Washington: Former Cougar Star Coaching Eastside Catholic

Trumpeted for the Heisman Trophy during his days on the Palouse, Gesser looking to thrive on the Eastside; Prosser set to replace Moore; Kentwood replaces a champion with a champion.

It's a good job for a first-time head coach.

Former Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser, 29, was named head football coach at Eastside Catholic.

Gesser has bounced around as an assistant coach and a college football analyst at Fox Sports Net. He has also played in the Arena Football League. The AFL cancelled its 2009 season for financial problems, allowing Gesser the chance to coach.

"For me, the timing couldn't be better," Gesser told the Seattle Times. "This, I believe, is the premier job in the Northwest. We have a new campus, a new building, and I think this is such a good fit. We hope to create a dynasty for the next 10-plus years, and our goal is certainly a state champion."

Gesser replaces Bill Marsh, who stepped down after 10 seasons. The Crusaders have gone 27-7 over the past three seasons. Last year, they won the Metro League title for the first time since 1993. Eastside graduated 31 seniors.

Gesser is the winningest signal caller in Washington State history and was a three-time team captain.

He was an undrafted free agent with Tennessee in 2003 and he also spent time in the Canadian Football League.

Football: Prosser set to replace a legend

Tom Moore stepped down after 23 uber-successful seasons at Prosser two months ago.

The school seems set to name his replacement.

The Tri-City Herald reported that former player and assistant Benji Sonnichsen has been recommended to replace Moore. The school board will consider that at a meeting on Tuesday.

Moore was 234-38 with four state titles at Prosser.

Track and Field: St. Clair goes low

Dean Montzingo will replace Keith Hennig (pictured) at Kentwood.

Photo By Juliann Tallino

Kentwood's Devin St. Clair posted the best times in the state in the 100 and 200 and the Shoreline Track and Field Invitational, considered the biggest all-boys invite in the state.

St. Clair won the 100 in 10.73 seconds and the 200 in 21.40. St. Clair's marks were among seven state-best times at the meet.

Basketball: Kentwood replaces champion with champion

Kentwood hired Dean Montzingo to coach its girls basketball team. Montzingo coached the Conqueror boys to a state title in 2004 with Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey leading the way.

He was 117-24 in five years before stepping down to watch his sons play sports. They are now in college.

He replaces Keith Hennig, who stepped down after guiding the girls team to a state title in March.