The name John Roderique is synonymous with Webb City High School football.
Roderique, an all-state linebacker for the Cardinals, helped them make their first playoff appearance as a senior in 1985 under Mark McDonald.
Roderique, who returned to Webb City as head coach for the 1997 season after assisting seven at Pittsburg State University, has posted a remarkable 245-24 record in 20 years with 10 of the Cardinals’ 13 state championships.
“I’ve been blessed,” Roderique said. “I have a great family. I’ve had great players, great parents and great assistant coaches at Webb City. I worked for outstanding coaches at Pittsburg State (including head coach Chuck Broyles and coordinators Tim Beck and Jerry Kill).”
Roderique secured a master’s degree from PSU after an All-American playing career as an inside linebacker for the Gorillas.
Roderique was fortunate, he said, to assist on both defense and offense at PSU before turning to the prep level.
Roderique, who did his student teaching in Joplin, said he wouldn’t forget the guidance from the likes of Dick Brownlee, Mickey Heatherly and Debbie Smallwood.
Roderique, a three-year started at PSU, served as a captain in 1988 and 1989. He was inducted into the PSU Hall of Fame in 1999 and also was named to the PSU 100th Anniversary Team.
Roderique, in 2016, was selected to the inaugural Webb City Athletics Hall of Fame. He will join the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in December.
Roderique, a son of the late Jenell and Don Roderique, was born in Joplin.
