Oran tabs Bucher as next head coach

sports@standard-democrat.com

ORAN -- Oran graduate Paul Bucher nailed down his dream job.

Following a vote by the Oran school board Tuesday, Bucher was told by his former head coach and Oran Superintendent Mitch Wood that he was selected as the next head coach for the Oran baseball program.

"It's just awesome," Bucher said. "I waited up and got the text from coach Wood that night. It's hard to describe. Coming back to your hometown and taking over a program that you played for is special. I would like to thank the town, school and community for the opportunity."

Bucher graduated Oran High School in 2006. He went on to play baseball for two seasons at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., and then transferred to Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., where he graduated from in 2011.

Bucher started his first year with the Oran baseball program this season as an assistant coach under Wood, who is retiring after 21 seasons with the Eagles and 24 overall as a head coach.

"He's been a tremendous help and a huge influence in my life," Bucher said about Wood. "He's probably the reason I looked into education and wanting to become a coach. Playing for him and working under him has been a privilege. He's helped me out tremendously as far as learning how to manage a team. I feel very fortunate that I've played for him and honored to have coached with him."

Wood erased the sting of nine previous empty-handed trips to the MSHSAA Class 1 state baseball tournament on May 29 of this year when he brought back the school's first state championship -- in any sport -- following an 8-4 win over Santa Fe in O'Fallon.

Although it was their first title, the expectations are the same as they were before when it comes to success on the field. It's something that Bucher, who made two trips to the final four as a player in 2004 and 2006 winning second and third, respectively, knows all too well.

"Being from the town and the community and being familiar with the baseball program, expectations are state championships. The expectation is definitely to win," Bucher said. "My first year is set high, which is how it should be. Having got one, I think that will just drive the community and the school even more. You're fortunate to have a setting like this to work in."

On top of playing and working for Wood, Bucher was an assistant coach at Charleston High School in 2012 under head coach Michael Minner. Bucher has also helped with the summer baseball programs in Charleston as part of the Charleston Fighting Squirrels Senior Babe Ruth program.

"I've learned from two of the best coaches in southeast Missouri as far as I'm concerned," said Bucher. "I can take little bits and pieces from both. That's pretty unique."

Following Wood out of coaching, longtime assistant Larry Boshell is also leaving the Oran baseball program after 20 years of service. Bucher is searching for a new assistant, which will more than likely be someone inside the Oran school district.

"Coach Boshell has been with the team for 20 years and he's put in a lot of time and effort," Bucher said. "He's spent countless hours of doing the assistants work. People don't realize how much time and work he puts in and I'd like to also thank him for teaching me many things last season."

The Oran baseball program has made 12 trips to the final four in it's history never leaving without at least one win. Wood finished his career with Oran with a 440-134 record, 15 district titles, 10 final four appearances and a state championship.