1960
The 1960’s saw John Kennedy move into the White House. The Beattles were the popular Rock Band appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. America was at war with Vietnam. The Olympic Games were being held in Rome and here in Cold Spring the first Mass was celebrated in our new church, a new tournament had begun.
The Catholic Order of Foresters were the first sponsors of St Joseph Basketball, and we are pleased to have with us tonight Mr. Bud Enzweiler. Bud has been a member of the Foresters for 79 years and we wish to thank the Foresters for starting St Joe’s Basketball.
At that time, the nickname had not yet been chosen. Through a contest with the school children the “Bluejays”name was formed. Under the Direction of Mr. Jim Donelan, Bluejay Basketball became a reality. Jim is largely responsible for the program we have in existence today. Jim was an original member of the Boosters, coached from 1960 until 1985, and was the FIRST Basketball Director. He is a member of the No. Ky Hall of Fame. Jim’s team won the first of many Diocesan Championships and he has touched many lives at St Joe’s. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Founding Father of the Bluejay Classic, Mr. Jim Donelan.
1963
Pat Toner played in Jim Donelan’s first year as a coach. Pat also coached soccer here where he had the pleasure of coaching his daughter, Kerri. Pat is thrilled to now watch his grandkids play in the Classic.
Also with us tonight is Mr Rob Lohr Rob’s Dad, Dick Lohr was also a charter member of the Boosters.
Rob played here at St Joe’s, coached and officiated at the Bluejay over the years.
The late Jack Neiser Sr. was also a Charter Booster Member. Jack was an assistant coach to Harry Kentrup and later to Jim Donelan. He is represented tonight by his son, Jack Neisser, Jr.. Jack Jr. also coached his son Eric and daughter Anna Marie, here. Jack, along with other Booster’s formed an intramural league for our students in the 1980’s.
Don Amann was a familiar face in these parts in 1965 and was often seen with his coaching buddy, Larry “Frog” Redmond. Booster meetings then were held in an old classroom and the Boosters had to borrow money to afford uniforms. Don is soon to be inducted to the Sports Hall of Fame in No. Ky for baseball, hardball and softball.
TOM FREPPON SR. Tom played on the first St Joseph team in 1956 and won the year end tournament amongst all No Ky teams. He played for Newport Catholic graduating in 1960 and was Co-Player of the year in the 9th Region. He participated in the annual East-West game held at Memorial Coliseum. Tom played at Xavier University 1960 thru 1964 serving as team captain his senior year. He refereed high school basketball for 36 years, and now watches the third generation of Freppons playing in the Bluejay Classic.
We have had many athletes go on to become top high school officials. Steve Brown actually played in the first Bluejay Classic when he was in the 7th grade at St Catherine. Steve coached soccer here at St Joe’s for 8 years, a 15 year member of the Boosters, and officiated in the Bluejay for 15 years.
Greg Schuh was a member of the winning team in the 1968 Bluejay Classic with Jim Donelan as his coach. That team won the Newport Catholic League and finished 3rd in a statewide Diocesan Tournament. Greg went on to play 4 years at Newport Catholic. He has also been fortunate to coach both of his son’s team at St Thomas in the Bluejay Classic.
(Unable to attend)Bill Hipple joined the Boosters in 1969 and began coaching basketball. Bill was amongst many hard-working Boosters who tore the old round metal backboards and installed new glass backboards. In the same year they undertook refinishing the old floor.
The 70’s found the United States still at war in Vietnam. But there were some good things as well: The first landing on the moon. Video games were introduced, Mariah Carey was born, and the popular music was brought to us by Elton John and Stevie Wonder. The Bluejay Classic was going strong and fast becoming THE tournament for grade school basketball teams.
The Bluejay Classic has seen many great players. Tony Klump played for St Joe’s 5th thru 8th grade. Tony’s life was tragically cut short his sophomore year in high school. The Tony Klump award is still given at Campbell County High School in his memory to recognize an underclassman showing good character and qualities of a student-athlete. Tony is represented by his older sister, Carol Rieger.
The most hideous sport coat ever worn in the Bluejay Classic was worn by Dave Schabell. Dave coached here with Chuck Peters and later when Bill Hipple took the principals job at Sts Peter & Paul, he talked Dave into taking that coaching position and Bill continued coaching here. Schabs and Chuck would coach against each other in many more Classic games, but the classic outfits were WILD. Dave’s Peter & Paul teams won a 5/6th grade division and a 7/8th division on one Super Sunday afternoon and they threw a party at Herman’s Kentucky Tavern. As Dave arrived he found his players in there smoking big victory cigars. Dave has been the “voice of the Bluejay” for many years and we are grateful for his friendship.
Dan Wagner Played here in the late 60’s and early 70’s for Jim Donelan and Lee Kessen. Dan’s bio included him scoring 32 points in a game, but in checking scorebooks, we think Dan meant 32 points in a year. Dan teaches in the Campbell County School System and is a Assistant Football Coach at NCC.
Chuck Peters began coaching at St Joe’s in 1973 and stuck around for 13 years as the 7th/8th grade coach in the K of C League. Chuck returned for 8 more visits as a coach at St Catherine. Chuck coached with Dave Schabell, Jeff Schwegman., and the man standing next to him, Mr Dave Wegert.
Dave assisted in some way as an assistant or head coach from 1973 to 1982. Dave also helped with the football team and served on the Boosters board as Secretary and Treasurer.
Lee Kessen played for the Bluejays from 1963-1966. In 1963 the Bluejays were invited to play at halftime of the Cincinnati Royals in Cincinnati Garderns. He began coaching during his high school years as an assistant to Jim Donelan, when they won the first Diocesan Chanpionship, when Lexinton was still part of our Diocese. Lee took over the Boy’s program upon Coach D’s retirement and won Our second Diocesan Championship in 1990. After 24 years with the boys program, Lee stepped over to coach in the girls program. He returned to coach in the boy’s program with former player, Tim machenheimer and won the 3rd Diocesan Championship with 7th graders and won the 4th with Those same players as 8th graders. Lee’s biggest thrill over the years of involvement is the friends he has made and seeing so many players to contribute back as coaches.
We are extremely proud to have our former athletes who come back and coach. Kevin Gray played in the Bluejay from 1976-1982. Kevin played for the legendary Jim Donelan in 1981 and 1982. He then coached at every grade level here. His crowning moments are the Diocesan Championship Banners in 2000, 2001, 2002, and2003. Kevin left St Joe’s to become JV basketball coach at Scott High School and is now Freshman coach at NCC.
Saw the first girl’s teams added here. Until then, girl’s programs were practically non-existent. Our first girl’s coach was Bob Neises, and his brother Mike. Later, Bob also coached Soccer here.
Mike Kiernan played basketball and football at St Joe’s during the 70’s. His 8th grade year, his football team did not allow an offensive touchdown. Mike went on to play football for Notre Dame. Mike greatest enjoyment has been watching his three kids play at St Joe’s and many more Bluejay Classics.
Still involved heavily in the Bluejay Classic today, Tom Freppon Jr played in 6 Bluejay Classics from 1974-1979. Tom is a member of the 1979 Diocesan Championship team that played in Lexington. After St Joe’s, Tom went on to play at Newport Catholic and Thomas More College. He has coached in the last 11 Bluejay Classic Tournaments and officiated in the past 15 years or so. Tom is a member of 50th Anniversary Committee and is fortunate to have been able to work several Bluejay games with his Dad. The mark of any good tournament is quality officiating. Tom has taken on the task as our official scheduler and guarantees we have quality officials at our games.
That brings us to the 80’s
The 80’s brought us news from England that a Prince would marry a kindergarten teacher named Dianna and at home Meryll Streep starred in every big name motion picture. Michael Jordan and Florence Joyner were setting records, while Major League Ball players were setting up picket lines. President Reagan named the first women to the Supreme Court and our court here was swelling with talent and enthusiasm. Our Booster organization would see the beginning of a transition from Football to Soccer.
Joe Ahlbrand played on the first Diocesan Championship team. He also played Quarterback on our football team. Joe attended Newport Catholic and lettered in tennis and baseball. A very active member of our Booster organization, and on the 50th Aniversary Committee, Joe also coaches 4th grade girls basketball.
Jim Gastright coached for 10 years here and served 2 years as Booster President and another year as Vice-President. All 3 of Jim’s children played in the Bluejay.
After St John’s had closed their school, Jim Donelan called on Jack Verst to come to St Joe’s to coach 7/8th grade girls. Jack’s coaching career started off great with an undefeated league record. The next year Jim assigned Jack as the first Girl’s director, and the organizer of the Girl’s Diocesan Tournament. St Joe’s became the first team to win the tournament and returned again in 1985 to win. Jack’s children have all played for St Joe’s and his son Jonathon is presently coaching here.
Sharing one of those Diocesan Championship Banners with Jack, is one of his players, Jenny Brown Sepate. Jenny attended 8 years here and went on to play varsity basketball, soccer, and softball at NCC. 2 of her 3 children attend St Joe’s and Jenny coaches Soccer here.
Darla Reisenbeck Sendelbach played for Jack and Bill Verst and won the 84-85 Diocesan Basketball Championship. Today, Darla enjoys the same traditions of St joseph and the Bluejay Classic watching her own children.
Having played at St Joe’s from 1978 thru 1985 for Jim Donelan and his own father, Rob Braun coached at the 3rd and 4th level. He later moved on to coach High School Track and Cross Country. Rob has been a coach of 8 State High School Championship Teams.
We honor tonight a hard-working Booster whose life was cut short. Mr Bob Mason was a past-president and treasurer. But more importantly he organized and ran what we affectionately called “Mason – nettes” – our concession stand. Bob was over the top with innovative ideas. He organized our volunteers and had fun. We are reminded of his special Thursday night volunteer group – “The 250 club” – You had to weigh 250 or more to step behind the counter that night. Ironically, Thursday was our best money night! In memory of his Dad, we welcome Tim Mason.
I think Don Harvey was in that 250 club back then. Also served as President, Soccer Director, Soccer coach, winning 1989 state title, and for many years basketball coach of both boys and girls. One of his former players spoke of Don “ I contribute a lot of my success as a player to Coach Harvey and I am grateful for all I learned from him. He taught me more than skill – he taught self-discipline, responsibility and teamwork”
1988
Tim Machenheimer – another member of the 50th Anniversary Committee. Tim played at St Joe’sfrom 1983 to 1988 under Lee Kessen. He went to play for Bishop Brossart for 4 years. Began coaching here in 1996 with Brian Kehoe. They won their very first game and then went on to record 16 straight losses ending the first season 1 -16. If we had fun that season the next could only get better. Fifteen years after playing for Coach Kessen, Tim added Lee to his coaching staff. During his tenure here, along with Jamie Schoulteis and Dave Couch, Tim won 3 Bluejay Classics and 2 Diocesan Championships. Tim’s most proud of the 5 former players now coaching at St joe’s.
1989
Some of her most memorable times were playing in front of a packed house in the Bluejay Classic. She and her teammates being excited about playing in front of a packed hometown crowd, names announced over the loudspeakers, and friends throwing confetti in the stands. Kristi Reuscher Jones now has daughters who will get the same experience. Kristi’s class of 1989 girl’s basketball team went undefeated in every Bluejay Classic they played in.
1990
Doug Clark’s playing career at St Joe’s was 6 years, but his coaching career has already surpassed that. Doug is one of many former Bluejays who have had the unique fortune to win a Diocesan Championship as a player in 1990, and has won TWO Diocesan Championships as a coach.
(Unable to attend)John D’ Alessandro - played at St Joe’s from 1995-to 1991. John’s 7th and 8th Grade team was hindered by the coaching he received in the fifth and sixth grade. John went on to play at Bishop Brossart High School, while coaching soccer.
In 1992 Lee Kessen had the fortune to coach his second, Nick. Nick’s team won the League regular season and were tournament champs. Nick went on to play four years at Newport Catholic, and recently coached here at St Joe’s in the 3rd and 4th grade division.
Brain Hill played at St Joe fro 1987 to 1993. Bryan went on to play football and basketball at Newport Catholic. He is now one of many assistant coaches for Tim Machenheimer. Bryan looks forward to coaching his 2 boys here at St Joes.
Sts Peter and Paul cherished the opportunity to play in the Bluejay Classic, and in 1994 they had a very talented team. Dave Seiter had coached for our friends at Peter & Paul from 1988 til 1996. In ’94 he was fortunate enough to coach both his sons Justin and Nathan. Nathan Seiter continues to hold the single game scoring record in the Bluejay Classic at 48 points. In memory of his son Nathan, and representing our friends at Sts Peter and Paul, Dave Seiter stands with us today.
Don Clark Played in the Bluejay Classic for St Mary in 1965 and 66. He began his coaching career with Jim Braun here in 1975. He then joined Jim Donelan and Lee Kessen in Jim’s last year here. He coached with Lee until 1992, privileged to be part of the 1990 State Championship team. Don’s service spanned over 3 decades when he became Boy’s Basketball Director in 1983. Those late night Bluejay Classic cleanups spanned into the wee hours of the mornings, solving the world’s problems, but making friendships for a lifetime!
Tony Chiodi coached girl’s basketball for 8 years. Lucky enough to coach 2 very talented daughters, Maria and Nicole. Tony coached them to 4 League Championships and 2 Diocesan Champs. Tony’s daughter, Nicole went on to win the NCAA Championship at Northern Ky University and is presently a graduate assistant coach at Armstrong Atlantic State University.
Here’s a gentlemen who has given tirelessly to our boy’s program for 12 years and has not had a child in the program. Dave Couch, in a six year span coached our boys to five Diocesan Championships, with Kevin Gray. Dave finished his career here with Tim Machenheimer and won a Diocesan Champioship in 2005.
Tom Sharp’s association with the Bluejay Classic began as an official and lasted 9 years. He coached girl’s basketball for 13 years at St Joe’s in every grade level. He also was fortunate to coach his daughters, Ashley and Linsey, as well as many other talented girls, winning seven Bluejay Classic Champioships and Two Diocesan Championships. Tom is currently the boy’s varsity assistant coach at Silver Grove.
Bill Reinhart has served the children and Boosters of St Joe’s in many capacities, but his most significant accomplishment was his leadership in serving as the Girl’s Basketball Director, and taking that program to the next level. Bill has seen his 3 children through St Joe’s with great memories.
Bob Patterson was an assistant coach and team statistician for both the teams his sons, Scott and Mitch played on and allowed him to grow closer to them and feel part of the action. Bob is especially proud that they became skilled at the game and are part of the reason 3 Diocesan Championship Banners are hanging in the gym.
Scoring your first basket after four months of playing basketball may not seem like a big deal, but it is if that basket comes in the Bluejay Classic. Zach Thorton went on to win several Bluejay Classics as well as 2 Diocesan Championships. Zach, like many others, came back to St Joe’s to coach at the 3rd and 4th grade level. According to Zach, none of the tournaments I ever participated in ever came close to being able to generate the excitement and atmosphere that the Bluejay Classic did consistently year after year.
During his 7th and 8th grade year seasons, Matt Lloyd’s team had a combined record of 65 wins and 14 losses. A gifted coaching staff of Kevin Gray, Dave Couch and Jon Lloyd were instrumental in giving them the tools to win. Matt went on to play at Bishop Brossart winning the “Helping Hand” award as No Ky’s top 6th man. His team set a school record of 28-5 and won the 2007 All “A” State Championship.
Michael Enzweiler won 2 Bluejay Gold Medals and 3 Silver medals. His team won the Diocesan Championship his 7th grade year and Runner-up his 8th grade year. Michael won the Ninth Region Baseball Championship at NCC, while also coaching here at St Joe’s. Michael attends the University of Louisville and plans to go to Law School.
Coach Jake Heil played basketball here for six years under Craig Bertsch, Joe Heil, Kevin Gray and Tim Machenheimer. In 2005, his 8th grade year, both the boy’s and girl’s teams won the Diocesan Tournament. Jake is now in his first year of coaching at St Joe’s with a 5th Grade team.
Lindsey Sharp was fortunate to have her dad coach her on four Bluejay Classic Championship teams and in her eighth grade year won the Diocesan Championship. She later played Basketball and Volleyball at Bishop Brossart. She is currently a freshman at the University of Kentucky.
Jill Heil’s 8th grade team won the Girl’s Diocesan Championship with a record of 31wins and 5 losses. REMARKABLE coaching some would say! 2007 marked a year that St Joe’s won Four Diocesan Championships in one year – a feat that was unprecendented and yet unmatched! Jill was All-State Runner for Bishop Brossart’s Cross Country team.
The newest member of the 1000 point club at Bishop Brossart is Jacob Rieger. Jacob played basketball here from 2000-2006. A member of that 4-team Diocesan Championship group and most recent member of the 10th Region All “A” championship team.
Michelle Bowman is a back to back Diocesan Champion with a combined record of 44 wins and 17 losses. She is also a member of 2 Championship Soccer Banners. Michelle played basketball and Soccer at NCC, winning 3 consecutive All “A” State Championships. She went on to play college soccer at Transylvania University.
Corey Kramer is a 2008 St Joe’s graduate. His teams were 4 time Bluejay Champs, 5 time League Champs and 7th Grade Diocesan Champions. Corey currently plays basketball at Bishop Brossart.
Our celebration would not be complete without including our current student body. Representing this years’ student body, The oldest 8th graders playing in the Bluejay this year: Clay and Conner Verst.
Ladies and Gentlemen: 50 years of The Greatest Show on Earth, THE BLUEJAY CLASSIC….. THIS IS BLUEJAY BASKETBALL!!!!
Information for this piece was provided by the individual participants and edited for space and time considerations.
The 50 th Anniversary Committee Members are to be commended for their work which began back in August, ’09.
Tim Machenheimer, Lee Kessen, Linda Kessen and Joe Heil compiled the final list of attendees.
The school children were provided the following gifts from the Boosters on their desks
throughout Catholic Schools week:
50th Anniversary Bluejay Pencils.
50th Anniversary T-shirts , thanks to United Maier Signs
50th Anniversary Pens
Bluejay Classic Tattoos
