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Ron Dawn stepping down as NewCath boys’ basketball coach after reaching final four in state playoffs


By Terry Boehmker
NKy Tribune sports reporter

Ron Dawn, the only coach to win 9th Region championships in both boys’ and girls’ high school basketball, announced his resignation as head coach of the Newport Central Catholic boys’ team on Friday.

Dawn, 59, closes his career on a high note. Last month, he guided the NewCath boys’ team to its first 9th Region championship since 2000 and the Thoroughbreds made it to the semifinals of the state tournament for the first time since 1953.

Ron Dawn and staff

Ron Dawn, center, and his NewCath coaching staff pose with the championshp trophy after winning the 2016 9th Region All “A” Classic. The team’s new head coach, Ken Collopy, is holding the trophy. (Photo by Jackson Sports Photography)

Kenny Collopy, a varsity assistant at NewCath since 2012, was named the new head coach. Dawn will remain on the school staff as a teacher and Dean of Students.

Dawn has compiled a 495-204 record as a varsity basketball coach. After four seasons as boys’ head coach at St. Henry High School from 1985-89, he spent the rest of his career at NewCath.

His first stint as NewCath boys’ basketball coach was from 1989-2001. After taking a break to follow his son’s college basketball career, he coached the girls’ basketball team for four years and won the 2011 9th Region championship. He returned to the boys’ program in 2013 and his teams posted records of 29-4, 28-4 and 30-5 the last three seasons.

“I am grateful to all the young men and ladies I have had the honor of coaching over the years and to all those who coached alongside of me,” Dawn said in an email announcing his resignation as head coach.

Dawn is also the only coach to win Kentucky All “A” Classic state championships in both boys’ and girls’ basketball. His girls’ team won the small-school state tournament in 2010 and he had three teams take the boys’ title.

“Ron Dawn has had a tremendous impact on NCC,” principal Jason Huther said in a statement.  “From being a Hall of Fame player and coach, to a great mentor to student athletes and younger coaches, he has always handled himself with class.  He is respected by his players, colleagues and opposing coaches.  He has accomplished things that no other coach in the state of Kentucky has accomplished.  His love for the game and devotion to NCC is unmeasurable. He is a bedrock in this community and in our school.”  

Collopy has spent eight years as a varsity assistant. He was on the coaching staffs at Highlands, Bishop Brossart and Holy Cross before coming to NewCath. He’ll be taking over a team that loses three senior starters, including leading scorer and reobunder Ben Weyer.

“I look forward to the process of aiding these young men to become better basketball players, and more importantly, better people,” Callopy said. “I have a true passion for this school, and to have the opportunity to be an educator and head coach at my alma mater is a true blessing.”

NewCath athletic director Rob Detzel said the coaching change was a “bittersweet day” for him.

“On one hand, I am very sad to see coach Dawn retire,” he said. “He has done so much for this program, our student athletes, and for me personally.  It is wonderful to see him go out after such a successful season.  On the other hand, I am very excited that coach Collopy is going to be our next head coach.  He has a great basketball mind, is a great teacher, and an even better person.  I know he is going to add to the great tradition of Newport Central Catholic basketball.”


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