Washington hires Sanchez to coach boys' basketball

CEDAR RAPIDS - He waited an extra week, but Adam Sanchez is finally getting a chance to be a head coach.Cedar Rapids Washington officially announced the Hudson native's hiring to lead its varsity basketball program Friday, pending school district approval. Sanchez had an interview last Monday and was asked to return to Washington with his wife last Friday to meet again with school officials.He had to know he was eventually going to be the guy, right?"You always have that hope and feeling," he said Friday afternoon. "But you never know for sure."Sanchez replaces Brad Metzger, who resigned earlier this spring. He is just the eighth basketball coach in Washington's 55-year history.His teaching position at the school has yet to be determined."Adam Sanchez quickly rose to the top of the list because of his rich basketball experience and his engaging personality. Our players will really enjoy playing for Coach Sanchez," Washington Principal Dr. Ralph Plagman said in a press release.Sanchez played basketball at Wartburg, where he also was an assistant coach. He was a graduate assistant for both Tom and Keno Davis at Drake, before settling in the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Grand View University in Des Moines."Coach Sanchez will bring much enthusiasm, vast experiences and a great work ethic to Washington," James said in a release."It's a great opportunity," Sanchez said. "I want to thank Dr. Plagman and Paul James for taking a chance on me and giving me an opportunity to be a head coach. I look forward to the challenge."