Spotlights Webb CityBusiness

Twisted Oak Boutique

32 S. Main St. • Webb City, MO • 417.673.2881 twistedoak.boutique

If you’re ready for all the new arrivals, Twisted Oak Boutique is the place to be for spring! They’ve got you covered with the perfect spring sweaters, jackets, fun graphic t-shirts and cute shoes. Whether you’re in the market for fringe or floral, Twisted Oak Boutique has it! Don’t forget about their perfect gift options, home décor and jewelry. Check them out online for exclusive offers and follow them on Facebook for all the latest trends and events.

Webb City Florist and Greenhouse

1001 S. Jefferson St. • Webb City, MO • 417.673.3780 webbcityflorist.com

Webb City Florist and Greenhouse is your premier full-service florist serving Webb City and the surrounding communities. With beautiful floral arrangements created every day, Webb City Florist can cater any look from traditional to modern and trendy or soft and romantic. Even if you’re unsure of your exact preference, the experienced designers can help create something unique to you!

Webb City Florist and Greenhouse won Business Leader of the Year by the Webb City Chamber of Commerce in 2022 and believes in delivering the best customer service, high-quality flowers and perfect gifts for any occasion.

Spencers’ Sweet Call at the Minerva

12 S. Main St. • Webb City, MO • 417.717.5183

Like us on Facebook!

Located in the historic Minerva Candy Company building, this family-owned candy shop is serving up sweet treats for the folks of Webb City and beyond. This Easter, shop Spencers’ Sweet Call for candy-filled and hollow eggs, old-fashioned caramels, chocolates, toffee, pies and other baked goods, 80 unique sodas and more. Wednesday and Thursday, 1-5 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-6 pm. Special orders by appointment, and curbside pickup is available.

Roderique Insurance Agency, LLC - Pam Drake 108 N. Main Street • Webb City, MO • 417.673.1242 www.roderiqueinsuranceagency.com

Roderique Insurance Agency has been in business since 1945. Three-generation family owned and operated; we are here to serve your insurance needs. With our personal service, we want to help you buy insurance, not sell you insurance. Conveniently located in downtown Webb City, we are here to serve you! Call us today; we help customers like you identify the insurance coverage that best fits your needs.

Shelter Insurance®

Stephen Thomas, agent

1630 S. Madison • Webb City, MO • 417.673.1975

Shelterinsurance.com/StephenThomas sthomas@shelterinsurance.com

In January 2008, Stephen Thomas took over the family business. Jimmy Thomas, Stephen’s dad, had been in the insurance business since 1956. Stephen is proud to serve the Webb City community. Give him a call or stop by, and he will be glad to help you find the right coverage at the right price. “We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.”

Ghetto Tacos

530 N.E. St. • Webb City, MO 417.438.4592 www.ghettotacos417.com ghettotacos417@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook @GhettoTacos417

Ready for an incredible tasting taco? Visit Ghetto Tacos for the perfect meal! We’re still rolling up with the best Asada, Pastor, Pollo and Chorizo Street Tacos on four wheels, so follow us on Facebook for updates on where to find our food truck. Don’t forget to ask us about catering your next private party, wedding or event … because the best tacos are Ghetto Tacos!

BEI Bill’s Electrical Contractors

1716 Falcon Rd • 417.624.6660 www.beijoplin.com

Bill’s Electric, Inc., has deep roots in Southwest Missouri, with decades of outstanding service to residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout the Four-State Area. Bill’s Electric is committed to providing the absolute best electrical repair and installation services to home owners and businesses in the Four-State Area. Our position and strength enable us to provide additional value to our clients and communities.

By Don Lowe Photos by Mandy Edmonson

It truly is an end to a remarkable era as legendary Webb City Cardinals Athletic Director and Football

Head Coach John Roderique is officially retiring when the 2022-23 school year concludes later this spring after 26 years leading his alma mater through an extended period of phenomenal success.

As for what made this the right time to step aside, Coach Roderique conveys, “The past few years I’ve evaluated things at the end of the year and just felt like it was time for someone else to lead the program. It’s been a great 26 years for me, and I’ve poured everything I can into the program.”

In considering key factors that went into this decision, Coach Roderique says, “Obviously, the first thing is having the ability to retire through the Missouri Public Schools retirement system.

“I’ve also told my wife many times over the past few years, when I feel like I’m no longer the best person to lead

Webb City Football Head Coach

John this program, it’s time for me to step away. I’ve coached football for my entire adult life (33 years) with 26 of them being at Webb City.”

While Coach Roderique believes this is for the best, he says, “At no point in time have I considered this an easy decision. We’ve had a lot of success over the years and maybe that’s made it easier.”

Conversely, Coach Roderique insists, “The most difficult part of this is leaving behind future kids, especially those currently in high school that I will not get to coach on the field and not having the ability to work with the coaches, who I consider great friends.”

It’s likely impossible to single out one year or one dominant group, but Coach Roderique looks at the entirety of all the achievements as he reflects what has been most special is “15 state title appearances, 13 state championships, 10 undefeated regular seasons, 22 straight district championships and multiple conference championships.

“When I think about these things, it really puts into perspective how many great players and coaches we’ve had and how much everyone has poured into the success of our program.”

Winning at such a high level, year after year after year didn’t just happen by chance and Coach Roderique says key factors included “the fact that players and coaches were more focused on team success rather than their own individual accomplishments.

“Our coaches always did a great job of trying to find a better way and not being satisfied with where we were. No matter how much success you have, there’s always room for improvement. Being hungry and humble are a couple other attributes I’ve witnessed from our kids over the years.”

There’s more to building a successful program than simply winning championships and Coach Roderique advises, “Holding kids accountable every day to high expectations of having great attitudes and work ethics is important as is consistently communicating with players on the purpose of why we are here. Our goals are to win games and be as competitive as we possibly can, but our

Webb City Athletic Director & Football Head Coach Fast Facts

Age: 55

Spouse: Heather Roderique

Years Married: 31 years March 21, 2023

Children: Daughter Hailey Derryberry and husband, Trey, and sons Felix and Beck, with their third child coming in May 2023; son John Roderique and wife, Corbin, and son Bo and daughter Cooper; son Tyson Roderique, who is in his third year of medical school, doing rotations in Michigan.

Hometown: Webb City, Missouri

High School Alma Mater: Webb City High School (class of 1986)

College Alma Mater: Pittsburg State University (class of 1990)

College Degree: BSED in Physical

Education & MSED in Physical Education

Favorite Football Movie: 1.) All the Right Moves 2.) Remember the Titans

Favorite Football Head Coach: Don Shula, legendary head coach of the Miami Dolphins

Notoriety: In 2018, Coach Roderique was recognized by MaxPreps as the No. 35 high school football coach of all time. Coach Roderique was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

Quotable: Coach Roderique says, “This (what I will miss most of all) is difficult to determine at this point, but I will miss the players and the coaches a great deal. The comradery with all involved in the program each day is special. I will miss the players’ parents who have been so supportive. I will miss Friday nights on the west sideline of Cardinal Stadium.” Likewise, Coach Roderique admits, “I’m assuming I won’t miss working seven days a week. I won’t miss the sleepless nights.” purpose is much bigger – to help young men develop the life skills that will allow them to be great husbands, fathers and people in this world.”

Coach Roderique has every reason to be happy with his career, and he humbly says, “I’m proud of the success our program has experienced over the years but what makes me most proud is seeing the success of so many of the young men who went through our program. There is no greater joy than to see them excel as adults.”