HASTINGS, Neb. – The Hastings St. Cecilia High School Softball Head Coach position is open for the first time in the program's history. 

Ryan Ohnoutka is stepping down from head coaching duties for the Bluehawks seven years after the program's formation in 2018, where he was the only Head Coach. 

According to a news release, Ohnoutka has accepted a teaching position at Pierce Public Schools, and will become the Bluejays Boys Basketball Head Coach next school year.

"I’m very proud of the progress this program has made over the last seven years," said Ohnoutka in the release.
"The plan was to evaluate things after 5 years to determine if we could sustain the program. We accomplished that and more. I want to send my gratitude to all the past and current players of this program. We had a vision, and they achieved so much by playing for each other. This awesome softball community will continue to grow and succeed."

In seven seasons, Ohnoutka notched a 190-58 overall record, with a state runner-up title in 2022, and appearances in the state softball tournament in six of the seven years during the program's existence.

“Mr. Ohnoutka has been a great example of leadership in the classroom as well as on the softball field,” said Chief Administrative Officer of Hastings Catholic Schools Fr. Cyrus Rowan. “Coach O helped start our softball program and, through his coaching over the years, has helped the relatively young softball program be a force at the state tournament each year. Mr. Ohnoutka has put the Bluehawks in a solid position with a sturdy foundation to continue to succeed well in to the future.”

Hastings Catholic Schools has begun the search for its new Varsity Softball coach with applications now open on their website.