Asquini returns to coach St. Charles East baseball

It is a simple sign that reads 1999 Class AA state champs.

The symbol of excellence capped then-St. Charles High School’s award-winning 1998-99 campaign that included seven state titles (boys golf, girls cross country, girls swimming, boys swimming, drill team, girls soccer, baseball).

However, the sign has been conspicuously absent from its position directly below the baseball scoreboard for the past year or so since the installation of the new giant-sized scoreboard alongside Kirk Road.

This past weekend, the sign was returned to its rightful place just beyond the left-field fence.

Returned by its rightful owner, Len Asquini, who was officially named as the Saints’ varsity baseball coach late last week.

Asquini, who spent eight years at the helm from 1996-2003, guided the Saints to the Class 2A state championship in 1999.

Now he’s back where he belongs.

Returning the sign to its familiar spot was one of the first items of business handled by Asquini last Saturday.

“It was up and done by 2:30 p.m.,” said Asquini. “A couple of alums helped out — Justin Lata’s dad, Denny, and Monty Carbonell.”

The re-installation of the sign might not seem like a big deal to some, but it fits the personality of the Saints’ diamond coach perfectly.

“While we’re looking forward to the upcoming season, we can’t forget that stuff,” said Asquini. “Tradition never graduates.”

Asquini has plenty of tradition on his side, evidenced by an impressive .719 winning percentage (226-88-1) that included six regional championships, a pair of sectional titles, and an Elite Eight berth (2002) in addition to the 1999 state crown.

The Saints posted four consecutive 30-plus win seasons from 1999-2002 (combined record of 127-36) and had eight straight winning campaigns before Asquini turned in his resignation due to family obligations.

“I didn’t want to leave in the first place but I had to,” said Asquini.

Now that his daughter, Dani, is a college freshman, and his sons, Nick and Jake, are in high school, this year marked the first time that Asquini could again allow himself to think about returning to coaching high school baseball.

“I’ve always said that the earliest I could come back was when Jake was a freshman,” said Asquini, who teaches special education at St. Charles East.

But even Asquini couldn’t have envisioned a better scenario taking place with the recent varsity baseball head coaching opening.

“I was looking into getting back (into coaching) in any capacity at any level,” said Asquini. “Fortunately, the timing was perfect and all of the stars aligned. I’m so happy and grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m just ecstatic to be able to work with the kids, fellow coaches and entire program.”

St. Charles East co-interim athletic director Jim Bloch was equally pleased to see Asquini’s name among the applicants for the position.

“Our paths crossed years ago when Len was a wonderful student-athlete at Glenbrook South High School,” said Bloch. “I actually began my career there as a teacher and a coach.

“I knew the Asquini family because I had coached a couple of his brothers on lower-level football. They’re just a rock-solid family.”

Years later, Bloch heard similar sentiments during the course of the recent interview process.

“People just rave about the contributions that he makes as a teacher in the special education department,” said Bloch. “They said that he’s a wonderful faculty member. That in itself tells you something about the man.”

Asquini, who stresses pitching and defense as “absolute needs,” inherits a team that earned back-to-back regional titles but graduated several standouts, including Kansas freshman Wes Benjamin, Saints single-season home run leader Tony Rallo, Luke Rojas, and Dan Ditusa.

Despite the recent string of success, the program may have gotten away from its roots.

“I heard people referring to St. Charles East as the ‘University of Baseball,’ the last couple of years,” said Asquini. “But they’re still just kids between the ages of 15 and 18. They’re too young for that type of college atmosphere approach. It’s St. Charles East High School.

“There will be a time to get serious and to get our work done but I also want the guys to have fun out there,” added Asquini.

While the last few candidates were viable names, the final selection was clear-cut.

“If it weren’t for the situation that led him (Asquini) to have to step aside, you would have had the continuity in the program, and we’re not having this discussion,” said Bloch.

“It’s the right thing to do. He’s the best person, the best teacher, and the best coach for the job,” added Bloch.

I’ve just got three words to add ...

Welcome back, Len.

You can reach Craig Brueske at csb4k@hotmail.com