Out of the classroom, but still on the court

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Dennis Roloff's afternoons used to be filled with power tools, sawdust and noise.

The pace has slowed somewhat upon retirement.

"I try to get an afternoon nap," he said.

His wife, Jill chimed in:

"He gets one in the morning too," she said. "Don't let him fool you."

Roloff and Larry Niemeyer both opted to retire last spring after long teaching careers -- Roloff instructed wood technology at Cedar Rapids Kennedy; Niemeyer taught business courses and physical education at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

"I enjoyed my teaching," Niemeyer said. "Jefferson was such a great place to teach, and I enjoyed every second of it."

The teaching has ended, but the coaching continues.

Two girls' basketball programs used to winning, Jefferson (5-8) and Kennedy (6-6) are in rebuilding modes.

Kennedy defeated Jefferson, 81-39, Friday night.

"We've been going through a lot of growing pains," Roloff said. "We're inexperienced, but we're cutting down on turnovers. We're taking better shots. The hustle is there."

Niemeyer ranks No. 3 in victories among girls' basketball coaches all-time in Iowa (he's 867-346 in 52 seasons at Jefferson and Adel). He has taken Jefferson to state nine times, winning the championship in 1993.

He feels that retirement from teaching has given him a boost.

"I don't know how many guys I've talked to that said they have more energy after they're retired, but that's how I feel," he said. "I don't have to worry about a Tuesday night in Dubuque and being up early the next morning."

These days, Niemeyer gets up around 8 a.m. It's not uncommon for him to visit Panera or Donutland, then run some errands.

He's the grocery guy of the family now.

"It's amazing how fast the time goes," he said. "I run a couple errands, and before you know it, it's time to go to practice."

Roloff is in his 21st year coaching at Kennedy, where he has posted a 307-161 record with five state appearances. He also was the head boys' track coach, a position he vacated after last spring.

He said he sees his players as much now as he did when he taught.

"Not too many girls take wood tech," he said. "I have great kids, and I have a great administration that lets me continue to do this.

"I want to do this for a few years."

So does Niemeyer.

"I'll do it as long as my health holds up and as long as (the administration) wants me," he said.