Washington head track coach Steve Roth (left) stands next to Demon athletic director Bryce Smeins during a ceremony Tuesday’s Washington Relays at Case Field. Photo by KCII’s Nate Gonner.

The last 40 years of Washington Demon boys’ track have been led under the direction of Steve Roth. Roth, who is retiring from Washington Community Schools at the end of the school year, was honored with a plaque for his year’s of service to the district at Tuesday’s Washington Relays track meet.

Roth began his coaching career in Washington in 1976, and led the Demons to their only Class 3A State Championship in 1998. The Demons finished third in the state track meet six times, including 1985, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2006.

Roth was one of 24 members in the district to take an early retirement package from the Washington School Board in February. Under the agreement, Roth must relinquish his cross country and track head coaching duties at the end of the school year. He’s eligible to apply for reinstatement four months after the new school year begins this August.