Mr. Kroh Retires

Legendary teacher, coach, and alumnus Mr. Joe Kroh has retired after more than 50 years of working for Saint Xavier High School. A staple of the St. X experience, Kroh’s peculiar, philosophical teaching style has been influential in the lives of thousands of Tigers. As a student, the 1961 graduate excelled as a state champion runner in both track and cross country, setting state records in the mile and two mile races. Kroh leaves behind an unsurpassed legacy at Saint Xavier, teaching over 7,000 students during his tenure.

“Mr. Kroh’s service to our school and community can be measured by his students over the years,” Principal Sample said. “Their testimony says it all.”

In regards to the fate of Mr. Kroh’s classes for the remainder of the school year, the classes will be handed off to separate faculty members.

“We’ve got four different teachers lined up to share the load of his five classes at this point. Every single one of those educators is experienced and up to the task,” Mr. Spohn said. “Of course it’s a challenge to follow a veteran educator with over 50 years of experience, but we will do our best to do right by you and all your classmates.”

Mr. Downs has known Mr. Kroh all 15 years that he has been at St. X and long before. He was extremely close with Mr. Kroh and also had him as a teacher when he was a student at St. X. Both of them coached also coached tennis together.

“Some of the things he said to the men on the team were very precise. He coached with a lot of fire and passion,” Mr. Downs said. “Mr. Kroh’s influence in the classroom is incredible. He had a very unorthodox approach to senior English and taught a lot of life lessons.”

“No one can fill Mr. Kroh’s shoes. He is a legend, an icon, a larger-than-life poet, scholar, and teacher,” said Ms. Reisert, who is covering one of Mr. Kroh’s classes for the remainder of the school year. “What I hope to bring to his class is a similar passion for teaching, writing, and literature.”