The Covington Catholic Journal - Covington Catholic High School

The Covington Catholic Journal
Winter 2008
With a Spirit that Will Not Die
1600 Dixie Highway • Park Hills, KY 41011-2797 • (859) 448-2247 • www.covcath.org
From the
Principal’s Office . . .
Dear Alumnus,
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some new programs and
changes that were implemented for the 2008-2009 school year.
Spiritually, under guidance and funding from the diocese, Covington Catholic was
able to implement new Religion textbooks at each grade level. The Didache Series,
comprised of four books, presents the life and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church
in the context of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the teachings of Vatican
II. The series also draws from the Sacred Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and the
Doctors and Fathers of the Church. In addition, the books are interspersed with some
of the most beautiful religious art work ever created.
Academically, Covington Catholic changed all of its full-year senior courses to
semester courses. For example, English IV is now English 101 and English 102. The
change allows a senior’s seventh semester G.P.A. to include the grades from all of his first semester classes. In the
past, the grades for the full-year classes, like an English class, would not be factored into a senior’s G.P.A. until
the entire course was completed in May. This change not only strengthens a senior’s G.P.A. in December, it also
matches the same course structure (semester courses) that a senior will experience in college.
Physically, Covington Catholic established a chapter of the Drug Free Clubs of America which uses positive
reinforcement and rewards to provide every club member with powerful avoidance tools in resisting drug use. To
become a member, students volunteer to take a urine drug test for five commonly used drugs. Besides the initial
testing, up to twenty five percent of the members are randomly tested throughout the school year. In its first year,
the Covington Catholic High School Chapter has a current enrollment of 241 students (48%) – the largest of any
school in the tri-state area.
Socially, Covington Catholic pioneered a first-ever home night game for both the varsity soccer and football
teams. This allowed the student body and the CCH community to experience a venue typical to other high schools
in the region. The experience was highlighted by a goal-line stand to preserve the win as the clock expired.
As you can see, our mission - To educate young men spiritually, academically, physically, and socially – drives
our efforts throughout the year. May the peace, love, and strength of Christ ever reign in your heart.
Yours in education,
Michael T. Clines
Upcoming Events:
For more information on
upcoming events
contact the
Alumni & Development
Office at
(859) 448-2247 or
development@covcath.org.
2
Tuesday, March 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsfest
Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
March 28, 29 & 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni Basketball Tournament
Tuesday, May 7�������������������������������������������������� Father William’s Reception
Tuesday, May 13���������������������� Northern Kentuckian of the Year Luncheon
Cov Cath Journal
In This Issue
2007-2008
Annual Appeal
Why give to the Annual Appeal?
A Catholic education is a special
gift. The only way it will continue to
survive is for us as alumni to support
this important source of income. We
have a responsibility to future generations. Take a few ­minutes to stop
by and see the school . . . you’ll be
impressed.
Goal: $185,000
Funds Raised: $167,504
(As of 2/19/08)
Deadline to contribute to
this year’s appeal:
June 30, 2008
Top Ten Classes (As of 2/19/08)
1978 $10,350
1973 $8,745
1975 $7,035
1965 $7,030
1967 $6,080
1939 $5,055
1974 $4,375
1963 $3,965
1985 $3,925
1970 $3,900
The Annual Appeal is a driving
force behind Covington Catholic’s
ability to continue its tradition of
excellence generation after generation. The funds generated by last
year’s Annual Appeal helped keep
the tuition increase to 1.6% ($100),
3
2008 Northern
Kentuckian of the Year
Honoree
5
Dinner Dance Update
6
Hall of Fame
Inductees
8
Annual Appeal Chairman
Jerry Collins
supported tuition assistance to fortyone students ($148,472, which is a
record amount), purchased thirtyseven new laptops for the teachers and purchased seven SMART
Boards (interactive whiteboards) for
the classrooms.
With the total commitment of the
school board, administration, faculty, alumni and friends, CCH can
reach its goal and ensure the tradition of excellence continues. If you
are not sure if you have given to the
2007/2008 Annual Appeal please
contact Jennifer Abdrabbo in the
Development Office at 448-2247
ext. 3 or via email at jabdrabbo@
covcath.org. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the alumni,
parents and friends of Covington
Catholic who have graciously supported the 2007/2008 Annual Appeal
fund drive.
Covington Catholic High School was established in 1925. Our mission is to educate
young men spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. Covington Catholic
is the only all-male high school in Northern Kentucky, and serves the parishes of
Blessed Sacrament, Mother of God, St. Agnes, St. Ann, St. Boniface/St. James,
St. John, St. Joseph and St. Pius X. Visit our website at www.covcath.org.
Winter 2008
Annual Appeal
Update
What’s Happening
10
Freshman
Scholarship
Announcement
11
Reunion Update
14
Sue Finke
Director of Development
Alma Finke
Alumni Relations and Reunion Coordinator
Jennifer Abdrabbo
Communications and Media Relations
3
CCH – A Four Year Passage
Fr. William M. Fitzgerald O.Praem., Religion Teacher and Chaplain
It is often
said that a
lad coming
to CCH as
a freshman
comes as
a boy and leaves as a young man.
Four very important years of learning,
changing, growing, and new realizations take place in this time span.
As Providence has disposed, my
time here is also a four year passage. Bishop Foys appointed me parttime Chaplain as the 2004 school year
began. Like a freshman, I didn’t much
know what to expect. As a freshman
begins to carve out his identity in the
school, the same task lay ahead of me.
As part-time Chaplain that year, my
principal work place was the fine new
Chapel and the gym – where whole
school Mass and Confessions take
place. I was somewhat clueless as to
what else the role would involve, for
in the 7 schools I have been a Chaplain
over the years, the role has worked
out differently in each. The way a
priest-Chaplain’s role unfolds also has
a great deal to do with how he understands the Priesthood. In December
2004 I celebrated 25 years as a priest
and the encouragement of the school
community, even though we were new
to each other was moving.
In one’s sophomore year there is
a greater familiarity with the school.
Engagement and loyalty increase and
one begins to embrace the lore and
traditions, such as they are. It can be
a tough year as studies become more
complex and expectations as well as
distractions increase all around. Just
as I was really getting a feel for all
this, the terrible accident occurred on
the first weekend in October 2005. I
was seriously burned and out of action
until February 3rd, 2006 when I celebrated Mass again on the Memorial of
Saint Blaise. The representation of the
4
CCH community at all levels at that
Mass was amazing, just as the numerous cards, messages, and prayers had
been amazing during my recovery as
well. My sophomore year at CCH was
certainly bitter-sweet, but I was glad to
be able, from February, to take up the
Chaplain’s role again. I felt that people
at CCH had taken me to heart and perhaps through all that had happened to
me, I might have become a little more
real in the school.
The junior year sees a gear-change
to the more immediate preparation for
adult life and undergraduate studies. A
junior is very much at home in the school
community and knows his way around
as it were. With my accident, the role I
had been invited to the Diocese to fill
had been passed on to others and I was
in a position to do something else. Mr.
Clines picked up quickly on that and
proposed that I remain in the Diocese
for CCH. My Abbot approved of that
move since it also kept me close to the
Burns Clinic at University Hospital so
that my progress health-wise could be
monitored, and Bishop Foys confirmed
the arrangement. I was also to move
residence from the Cathedral Basilica
Rectory to the Chaplain’s House on
the grounds of the Sisters of St. Joseph
the Worker at Walton, where I provide
daily Mass for the Sisters. Now as a
class room religion teacher, a return
to the first apostolate I served after
Ordination, my engagement at CCH
had in a sense come of age. The Seniors
of 2006-2007 that I taught and met on
the Retreats and in many other settings
were a class act. Those men know my
esteem for them and it is great to see
them when they visit as alumni. I am
happy to observe the freshmen that I
taught and had for homeroom that year
continue to move more deeply into the
CCH ethos, and they already do so
with their own style.
In the senior year, a young man
assumes a good deal of leadership
in the school, and he gathers up the
riper fruits of his four years as he
prepares for a new phase of his life.
While seniors move on, they also look
back with pride, gratitude, and loyalty
to CCH. So many of them continue
to contribute to this great school in
many different ways. In this my final
semester at CCH I am conscious of
the time it has taken for me to become
the Chaplain at CCH. Yes, the position is an appointment, but it is also a
role which evolves and develops with
one’s involvement in the life of the
school. This year I have been fulltime
in the classroom, I have a Sophomore
Homeroom and I will have been
Chaplain for all the Senior Retreats. I
continue to provide Confessions each
week and Friday Mass as well as
providing the Mass on many other
occasions as well. I try to be present
for various events as energy and time
permit! After four years I have begun
to know some of the families, some
of the alumni, and students I have not
taught – all just a little better. After
another four years I would feel more
established as the priest for this school
. . . but Providence has disposed otherwise, and I will return to an apostolate
of my Norbertine Community. But
like the seniors who will graduate this
year, a fine group of young men with
whom I am proud to be associated, I
will leave having gathered the fruits
of many memorable experiences here
and I will always look back to CCH
with pride and gratitude to God in His
Providence, for placing me here. CCH
will always be in my prayers.
May the glorious Mother of God,
Mary Immaculate, whose blue and
white serve us here as constant reminders of her maternal love, continue to
protect, guide, and inspire the men
of Covington Catholic High School
– past and present!
Cov Cath Journal
2008 Northern Kentuckian of the Year
Covington Catholic High School
is proud to announce that Mr.
Matth. Toebben, founder of Toebben
Companies, has been named “The
2008 Northern Kentuckian of the
Year.” Mr. Toebben will be honored on
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at the Northern
Kentucky Convention Center beginning with a reception at 11:15 a.m. and
followed with a noon luncheon.
Mr. Toebben is being honored for
his incredible achievements since
immigrating to the United States from
Germany in 1953 at the age of twenty.
After two years of learning the home
building trade, Mr. Toebben started his
own business in 1955, known today
as Toebben Builders and Developers.
Three years later in 1958, Mr. Toebben
started building custom homes in
his own community called Country
Squire Estates. In the 1970’s two more
Toebben Companies were developed:
Matth. Toebben Construction, which
controls the Commercial, Industrial,
Office and Retail construction as well
as Toebben Ltd., owning and leasing
over five hundred thousand square feet
of office and retail facilities throughout
the tri-state area.
A few of the recent awards that Mr.
Toebben has received:
• 2001 National Angus Breeder of the
Year Award
• 2002 Best Custom Home in
Northern Kentucky
• 2002 Cardinal Award for Forward
Northern Kentucky
• 2005 Spirit of Construction Award
• 2006 Alzheimer’s Association
Meritorious Philanthropist Award
Not only is Mr. Toebben an excellent
businessman, he is also very involved
with the community. Mr. Toebben
served as the President of the Home
Builders Association in 1966 and 1982.
He has supported Thomas More College
and Springer School by establishing
scholarships for students. He currently
serves on the Leadership Council for
the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater
Cincinnati, and he is a board member
of the Bluegrass Institute. Mr. Toebben
has also been involved with Gateway
Community & Technical College,
Holy Cross High School, Kentucky
Club for Growth, New Perceptions,
and Redwood Rehabilitation Center.
The Northern Kentuckian of the Year
luncheon benefits Covington Catholic
High School which in the fall of 2007
was designated by the U.S. Department
of Education as a No Child Left Behind
– Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
Covington Catholic was one of only
three private/parochial high schools
in the nation in 2007 to receive the
national award. In addition, 100% of
the Class of 2007 matriculated to college and 80% of its alumni live in our
area. Truly, Covington Catholic and its
alumni positively impact the Northern
Kentucky Community, and the luncheon provides a vehicle for the business community to support Covington
Catholic’s tradition of excellence in
education.
If you are interested in attending this
event or placing a congratulatory ad in
the program, please contact the development department at 859-448-2247 or
email development@covcath.org.
Nate Dusing Enters LaRosa’s Hall
Nate Dusing ’97 has made history once again. He will be the first
Covington Catholic Colonel to be
inducted into the LaRosa’s Hall of
Fame. His outstanding achievements
as a world class swimmer will be recognized during a ceremony in June of
this year. Dusing is joining the ranks
of the best in high school athletes
and coaches in the area. The Buddy
LaRosa’s High School Sports Hall
of Fame was founded in 1975 and is
one of the oldest halls of fame of its
Winter 2008
kind in the country. The Community
Recorder stated in a recent article
that Nate was “probably the greatest
male swimmer in Northern Kentucky
history, where he is believed to be
the first native Kentuckian to set a
national high school record when he
won the 100-yard butterfly in 47.10
as a senior in 1997.”
He was named LaRosa’s Male
Athlete of the Year in 1996/1997, was
twice named Kentucky’s Outstanding
Swimmer of the Year and was named
of
Fame
National Prep Swimmer of the Year
in 1997 all while he was in high
school. He went on to the University
of Texas where he continued to
have an outstanding swim career
while representing the U.S. on the
Olympic swim team in 2000 (silver)
and 2004 (bronze). While at the
University of Texas he was named
the NCAA Swimmer of the Year in
2001 and was a 28-time NCAA All
American. Nate currently resides in
Austin, Texas.
5
The Big Blue Hullabaloo
Over 330 alumni, parents and friends of Covington Catholic had a fantastic time in the gymnasium at Covington
Catholic October 20th while raising close to $60,000! The proceeds of this dance goes to the boosters ($35,000)
and the school ($25,000). Covington Catholic would like to thank Chairpersons Ann Flood and Julie Jones for
all of their hard work. The sponsorship committee chaired by Brad Slabaugh brought in $21,500!
The gift gathering parties are important to the success of the silent auction.
These parties are also a wonderful way
for each class to socialize and meet new
parents.
CCH would like to thank the Hosts for
the parties:
Freshman
Tom & Mary Schutzman
Chris & Christina Fischer
John (Nut) & Ellen Zembrodt
Sophomore
Bob & Kathy Heimbrock
John & Julie Pauly
Bill & Julie Schuler
Larry & Sue Gerwe
Craig & Peggy Walsh
Wayne & Michelle Siemer
Junior
Jim & Ann Flood
Julie Mahan
Julie Jones
Sherrie Eimer
Senior
Barry & Mary Dyas
Mark & Vicki Schmerge
Paul & Gina Bondick
Greg & Mary Beth Ward
6
Marty & Diane Grimes
Bob & Rhonda Noll
Football Parents
Tony & Sheila Roedig
Thanks to our sponsors as well.
Diamond Sponsor
The Hartmann-Ryan Team Colliers
International
Platinum
Bear Creek Capital
Gold
David & Traci Punch Alexander
Art’s Rental Equipment & Supply
Citizen’s Bank
Deters, Benzinger & LaVelle P.S.C.
Barry & Mary Dyas
Jim & Ann Flood
Greater Cincinnati Marine
Hilltop Basic Resources
National City
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
Mark J. Schmerge ChFC
Registered Investment Advisor
Tri-State Gastroenterology Associates
Wessels Construction & Development
Company
Wulco
Dance committee: Ann Flood, Julie
Jones, Christa Ellison, Monica LaFever,
Kelly Halpin, Sue Warning, Sue Gerwe,
Sherrie Eimer, Booster Bingo Regulars,
Mary Dyas, Laura Arlinghaus, Ellen
Zembrodt, Pat Metzger, Gina Bondick,
Sue Finke
The Corporate Sponsorship Com­
mittee: Brad Slabaugh, Bob Heimbrock,
Wayne Siemer, Dan Fagel, John
DeFraites, Mike Shafer, Bob Hoffer,
Ann Flood, Julie Jones, Sue Finke
It goes without saying that the success
of Covington Catholic and this dance is
directly related to the parents, alumni
and past parents of the school. The
school is very grateful for their time and
dedication to their son’s education and
continuing the Covington Catholic tradition of educating young men. We look
forward to the dinner dance next year.
Ann Flood and Gina Best have agreed to
chair the event and Monica LaFever will
be heading up the silent auction. If you
are interested in being on the committee
contact Sue Finke in the Development
office at 859-448-CCHS (2247) or Ann
Flood 341-8489.
Cov Cath Journal
Jon Gallenstein
Scholarships Awarded
Seniors Matt Maloney, Greg Schipper and Nathan
Schuler were awarded the 2007 Jon Gallenstein Art
Scholarship. The scholarship honors Jon, an outstanding CCH art student, who passed away in 1993. The
scholarship is open to third and fourth year senior art
students. Judged by professional artists, former winners and friends of Jon, students are required to prepare a portfolio of their art work and a written artist
statement. At the end of the year each of the winners
will be awarded $500. The Schipper boys, Kenny
(’05) and Greg (’08) are the first set of brothers to
receive this award. Congratulations to them all!!
Past scholarship recipients:
1994
Kevin Kleem
Adam McAllister
Wes Middendorf
1999
David Dang
J.R. Schilling
Craig Schmidt
2004
Nick Hill
Kenny Schipper
Michael Thaman
1995
Matt Eckerle
Jeff Peeno
Mike Spille
2000
Rob Anderson
Mike List
Bret Wilcox
2005
Justin Ankenbauer
Griff McNerney
Brett Sutton
1996
Nolan Ellis
Dan Kramer
Jacob Tilden
2001
Philip LaVelle
Steve Staggs
Steve Winnike
2006
Kevin Harris
Ryan Flanagan
Alex Stacy
1997
Brian Cronin
Colin Gamel
Brian Gruber
2002
Joseph Brown
Dan O’ Connor
Alex Schmitz
1998
Dan Barczak
Brennan Basford
Murray Dwertman
2003
Jon Hancock
Mark Roenker
Daniel Ruberg
Nathan Schuler, Matt Maloney and Greg Schipper
Covington Catholic High School Receives
Sr. Dorothy Inclusive Education Award
Each year, at the annual Catholic
Schools Week Mass at the Cathedral
Basilica in Covington, the Department
of Catholic Schools and the Inclusive
Education Committee recognizes and
honors one elementary and one secondary school for their commitment
to helping students with exceptional
learning needs.
This year Covington Catholic
High School was selected as an
honoree for its Academic Support
Program started in the fall of 2005.
Winter 2008
Currently, 15 students participate in
the program which is designed for
students with documented learning
disabilities. Principal Mike Clines
stated, “Covington Catholic High
School accepts students with various
abilities, and the Academic Support
Program provides an additional way
to meet the needs of all students.
Program coordinator Ms. Linda Matz
started the program from scratch in
2005, and I commend her, the teachers and counselors, and the school
board members for their commitment
to inclusive education.”
The Sister Dorothy Inclusive
Education Committee of the Diocese
of Covington has been working on
behalf of students who have learning
difficulties and their families, since
1978.
Since that time, and in recent years,
many of the schools of the diocese
have established programs and hired
staff to assist students in their quest
for success within a school setting.
7
Covington Catholic High School Announces
2008 Hall of Fame Inductees
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Covington Catholic was held on
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at The Gardens in Park Hills, KY. This year’s inductees were:
Ray Michael
(1961) Ray is best known as the voice of the Colonel Football team, having served as the announcer for all football
games (frosh, jv and varsity) for over 15 years. He has also volunteered, in many other capacities, to help the football
program for the last 25 years.
Chris Cleves
(1985) Chris was one of the finest basketball players in the history of CCH. He was team captain as a senior and is a
member of the prestigious 1000 Point Club having scored 1111 points during his career. Chris also holds the all time
Covington Catholic record of scoring 284 field goals in one season.
Andy Listerman
(1994) Andy was a rare four year varsity letterman in basketball. During his career his teams won 95 games and went to
the State Tournament in 1992 winning the Regional Tournament for the first time since 1971. During his career, Andy
was named to numerous All-Star and All Tournament Teams including All-District, All-Region, and All-Conference. In
his senior year he was named Player of the Year in the 9th Region. He became a member of the prestigious 1000 point
club in his junior year and in his senior year became the all time leader in points scored at CCH with 1730, a record
that he still holds today.
Nate Dusing
(1997) Nate set nearly every record possible during his 4-year swimming career at CCH and still holds six school
records ten years after his graduation. During his junior and senior years Nate was virtually unbeatable in the state. In
both his junior and senior seasons he was named to the High School All-American Team. Other awards in addition to
the many records include being named NKAC Swimmer of the Year twice and being named KHSAA Swimmer of the
Year as a senior. At the State Meet in 1997 Nate electrified the crowd in the 100 Butterfly winning the race in 48.07 to
establish a school, state and NATIONAL RECORD.
Close to 200 friends, past Hall of Fame honorees, alumni
and family attended this most distinguished event. Chris
Welsh who has been with the Reds for 14 seasons as Reds
TV analyst was the Master of Ceremonies. Each inductee
spoke a few words about their experiences at CCH. The
featured speaker was Gene Bennett, Senior Scout for the
Cincinnati Reds.
Chris Cleves, Andy Listerman and Ray Michael
8
Cov Cath Journal
Hall of Fame
Nomination Criteria
There are two categories in
the Covington Catholic Sports
Hall of Fame. The first category is for former athletes
of Covington Catholic. They
become eligible ten years after
graduation from CCH. Criteria
for selection to the Hall of
Fame, is based only on what
was accomplished during their
high school careers. The second category is for coaches and
contributors. Selection in this
category is based on ­ longevity
of service and dedication to
Covington Catholic athletics.
Nominations may be made
at any time simply by submitting the name to Mike Guidugli
(mguidugli@covcath.org)
Athletic Director at school. Any
relevant information concerning accomplishments may be
included and is encouraged in
the nomination. All nominations
received remain on the “master
ballot” from which the selection
committee votes. The selection
committee consists of 14 voting
members. CCH coaches with
fifteen or more years experience
are on the committee as well as
other close observers of CCH
athletes over the years including former coaches, members
of the media, and involved
alumni. Members of the selection committee are Bill Bieger,
Terry Boehmker, Art Bohman,
Dr. Jack Brueggemann, Rick
Hornsby, John Horton, Jack
Kaelin, Bill Krumpelbeck, Dick
Maile, Ray Michael, Tom Miller,
Lynn Ray, George Schneider,
and Dan Tieman.
Winter 2008
ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Plans are underway for the Alumni Basketball Tournament.
Get your team together and call by March 14th to reserve a
spot.
The tournament will be held March 28th, 29th and 30th. It
is planned as a two and out tournament with two or three games
played each day. However, if fewer than eight teams register, it
will be a round robin. The cost is $20 per player.
The gym will be set up with drinks and snacks so you can sit
around, snack and have a drink with friends while you wait for your
next game. Beer and drinks will be provided at minimal costs.
Call Mrs. Alma Finke in the CCH Alumni Office (859) 448-CCHS
(2247) ext. 2, on or before March 14th with your team information.
If you want to play but do not have a team, need additional players to complete your team or just have questions about the event, contact Alma Finke (859)
448-2247 ext. 2, aafinke@covcath.org or Mickey Fritz 513-891-5911, mfritz@
vlcpa.com.
Attention Golfers!
The 26th Annual Alumni Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday,
August 29th. We are beginning to meet to organize this year’s event. If
you are interested in serving on the committee please contact Sue Finke
(448-2247 ext. 1) or Jennifer Abdrabbo (448-2247 ext. 3).
Rob Harmon
Class of 2002
Now that spring is right around the corner here is some news about an
alumnus that is playing baseball for the Tacoma Rainiers. They are a TripleA, Pacific Coast League, minor league team for the Seattle Mariners based in
Tacoma, Washington. Rob is a pitcher, throws and bats right-handed, weighs
about 240 lbs. and is 6’7”.
On February 4th he reported to Phoenix, AZ for two
months of spring training. On April 1st he will find out
what minor league team he will be assigned to. This summer
he worked out with Norm Charlton you might remember
him as part of the Cincinnati Reds “Nasty Boys” bullpen
trio in 1990 and 1991.
You can check out Rob’s progress by going to www.seattlemariners.com go to Roster then Minor League Affiliates
then click on Tacoma Rainiers. Good luck Rob and hope to
see you in Cincinnati some day.
9
What’s Happening
1970 John Cole wants everyone to know that he
believes Covington Catholic to be the best High
School in the state. All four years he attended, the
basketball team went to the state tournament in
Louisville. Though they did not win the championship
they made it to the finals and lost by just one point.
Those were times he’ll never forget.
1982 Dave Schneider is currently working in the
Campbell County School District as a Counselor of
the Day Treatment Center and the Regional Juvenile
Detention Center. He volunteers as a Freshman
Basketball coach at CCH. He misses his former colleagues at CCH and wishes everyone much happiness
and success. He also wants to acknowledge the school
on its recognition as being named a Blue Ribbon
School. He knows it is a great honor and is well
deserved.
1989 Matt Fischesser is working for an architect
named, Michael Graves, in New York City. Last spring
he and some friends hitched a ride on the CASH CAB
(a game show in New York City where folks hail a
cab and unbeknownst to them are on a game show.)
They answered trivia questions throughout their ride
and won $1300. Matt is currently single, no kids and
spends his free time snowboarding or playing beach
volleyball (depending on the season).
1993 Daniel Riegler married Amy Scoggs on
December 1, 2007. His company, Riegler Engineering,
was the recipient of the Northern Kentucky Chamber
2007 Small Business “SUCCESS” Award.
1995 Wes Middendorf and his wife Cambria welcomed into the world their son, Wyatt John, born
on January 18, 2008. He weighed 8 lbs. & 2 oz. and
was 20.5” long. Wyatt arrived three hours before his
cousin Isaac, Wes’ brother’s son. Dad says he’s doing
great and has brought much joy into their lives, even
at 3:00 a.m.
1995 Christopher Pfeiffer and his wife Jessica are
the proud parents of Jack Ryan who was born on
October 13, 2007 (his due date) weighing in at 7 lbs.
4 oz.
1997 Ryan Hackman is engaged to Maggie Patrick
of Lexington Ky. Both are living in Virginia Beach
where Ryan has been serving on board the submarine
USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) since October 2005. He
recently completed a successful six month deployment to the Persian Gulf and was named the 2007
Junior Officer of the year for his submarine squadron. After having sailed over 50,000 miles on nuclear
power and being away for 181 days, Ryan is happy to
be back at home in Virginia Beach.
10
1998 Jerry Arrasmith and his wife Lisa were blessed
on January 2, 2008 with the birth of their daughter,
Abigail Lynne Arrasmith. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz.
2000 Nathan Baum and Adam Hock (2004) cofounded the Hilltopper Fishing Club last year at
Western Kentucky University. Last September they
placed second out of 83 teams in a national fishing
tournament and split the $8,000 prize. Their new
found fame has given them the opportunity to learn
from the pros in the sport fishing industry while trading “fish tales” during national tournaments that
take place throughout the year. It has even brought
them a new boat and sponsor, Plapp’s Pro Outdoors in
Florence. Good luck! Feel free to come back and teach
the guys in our fishing club a few tips of the trade.
2001 Michael Cayse was “The next contestant
on the Price is Right” on January 25, 2008. Michael
guessed the exact price on a computer which won
him the computer, $500 and a chance to come up on
stage. He went on to win an exercise bike, a dinette
set, a popcorn maker and a BBQ grill but didn’t have
any luck on getting into the “Showcase Showdown.”
Better luck next time!
2001 Matthew Goebel, a consultant for Crowe
Chizek and Company, was recently named one of
Consulting Magazine’s “30 Under Thirty”. According
to Consulting Magazine, Goebel was chosen from a
field of 300 because of his work with the onboarding
programs, which are designed to assist new hires as
they transition into the firm, for Crowe’s Performance
business unit. In addition, he was selected for his
attitude toward developing client solutions. Goebel,
currently resides in Indianapolis.
2001 Ryan Riesenberg is a Second Lieutenant in
the United States Air Force. He is currently single and
with the 29th Weapons Squadron at Little Rock Air
Force Base in Arkansas. Ryan will begin Pilot training
in July at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. His
email address is Ryan.Riesenberg@gimail.af.mil.
2007 Kurt Bovard was named the Player of the
Week at Thomas More. He has played in every game
as the backup point guard since he began. He has
been consistent with assists and scoring for the Saints
this season.
2007 Brandon Brown is currently playing football
for Washington University in St. Louis. He was recently named to the All-Association First Team – Defense.
2007 Joseph Castaneda is currently playing football for the University of Dayton. He was recently
named “Freshman of the Year” for football in their
conference.
Cov Cath Journal
Alumni Spotlight
Peter Ganshirt, ’78, is a certified mental game coaching professional who has worked with more than two
dozen athletes in the area. He develops a mental skills
coaching plan for each of his clients which helps he/she
to overcome stumbling blocks to achieve their peak
performance. In 2006, Dr. Ganshirt went through a fourmonth certification course to be able to include Peak
Athletic Performance Sports in his psychology practice.
It’s a program to instill mental skills that will increase
the probability of success in sports.
Chad Sandfoss (right) pictured with a client and trophy deer.
Chad Sandfoss, 2005, is currently in a one year internship in Encino, Texas at the San Tomas Hunt Club. He
will graduate in May from Southeastern Illinois with a
degree in Game Management. He recently led a gentleman from Louisiana on a deer hunt that ended up landing the biggest deer killed on the property since the
season began. It was a 12 pointer. The gentleman paid
$4,300 for a two night, 3 day hunt.
Photo provided by Joe Munson/The Post
Freshman Scholarship Winners
Covington Catholic High School is proud to announce that the following
students have been awarded one of its twelve in-district scholarships for the
2008/2009 school year. In-district students are defined by their parish. By
finishing in the top 12, the students placed in the top 10% of the in-district students who took the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at Covington Catholic
High School. These scholarships are the result of the students’ exceptional
scores on the HSPT taken on Dec. 8, 2007. There was approximately $20,000
given out in scholarships. Below is the list of their names and parishes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Winter 2008
James Nutter��������������������������������������������������������� St. Agnes
Jordan Stovik��������������������������������������������������������St. Pius X
Paul Kleier������������������������������������������������������������� St. Agnes
Michael Maurer������������������������������������� Blessed Sacrament
Casey Stewart��������������������������������������� Blessed Sacrament
Eric Schneider������������������������������������������������������St. Pius X
Grant Guess����������������������������������������������������������St. Joseph
Ryan Dickmann���������������������������������������������������St. Pius X
Clint Massie ����������������������������������������� Blessed Sacrament
Aaron Fuller ��������������������������������������������������������St. Pius X
Ethan Stallman ����������������������������������������������������St. Pius X
Eric Torres������������������������������������������������������������St. Joseph
11
Endowments
In Memory of Raymond
Bergman
Mrs. Susan Bergman
In Memory of Jon
Biedenharn
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
Mr. Donald W. Blair
Mr. Gerald D. Blenke
Mr. Daniel J. Bosch, Sr.
Mr. Robert F. Boss
Mr. Ronald J. Bucher
Mr. Richard E. Dean
Mr. Richard L. Detzel
Mr. Robert W. Detzel
Mr. Timothy O. Donovan
Mr. and Mrs. N. Chris
Fieger
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A.
Flick
Mr. William C. Flood
Mr. Robert A. Frohn
Mr. Fred L. Hollis
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W.
Lahner
Mr. Richard E. Maile
Mr. Tom Murray
Mr. Timothy L. Pieper
Mr. Gary W. Robbins
Mr. Robert E. Ryan, Jr.
Mr. Joseph B. Schmidt
Mr. Charles R. Spanier
Mr. Leo Stamm
Mr. Richard J. Weber
Mr. and Mrs. William J.
Wischer
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R.
Zembrodt
Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Ziegler
For the Jon Biedenharn Fund
In Memory of:
John and Evelyn Cain
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
Bill Collier
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
Joe Merrill
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
Rick Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
Annette Starnes
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
Kathleen Webeler
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Biedenharn
12
In Memory of Mike Caple
Class of 1997
Mr. Robert Moeller
Mr. Jay Woltermann
In Memory of the Blank
Family Scholarship
Mr. and Mrs. Richard W.
Blank, Sr.
In Memory of Rose Peeno
Mr. and Mrs. Martin
Kamer
In Memory of Patti Dusing
Mr. and Mrs. Mark
Baumgartner
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome C.
Kohlhepp
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pfeiffer
In Memory of Gilbert Ellison
Mr. Steven N. Gilliam
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome
Kohlhepp
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathon Votel
For the Jon Gallenstein Art
Scholarship
In Memory of:
Jon Gallenstein
Mr. Jason T. Gallenstein
Mrs. Lauren Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth
Schmidt
William Haders
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy
Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome C.
Kohlhepp
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon H.
Votel
Sue Matlock
Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas
Gallenstein
Deborah Remke
Mr. J. Thomas Gallenstein
In Memory of Billy Grimm
Mr. and Mrs. Keith A.
McGovern
In Memory of Denny
Guenther
Mr. Thomas Maile
In Memory of Galen Healey
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bresser
In Honor of the John
Muething
Dr. Stephen E. Muething
In Memory of Charles
Neuhaus
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Egbers
Mr. and Mrs. John P.
Kalker
Mr. Richard Koop
Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Kruempelman
In Memory of Elsie Seifert
Mr. Dennis Tull
In Memory of the Tim Shields
1961 Scholarship Fund
Mr. and Mrs. David F.
Hoetker
Mr. Joseph B. Schmidt
Mr. and Mrs. R. Kenney
Shields
In Memory of Kelsey Sorrell
Mr. Jack Kaelin
Mr. and Mrs. Kenney F.
Shields
In Memory of Artie Steinmetz
Class of 1997
Mr. Gary Nader
In Memory of James Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald
Benzinger
Mrs. Mary E. Berger
Mr. Patrick Cahill
Mr. and Mrs. Gregg
Feltrup
Mr. John J. Garvey
Mr. and Mrs. Steve
Gillespie
Mr. and Mrs. David
Grimsley
Mr. and Mrs. William Todd
Hurst
Mr. and Mrs. Tim P. McGill
Mr. & Mrs. Laurence M.
McGovern
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J.
Ragland
Dr. James Roebker
Senator and Mrs. Richard
L. Roeding
Mrs. Joanne Schuler
Mr. Alvin Smith
Mr. Edward E. Thomas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael L.
Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. Edward W.
Whitehead
Mr. and Mrs. Hank Wise
For the VonLehman Family
Scholarship
In Memory of Sis and Joe
VonLehman
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald
Dressman
Mary Luau Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. Michael
Molony
PACCAR Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew
VonLehman
Mr. Richard L. VonLehman
In Memory of Dr. and Mrs.
Terry Bramlage
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald
Benzinger
In Memory of Howie Hahl
Mr. Gerald B. Dressman
Teacher’s Wish List
Class of 1957
Class of 1967
Class of 1972
Mr. Nicholas A. Eilerman
Mr. Glenn Willett –
Class of 1949
Science Department
Mr. Charles R. Spanier
In Memory of Jeff Pfetzer
Mrs. Kay O’Rourke
First Friday Alumni Mass
All alumni, families and friends are invited to First
Friday Mass in our school chapel. Mass begins at 7:25
a.m. on the first Friday of each month that school is
in session. The next Mass will be held on March 7,
2008. Everyone is welcome to stay after Mass to enjoy
donuts, juice and coffee in the cafeteria.
NOTE:
• There will not be a Mass offered in April due to
Spring Break.
• There is a Mass offered every Friday that school is
in session at 7:25 a.m. for alumni, students, faculty &
staff, families and friends . . . all are invited.
Cov Cath Journal
In Memoriam
ALUMNI
Michael Major ’66
Norbert Meyer ’57
Charles Neuhaus ’52
Joseph Nicholson ’38
Daniel T. Runge ’66
Charles J. Stander ’41
James R. Thomas ’47
John Vandegeer ’71
Stanley Wimmers ’39
SON
Jason Arlinghaus ’98
Richard Dickman ’44
DAUGHTER
Steve Sorrell ’75
FATHER
Greg Brungs ’83
Robert Brungs ’74
Thomas Brungs ’79
Randy Ellison ’79
R. Neil Gilreath ’80
Tom Fowee ’98
Bryan Jansen ’80
Daniel Jansen ’87
David Jansen ’89
John (Jack) Jansen ’79
Richard Jansen ’77
Robert Jansen ’83
Thomas Jansen ’74
James Rippe ’71
Rev. Charles “Kip”
Stander ’68
Greg Thomas ’81
Michael Thomas ’78
MOTHER
Michael Ash ’66
Robert Ash ’58
William R. Ash ’56
Jesse Boone ’66
Joseph Boone, Jr. ’75
Ron Durham, Faculty
James Gantenberg ’68
Michael Gantenberg ’70
R. Neil Gilreath ’80
Charles Kuebbing ’82
Mark W. Nienaber ’73
David L. Schell ’65
Scott Schuler ’98
Jude Schulte ’79
William J. Schulte ‘72
Robert G. Staggenborg
’68
David Stoeckle ’82
Mike Stoeckle ’86
Memorial Mass
Father William Fitzgerald, O’Praem, CCH
Chaplain, celebrated the Memorial Mass for our
deceased Alumni on November 8, 2007. Over 100
visitors came to the Mass to honor and remember
their loved ones. Forty-nine deceased Alumni
names were read as a family member presented
a rose during Mass. The chorus sang beautifully
as well as the entire student body. All of our
deceased alumni were included in the program
so they could be remembered in our prayers. A
brunch followed in the cafeteria hosted by our
CCH Parent’s Club. Everyone appreciated the
Mass and meal. To quote one of the attendees”
. . . Thank you for another wonderful Memorial
Mass for the deceased Alumni. As always it was
a grand morning, sad but grand.”
Thanks to Linda Fussinger for chairing the
lunch and all the mothers who assisted her.
We would also like to thank Bill Snyder, Ron
Durham, Al Hertsenberg and Father William for
helping us to memorialize our deceased alumni.
Winter 2008
Robert Stoeckle ’67
David Zumbiel ’71
Mark Zumbiel ’77
GRANDFATHER
Robert Brungs ’05
Alex Cardosi ’04
Anthony Cardosi ’04
Robert Cardosi ’99
Andrew Ellison ’06
Nicholaus Ellison ’09
Adam Hock ’04
Drew Hollenkamp ’97
Kyle Hollenkamp ’00
Matt Hollenkamp ’94
Robert Lynch ’96
Stephen Otte ’10
Jeff Peeno ’96
Blake Schmidt ’03
Jason Tate ’01
Peter Thomas ’10
Kyle Weckenbrock ’05
Ryan Woods ’99
GRANDMOTHER
Kevin Connughton ’10
Gary Harmeling ’77
Greg Harmeling ’78
Bernard Herold ’99
Matt Herold ’86
Jeffrey Peeno ’96
Chris Shouse ’08
Ryan Shouse ’11
Josh Thompson ’06
GRANDSON
Stephen Arlinghaus ’71
BROTHER
James Gantenberg ’68
Michael Gantenberg ’70
Tim Haders, Faculty
Ronald Major ’65
Fred Vandegeer ’68
Roland Vandegeer ’67
SISTER
August Meier ’40
William Remke ’75
Andrew Schild ’80
Daniel Schild ’76
Stephen Schild ’86
William Schild ’73
Tyler Sorrell ’05
Trevor Sorrell ’09
Jack Toerner ’67
Robert Toerner ’65
Arthur White ’73
Doug White ’80
Goodbye to
Father William
Please mark your calendars for the evening
of Wednesday, May 7th as we bid farewell to
our dear friend and Chaplain, Father William
Fitzgerald O’Praem. The faculty and staff of
CCH will host a reception for Father William in
the cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
Father William has been a member of the
faculty and School Chaplain since 2004. He will
be bidding us farewell and heading for the west
coast where he will return as an apostolate of
the Norbetine Community. We will miss Father
William greatly and wish him the best on his
next journey. We know he will continue to make
a difference in the lives of everyone he meets
just as he has blessed our community with his
presence.
13
Reunions
A new year has begun which means that there are
a lot of reunions to be planned for 2008:
The following years have already started planning
for their reunion.
1948 – Ed Schroeder and his committee are looking to
have their reunion September 13, 2008 after a football
game. Further information will follow as plans are
made.
1958 – Art Baute and his committee are planning their
“50th” reunion. Reserve the weekend of August 29th.
More information will follow.
1968 – Bill Kathman and his committee celebrated
their “40th” Reunion on February 8 following the
Newport Central Catholic Basketball Game in the cafe­
teria. A good time was had by all.
Class of 1982 – Welcome Back!!!
On Saturday, December 1, 2007, there were 53 graduates at our 25-year reunion. We were accompanied
by 20 wives or guests. This was a really good crowd.
Everyone seemed to have a good time, seemed to be
in good health, and great spirits.
6:15 – Fr. William led us in Mass in the new Chapel.
There were about 19 of us present. It was inspiring and
a great way to start the evening. During the “Prayers
of the Faithful”, Dan Schuh invited us to pray for our
classmates who have passed before us, namely, Keith
Carney, Jeff Smeltzer, and Mike Johnson.
7:30 – We went to the basketball game where
the CovCath Varsity team defeated a highly-ranked
Lexington Catholic team in a thrilling come from
behind victory. It was almost as much fun watching the
student body cheering section as it was to watch the
basketball game.
9:15 – We went to the cafeteria for food, drinks,
music, and great conversation. Mr. Kaelin showed up
to give everyone a brief recap of the last 25 years . .
. There was an opportunity for graduates to tour the
new school.
12:30 – We went to Dickmann’s for more stories of
“Mr. H”, cafeteria food, and the like . . . Most stayed
until closing.
1993 – Benjie Pieper is the contact person. He invites
all who are interested in working on the committee to
contact him at bpieper@trivaco.com. He hopes to have
the reunion in October and asks his classmates to try
to keep dates open in that month for the reunion. As
soon as the committee picks a date, you will be notified.
1998 – Chad Summe and his committee are in the process of planning their class reunion.
2003 – Bradley Wiggins is making arrangements for his
class’ upcoming reunion. The class will be notified just
as soon the details are confirmed.
If anyone from the classes of 1943, 1953, 1963, 1973,
1978, 1983 and 1988 is interested in working on their
reunions, please contact Alma Finke, 859-448-2247
Ext. 2 or email her at aafinke@covcath.org. She will be
happy to work with you.
Please check our webpage – www.covcath.org. Go to
Alumni – Reunions for updates on dates and places
where each reunion will be held. We will update the
webpage as information becomes available.
14
Jack Kaelin was inducted into the Newport Central
Catholic (NCC) Hall of Fame on February 23, 2008. He
is the recipient of the Coach Jim
Connor Award that is given to
an outstanding individual from
the community at large who
has demonstrated excellence in
his or her professional and personal life and whose character
represents the values of family
that NCC strives to teach and
live.
Cov Cath Journal
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Marquise Banquet Center
Wilder, KY
Dear Friend of Covington Catholic High School,
The sixth annual Covington Catholic Sports Fest is scheduled for March 18, 2008, and once again promises to
be a first class event. Triple Crown winning jockey Steve Cauthen will be our guest speaker. The event will take
place at the Marquise Banquet Center, Wilder, KY. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with open bar, and concludes
around 9:30 p.m.
The 2008 Sports Fest will be sold-out again this year, so please make your reservations ASAP.
A limited number of Corporate Sponsorships are available, and we respectfully request your consideration to join
us again, or for the first time. There are two levels of Corporate Table sponsorships offered:
Platinum Sponsorship ($1,500)
•O
nly twelve Platinum Sponsorships will be sold this year. This level of sponsorship provides a reserved table for
10 people in the premium front two rows, open bar, catered dinner, your company’s prominent recognition in the
program and throughout the evening. Additionally, you can elect to have a sports celebrity sit at your table as part
of your 10 seats.
Gold Sponsorship ($1,000)
•T
his level includes a reserved table for 10 people, open bar, catered dinner, and recognition in the program.
In addition to our corporate tables, five (5) exclusive Sponsorship level opportunities are available:
Sports Fest “Event” Sponsor ($7,000) Limited to (1) Sponsor
•T
his premier sponsorship includes naming rights on tickets, program, signage during the event, and recognition
throughout the event. Plus they receive 4 VIP tickets.
Senior Sponsor, Designated as Events’ Dinner Sponsor ($5,000) Limited to (1) Sponsor
• This Dinner and desserts sponsorship is ideal for a restaurant, or high profile business. Benefits include signage,
program and podium recognition throughout the event. Plus they receive 2 VIP tickets.
Junior Sponsor, Designated as Events’ Reception Sponsor ($2,000) Limited to (1) Sponsor
• This sponsorship level will be promoted as Sports Fest’s Reception and Happy Hour Sponsor. Benefits include
signage, program and general recognition throughout the event.
Sophomore Sponsor ($1,000) Limited to (3) Sponsors
• Sponsorship includes program recognition and limited signage.
Freshman Sponsor ($500) Limited to (5) Sponsors
• Sponsorship includes program recognition.
Once again, there will be fantastic silent and oral auction, sports memorabilia, vacation packages, tickets to
premium sporting events, and limited autograph memorabilia. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for the benefit of all
CovCath student athletes and to promote the long term success of the young men at CCH. Simply send a check to
Dave Witzgall, 805 Pointe Drive, Villa Hills, KY 41017. Act now! The tables will go fast!
Winter 2008
15
Covington Catholic High School
1600 Dixie Highway
Park Hills, KY 41011-2797
(859) 448-2247
www.covcath.org
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