Alan Cunningham
Alan Cunningham has been an integral part of USD443 for more than forty years. He began his teaching career at Northwest Elementary School in Dodge City in 1974, where he taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades. He was named principal at Northwest in 1981. From 1990 through 1992, Alan served as principal at Wilroads Gardens Elementary School, while directing the school district’s integration of computer technology. In 1992, he became the district’s first Technology Director, and served in that position until being selected as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in 1999. He has been Superintendent of Schools since 2006.
Alan is a member of a number of professional and community organizations and boards, as well as being an active member of his church. He and his wife Sue have two children, both graduates of the Dodge City Public Schools, and their granddaughters currently attend Dodge City Public Schools.
Mr. Cunningham earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master’s degree from Kansas State University. He completed his building and district leadership licenses though Fort Hays State University. The 2016-2017 school year will be his 43rd year with the Dodge City Public Schools. Mr. Cunningham will be retiring at the end of the current school year.
“I’m honored to be a part of this school district. Pride in being a Red Demon, even if just by ‘adoption’ like me, permeates this community like nowhere I have ever seen. Each new generation of students entering our schools respects and honors that heritage through their school spirit, which is the envy of schools across our state,” Cunningham said. “For me, Dodge City has been a great place to learn and grow as an educator and as a person. It was a great place to begin my career, and is a great place to end it!”
J.C. Riekenberg
J.C. Riekenberg is a familiar name to many in Dodge City. He became the athletic director at DCHS in 1971, serving as the leader of the DCHS Athletic Department for 28 years – before retiring in 1999. J.C., and his wife Dottie, reside in Dodge City and still frequently attend Red Demon events – often times to watch their grandkids participate for the scarlet and royal.
Before beginning his teaching and coaching career, J.C. played football at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He became Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s first NAIA Football All-American in 1957 when he earned third team honors as a senior. The halfback from Fairmont (OK) graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in 1958, and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2001. He earned his Master’s degree from Phillips University in 1966.
His first coaching position was as Head Football Coach at Okeene High School (OK), followed by a move to Dalhart, Texas, in 1960 as an assistant. In 1964, Riekenberg became the Head Football Coach at Dodge City High School. During the next eight seasons, he guided the Red Demons to five league championships and a state title in 1970. He coached two undefeated teams during his tenure at Dodge City (1966 & 1970), along with guiding three of his teams to one-loss seasons. His final career record at Dodge City High School was [58-16-1].
Riekenberg was widely respected by his peers. He served as president of the Kansas Coaches Association from 1974-75, and was selected as the state’s top athletic director by the KIAAA in 1977. That same year he was recognized as the National Athletic Director of the Year. He served on the KSHSAA Board of Directors from 1993-96, and was inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 1999. Finally, in 2006 – he was inducted into the NHSACA Hall of Fame for outstanding service as a coach and athletic administrator.
“I am very humbled to be inducted into the DCHS Ring of Honor. Dodge City has been a great place to work, live, and raise a family. I am very proud of all this community has accomplished over the years and appreciate the opportunity to be a small part of those successes.” – J.C. Riekenberg
J.C. Riekenberg is a familiar name to many in Dodge City. He became the athletic director at DCHS in 1971, serving as the leader of the DCHS Athletic Department for 28 years – before retiring in 1999. J.C., and his wife Dottie, reside in Dodge City and still frequently attend Red Demon events – often times to watch their grandkids participate for the scarlet and royal.
Before beginning his teaching and coaching career, J.C. played football at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He became Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s first NAIA Football All-American in 1957 when he earned third team honors as a senior. The halfback from Fairmont (OK) graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in 1958, and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2001. He earned his Master’s degree from Phillips University in 1966.
His first coaching position was as Head Football Coach at Okeene High School (OK), followed by a move to Dalhart, Texas, in 1960 as an assistant. In 1964, Riekenberg became the Head Football Coach at Dodge City High School. During the next eight seasons, he guided the Red Demons to five league championships and a state title in 1970. He coached two undefeated teams during his tenure at Dodge City (1966 & 1970), along with guiding three of his teams to one-loss seasons. His final career record at Dodge City High School was [58-16-1].
Riekenberg was widely respected by his peers. He served as president of the Kansas Coaches Association from 1974-75, and was selected as the state’s top athletic director by the KIAAA in 1977. That same year he was recognized as the National Athletic Director of the Year. He served on the KSHSAA Board of Directors from 1993-96, and was inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 1999. Finally, in 2006 – he was inducted into the NHSACA Hall of Fame for outstanding service as a coach and athletic administrator.
“I am very humbled to be inducted into the DCHS Ring of Honor,” Riekenberg said. “Dodge City has been a great place to work, live, and raise a family. I am very proud of all this community has accomplished over the years and appreciate the opportunity to be a small part of those successes.”
