Former Jefferson Coach Bob Ask praises J-Hawks

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Jefferson cleared a major hurdle with a 27-24 victory over Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Thursday night at Kingston Stadium.

The J-Hawks claimed their first win over a Cedar Rapids/Marion Metro school since beating Linn-Mar, 27-19, on Oct. 17, 2008. It was also their first home victory since then. Jefferson earned its first win in 12 years over the Cougars, notching a winning record for the first time since a season-opening 7-0 win over Cedar Rapids Xavier on Aug. 29, 2008. Jefferson owns a three-game win streak,

As the players, coaches and even fans celebrated how far the program has come from winning just two total games the previous two seasons and suffering a 24-game losing streak from 2009 to Sept. 2012, the J-Hawks had an old, familiar face grace the Kingston turf. Former Jefferson Coach Bob Ask addressed the J-Hawks after the win, bridging the gap from their successful history to the team trying to regain respectability.

'I couldn't be more proud,” Ask told the team. 'It's one of the greatest victories we've ever had, but it's hard on an old man's heart but I'll take it.”

Jefferson Coach Brian Webb is in his third season leading the program. He said it was great for Ask to experience the win.

'Coach Ask has been waiting on this for a long time,” Webb said. 'I'm happy he got to be a piece of it, because Bob Ask is a J-Hawk and lives his life through these kids.

'Like he said, it's hard on the heart but he'll sleep better tonight. He's a big part of our program. He's a big guy I lean on when I have questions.”

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