By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Randy Borchers is leaving the Cooper football program that he created 18 years ago and developed into a state title contender to devote more time to his family.
Borchers said he accepted an administrative position in the central office of the Kenton County Board of Education. That means he’ll also be stepping down as Cooper’s athletic director after the current school year is completed.
“It was a decision I thought at this time was the best for me,” he said. “I just felt like it was time for a change, time to be home a little bit more, spend more time with the family and be more invested in things at home.”
Borchers said his oldest daughter is expecting a baby and that entered into his decision to step away from the dual roles he has been handling at Cooper since the school opened in 2008.
An online post by school officials announcing his departure said, “His passion, dedication and commitment have left a lasting mark on Cooper, and his legacy will always be part of the Jaguar community.”
Borchers met with Cooper football players on Monday morning to let them know he will not be returning. The coach compiled a career record of 118-95 in 18 seasons and took teams to the Class 5A state championship finals in 2012, 2023 and 2024.
“I think they were shocked,” Borchers said of the players’ reaction. “But the one thing I always told our kids and I truly believe is no one is bigger than the program. I’m leaving but someone else is going to step in and do a great job. Whoever takes over is going to have some success because of the kids we have in our program and the support we get from the community.”
The last five Cooper teams posted a winning record and won 47 of 64 games. After making back-to-back trips to the Class 5A state final in 2023 and 2024, the Jaguars lost in the second round of the playoffs last season and finished with an 8-4 record.
The team leaders in every offensive and defensive statistic last season were seniors. One of them was quarterback Cam O’Hara, a Western Kentucky University recruit who set Northern Kentucky career records in passing yards (11,227) and passing touchdowns (146) with the Jaguars.
Borchers is proud of the football program he and his assistant coaches established at Cooper over the last 18 years.
“When I took the the job, I think I was 29 years old,” he said. “I was still young and still learning, but they gave me a lot of grace and let me grow as a coach and individual.”
CovCath plans to celebrate life of longtime team doctor
Funeral services for Carl “Doc” Brueggemann, a smiling face on the sidelines at Covington Catholic football games for several decades, are scheduled for Saturday with an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Agnes Church followed by a reception at the high school to celebrate his life.
Brueggemann passed away on April 3 at the age of 94. He was among the physicians who established sports medicine in Northern Kentucky high school sports and served as CovCath’s team doctor during and after his career as a family physician.
He was also a member of the CovCath school board and helped form a committee that raised funds to construct the football field on campus. Before and after games, he would lead the CovCath football teams in prayers.
“He was always a positive influence, providing encouragement and inspiration,” according to his obituary. “His caring attitude brought out the best in everybody. He valued hard work and encouraged everyone to get involved.”
Brueggemann graduated from CovCath in 1949 and remained involved with the school in various ways. He and his wife, Carol, established a scholarship fund for students who need financial assistance to attend the all-male school.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Dr. Carl and Carol Brueggemann Scholarship Fund.
Shutouts boost Brossart to 10th Region baseball title
Brossart won the 10th Region All “A” Classic baseball title for the second straight year on Saturday with back-to-back victories over Nicholas County, 2-0, in the semifinals and Paris, 12-0, in the championship game.
The winning pitcher in the first shutout was junior Luke Neltner. He allowed four hits in seven innings and now has a team-leading 1.05 ERA and 3-1 record. The Mustangs scored both of their runs in the sixth inning on a double by sophomore Brady Rowe.
In the championship game, junior Kasey Moeller gave up only one hit with five strikeouts in a five-inning victory. He also went 2-for-3 at the plate and drove in three runs for the Mustangs. who have an 11-6 record after losing to Holy Cross in a regular season game on Monday.
Brossart will host Beechwood (13-5) in the sectional round of the All “A” Classic playoffs at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The eight sectional winners will advance to the state championship tournament April 25-26 at Daviess County High School in Owensboro.
Walton-Verona won the 8th Region All “A” Classic and will schedule a sectional game against the winner of the 7th Region tournament that’s expected to be completed on Tuesday.
Walton-Verona grad notches win in minor league game
Walton-Verona graduate Travis Smith got the victory in his first game on the mound this season for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers in the Midwest League High-A division.
Smith entered the home game against Quad City in the fourth inning. The 6-foot-4 right-hander gave up one run on four hits over five innings during his team’s 9-1 win. He had four strikeouts and one walk in the victory that gives him a 1.80 ERA.
Last season, Smith had a 5-6 record and 3.43 ERA pitching for two minor league clubs. He signed with the Brewers organization in 2024 after being selected in the 15th round of the Major League draft. He played two seasons for the University of Kentucky before being drafted.