CINCINNATI — A Columbus homebuilder who grew up in East Price Hill is hoping to turn Sedamsville into Cincinnati’s next new housing hot spot, with 40 luxury river view homes on vacant land he acquired in November.

Kim Knoppe, founder of Autumnwood Homes, purchased 26 River Road parcels from Ray Brown, an apartment investor who assembled a development site more than a decade ago but never completed his vision for a mid-rise condominium project on River Road west of the Waldvogel Viaduct.

“The views are magnificent and that’s what attracted me to this property,” Knoppe said. “And I’m not talking about a much better place for the West Side residents. I’m talking about attracting the East Side residents and North Side residents and let them know the hidden gems that are here on the West Side.”

The Sedamsville project is the latest in a series of moves through which Knoppe plans to reinvest the wealth he amassed over decades in Columbus into the communities that shaped his character.

“Everything I have, and I mean everything, including the house I live in and all its furnishings, are in a trust,” he said. “And the beneficiary of that trust is the Kim Knoppe Foundation. So, everything I do, I’m doing for charity in the long run.”

Realtor Don Johnson sees Knoppe as a visionary who has the financial resources and patience to bring lasting improvements to the West Side, much like the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. did for Over-the-Rhine.

“OTR has 3CDC. Price Hill and Sedamsville has Kim Knoppe,” said Johnson, a regional vice president for Cutler Real Estate.

Johnson worked with Knoppe to acquire dozens of vacant lots in the Incline District of East Price Hill, where Knoppe designed a three-story home that will be the model for his Sedamsville development. Now under construction on Hawthorne Avenue, the three-bedroom home has 2.5 baths, a two-car garage and a list price of $450,000. Knoppe expects to sell the same model for up to $700,000 in Sedamsville.

Provided by Kim Knoppe

“With the rise in property value in the Incline District, we have now reached the next progression,” Johnson said. “With 15-year tax abatements, this makes for a more affordable option even at a higher purchase price.”

Knoppe is working to schedule a meeting with the Sedamsville Civic Association, but Vice President Cindy Bastin is cautiously optimistic about what she’s heard about Knoppe so far.

Scott Wegener

“I think it sounds exciting,” Bastin said. “We’re the type of neighborhood that really needs some new development.”

Built by German immigrants in the 1800s, Sedamsville is well known to baseball fans as the birthplace of Pete Rose. But the neighborhood has been threatened over time by floods, highway improvements and bad developers.

“Sedamsville is only five streets,” Bastin said. “We’re the second-smallest community in Cincinnati. We don’t have any business district at all. We have a Speedway and a Shell gas station. That’s nothing.”

The widening of U.S. 50 in the 1940s destroyed its business district. The 1976 closure of Our Lady of Perpetual Help school and 1989 closure of its red-brick Gothic church robbed the neighborhood of its cultural anchors. And St. Mark’s German Evangelical Church was demolished by Ray Brown in 2008, nine days before neighbors got the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Provided by Kim Knoppe

That demolition made Brown unpopular in Sedamsville, but Bastin said another big property owner did even more damage to the neighborhood by sexually harassing tenants and failing to follow the terms of a federal consent decree he signed in 2020.

“John Klosterman was probably the worst property owner we’ve ever had,” Bastin said. “He owns like 70-80 pieces of property and to just have it sit there and deteriorate was sad. (But) if we can get developers in who really want to clean up the neighborhood and redevelop some of the older houses, then I’m all for it.”

Whether Knoppe can meet those expectations remains to be seen. But he is clearly taking a different approach than the developers who preceded him in Sedamsville.

Provided by Kim Knoppe

The 71-year-old real estate investor was born on Grand Avenue and set a record in 1968 with 44 receptions for Elder High School’s football team. He returned to a hero’s welcome in 2018 when he pledged $1 million to complete the second floor of the Panther Fitness Center.

Knoppe made the donation to honor Mike Honold, whose “playbook defined the Elder experience and instilled a confidence that cannot be described,” Knoppe wrote for a plaque honoring his former coach.

After graduating from Xavier University and relocating to Columbus, Knoppe became one of central Ohio’s most prolific property flippers – buying and renovating thousands of single-family homes and selling them in lease-to-own transactions through Autumnwood Homes, founded in 1987. As the company grew, Knoppe started financing real estate transactions for other investors all over Ohio. In 2013, the head of the Columbus Real Estate Investors Association called Knoppe “the single-biggest expert in rehabbing houses in the state of Ohio."

But Knoppe wasn’t an active investor in his hometown until 2018, when he bought a condo at Queens Tower and started exploring the neighborhoods he roamed as a kid. In the three years following that purchase, Knoppe has been consolidating his companies into a family trust that will continue to operate his companies after he dies while paying a percentage of its profits to the Kim Knoppe Foundation.

“I see Price Hill, especially East Price Hill and Sedamsville as an area where I personally can make an impact,” Knoppe said. “I would like to go out doing something good.”

CINCINNATI — Elder High School football coach Doug Ramsey won his 200th career game during a Division I, Region 4 first-round playoff game Friday as the host Panthers defeated Colerain 55-48 in triple overtime.

Ramsey entered the Ohio High School Athletic Association records for the most coaching wins in Ohio.

Ramsey has a record of 200-93 since becoming the Elder head coach in 1997. He led the Panthers to back-to-back Division I state titles in 2002 and 2003 and two other state finals (2019, 2008).

He was presented the game ball by longtime assistant coach Craig James on the rain-soaked field Friday night.

"I told (the team), 'Could you guys have made it a little easier,'" Ramsey said. "What a way to get to 200 right? You know a game like that playing against a really good team...we just kept fighting."

Elder senior Drew Ramsey, Doug's son, scored four touchdowns and surpassed 100 receptions this season.

"It means everything," Drew Ramsey said of the milestone. "I'm glad I was here when he could do it. My brother [Peyton] is coaching. The whole family is around so it's really special."

Senior wide receiver Andrew Harp had three touchdown receptions including one in the fourth quarter, another in overtime and his third in the second overtime for the Panthers (6-5), who advance to play at St. Xavier (9-2) in a Division I, Region 4 quarterfinal Nov. 5.

Colerain (5-6) was led by sophomore quarterback Zae Jennings who rushed for five touchdowns including a 92-yarder, a 76-yarder and a 56-yard score.

He is the first Colerain player to score five touchdowns in a game since September 2018.

"Zae had a hell of a night and so did a lot of our kids," Colerain coach Shawn Cutright said. "They gave it their all and left it on the field. What more can a coach ask from their players. We will wake up tomorrow and be better men with the effort and attitude we have in the game tonight."

Former Colerain quarterback Deante Smith-Moore - then a senior - rushed for five touchdowns against visiting Princeton Sept. 7, 2018, according to the GMC website.

Colerain led 20-6 with 8:32 left in the second quarter but the Panthers rallied to tie the game at 20 at halftime. A dramatic second half saw the game tied at 34 at the end of regulation. Elder's defense stopped Colerain on fourth down in the third overtime to seal the victory.

"I tell these guys once we get to the playoffs it's one and done," Doug Ramsey said. "You don't think about anything else."

Ramsey discussed with WCPO this past summer about the significance of coaching Elder football while the program has had a strong connection to his family. He has coached three sons in the program including Tanner, Peyton and current senior Drew.

Peyton Ramsey was coaching from the press box for the Panthers on Friday night.

"I remember being a part of the 150th [win]," Peyton Ramsey said. "I remember coming around as a kid. We're talking this week it probably feels like a lot more than 200 — at least it feels like it. This place is special. It means a lot to our family and to do it in this kind of fashion is something special."

New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph, a 2008 Elder graduate, said Ramsey has impacted countless lives.

"As I'm sure Doug will say, it's a true testament to all the great players who've played for him and all the coaches who've coached with him, but it all starts at the top with Elder Football," Rudolph said. "The consistency he's shown for almost three decades is second to none."

Rudolph remembers going to an Elder football camp as a kid and idolizing all the players at the time.

The U.S. Army All-American football player was also a basketball standout and said he enjoyed playing both sports. Ramsey was always supportive of Rudolph being a multi-sport athlete.

"Now as a former player who's closing in on 15 years since my last season there, being able to watch the countless lives he's continued to impact as the head football coach, it's amazing," Rudolph said.

Dallas Cowboys long snapper Jake McQuaide, a 2006 Elder graduate, said Ramsey is all about the game of football and the student-athletes.

"Coach Ramsey has done an incredible job leading the program at Elder," McQuaide told WCPO. "The Elder fan base loves its Panthers. There are two sides to that coin though. As the head coach, you have tons of support to lean on, but you also have thousands of people critiquing your every move. Coach Ramsey has done a great job maximizing the former and minimizing the latter. He makes sure to keep it about the kids."

Elder athletic director Kevin Espelage said Ramsey's impact is remarkable in 25 years as a head coach. Ramsey was an assistant for several years prior to that.

"Like most good coaches, Doug will probably defer a lot of the credit to his players, past and present, and coaches and parents," Espelage said. "But Doug Ramsey is a great coach and even better father, husband and a tremendous teacher. Yes, the credit for 200 wins should be dispersed to all involved but Doug Ramsey is the 'face of the franchise' so to speak. His impact goes beyond just the 200 wins, four state title game appearances and two state titles."

Kevin Welch

Former Elder athletic director Dave Dabbelt hired Ramsey as the head coach in 1997. Dabbelt, who was the Elder athletic director from 1990 to 2017, said Ramsey's legacy goes beyond the success on the field.

"To me the key thing is he's always cared about all the kids," Dabbelt said. "It's not just the starters, it's not just the studs — it's all of them. It creates to me a great team atmosphere, a good feeling within the community. I think that's the piece that's gone well."

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The St. Xavier High School football team scored 38 unanswered points Friday night en route to a 52-14 win over visiting Elder.

The Bombers (6-0), winners of 14 consecutive games going back to 2020, clinched at least a share of the Greater Catholic League South division title.

"We're in a great place right now. We really are," St. X coach Steve Specht said. "But, you can't rest on your laurels."

The Bombers, ranked No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps, had a running clock (30-point differential in the second half) for a fifth consecutive week and the sixth time in the past seven games going back to the end of the 2020 season.

They were all smiles after the game.

Senior quarterback Brogan McCaughey was 13 of 19 passing for 214 yards and three touchdowns. He has 156 pass attempts without an interception, according to St. X statistician Kelby Siler. McCaughey has thrown at least one touchdown in every game as a starter (2020 and 2021).

"(Brogan) is efficient," Specht said. "His efficiency is tremendous. The reality is, for three games he only played a half of football."

Senior Charles Kellom had 22 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Kellom has rushed for 580 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

Senior wide receiver Terrell McFarlin had five receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jay Farrar had three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.

St. X had 468 yards of total offense to Elder's 170 yards of offense.

"It's a lot of fun," McCaughey said. "The seniors – it's definitely a good year. We're focused on leaving no doubt, leaving everything on the field."

The St. X defensive effort was very strong, too. Senior defensive back Eli Kirk, senior linebacker Grant Lyons, junior linebacker Max Bonner and senior defensive back Joe Nelson each had five tackles. The defense also had three sacks.

"We're having a lot of fun right now," McFarlin said. "I really love it. We're keep spreading the ball around. Everybody is getting the ball, everybody is spreading the wealth around."

The game was tied at 14 with 8:27 left in the second quarter after Elder senior quarterback Ben Hambleton found senior tight end Mike Kirch for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

Kellom scored on a 1-yard touchdown run about five minutes later and senior Mason Rohmiller added a 27-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give the Bombers a 24-14 lead.

Rohmiller's field goal was set up by Kellom's 73-yard run earlier in the drive.

Still, the Bombers weren't pleased with a number of penalties in the first half and fundamental mistakes.

"We kind of opened our eyes and saw what we were doing wrong," McCaughey said.

Senior Alex Kemper took the opening kickoff of the third quarter and went 99 yards for a touchdown to set the momentum in the second half.

"The first thing I thought was, 'Don't get caught,' because everyone would be clowning me if I got caught," Kemper said. "After that, nothing enters your mind. Just run as fast as you can."

St. X plays host to Louisville Trinity Oct. 1 while Elder (2-4) plays host to Moeller (5-1) Oct. 2.

Next week is the first of three consecutive home games for the Panthers. Elder coach Doug Ramsey said the team wants to improve upon special teams after Friday night.

"I told them I still think we are one of the better teams in Cincinnati," Ramsey said. "We just can't give good teams like X great field position, because we can't cover kicks. Two big returns killed us and then they just pinned their ears back on defense."

CINCINNATI — When Elder senior Drew Ramsey walks into The Pit Friday night, he will likely have a much different feeling than the 2020 season opener.

Thousands of fans will likely await the opening kickoff against visiting Covington Catholic at 7 p.m. in the 24th annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

There is simply no replicating the anticipatory energy for players and coaches when a stadium has thousands of fans.

"My sophomore year (in 2019) it was just crazy because it was always so loud," said Ramsey, a Greater Catholic League South division football tri-athlete of the year in 2020.

"Every game was packed. Then last year there was just no one there. It was silent. You could literally hear what the coaches were saying on the sideline. It was so much different. We weren't used to it. When you know you're going to have 10,000 or 8,000 fans there it changes the game so much. It gives so much more momentum."

Mike Dyer/WCPO

Ohio high school football games likely will return to a more traditional game-day atmosphere this week without COVID-19 restrictions and protocols.

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Ohio lifted most statewide COVID-19 pandemic health orders in June and Ohio High School Athletic Association member high schools aren't subject to the state mandates and limited attendance procedures set forth by the Ohio governor's office in 2020.

Local and county health departments, school districts and private schools set their own guidance this fall for interscholastic and extracurricular activities.

Last season, high school sports venues could have no more than 1,500 fans or 15% of their seating capacity starting in August 2020.

The spectators last season were primarily parents, families or loved ones of the student-athletes. The euphoria around the stadium wasn't the same.

"I think last year was so different that you just hope that student sections can get back to being the way they were and fans in stands and packed crowds," said Tom Gamble, organizer of the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. "We just hope that's the way it is because I think that's what makes high school football not only in this area but anywhere."

Mason High School is having a 60th anniversary celebration of its football program Friday night in its home game against Gahanna Lincoln. More than 50 alumni are scheduled to join the celebration in the pregame and halftime festivities.

WCPO

Mason coach Brian Castner said the return of a larger fan capacity at Dwire Field is "long overdue."

"I met with my captains last night," Castner said. "Just to talk through a 15-minute captains' meeting, see them smiling and just chomping at the bit -- can't wait to get to Friday. You can't mimic that. You can't make that up."

Despite the easing of restrictions, school administrators are using cautious optimism to start the school year as the pandemic continues.

"On one hand there is a lot that I'm excited about," said Lakota West athletic director Scott Kaufman, who is president of the OHSAA board of directors. "We're going into this season with no fan restrictions, which certainly is a dramatic change from last year. But, in the same respects it's a little bit disheartening and frustrating that we're dealing with restrictions (in schools) that quite frankly are probably more self-induced than they are necessary.

"When you look at numbers of hospitalizations being where they are and the percentage of those being unvaccinated people -- without getting into a political battle -- we're all being handcuffed because of people choosing not to get a vaccination. If we want to get back to normal especially in the schools, we have to get people vaccinated."

Lakota West opens the football season at St. Xavier Friday night in a highly-anticipated rematch of the 2020 Division I regional final that St. X won en route to a state title.

St. Xavier High School

St. X athletic director Brian Reinhart anticipates a sold-out RDI Stadium at Ballaban Field, which has a capacity of about 7,500 fans.

Reinhart said Monday there are no pandemic-related attendance regulations for those entering the game, but the school plans to make announcements and reminders to encourage the use of hand sanitizer, hand-washing procedures or wearing masks when necessary.

"You know last year I just can't say enough good about our families and our entire community was so supportive because they knew how important athletics was," Reinhart said. "I think we have a whole new level of respect for our coaches, our athletic trainers, our training staff -- just the amount of time and energy they put into supporting and enabling our young people to be able to play."

AKRON, Ohio — Elder High School won't soon forget its 2021 baseball team.

The Panthers completed their memorable season as the Division I state runner-up late Sunday night at Canal Park in Akron. New Albany defeated Elder 6-5.

Despite an early deficit, the Panthers rallied late in the game with a thrilling sixth inning.

The Panthers (25-9) scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and almost tied the game in a remarkable turn of events.

Elder senior Marco Sabato had a two-run single with one out in the sixth to help close the gap at 6-3. His single scored senior Brian Weber and junior Jeremy Ward. Weber had a one-out single up the middle to start the offensive attack.

Later, sophomore Kevin Hilton scored on a passed ball to make it 6-4. Sabato scored when sophomore Luke Vaughn singled left through the left side to close the gap to 6-5.

But the Panthers stranded runners at first and third to end the inning.

New Albany (29-5) was able to close out the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on three batters for its second state baseball title.

New Albany earned the early momentum Sunday night in a game that didn't start until after 9 p.m. due to the state tournament being delayed earlier in the day due to rain.

New Albany scored three runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead.

The Panthers responded in the bottom half of the first inning when senior Zak Schlachter singled up the middle with two outs to score Vaughn to close the gap to 3-1.

New Albany scored two runs in the third and one in the fourth inning for a 6-1 lead.

Elder reached the state final for the first time since 2010, when it was a Division I state runner-up.

The Panthers defeated Toledo St. John's Jesuit 4-1 in the state semifinal on Saturday. It was the seventh consecutive win for the Panthers, who also won regional and district championships on the journey to Akron.

Elder coach Mark Thompson also earned his 600th career win in the Panthers' 3-0 win over Beavercreek in the district final May 27 at Vandalia Butler.

Elder earned its 21st trip to the state tournament. Elder has won 12 state titles in program history.

New Albany was in its second state baseball tournament. New Albany won the Division III state championship in 2004.

CINCINNATI — A free toy giveaway at Elder High School Saturday is geared toward giving kids a way to just be kids - something that will certainly put a smile on your child's face.

The initiative is called Unplug and Play, a partnership with OneSource, Toys for Tots and about 14 other corporations and nonprofits.

Saturday’s event runs from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome, but keep in mind the toys are geared toward children 10 and under.

After a difficult year for children, the event is designed to help them step back from technology and get back to just being kids.

Distributions scheduled across the Tri-State this summer will give more than 16,000 total toys to kids who just want to be kids.

"Kids have been stuck inside, going to school, having to make all sorts of adjustments, really grown-up adjustments and just haven't had time to just hang out, play with a toy, be with your buddies, just do something fun,” said Alyson Best with OneSource.

If you can’t make it to Saturday’s event, here are the next three opportunities this summer:

• June 15, 3:30-6 p.m. at TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Pkwy., Cincinnati.
• June 30, 12-2 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Christian Church, 4110 Bach Buxton Rd., Batavia.
• July 29 at South Avondale Elementary School, 636 Prospect Pl., Cincinnati. Time TBD.

CINCINNATI — Peyton Ramsey is confident and grateful as the NFL Draft approaches April 29.

The 2016 Elder High School graduate isn't worried about mock drafts or speculation the next two weeks.

His resume speaks for itself with what he accomplished at Northwestern University and Indiana University.

"He's got that winning DNA, and there is some teams out there that are falling in love with him largely because of those intangibles, for sure," said Chris Martin, Ramsey's agent.

Ramsey, a former captain at IU and Northwestern, is focused on what he can control in order to try to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.

"You can read all the mock drafts you can read, all the articles - whatever you want to read - nobody truly knows anything," Ramey told WCPO Friday morning.

"You've got to sit back and try to relax the best that you can, which is a hard thing to do because you work so hard to get into this situation."

Ramsey said Friday morning he's had Zoom interviews with Minnesota, New Orleans, Arizona, Denver and Tampa Bay.

"It's been cool; it's been unique," Ramsey said.

"Drawing something on a whiteboard here at my house and then flashing it up to the screen, it's kind of a harder way to do things, I think. I know for a fact that these NFL coaches are not a fan of this process right now, but it's all part of it. It's a cool experience for them to try to learn as well, but also for me to try to articulate myself and prove that I can make things work even in a virtual setting."

Ramsey, the Citrus Bowl MVP this past January, discovered similar questions from NFL personnel throughout the handful of interviews.

Northwestern University Athletics

NFL teams had likely already researched Ramsey's film and character entering the virtual interviews. They wanted to know how he communicates and delve into his football IQ.

"When they're getting on an interview logging onto Zoom, it's not about what I did in the past," Ramsey said.

"It's about how in this moment I can articulate a certain play or how I can articulate a defense or a coverage so they just want to get to know me more, and I think that's kind of been the common theme - just drill me with questions and see how I can answer those."

Martin predicts four or five quarterbacks will be taken in the first round.

He said the general consensus is that Ramsey is in the top 10 or 11 quarterbacks of the draft and should be in the mid-to-late round conversation. There are seven rounds of the draft.

"I think the best thing for him is, he's your quintessential leader," Martin said. "When I talk to teams, I'm like, 'This is a guy that won at two places and that's been a captain with a 'C' on his chest at both.'"

Martin said Ramsey is seen as a low-rep quarterback, meaning he can step into a game right away if necessary with few reps in practice.

"He just really gets it," Martin said. "He has great command, great presence. You can tell he can step in and galvanize the huddle and get people ready to play. And I think that's why he was able to help Northwestern turn it around."

Ramsey was a graduate transfer this past season and helped to lead Northwestern to the Big Ten championship game in December 2020. The Wildcats went from a 3-9 season in 2019 to the Big Ten West title during a unique season through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Winner, gritty, leader, great teammate," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said this past season.

"Unflappable, mature, experienced and just a joy to be around, just to name a few."

Northwestern University Athletics

Ramsey, who has nearly all of Elder's career passing records, excelled at the Northwestern pro day March 9 and completed all his pass attempts.

"I think the biggest box that he checked was how well he threw the ball at pro day," Martin said.

Martin said NFL personnel saw Ramsey throw with a lot more velocity than what they could've scouted on film.

"With this profession that I'm trying to get into I think that's all you can do is control the things that you can control, because there is so many things that are out of my reach," Ramsey said.

"I did everything that I could. I walked out of there as happy, as elated, as I possibly could be because I know I did everything."

Elder football coach Doug Ramsey, Peyton's father, said he's trying to stay patient as his son approaches draft weekend.

"It's hard because you know he's put so much time and effort into this to live out a dream," Doug Ramsey said.

"He's wanted to do this for forever and to see him have to wait this out and find out what's going to happen – you know as a parent it's a hard thing. And it's probably going to get even worse."

Peyton Ramsey just returned from Tampa and plans to conduct additional workouts locally in preparation for the draft. While in Florida, he had time to reflect on his football journey.

"To think about all the guys that I've met, guys that I've played against – it's really, really special," Ramsey said.

"And I don't take any of that for granted. Like you said, it's a business. I want to make it. I want to play football for a long, long time. But, I do think you do got to reflect and just be grateful for all the opportunities that you've had throughout the years."

You can watch the 2021 NFL Draft live on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. The first round starts Thursday, April 29, at 8 p.m. Tune in for the second and third rounds Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m. The draft concludes with rounds four-seven on Saturday, May 1, at noon.