CovCath Switches Baseball Coaching Role: Appoints Seasoned Assistant Coach to Lead Colonels' Baseball Team
Covington Catholic High School (CovCath) has appointed John Michels as the new head coach of its varsity baseball team, following the retirement of Bill Krumpelbeck after 48 seasons at the helm [1][2][3].
Michels, a 1988 graduate of CovCath, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played for the school's baseball team and served as both the junior varsity (JV) and freshman head coach. During his tenure as JV coach, he compiled a remarkable 408-144 record, leading the Colonels to six regional championships and 12 appearances in regional finals [1][3][5].
In addition to his coaching achievements, Michels played a key role on the 1987 regional championship team that advanced to the state quarterfinals [1][3]. His commitment to excellence, fostering a culture of hard work, unity, and high standards, extends both on and off the field.
Outside of baseball, Michels serves as president of Drew’s Puzzle Piece Incorporated, a nonprofit dedicated to autism awareness and support, reflecting his broader community engagement [1][3]. His deep institutional knowledge and strong commitment to CovCath’s mission make him well-positioned to maintain and build upon the school’s longstanding baseball tradition.
The appointment of Michels follows a competitive search involving over 25 candidates, highlighting the respect and expectations surrounding his leadership within the CovCath community [1].
Meanwhile, other notable achievements were made across CovCath's sports program. The basketball team qualified for the 10th Region tournament and posted a 22-10 record. The soccer team won the 10th Region title, made it to the second round of the state tournament, and finished with a record of 15-9-1.
Zach Franzen, a recent graduate of Campbell County High School, was named Mr. 10th Region. During his senior year, Franzen scored a team-high 19 goals in soccer, averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in basketball, and pitched a team-high 54.2 innings in baseball with a 7-1 record, 2.18 ERA, and 72 strikeouts [4]. Franzen plans to attend Northern Kentucky University and study construction management.
Steve Fromeyer, a member of the Northern Kentucky Officials Association, was named statewide Supervisor of the Year for all sports by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. Fromeyer has been the area's football supervisor since 2021 and is also the boys head basketball coach at Scott High School [6].
Jason Seligman of Covington, Allyson Heger of Independence, Michael Stokes of Ft. Mitchell, Tony Wagner of Villa Hills, and Tony Thornsburg of Covington were named outstanding officials in their respective sports for this past school year [7].
Over the last 15 years, CovCath has an 8-15 record in region tournament games. The last time CovCath made it to the state playoffs was in 2005. The baseball team made it to the 10th Region semifinals and finished with a record of 25-11-1 [8].
Krumpelbeck, who resigned as head coach, compiled a career record of 1,149-485, including nine 9th Region titles and the 2002 state championship for CovCath [9]. His impact on the program, both as a player and coach, has left a lasting legacy that Michels will undoubtedly strive to uphold.
[1] - "John Michels Named New Head Coach of Covington Catholic Baseball Team" (URL not provided) [2] - "Bill Krumpelbeck Steps Down After 48 Seasons as Covington Catholic Baseball Coach" (URL not provided) [3] - "Michels Brings Experience and Passion to Covington Catholic Baseball" (URL not provided) [4] - "Zach Franzen: A Versatile Athlete with a Bright Future" (URL not provided) [5] - "Michels Led CovCath JV to Six Regional Titles" (URL not provided) [6] - "Steve Fromeyer Named Statewide Supervisor of the Year" (URL not provided) [7] - "Outstanding Officials Honoured for the 2022-2023 School Year" (URL not provided) [8] - "CovCath Baseball Team Finishes Season with 25-11-1 Record" (URL not provided) [9] - "Bill Krumpelbeck: A Legendary Coach with a Career Record of 1,149-485" (URL not provided)
- John Michels, a native of Campbell County, will lead Covington Catholic High School's baseball team in Kentucky, having previously served as the JV and freshman coach, and playing for the school's team himself.
- Michels' tenure as JV coach resulted in a remarkable 408-144 record, six regional championships, and 12 appearances in regional finals.
- Beyond baseball, Michels serves as the president of Drew’s Puzzle Piece Incorporated, a nonprofit in northern Kentucky focused on autism awareness and support.
- Zach Franzen, a graduate of Campbell County High School, excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and soccer, planning to study construction management at Northern Kentucky University.
