Coach Roger Kirby

Coach

Coach Roger Kirby dedicated more than five decades to Carthage schools, athletics, and the community, leaving a legacy of leadership, service, and sportsmanship.

 A 1959 graduate of Carthage High School, Kirby served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany from 1962 until 1965. After his service he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Missouri Valley College in 1970 and a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 1978. He began his teaching career in Miller, Missouri (1970–71), before returning to Carthage in 1971, where he taught until his retirement in 1997.

Kirby’s coaching career was wide-ranging and influential. From 1972 to 1982, he served as assistant football coach, freshman football coach, baseball assistant coach, and track assistant coach. Most notably, he became Carthage’s first wrestling coach, establishing a program that would thrive for generations. Beyond CHS, he also coached Babe Ruth Baseball from 1981 to 1984 and hosted district wrestling tournaments during his tenure.

Even after stepping away from full-time coaching, Kirby remained a fixture in Carthage athletics. He ran the football clock for CHS from 1982 through 2022 and the basketball clock until 2019 or 2020. As a track and cross-country starter, he served meets across the region from 1980 to 2023, including multiple Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Track Meets. His first state assignment was in 2003, followed by additional years with both small- and large-class state competitions, including in 2018 and 2019.

 Kirby’s excellence as an official has been recognized at the highest levels. He received a state officials award in the early 2000s, was named the NFHS Officials Association Girls Track & Field Official of the Year (2012–2013) and earned the Bob Grace Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

 In addition to his school service, Kirby helped strengthen Carthage’s running community by starting the Boom Run and Erick’s Run, further inspiring young athletes and promoting healthy competition.

 Coach Roger Kirby’s life was defined by dedication—to teaching, to coaching, to officiating, and most importantly, to the student-athletes of Carthage. His impact can be seen in the programs he helped build, the games he faithfully supported, and the countless students who benefited from his encouragement and leadership.