After five seasons at the helm of Newport Central Catholic’s girls basketball team, Ralph Meyer announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Meyer has been on a NewCath sideline since 2003, when he started as an assistant on the boys team under Rob Detzel. He was an assistant for 15 seasons on the boys team before taking the head coaching job with the girls team in 2018.
The 1998 NewCath grad led the Thoroughbreds to a 89-57 record in the five seasons, winning Ninth Region All “A” titles in 2020 and ’21 and guiding them to the 36th District Championship in 2022.
“I would like to thank Principal Kenny Collopy and Athletic Director Jeff Schulkens for the opportunity to lead the girls basketball program for the last five years,” Meyer said in a statement released by the school. “In my 20 years of coaching basketball at NCC, I’ve worked with many talented coaches and players on both the girls and boys side that still remain like family to me today. I’d also like to thank the families of all the players over the many years for their support as the many young men and women I’ve had the opportunity to coach. I look forward to the continued success of both programs.”
NewCath Athletic Director Jeff Schulkens said the school is accepting applications for the open position. For those interested, contact Schulkens at (859) 292-0001 Ext. 511 or jschulkens@ncchs.com.
“Coach Meyer has had a positive impact on both the young men and women of NCC for the last 20 years. His love for the game and devotion to NCC is unmeasurable,” Schulkens said.
NewCath had just two seniors on the roster for the 2022-23 season in Natalie Haigis and Joelle Kinnett. Haigis played in seven games while Kinnett played in all 28, averaging 3.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
The Thoroughbreds return their top four scorers, including sophomore Caroline Eaglin who averaged 24.8 points per game, good for seventh in the state and leading the Ninth Region. Delaney Green, Jaylee Brannen and Katelyn Brannen are all set to return from a 17-11 season, a 36th District runner-up and a Ninth Region quarterfinalist.
NewCath has made the Ninth Region tournament in six straight seasons.