Kennedy tennis coach Benedict steps down

CEDAR RAPIDS - Joe Benedict has resigned as head girls' tennis coach at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Activities Director Aaron Stecker said Tuesday in a press release.

Benedict has been Kennedy's head coach since 2008 after being a long-time assistant for Vance Fuller. Kennnedy had 14 singles and doubles qualifiers for the state tournament under his leadership, and his teams qualified for state in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Stecker said Benedict will continue as assistant girls' basketball coach, social studies teacher and a student government advisor.

"Coach Benedict has been a valuable asset for both the Kennedy tennis program as well as the overall Kennedy athletic department," Stecker said. "His leadership and mentoring will be missed as a member of our head coaching staff." Stecker said a search for Benedict's replacement will begin immediately with hopes of naming his successor yet this fall.