Thomas High School - Terrier Yearbook (Thomas, OK)

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Thomas' legendary football coach, Kenneth Roof, compiled an amazing record during his 19 years as head football coach. His coaching achievements include: one state championship, one state hmner-up, three state semi-finalists, and 19 consecutive district championships. His record in those 19 years is 189 wins, 44 losses, and 2 ties. The Terriers won 81% of their games under Coach Roof. Coach Kenneth Roof was bom January 23, 1925, at Thomas, Oklahoma. He is the son of Mrs. Cora Roof and the late John Roof. He attended grade schools in rural Thomas until 1937. He then went to junior high and high school at Thomas, where he graduated. During his athletic career at Thomas, Coach Roof began an award-winning career. In 1942, he was selected to the Daily Oklahoman All-State Football Team. Kenneth was also the last person to score four firsts at a state track meet, which was held at Norman. He won the long jump, the triple jump, the discuss, and the pole vault. Mr. Roof played in the All-State Game at Taft Stadium in 1943. Prior to his enrollment at Oklahoma A. M., now O.S.U., coach Roof served as a sergeant for 22 months in the U.S. Infantry. After his stint in the U.S. Armed Forces, Roof checked in an outstanding athletic career at Oklahoma A. M. Coach Roof lettered four years in foot- ball (1946, 1947, 1948, 1949), and three years in track (1947, 1948, 1949). Mr. Roof holds records in single season average yards per carry at O.S.U. (7.56) as well as the career average yards per carry (6.0). In 1950, Kenneth graduated from Oklahoma A. M. with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He took his first teaching and coaching job at Thomas a junior high football coach, and as assistant to the legendary Charles J. Ross. Coach Kenneth Roof's coaching career at Thomas was a very successful one. During his time as assistant coach under Mr. Ross, Coach Roof saw the Terriers win six state champion- ships, one state runner-up title, and 16 district championships. After the retirement of Coach Ross, Mr. Roof led the Terriers to one state cham- pionship, one state runner-up title, three state semi-finalists, and 19 consecutive district cham- pionships. From 1953 to 1986, Thomas has rack- ed up an impressive 33 consecutive district title and 116 consecutive district winning season record. Mr. Roof also coached boys basketball for eight years. He began coaching basketball in 1968, and had a record of 106 wins and 81 losses. During his tenure as boys basketball coach, he had five district championships and one state finalist title. Coach Kenneth Roof also had three state runner-up track teams during 1972, 1973, and 1986. He coached track from 1969 through 1986. He has also had six state relay championships. Roof has often been recognized for his coaching talents. In 1973, he was voted Region I Coach of the Year in track by the Oklahoma Coaches Association. Roof coached the All- State Game held in Oklahoma City in 1965, and he also coached the Oil Bowl Game in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1976. Mr. Roof served as a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Association Board of Control from 1978 through 1980. He has been named Region I Coach of the Year in football for the years 1969- 70, 1976-77, 1980-1981, and 1984-85. In 1984 he was also recognized as Coach of the Year by Channel 5. Kenneth Roof was voted into the Coaches Hall of Fame in 1981 by the Oklahoma Coaches Association. In 1985, the Thomas High School Track was dedicated in Roof's name. He was also honored by being chosen to coach the Shrine All Star Game in Enid, Oklahoma, on May 30, 1987. Because of his outstanding record and his many years of service to the Thomas Schools and community, the 1987 Terrier Staff is proud to dedicate the 1987 Terrier to Coach Kenneth Roof. -Paul Brown What made you decide to go into coaching? This was my number one desire in life — to be around young peo- ple. Athletics was a clean way to raise a family. What was the biggest disappointment of your career? At the state semi-finals in basketball in 1968 we had a 21 point lead at hall time and lost to Leedey. How have kids changed during your 40 years of coaching and teaching at Thomas? Sports themselves have not changed that much. The young people that take active part today have access to much more money, more automobiles, and our country has been infected with tobacco, alcohol, and many different kinds of drugs. We still have dedicated athletes today. What is your proudest achievement? Being a part of seeing our football teams win 116 consecutive district games and winning 33 district titles. 4

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3 UPPER LEFT: An afternoon recess break is enjoyed by (from left) Leslie Lorenz, Mindy Thomas. Katie Minor. Julia God- win. Katrina Sharp, and Brandy Preston. UPPER RIGHT: The fruits of their labors are enjoyed,by Lori Minton and Dena Wiese. LEFT: A sophomoric pose is struck by Traci Christensen, Lynn Barnes, Staci Litsch, and Teena Helzer.

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As a T.H.S. athlete, Kenneth prepares to put in some extra workout time. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Roof prior to their return to Thomas. Wearing coaching attire for the first time, Roof returns to Thomas to coach. Leaving a tradition to carry on for Mike Tyson, next year's head football coach. Roof spends a few final moments on the Terrier practice field. Encouraging his last football team, the class of '87. Coach Kenneth Roof fills in his team on Thomas' last encounter with their opponent. ■ Roof's record of 7.56 yards per carry still stands at his alma mater, O.S.U. Midway through his career at Thomas, Roof poses for a photograph.