It didn't take newly hired ASU softball coach Clint Myers long to find an assistant.
With Robert Wagner's credentials, a lot of time wasn't needed.
Wagner became the first addition to Myers' new coaching staff on July 5, less than one week after Myers was introduced as the softball coach at ASU.
Last season, Wagner helped guide Washington to a 35-22 record and an NCAA tournament Super Regional Final appearance as an assistant coach. He mainly tutored Washington's outfielders, while also specializing in improving the team's hitting.
He will continue in those same capacities at ASU.
"I'm really excited to come to ASU," Wagner said. "Traditionally, over the past 10 years Washington has been a better program in a lot of people's eyes, but the potential is there at ASU to become a nationally recognized team."
Washington swept the season series with ASU last year, winning the three run-ruled shortened games by scores of 8-0, 12-4 and 8-0, but Wagner said he liked some of the things he saw from the young, inexperienced ASU players in the opposing dugout.
"I think the core talent is there," Wagner said. "I don't really know why they didn't live up to their potential last season. I thought a lot of players could have done better than they did. They just need some more seasoning."
Wagner's coaching experience stretches far beyond Washington. He has coached at the collegiate level for more than 10 years. As the head softball coach at Odessa College in Texas from 2002-2004, Wagner led the team to its first winning season in school history.
Odessa won 20 games under Wagner in 2002-2003 and 42 in 2003-2004. In the two seasons prior to Wagner's arrival, the school won a combined 19 games.
Myers said many aspects made Wagner an attractive candidate for the assistant coaching position.
"I think his experience coaching in the Pac-10 is key," Myers said. "I think that his experience as both a head coach and an assistant coach is important. He brings teaching and knowledge. He is just a tremendous recruiter."
Working together won't be anything new for Wagner and Myers.
Wagner was Myers' assistant baseball coach at Central Arizona College from 1995-1998, where the two developed a close relationship running a successful program.
Wagner said he was ready to see what results his coaching reunion with Myers would bring.
"It's been 10 years since we first started together," Wagner said. "He has a vast experience in softball, and I'm excited to be back together with him. I know his style; I appreciate his style. I think we're going to fit really well together and complement each other."
Wagner also served as an assistant coach for the Central Arizona softball team that won the National Junior College Athletic Association's national championship in 1999.
He has also been an assistant softball coach at Utah and head softball coach at Woodinville High School in Washington.
Myers said that Wagner's knowledge of the game and tremendous work ethic would pay immediate dividends for the softball program at ASU.
"He can teach," Myers said. "The bottom line is he is a good coach. We had a history together, so the ability to get along with him and him knowing my philosophy was important."
Reach the reporter at jeremy.a.cluff@asu.edu.