Rigoni not returning to coach Routt

Mike Rigoni has roamed the sidelines at Routt boys’ basketball games for the past three seasons, but the 2007-08 season was his last.

Rigoni resigned from his post Wednesday after learning that his teaching job at the school had been cut. He was asked to return as the school’s boys’ basketball coach, but declined.

“Routt was in a situation where basically my teaching position got eliminated,” Rigoni said. “They offered me the chance to stay and just coach, but with no teaching, obviously that’s not going to work.”

Rigoni has been teaching a number of courses at the school, including consumer economics, geography, psychology, sociology and health. He had previously served as the athletic director at Our Saviour School and taught physical education at Routt.

“I was hoping to stay and get to continue to try to build the program and see if we could continue to do what we’ve started the last two years,” Rigoni said. “But sometimes that’s how it goes.”

Routt posted a 22-7 record this season, and advanced to a regional championship game where the Rockets lost to West Central.

During his three-year tenure, Rigoni posted a 51-31 record at the school. The job was his first as a head coach.

“I’m disappointed that it’s ending and all, and I realize that the board had some difficult decisions to make. Of course I’m disappointed — I would have liked to have continued — but I enjoyed my time at Routt. I really enjoyed it, and I’m thankful that they gave me a chance.”

Rigoni maintained residence in Chatham while he worked at Routt, commuting every day. He says he’s still interested in coaching basketball.

“I’ll be applying as I see openings,” Rigoni said. “Hopefully I can find another position where I can teach and be the basketball coach.”