Roloff to continue as Kennedy girls' basketball coach

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Dennis Roloff is staying. Somewhat.

Roloff, who has announced his retirement as a teacher at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, said Tuesday that he will continue as the school's girls' basketball coach.

An agreement was reached between Roloff and Kennedy Athletics Director Aaron Stecker on Friday.

"I was kind of nervous when he called me in," said Roloff, who has posted a 301-155 record in 20 years at Kennedy. "I would have understood if he wanted to go a different direction, with someone who would be in the building all the time."

Instead, Stecker opted for stability, experience and proven success.

"I knew that basketball was something he wanted to hang onto, and he certainly has earned this opportunity," Stecker said. "Having Dennis Roloff around to work with kids is a good thing for Kennedy High School."

Roloff, 57, has not decided whether he will continue as the boys' track coach.

He announced his retirement as a teacher in January, but has been non-committal about his coaching duties.

"I just wanted to wait until the season was over," Roloff said. "I think Aaron would like me to commit for more than one year. If I can go another five years, fantastic."

Roloff has taken five teams to state, piloting the Cougars to the Class 4A semifinals in 2009 and 2010. The Cougars dipped to 9-14 with an inexperienced team this season.

It was the program's first losing record since 1996-97.

Courtney Strait, a third-team all-stater last season, will return next year for her senior season. And Roloff is excited about a couple of young posts.

"That's what we were lacking last year, a dominant post player," Roloff said.