Adam Sanchez is only 29 years old, but he's already worked for five different college basketball coaches at Wartburg, Drake and Grand View.

Now he could be working for himself as the new boys basketball coach at Cedar Rapids Washington.

Sanchez was interviewed for the job by Washington officials earlier this week. He'll return to Cedar Rapids from Des Moines on Friday, and this time it was suggested by Washington officials that he bring his wife with him so they could get acquainted.

Washington principal Ralph Plagman and athletic director Paul James are looking for a successor to Brad Metzger, who resigned after a winless campaign this past season.

"They want me to come up again and have another conversation," Sanchez said Thursday night. "I know there's interest on both sides."

Sanchez has been an assistant men's basketball coach at Grand View University in Des Moines for the past three years. He played basketball at Wartburg College, then began his coaching career as an assistant at Wartburg for veteran coach Dick Peth.

Sanchez worked for Tom Davis, Keno Davis and Mark Phelps at Drake University before working for Denis Schaefer at Grand View, so he's been exposed to a variety of coaching styles and philosophies.

Sanchez said he's excited about the possibility of becoming a high school coach. As an assistant coach in college, he's required to make numerous trips for recruiting purposes and games.

"I have a young family now and I'm looking for a chance to stay at home a little more," he said.

Washington officials contacted Peth and asked questions about Sanchez during their search for a new coach.

"We certainly endorsed Adam, there's no question," Peth said Thursday morning. "Adam was like a sponge when he came to us as a player out of high school. He has a terrific basketball mind. I'm sure he'd do an excellent job for them."

Sanchez is from Hudson and his wife, Abby, is from Williamsburg. He said working in Cedar Rapids would be ideal for the family. "It would be great for the grandparents," he said.

Sanchez and his wife have a 3-year-old daughter, Taylor, and 1-year-old twins Tyson and Tenley.

Sanchez earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Wartburg and got his master's in educational leadership from Drake. If he gets the Washington job, he said he'd prefer to teach at the high school. "I'd like to be in the building," he said.

James said Wednesday night that Washington will not be able to name a new basketball coach until they've resolved the new coach's teaching position. "That's the one thing we need to address tomorrow," said Sanchez.

Sanchez is well aware that the Warriors did not win any games this past season. He's discussed that aspect of the job with Washington officials.

"It didn't take them long to tell me (about the winless season). They did not hide that fact," he said. "It's a challenge, obviously. As a coach, we have an ego that you can be
the one to turn the program around."

Sanchez said Washington officials have interviewed other candidates for the job. He said he doesn't know if he'll be offered the job or not.

"I wish I knew," he said.