Niemeyer will coach, but not teach, in 2011-12

MARION -- He won't return to the classroom next year.But he'll be back on the court and in the dugout.Larry Niemeyer said Saturday night that he will retire from teaching after the current school year, but will continue to coach girls' basketball and softball.He announced his intentions after Cedar Rapids Jefferson was eliminated by No. 2 Linn-Mar, 54-22, in a Class 4A girls' basketball regional semifinal.The J-Hawks finished 8-15, their worst record since 1993-94.Niemeyer has coached basketball 51 years, compiling a record of 862-338. He coached Jefferson to the state basketball title in 1993 and softball titles in 1983, 1997 and 1998. Last summer, he picked up his 2,000th career softball win.He began his career at Adel High School in 1959, then started at Jefferson in 1978. He taught business until this school year, when he was reassigned to physical education."I really enjoyed it this year," he said. "The last day of school will be a sad day for me."