(KTNC) - One of the most successful high school boys’ basketball coaches in Nebraska is moving to the small-college ranks.
     Eric Behrens is leaving Class-A power Omaha Central to become head coach at Peru State College.
     Behrens coached at Central for 13 seasons and led the Eagles to seven state championships over an eight-year span, the most recent one in 2013. Behrens was 283-62 at Central.
     Behrens takes over a Peru State team that lost its last eight games and finished 9-19 last season. The Bobcats play in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
     Central athletic director Tom Lee confirmed Behrens' move to the Omaha World-Herald. Former and current Central players took to social media to wish good luck to Behrens, who couldn't be reached for comment Saturday.
     In a press release, Peru State President Dan Hanson says Behrens’ energy, enthusiasm and passion for basketball are what’s needed to take the Bobcat’s to the next level.
     Athletic Director Steve Schneider cited Behrens’ ability to build relationships and his commitment to excellence, in addition to his coaching success, as making him the right choice to lead the Peru State program.