Dr. Carl J. “Jack” Brueggemann was born in Covington in 1931. He is a cradle Catholic who grew up in the St. Augustine parish where he received many Sacraments and was an altar server from fourth grade throughout high school and college. Jack entered Covington Catholic at its original site, at Mother of God School on West 6th Street. During his years at CCH, he participated in several sports: basketball, boxing, tennis, and baseball. Additionally, he was the editor of the school yearbook and graduated in 1949 as the Valedictorian. The classmates from 1949 were very close and continue to keep in contact to this day, although there are only four remaining. Jack then graduated from Villa Madonna College, now known as Thomas More University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
It was in September of his sophomore year of medical school at a Welcome Dance, which the nurses had sponsored, where he met the love of his life, Carrie. Carrie and Jack were married the following August and have been married for 66 years. “Doc”, as he is known by so many, always recognized he was able to do so much professionally and in the community because Carrie was managing their family. Together they have seven children, 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one expected in May! Doc and Carrie’s five sons, two sons-in-law, and eight of their grandsons are all CCH graduates!
Doc began his private medical practice on West 19th Street in Covington in 1960, across the street from St. Augustine Church. During those days, he saw patients in his office, made rounds for those in the hospital, performed house calls, delivered babies, and gave anesthesia to those having tonsils removed. Doc later expanded his practice to include Dr. Pelstring, Dr. Rutterer, and Dr. Burns. Today, the practice has grown as one of the Family Practices of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Doc Brueggemann has cared for thousands of patients across Northern Kentucky and has received numerous recognitions and awards. Currently, Doc and Carrie are active member of St. Agnes parish. He continues to give back to the community as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. While he no longer goes out on home visits, he screens calls and distributes appropriated funds for those in need.
During his career, he always stayed involved at Covington Catholic. In 1952 and 1953, Jack helped Art Bowman coach the JV basketball team. In 1961, he began doing physicals for the basketball team. CCH started the football program in 1968 and in 1976, Doc Brueggemann made the initial push to build a football stadium at Covington Catholic. The SCORE Committee (Steering Committee for an Outdoor Recreational Enterprise) was formed. This committee raised the funds needed and physically helped construct Wooten Field, the track, and renovations to the baseball facility.
During his tenure as team doctor, from 1972 to 2014, most parents will remember the wave of his hat signaling the player was going to be okay. The players remember his kindness and care for their medical and emotional needs and most significantly, Doc leading them in praying the Hail Mary before and after each game. He was a Member of the School & Sports Medical Committee of the Kentucky State Medical Association from 1977 to 1993.
For nearly 75 years, Doc Brueggemann has been an integral part of the mission at Covington Catholic, serving as a parent volunteer on the School Board and Development Committee and still administering flue shots to the faculty and staff until 2019. Doc and Carrie also provide a scholarship for students of CCH in need of financial assistance and attend many CCH events. You can still find Doc at many football and basketball games. His commitment to CovCath, the administration, faculty, staff, and students, and particularly the student-athletes, has been equaled by few alumni.
Doc Brueggemann is the ultimate Colonel, “With A Spirit That Will Not Die!”
atholic through the work study program. This program is especially vital with the challenges we face today. With your support this program will continue to produce hard working, grateful young men who will positively impact our world!