years before taking over on his own.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy Coach Brian White, a friend of Blue who has coached with and against him, is convinced that Blue is the best choice for the job. He said Blue is ready to assume the role.

'I cringe at it a little bit because I know he's a competitor,' White said. 'I know he's going to keep Washington a top-notch team. I'm a competitor, but Mo Blue is an excellent football coach.'

Although Blue would dismiss it as a factor, the hiring can be a catalyst for social change. Blue's resume stands on its own, but it's hard not to think of the cultural influence the hire could make. To my knowledge, the Metro has not had an African-American head varsity football coach. Imagine the impact that can have on our youth. It could, and would, be monumental.

Scherrman is also a fine candidate. He is a current member of the staff. Scherrman has been around the program for a while and has head coaching experience, starting his 14th year as head coach of the girls' track program.

He certainly is experienced and knows the program and school well. Scherrman is in his 22nd year as an assistant football coach. He has coached at multiple levels, serving as a head freshman and sophomore coach in the past. He has spent about the last decade as an assistant varsity coach.

He teaches social studies, so he is accessible to football players. He has coached boys track and was a girls' basketball assistant.

Either way you cut it, the Warriors need stability after the unexpected move by James. With recent administration changes and no promise the current principal and activities director will remain, Washington could be well served by someone already in the program.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com