HEBRON, KY — The Conner High School community is reeling after the sudden death of longtime head football coach Dave Trosper, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 55. Trosper, a respected educator and mentor, leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to his players both on and off the field.
Conner High School principal Andy Wyckoff confirmed Trosper’s passing to The Enquirer, describing him as “a good man” and “a great role model for kids.”
Trosper had served as Conner’s head football coach since 2007, making him the longest-tenured head coach in Northern Kentucky at the time of his death. Just days before his passing, he had helped coach the West team at the Northern Kentucky Senior All-Star Game, a testament to his enduring involvement in regional football.
A 1988 graduate of Boone County High School, Trosper built his career on a foundation of discipline, sportsmanship, and mentorship. As a standout linebacker for legendary coach Owen Hauck, he captained the Rebels and earned all-state honors his senior year. He played a pivotal role in helping the team reach back-to-back state championship games in 1987 and 1988.
Trosper continued his football journey at Union College, where he earned recognition as a two-time all-conference player, two-time team captain, and team MVP. He still holds Union’s single-game record for tackles, with 19. After college, he transitioned quickly into coaching, beginning as a linebackers coach at his alma mater for three years before serving six years in the same role — as well as recruiting coordinator — at Morehead State University.
He later returned to Northern Kentucky to take over as defensive coordinator and then head coach at Holmes High School, where he led the Bulldogs for five seasons. In 2007, Trosper took the helm at Conner High School, where he would become a cornerstone of the school’s athletic and academic communities. In addition to coaching, he served as a business teacher, impacting students in the classroom with the same drive and positivity he brought to the field.
Throughout his nearly two-decade tenure at Conner, Trosper was known not just for building competitive football teams, but for building character in the young men he coached.
“He was the kind of coach every parent hopes their child will have,” said one former player. “He didn’t just teach football. He taught us how to be good people, how to handle adversity, and how to lead with integrity.”
Tributes have poured in from players, colleagues, and fellow coaches across Kentucky, many describing Trosper as a pillar of high school athletics and a man whose influence extended far beyond the gridiron.
Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced, but the Conner community is expected to hold a public gathering to honor his life and contributions. In the meantime, the school has opened its doors to students, alumni, and staff seeking support as they grieve the loss of a coach, teacher, and friend.
As the Cougars prepare to enter a new season without their beloved leader, one thing is certain: Dave Trosper’s legacy will endure — in the lives of the countless students he mentored, in the values he instilled, and in the community he helped shape through decades of service.
Rest in peace, Coach Trosper. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.