Roger Zornes took the Ironton Fighting Tigers basketball program on quite a ride. But he's decided to make the journey a short trip.

After just three seasons as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers, Zornes announced his resignation Tuesday.

Zornes was out of town and unavailable for comment.

Zornes posted a 66-9 record during his three seasons including a 26-1 record this past season and a Division III state runner-up.

Ironton had its first-ever unbeaten regular season this past year as the Fighting Tigers went 20-0.

The Associated Press named Zornes the Division III Coach of the Year this past spring. Zornes was the Southeast District Coach of the Year twice in his three seasons.

Ironton won two district championships, made two regional appearances and won a regional title during his short tenure.

On Jan. 7, Ironton routed Portsmouth 86-46 to give Zornes his 500th career win.

At Boyd County, Ky., Zornes had a 447-175 record as the school's winningest coach. His resume' included 15 district titles, seven regionals crowns and seven state tournament berths. Since the winner and runner-up advance out of the district, his teams made 19 regional appearances which is tied for first in that region.

Zornes was also named to the Kentucky Court of Honor in January of 2004. The Court of Honor is the Kentucky High School Basketball Coaches' version of a hall of fame.

Zornes' youngest son, Joe, was a three-year starter for Ironton and signed to play basketball at Shawnee State.