Cedar Rapids Washington announced Monday the hiring of Coe assistant coach Justin Decker as its head boys basketball coach, pending School Board approval.

Decker replaces Adam Sanchez, who resigned last week after three years.

Decker becomes the ninth boys basketball coach at Washington in its 58-year history. He follows Sanchez, Brad Metzger, Rick Williams, Tom Kummer, Don King, Clark McCleary, Don Shupe and Orville Rust.

Decker grew up in Independence and attended Cornell College, lettering three years in basketball.

Twice he was named to the Iowa Conference All-Academic team and was captain of the Cornell basketball team in 2004. Following graduation, he earned his Master's degree at Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla.

Decker returned to Iowa to become the head basketball coach at Riceville High School. He then went to Cornell College as the assistant basketball coach.

During his three years at Cornell, he helped the Rams win an Iowa Conference tournament championship and turn around their basketball fortunes. He spent the last five years at Coe, where he was the associate head coach.

The Kohawks had a pair of second-place conference finishes and one conference championship during that time. In his eight years at the college level, Decker has assisted teams to a 123-87 record while turning around programs that were 4-21 and 9-17 the year prior to his arrival.

“Coach Decker is known for his hard work – roll up your sleeves and get to work attitude,” said Washington Principal Dr. Ralph Plagman. “He will create a positive culture in the Washington basketball program.”

Athletic Director Paul James said, “Coach Decker comes with a passion for the game and will create an atmosphere the players will enjoy, improve, and experience success."