The John Roderique era is coming to an end at Webb City High School.
One of the country’s most successful high school football coaches of all time, Roderique announced on Monday that he’s retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
“I’m excited (and a little sad) to announce my retirement at the end of this school year,” Roderique said in a statement. “I have loved my role as the head football coach and Athletic Director at Webb City High School and will cherish the friendships and memories. From the bottom of my heart — thank you all.”
Roderique directed his alma mater to 13 state championships, the most by a football coach in state history.
In 26 seasons, Roderique’s Webb City teams went a remarkable 315-35.
Under Roderique, Webb City captured state championships in 1997, 2000, ’01, ’06, ’08, 2010, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’14, ’17, ’19 and ’21. There were 10 undefeated seasons along the way.
The Cardinals were also the state runner-up in ’04 and ’15. The program won 22 straight district championships under Roderique, as well.
Roderique is a member of the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Pittsburg State Athletics Hall of Fame and the Joplin Area Sports Authority Hall of Fame.
Roderique has also been honored by MaxPreps as one of the 50 greatest high school football coaches of all-time.
“I am so proud to be a part of this amazing community, school, and Webb City Football,” Roderique said. “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. Thank you to the administrators, teachers, and staff. And, special thanks to the assistant coaches and young men who have poured their hearts into our program.
“Webb City Football is rooted in pride and tradition and I stand firm on the quote that ‘Great things can be accomplished when everyone works together and nobody cares who gets the credit.’ This quote epitomizes the players and coaches I’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout the years. God has blessed me abundantly.
“Thank you to my family for the sacrifices you have made to allow me to do this job for so long,” Roderique continued. “Heather, you’re the most important person in my life and I could not have done this without you. You are my rock. Hailey, John and Tyson, I’m so proud to be your dad. The 3 of you have been my biggest defenders, you have taught me about who I am and who I need to be. You give me hope that what we do everyday matters.”
