DEMENT RESIGNS AS CHS GRID COACH; CENTRAL COACH ENDS 6-YEAR STINT

Jerry Dement resigned from his position as Cape Central head football coach after six years with the Tigers, athletic director Terry Kitchen announced Tuesday.

Dement declared his decision Tuesday at a team meeting.

Dement resigned under his own terms, Kitchen said, after leading Cape Central to a 31-29 regular-season record during his duration. The Tigers posted a record of 7-11 in district games and 5-13 in the SEMO North Conference under his leadership. Cape Central posted a 5-5 record or better in four of his six seasons, but never won a district or conference title.

This past season, the Tigers finished 4-6 overall, 1-2 in the conference and 2-1 in district play.

A win against Poplar Bluff in the last game of the year would've given Dement his first opportunity to coach the Tigers in the state playoffs.

Dement declined to comment on Tuesday, but Kitchen hinted the reason for his resignation was due to the pressure of the job.

"I can understand why he made that decision, because of the pressure of the position here," Kitchen said. "This stress can wear on a person. And the stress is not only on the coach, but it can filter down to your family."

According to Kitchen, Dement was not forced to resign.

"I was surprised," Kitchen said. "I was planning for him to be here as head football coach next year. I'm very disappointed. He is a quality person and a quality coach."

Dement will continue to teach, Kitchen said.

Kitchen said he is unsure who will take Dement's place as head coach.

"At this point, I'm not sure what direction we'll be going in," Kitchen said.

Dement's best year at Cape Central came in 1997 when the Tigers went 7-3 overall, 1-2 in the conference and 1-2 in district play.

This past season matched his worst record as Central's football coach. The Tigers also went 4-6 in 1995.

Dement led Malden to a 10-2 record and the state quarterfinals before coming to Cape Girardeau in 1993 to take the place of Gary Lynch. His overall record at Malden was 30-12.

In his first year at Central, The Tigers finished the season at 5-5 after going 3-7 in 1992.