The Ludlow Panthers football team will have not only a new turf field this fall, but also a different head coach.
Greg Taphouse resigned from his position after six years as head coach of the Panthers last week. The Panthers finished 35-32 during that time.
Taphouse is also a Physical Education teacher at Ludlow and shared the Director of Athletics responsibilities with volleyball head coach Jodi Schmidt and head baseball coach John McMillen. Taphouse oversaw volleyball, cross country, basketball and baseball.
“We feel we have a strong foundation in our football program – a community of players, parents and supporters who are committed to continuing the success our team has enjoyed in recent years,” Schmidt said. “We are building a top-notch playing facility that will be one of the best in Northern Kentucky – a facility of which our community can be extremely proud. In the coming weeks, we will be eagerly searching for the right individual to lead our program.”
Taphouse and his wife in the former Aimee Weckenbrock, a 2007 Notre Dame alum, have three kids. Taphouse said he resigned for personal reasons.
“My plan is to see where things end up,” Taphouse said. “I’m not giving up education. I’m not giving up coaching.”
The Panthers went 8-3 in Taphouse’s first season, winning their first seven games in 2017. Ludlow finished 8-4 the next two seasons, winning their first two playoff games since 2011. The Panthers went 4-6 in 2020, again making the second round of the playoffs before going 3-8 in 2021 and 4-7 last year. He served as an assistant to Rick Hornsby before taking over in 2017.
“I got to watch, witness and see the kids buying in, turning things around and getting used to that winning culture. The kids are great. I have nothing but love for Ludlow,” Taphouse said. “That’s where I got my start. That’s where I’ve kind of grown. That’s where I’ve been able to learn as an educator and learn as a head coach. I’m thankful for my time there and I’m thankful for the kids and community. The program’s in a great spot.”
Taphouse credited Ludlow Superintendent Mike Borchers for advocating for the funds to build the new facilities and give the kids a great educational experience. Taphouse said he did not lose kids to other schools during his tenure.
The 35-year-old played college football at Morehead State and high school football at Dacula (Georgia) High. He graduated with 1,000 students, which is different from the small school atmosphere at Ludlow.
Ludlow does have a history of success even though it has been a while since the Panthers made it past the second round of the playoffs. Ludlow won the Class A state championship, 7-6 over Heath in 1975.
On top of a new coach and a new field, the Panthers will also play in a new district. Ludlow was realigned to the Class A, 4th District under KHSAA’s new football realignment, paired with Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross and Trimble County for the 2023-24 seasons.