The McNicholas Milestone

Disclaimer: Teachers are chosen at random, not based on student request or preference. This approach provides a fair representation of the McNicholas community. 

History Teacher, Student Culture Coordinator, and Assistant Football Coach, Mr. Todd Naumann grew up in Houston, Texas, where he was enrolled in a large public school before moving to Cincinnati the summer of his 8^th grade year where he began his schooling at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School in Kenwood. Naumann spoke on the struggles of his adjustment from a large school, that he compared to Mason School District, to a school where his 8^th grade graduating class had around 20 students. He also said that there was a huge cultural and weather adjustment he had to make once arriving in Cincinnati, but Naumann also said, “God has a plan, and it’s obviously one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life.” Naumann received his first communion, first confession, and confirmation at the same time. During this process, he officially joined the church at around age 14, and after this, he said, “the rest is history.” Once finished with his grade school education, Naumann attended Archbishop Moeller High School before choosing Thomas More University for his undergraduate degree and Xavier University for his graduate studies.  

He declared a history major at Thomas More because he enjoyed history throughout high school and had thought he wanted to become a teacher but was between that and law school. As his studies continued, the more he was convinced he was supposed to be a teacher. During Naumann’s 28-year teaching career he has primarily taught world history, all levels ranging from CP2 to AP, two electives consisting of a Rocket Leadership class and a health class, as he is also a part-time health teacher.  

Football has always been present in Naumann’s life. After graduating from Moeller, he decided to continue his passion for football and play four years for Thomas More University. Naumann said, “I love the sport, but I also love the opportunity to make an impact on young men.”  

Someone that has inspired Naumann is former McNicholas and Moeller football coach, Steve Klonne. Klonne coached Naumann during his time at Moeller and had a big impact on his decision to be a coach and teacher.   

When Naumann’s son, Kyle Naumann decided to attend McNicholas High School in 2020, he had not put any thought into leaving his teaching job at Moeller High School considering he had been there 33 years as a student, coach, and teacher. When former McNicholas principal, Mr. David Mueller called Naumann and asked him if he would like to teach and work with the student body leadership, Naumann said he was drawn to McNicholas from Moeller because of the opportunity to help with McNick’s leadership. 

Naumann describes the three most significant things in his life to be faith, family and football.  He enjoys reading, working out, and golfing, although he does not spend much time on the golf course. Most of the time, Naumann said you can find him in one of three places: At home with his family, in the school building or out on the football field, or at church. He said, “These things probably consume about 90 to 95% of my time.”  

Naumann said his wife is the “love of his life,” and they’ve been married 20+ years. She is the Librarian at St. Gertrude, but an English teacher by trade, and he is incredibly thankful she is supportive and understanding about his demanding schedule as a coach. They have five children: Kyle who is a freshman at Marian University; two who are at McNick, junior Caleb and freshman Kelsey; and two at St. Gertrude, Colby and Kaden.  

Naumann wanted to add how he loved being part of the McNicholas community and how it has become a special place for him and his family. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities that McNick has given to him and his family, and thankful to be adopted as a part of the McNicholas family.  “The other teachers, the families, and most importantly the students have really made a positive impact on my life and the lives of my family,” Naumann said. He said he is looking forward to what is in store for the 2025-2026 school year.