After the resignation of former boys basketball Head Coach Ken Brown last spring, Wright City Activities Director David Evans began searching for a replacement.

Five months later, Evans is prepared to pick up a clipboard and lead the Wildcats next season.

“We’ve had the position open since March and we’re just waiting for a qualified candidate in the district to take it,” Evans said. “We’re at the point now where we’re looking out of district for someone who is qualified, even if that means working around schedules and things like that. We want someone who is dedicated, who wants to work with the kids and help build a strong program. We have a pretty talented group of seniors coming back this year, so they’ll be able to carry the team some. But they need good leadership from the top down.”

Brown led the Wildcats to a 5-19 record last season, but seniors Devon Holmes, Sean McDonald and Cameron Cole are expected to return next season.

“When the school year ended, I decided I was going to put a summer schedule together because these kids deserved it,” Evans said. “We’re going to continue to do off-season stuff, and I’m at that point where I’m accepting I’m going to be the coach unless someone pops in and decides they want to do it.”

Evans has experience coaching varsity soccer and volleyball, and has helped coach football, wrestling and basketball during his career.

He spent 14 years at Warrenton, and coached volleyball at Fort Zumwalt North his first year out of college.

“The coaching aspect will be fine,” he said. “I have a good rapport with the kids, so If I’m the one who fills the position this year, I think we’ll be OK. But I’d like to find someone who can dedicate themselves and really work with the kids and grow our program.”

Evans said keeping the separation between coaching and administration is the best scenario, but realizes basketball season is less than three months away.

“We’ve had some positions that didn’t get filled until late but we were able to fill them, so up until this point I haven’t had to step in,” he said. “But if the times call for it, we’re going to do it.”