Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week, we’re reflecting with Joey Klausing '97
Joey Klausing is grateful for his Trinity experience. He enrolled at Trinity from St. Agnes Catholic School in 1993. Since then, he’s become a successful attorney, a Trinity alumni volunteer, donor and board member, and an even better husband and father.
Joey was raised in a Trinity family. His father, Tom Klausing ’67, attended Trinity as numerous cousins and uncles did. Joey’s brothers, Benny ’02 and Tony ’06, are alumni.
Joey’s paternal grandparents, Leonard and Jean, lived on Brown Avenue several blocks east of campus. Trinity supporters driving along Sears Avenue can see the back wall of Leonard and Jean’s garage, which features a large green shamrock and the number of football state championships the Rocks have won.
“I attended open houses at all of the Catholic schools, but Trinity was the best fit for me,” Joey said. “I was the only person from St. Agnes to attend Trinity. It’s how I got my tough skin.”
He immediately got involved at school. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes and played defensive guard for the football team, including the 1994 state champions. Additionally, he was involved with former faculty member the late Steve Ferman’s race-relations committee. His classmates selected him to be a senior class officer and to give the student address at their Baccalaureate Mass. He also received the Mr. Football Shammy Award at senior prom.
‘An oasis in the desert’
Reflecting on his Trinity days, Joey recalls several special moments.
“Being around everyone every day was the special part about Trinity,” Joey said. “I really enjoyed the elective classes when you would mix with other classmates from different academic levels. It made class conversations a lot of fun.
“I’m grateful for the air conditioning in Sheehan Hall [C Building to some]. Many of my afternoon classes were in Floersh Hall [B Building], and I remember my arms sticking to the desks from perspiration. The AC and cold water fountain in Sheehan Hall were like an oasis in the desert.
“While there are many great memories like winning state in football, good test scores, proms etc., the sum of Trinity is greater than the whole of its parts.”
High school had its usual challenges for young men. Joey’s schedule was packed with class, practice, extracurricular activities and homework.
“In addition to the daily busyness, I was under tutelage of legendary teachers like Dennis [H’01 and John [H’05] Esterle, Harry Moody [H’07], Frank Ward [H’01], Bob Hublar [H’03] and Dan Zoeller [H’07] and other teaching titans.”
Joey remains close with former teacher and coach Joe Bryant ’75 and former football coach Mickey Kalbhin H’97.
He also learned valuable life lessons during those long days.
“There were many rainy, bleak November evenings that I wouldn’t commence homework until after 7 p.m. Hours of algebra, allegory and amplitude followed in the respective subjects. I felt sorry for myself. My lamentations and bemoaning fell on deaf ears, and they should have. I have come to realize that while the lessons learned in these classes were important (although my children disagree), perhaps a greater lesson was learned – that of hard work. Forty years of students did the same work prior to me, and the students today are doing likewise. The main reason I love to hire Trinity graduates is that I know I’m getting a man who has a great foundation for success, whether he went to Trinity in the 1980s or 2010s.
A Rockin’ legal career
After graduating from Trinity, Joey attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where he played football and was named an All-American his senior year. He earned a degree in political science and government in 2001. He then attended the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, graduating in 2004.
Joey joined the law firm of O’Bryan, Brown & Toner, PLLC in Louisville where he is a partner. He is licensed in Kentucky and Indiana and represents clients in a variety of litigation matters. Joey is AV-rated by his peers, which reflects the combination of the highest general ethical and legal ability ratings. He also has been and is currently recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers as being one of the best lawyers in America.
His litigation practice includes the defense of physicians and hospitals in malpractice claims, the defense of multiple Fortune 500 companies, and various general litigation matters, including Louisville Metro Government. He has defended numerous physicians in product liability and medical malpractice litigation as part of multi-district litigation in San Francisco, New Orleans and Boston.
‘I’m active as an alum because Trinity was lifechanging’
Joey also has been involved with Trinity. He’s been an alumni Class Agent for many years and board member, including as chair of the Alumni Association from 2016-18. During his tenure the popular Alumni-Family Easter Egg hunt was founded as well as the Alumni Board Scholarship.
“I’m active as an alum because Trinity was lifechanging for me. It formed the rock foundation that’s led me to the blessings in my life,” Joey said. “I believe it’s important for alumni to give back what they can. Over 43 percent of students receive financial aid; it’s vital to many Trinity families.”
“I’m fortunate enough to be able to help spread the positives of Trinity,” he continued. “It’s akin to when you watch a good TV show or movie and tell someone they must see it so that they can enjoy it the same way you do. I want everyone to enjoy Trinity.”
In addition to practicing law, Joey is the founder and director of Cure CF, a Louisville-based charity which has raised over $4 million for cystic fibrosis research.
Joey is happily married to his college sweetheart, Jessica. He enjoys spending time at home with his children, Luke (Trinity, 2025) and Emma (Assumption, 2030), watching sports and helping coach football at his parish, St. Agnes. Rev. Ron Domhoff [H’98] served as the officiant for his wedding and baptized both of his children.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations, Communications & Archives at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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