By sports reporter Terry Boehmker, NKyTribune
John Michels’ application to be the head coach of the Covington Catholic baseball team was difficult to beat. As a player and assistant coach under Bill Krumpelbeck, who left his position as head coach after 48 years, he contributed to the program’s winning heritage.
According to a press release from CovCath athletic director Tony Bacigalupo, we had a great deal of interest in the role. John Michels was the clear choice following a rigorous interview process because of his on-field accomplishments, his devotion to CCH, and—above all—his connections with the players and alumni.
Michels played for the CovCath squad that won the 9th Region title in 1987 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the state competition. A few years later, he rejoined the program and served as the freshman coach from 2002 to 2004. His teams won an area tournament title with a 48-13 record.
Michels had a 408-144 record as the junior varsity coach of the CovCath baseball team, which included six region tournament titles and 12 trips to the finals of the region tournament. Under Krumpelbeck, who finished with a 1,149-485 career record, he assisted in building varsity teams that won 20 or more games almost every season.
In the school’s press release, Michels stated, “I’m thankful for the chance to continue our strong traditions while moving the program in a new direction.” We shall create a culture that strives for success, cultivates men of character, and expects to win. We’ll keep up the academic, athletic, and spiritual standards that make this institution so unique.
Under Krumpelbeck, CovCath won nine 9th Region crowns and the state championship in 2002, but the Colonels didn’t qualify for the state playoffs until 2005. They have played in 8–15 area tournaments during the past 15 years, making it to the region final in 2018 and 2021.
According to CovCath principal Bob Rowe, Coach Michels embodies the best qualities of CovCath, including modest leadership, a spirit of competition, and a dedication to developing young men of character. We are honored to begin this new chapter with a person who is prepared to set the standard higher and is aware of our tradition.
Fromeyer named Supervisor of Year by KHSAA
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association named Steve Fromeyer, a high school football official of the Northern Kentucky Officials Association, the statewide Supervisor of the Year for all sports.
For games involving 28 high schools in the counties of Boone, Campbell, Kenton, Pendleton, Bracken, Grant, Gallatin, Owen, and Carroll, Fromeyer is responsible for hiring, preparing, allocating, and evaluating football officials.
He added, “This is a team award.” The truth is that you get credit for things when your people perform good. Last year, our officials performed admirably. You receive recognition for putting a quality product on the market.
Since 2021, Fromeyer, a food service sales representative, has served as the local football supervisor.
In addition, he coaches boys’ basketball at Scott High School. For the 2025–2026 academic year, he will be the president of the Northern Kentucky Boys Basketball Coaches Association.
Additionally, the KHSAA recognized an exceptional official in every sport for the most recent academic year. Covington’s Jason Seligman was listed for football, Independence’s Allyson Heger for swimming and diving, Ft. Mitchell’s Michael Stokes for basketball, Villa Hills’ Tony Wagner for softball, and Covington’s Tony Thornsburg for baseball.
Each sport’s finalists are chosen by a combination of on-field accomplishments, leadership and involvement in local associations, training initiatives, and coaching of junior officials.
Campbell County athlete named Mr. 10th Region
Recent Campbell County High School alumni Zach Franzen received the title of Mr. 10th Region, which is given annually to a graduating senior who excels in many sports.
Franzen averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in basketball, scored a team-high 19 goals in soccer, and pitched a team-high 54.2 innings in baseball with a 7-1 record, 2.18 ERA, and 72 strikeouts in his senior year.
The soccer team finished 15-9-1, advanced to the second round of the state competition, and won the 10th Region title. The basketball team had a 22-10 record and qualified for the 10th Region. The baseball team finished 25-11-1 and advanced to the semifinals of the 10th Region.
According to an article on the 10thregion.com website, which sponsors the award Franzen won, he intends to study construction management at Northern Kentucky University.