Legendary Webb City football coach John Roderique announces retirement

One of the greatest coaches in high school football history announced his retirement on Monday afternoon.

Webb City football coach John Roderique tweeted on Monday that he will depart the Cardinals football program after 26 years.

"I am so proud to be part of this amazing community, school and WEBB CITY FOOTBALL," Roderique tweeted. "For the past 26 years, I've been able to do what I love; with the people I love — every single day. What an honor and privilege it has been.

"I'm excited (and a little sad) to announce my retirement at the end of the school year."

Roderique has led Webb City to 13 state championship victories during his career with the most recent coming in 2021 and his first in 1997. His dominance included a stretch of five-consecutive titles from the 2010 season through the 2014 season. He led his alma mater to 10 perfect seasons and he ends his career with a 315-35 record.

In 2018, Roderique was recognized by MaxPreps as the No. 35 high school football coach of all time.

Roderique was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 and proceeded to lead the Cardinals to his final state championship with a 26-21 win over Holt later in the year. Webb City went 6-4 this season and lost in the district semifinals against Republic.

Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at 417-371-6987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or Twitter at @WyattWheeler_NL. He's also the co-host of Sports Talk on Jock Radio weekdays from 4-6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Webb City football coach John Roderique announces retirement