sideline skipper

Despite the significant changes that have taken place over the past 7 to 15 years, the coaches previously mentioned — Johnson, Humphrey, and Pope — expressed a willingness to embrace those changes and work through the challenges facing the program. Each understood that the environment at Holmes had evolved since their playing days, which happened to be at the peak of Holmes basketball dynasty. Yet they remained motivated by the opportunity to help restore the success and culture of Holmes. Remarkably Holmes didn’t value them, instead they chose “experienced” coaches who all claimed they knew Covington but were severely out of touch with modern day Covington and couldn’t relate to the kids they coached. That’s literally the last 3 Holmes hires. Holmes passed on Todd Humphrey and hired Holmes Graduate Brad Carr. Holmes passed on Ricardo Johnson and hired Tony Perkins. Holmes allegedly passed on Tracey Pope and hired Sam Elsbernd. With the amount of success that Ricardo has had at Holy Cross it’s hard to imagine a world where he wouldn’t have been more successful at Holmes than he has been at Holy Cross. I believe Holmes has made the wrong decision in 3 straight hires. Maybe what should change in Covington is who ever has been responsible for hiring Head basketball coaches.

Not sure exactly how Covington or Holmes has changed in the last 15 or 7 years. I only attend sporting events. Could you elaborate on the changes? This makes me believe the decision makers at Holmes aren’t aware of this “change” apparently either. Ricardo Johnson, Todd Humphrey, Eric Pouncy and Tracey Pope have all coached at Holmes within the last 15 and 7 years. They all sought the opportunity to be the next Holmes head coach and I’m sure they were more aware of what was happening in Covington or at Holmes than probably anyone including Sam Elsbernd at that point in time. I’m sure if things have changed that drastically someone like Sam Elsbernd would have been well informed of that before deciding to accept the job.

Add: Todd Humphrey: Boone County boys Eric Pouncy: Scott Girls Darian Witherspoon: Dayton Boys Tracey Pope: ???? I even believe Ricardo, Sullivan and Walker would agree!

Great points! I agree with everything you said. Holmes has undoubtedly created a lot of ill will towards younger coaches that have passed through there and would have been great in the head coach role there. Perhaps, Holmes wouldn't be in their current state if they did hire Ricardo, Todd or Tracy when they had the opportunity to. I wonder how much of that will deter other coaches or even those guys from considering Holmes as an option again. Hopefully Holmes can find the coach that is committed long term and in it for the kids. Not just in it to build their resume. That's a risk admin takes whether it's an experienced coach or not. It will be interesting to find out who that person will be. In my opinion NKY HS basketball is better when Holmes is competitive.

Didn't realize Tracy Pope got out of Covington must've been a tough decision. Dan Penick is a great guy with a lot of experience as an assistant coach. However, Holmes has never hired a coach that doesn't have head coaching experience. I don't see them making that decision. Being a head coach is a responsibility that you don't understand and aren't prepared for until you become a head coach. Even then, there's a lot to learn and adjust to. While Dan is a great guy and I believe would be a great head coach, I just don't believe Holmes is the place for him to begin as a head coach. Ricardo Johnson, Todd Humphrey, Tracy Pope, Eric Pouncy, Darian Witherspoon each have head coaching experience and all of them besides Tracy Pope are currently head coaches. Ricardo, Eric, Todd, and Tracy have all even coached at Holmes before.

A sad day at Holmes once again. What's new? Two years ago Tracy Pope applied for this job and was rumored to have interviewed for it. I wonder if he would still be interested. He teaches at Holmes and has a heart for the city of Covington with head coaching experience. Ricardo Johnson would be great as well. Darian Witherspoon and Eric Pouncy would be fantastic for this job too. Another call Holmes should make is to Todd Humphrey. Another former player and coach at Holmes who's currently the head boys coach at Boone county. Bottomline, Holmes needs a coach that can relate to their kids beyond Basketball.

No one can ever say a single bad thing about David Henley and the Holmes Bulldogs from 05-09. Three straight Final Fours from 07-09. After the 2007 season they lost 3 division one caliber starters in Duran Jefferson, Austin Hill, and Greg Rice and still competed for a state championship the next season. I can't think of team that lost that much and make it to the state championship the next season. But it makes sense when you consider this fun fact, on the 08 team and staff alone there are six current KHSAA head coaches. That's not just squeezing every ounce of ability and commitment out of your players but he fulfilled the primary mission of EDUCATION. These guys know basketball through and through. Watch the way Sully's Cooper team defended CovCath in the region this year and if you can find it, watch Henley's Bulldogs teams play defense. There was literally no difference. David Henley - Eastern, Just retired Tim Sullivan - Cooper Sam Elsbernd - Holmes Todd Humphrey - Boone County Girls Ricardo Johnson - Holy Cross Tracy Pope - Holmes Girls

Definitely elevated basketball in the 9th region. In his 7th season at CovCath, Coach Ruthsatz 2018 state championship CovCath team won the 9th region posting an average margin of victory of 30 points. I'm really young but that is something I believe has never happened in the 9th region and surely has not been achieved since. The closest team to achieving that since the 2000-01 season (23 years) was the 2008 State runner-up Holmes team who posted a 29.3 average margin of victory. When a team runs through the region with such a large point differential, it indicates that the surrounding teams have to elevate their game. The 9th region teams responded accordingly. In the six years since 2018, Newport produced two regional titles, Highlands won its first regional title in over 20 years and its first ever state championship. However, since 2018 Coach Ruthsatz has won the 9th region an impressive 3/6 times but has not reached the 9th region final in the last two seasons. Hopefully whoever CovCath decides to hire is able to raise the bar even more in the 9th region.

Thanks @theguru. Any news on why the Holmes Girls Coach walked?

Congrats to the new coach! Who all did they interview for this job?

Why?