CHERRY TWP — Longtime assistant Cecil Blauser was hired as Moniteau High School head varsity football coach Monday night at a district school board meeting.

Blauser, 45, of Concord Township, replaces Jeff Campbell, who resigned the post earlier this summer.

Campbell was 40-28 in seven seasons at the helm, including 1-8 last year.

“I’ve never aspired to be a head coach,” Blauser said. “I decided to apply for the position, to step up, especially for the seniors, to maintain continuity in the program.

“My son (Austin) is a junior on this team. I hadn’t coached him before high school, but I’ve followed him and his friends since youth football. I care about these kids a lot.”

Blauser has been an assistant coach under the Warriors’ three previous head coaches — Campbell, Steve Wilson and Tom Kidder.

“All three are great guys. I just want to continue the tradition,” Blauser said.

Since Campbell’s resignation, Blauser had been serving as interim coach, organizing weight room work and the first day of practice Monday.

“Just keeping things together,” he said.

He was one of three finalists for the head coaching job.

“This is Cecil’s time. He’s earned this,” Campbell said. “I’m happy he got the job. He’s loyal and dedicated to the kids.”

Blauser’s previous position as assistant coach will be filled.

Campbell said he was “physically worn out” after last season and knew it was time to step down.

“I’ve always told myself that if I couldn’t be all in, it was time to get out,” he said. “I thought about stepping down after our big (2010) season, but we had a young team coming back and I wanted to see that through.

“I support Cecil 100 percent. He’s a great guy and a great friend. We’ve been through a lot together. No doubt in my mind, he’s the right guy for the program.”

Blauser is working with a relatively new coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Lance Colville, who played in three bowl games with Florida State.

“We’re meshing well together. It’s a good mix of guys,” Blauser said of his staff. “This program is unified.

“We’ve got 33 players and if we stick together as a team, good things will happen. That’s our selling point and the kids are buying in.”