JOURNAL Spring 2019

JACK KAELIN (1941-2019)
Mr. Jack Kaelin, one of Cov Cath’s
most beloved teachers and coaches,
died March 30th at age 75. Jack
Kaelin devoted over 50 years to
Covington Catholic before retiring
in 2013.
James Weber wrote in the Cincinnati Enquirer
(April 1, 2019):
Covington Catholic is mourning the loss of one of its
most legendary figures. From a profile of Mr. Kaelin
upon his retirement: “He has been an educator, coach,
athletic director, alumni director, mentor and friend,”
said CovCath principal Bob Rowe. “Many people have
been positively influenced by him throughout the
years. The greatest compliment that I can give Mr.
Kaelin is that everyone in our community is a better
person because of knowing him.”
Mr. Kaelin said at that time: “It [choosing CovCath]
might have been the greatest decision I ever made in my
life. I was welcomed into Covington Catholic as part of a
big family. No one really realizes how much of a family
CCH is until you get involved in the school.”
Mr. Kaelin taught German, business law, typing,
accounting, business math, personal finance, and
economics. Coach Mote Hils asked him to keep the
basketball scorebook during his first year at CovCath,
a job that he faithfully and enthusiastically executed
until beyond his retirement as a teacher. He was the
scorekeeper for CovCath’s loss in the state final in 1967,
and the Colonels’ first state championship win in 2014.
He served as cross country coach from 1965-2001
and track coach from 1966-1982 before becoming a
track official from 1982-2007. His cross country teams
won 14 regional titles, two state titles and were state
runner-up five times. His track teams won five regional
championships. He also started a club bowling team in
2004 and coached until two years after the sport was
sanctioned as a varsity sport by the Kentucky High
School Athletic Association.
From a memorial story written by Carol Luken:
“It has been said that people die twice – once when
you take your last
breath and once
when someone
says your name
for the last time.
Taking this into
consideration,
the spirit of Jack
Kaelin, a man so
deeply loved and
admired, will long
endure. His legacy
will live on in the
hearts of those
fortunate enough
to have known him
during his earthly
journey.”
Longtime official scorer Jack Kaelin gets his
state championship ring from Dave Kathman
as CovCath celebrated its 2014 state championship
in basketball. (Photo: James Weber)
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” With A Spirit
That Will Not Die!
COVINGTON CATHOLIC JOURNAL
31