NEW PALESTINE — The numbers are undeniable. The challenges are even more so when measured against the odds, but New Palestine head coach Kyle Ralph is a competitor and a motivator by nature.
Seven years ago, when Ralph crossed the state line from Ohio to become the new football coach at New Palestine, he had one goal: Go 1-0.
Every week, the Dragons embraced their coach’s philosophy and in 92 games, they’ve succeeded 88 times. The past two seasons, Ralph’s Dragons have been perfect, finishing 28-0 overall and 14-0 in each of their Class 5A state championship campaigns.
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Their title run in 2019 marked the program’s first back-to-back state championships and third overall after winning the 4A crown in 2014, which has garnered Ralph the 2019 All-Hancock County Coach of the Year distinction.
During Ralph’s tenure, the Dragons have won seven straight Hoosier Heritage Conference titles without losing a single league game in 48 meetings.
This year’s seniors were prolific, led by the state’s all-time leading rusher, Charlie Spegal, but the Dragons’ “11 Strong” mindset is what secured their place in history at Lucas Oil Stadium where the program made its fourth state championship appearance in six years.
Ralph credits his assistant coaches, the seniors and each player he’s mentored for every team success, and despite being 88-4 since cutting his teeth at his alma mater St. Xavier (Cincinnati), Oak Hills (Cincinnati) and Withrow High School (Ohio), the deflection won’t change.
“Have great players and have a great staff. That’s the reality of it. A lot of coaches out there want it to be the Xs and Os and think it’s their own personal geniuses that drives success, but at the end of the day, if you don’t have great players you’re not going to win a lot of games anyway, and if you don’t have a great staff that can develop those players, you’re probably not going to win either,” Ralph said. “I’m really fortunate to have had some great players while being here and the staff has been absolutely incredible. I’ve been really fortunate to have had some really great coaches, and we’ve brought more on as time has gone on to coach and mentor our young men.”
