INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Former Moeller football coach John Rodenberg was named the Lawrence Central coach Monday night.
Rodenberg couldn’t be more ecstatic.
“It’s something that is re-invigorating,” Rodenberg told WCPO. “I’m real excited. I’ve never been afraid to take a challenge. I think they have great potential.”
Rodenberg, who led Moeller to Division I state titles in 2012 and 2013, stepped down as the Crusaders’ coach in early November after 10 seasons and an 80-41 record at the school.
Rodenberg told WCPO he wanted to coach again in 2018 and Lawrence Central was a good fit. Lawrence Central offered him the position early last week after he visited the school campus. He will be a health and physical education teacher at the school.
Lawrence Central, a Class 6A program, is in the storied Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference with the likes of Ben Davis, Warren Central, Carmel and Pike. Rodenberg is used to playing a nationally-recognized schedule.
Lawrence Central is the first public-school program Rodenberg will have coached entering his 25th season this fall. He likened it to Colerain in terms of the community. He says he was thoroughly impressed by the facilities and the commitment to winning by the administration.
Rodenberg succeeds Bill Peebles who was named the Indianapolis Cathedral coach in December. Peebles led Lawrence Central to a 12-9 record the past two seasons, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Peebles succeeded Rick Streiffwho announced his retirement in November after leading the Irish to 10 state titles in two tenures, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Moeller won four Greater Catholic League South division titles under Rodenberg including two outright (2011 and 2013).
Rodenberg, who has 164 wins, started his head coaching career at McNicholas in 1994. He led Covington Catholic to the Kentucky 3A state title in 2006. He also coached one season at Roger Bacon prior to being named the Moeller coach.
