NEWPORT, Ky. – Longtime Newport Central Catholic High School basketball coach Ron Dawn has resigned from the position, the school announced Friday. He will remain on staff at the school as the dean of students.
Dawn is a 1974 graduate of NCC who played basketball for the school during his time there. He began coaching at NCC in 1980 and was named head boys coach in 1990.
During his time at NCC, Dawn became the only coach in the state to win an All “A” State Championship in both boys and girls basketball. He is retiring with 495 career victories.
“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.
NCC Principal Jason Huther said Dawn “has had a tremendous impact on NCC.”
“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,” Huther said. “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.”
Assistant coach and English teacher Kenny Collopy was named as the new head coach during a team banquet Thursday night. He’s a 2003 graduate of NCC and began coaching in 2008 at schools including Highlands, Bishop Brossart and Holy Cross.
“I look forward to the process of aiding these young men to become better basketball players, and more importantly, better people,” Collopy 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.”
