Dawn returns to NCC sidelines

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

A little more than a year ago, Ron Dawn stepped down as Head Coach of the Newport Central Catholic girls basketball team.

Within a matter of days, the school promoted assistant George Stoll to the head position. Dawn, 57, found himself on the other end of the equation Wednesday as he accepted the offer to return to his old position.

Just a day after seven-year NewCath boys Head Coach Grant Brannen announced he’d taken the same position at Walton-Verona, Dawn accepted the offer to return to the sidelines. Dawn previously held that job between 1990 and 2002 before stepping down to watch his son Ronny play college basketball.

“As much as we hated to see Coach Brannen leave NCC, we are very fortunate that Ron Dawn has accepted the opportunity to become head coach,” said Rob Detzel, NewCath Director of Athletics. “Ron’s record speaks for itself. He is a fantastic coach and mentor and we feel honored that he will continue the great tradition that is NCC Basketball.”

Dawn graduated from NewCath in 1974 after success as a player and started his coaching career with the boys program in 1980. Dawn owns 403 career victories, which includes a stint as St. Henry boys head coach.

Dawn is the only coach in Kentucky to win a regional title for both the boys and girls programs at a school. He’s also the only coach to guide a boys and girls program at the same school to All “A” State Championships. Dawn helped the boys to the All “A” and 9th Region championship in 2000 before guiding the girls to an All “A” crown in 2010 and 9th Region title in 2011.

“I am really looking forward to coaching this group of young men,” Dawn said. “We will work hard to do our best to keep the longstanding tradition of NewCath basketball going strong.”

Dawn coached the girls between 2008 and 2012. The Thoroughbreds finished 91-24 with four 36th District titles in that span.

“Ron Dawn has had a tremendous impact on NCC,” said Carl Foster, NCC Principal. “From being a Hall of Fame player and coach, to a great teacher, a 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 basketball is commendable. We are fortunate to have Ron on the sidelines again.”

The Thoroughbreds return three starters from last season’s 30-3 squad that won the All “A” State Championship, 36th District and Ashland Invitational. They are rising senior Jake Schulte and rising juniors Zach Pangallo and Drew McDonald.