March 29, 2024

Legend Hamilton retires after 30 years (audio)

Complete Hamilton Interview

After almost 30 years at his alma mater and close to 500 wins all-time over 35 years (five as head coach at Bishop Kelly in Tulsa), Coach Dennis Hamilton is retiring both as a coach and physical education teacher at the high school.  He leaves as the all time wins leader in the program’s 112 years (418-251) and has 258 more wins than the coach with the second most wins Laurence Stanton.

Hamilton’s record speaks for itself and the impact it had with the Demons.  Thirteen trips to the State Tournament, 6 Final Four Appearance and the 2004 team that finished as state runner up to Olathe South finishing at 22-3.  Added to that 8 WAC championships under his belt and the positive influence he had on those who played for him and you know why many consider him a legend.

In the release announcing Hamilton’s retirement, DCHS Athletics Director Jay Gifford said, “The DCHS Athletics Program appreciates the dedication to the program and the student-athletes of Dodge City High School demonstrated by Coach Hamilton during his tenure as the head coach of the Red Demons.”

“It will be difficult to find anyone as organized, passionate and knowledgeable about the game of basketball as Coach Hamilton. He is a great friend and has certainly given everything he has to this community and school.”

The sports administration at Dodge City High School will start an immediate search for Hamilton’s successor.