By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Noel Rash’s football coaching career took an unexpected turn Tuesday when he was rehired by Beechwood three years after stepping away from the program.
Rash is replacing Jay Voelker, who led the Tigers to a 37-5 record and one state championship over the last three seasons. Voelker recently accepted a teaching position in Ohio and planned to continue as Beechwood’s head coach, but school officials decided to bring back Rash instead.
Rash joined the Beechwood program as an assistant coach in 2000 and became head coach in 2006.
The Tigers never had a losing season during his 17 years as head coach. They made it to the state finals nine times, won eight state championships and compiled a 193-46 record for an 80.7 winning percentage.
In an announcement posted online Tuesday by the school, the administration thanked Voelker for “not only maintaining, but elevating the commitment, the sacrifice, and the brotherhood” of the Beechwood program.
“At the same time, we welcome back Coach Noel Rash,” the announcement continued. “Thrilled is an understatement in how the Tiger Football family is feeling right now. A legend is coming home only to build upon that legacy he worked so hard to build.”
Rash took charge of the Conner football team last season following the unexpected death of head coach Dave Trosper. After getting off to a 1-5 start, the Cougars earned a berth in the Class 5A playoffs and finished with a 4-7 record.
Rash resigned as Conner’s head coach after the season ended, giving him a career record of 197-53. There’s a good chance he’ll surpass the 200 mark in wins next season with a Beechwood team that has several talented players returning.
The Tigers finished 11-2 last season with juniors leading the team in nearly every statistical category. The returning players include quarterback Emmett Queen, running back Nathan Pabst, wide receiver Tyler Fryman and linebacker Colin Morris.
Queen made a commitment with Wake Forest University. Fryman, a University of Louisville baseball recruit, has also received football scholarship offers from several Division I teams.