AAA-Non-Sports Blogs
Kyle Moore: Mom had a mean hook shot
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 23, 2017)
Forty-two years ago today — Jan. 23, 1975 — Buckhorn basketball star Peggy Gay had 74 points in a 136-20 victory over Oneida Baptist.
It was a historic performance for Gay – she set a state scoring record for girls that night, and her 74 points still rank No. 2 on the state’s all-time list for girls behind Geri Grigsby’s 81 points – but it was only a small sample of her basketball greatness.
A remarkably skilled 5-foot-9 senior, Gay averaged 34.6 points and 16.0 rebounds that year (the first season the KHSAA reintroduced girls’ basketball), and was voted first-team all-state by the Lexington Herald-Leader. Stanley Caudill, her coach, described Gay as “a real fireball.”
Gay went on to become a standout at Eastern Kentucky University. She was the program’s first 1,000-point scorer, and finished her career with 1,696 points.
One college highlight for Gay came in the season opener of her senior year when […]
Roy Bowling ushered girls’ basketball into modern era
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 18, 2017)
LONDON – The most influential coach in the history of girls’ high school basketball in Kentucky, whose early string of state championships prodded other schools to take the sport seriously, didn’t exactly jump at the chance to help usher the girls’ game into the modern era.
Roy Bowling had coached boys’ basketball at Hazel Green, and boys’ basketball and baseball at London, and he was the baseball coach at Laurel County when superintendent Hayward Gilliam called him into his office one day and asked if he would start up their girls’ basketball program after the KHSAA reintroduced the sport in 1974.
Bowling didn’t have to think about it. “You’re out of your mind!” he told Gilliam.
After all, Bowling’s first love was baseball – he had pitched for Georgetown College (his arsenal included a wicked curveball), and his Laurel County baseball team was on the brink of a run to the […]
01/17/17 – Calloway County High School Senior Wins Centennial Logo Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2017
Calloway County senior Haley Glynn was chosen as the winner of the Kentucky high school basketball centennial logo contest, as chosen by the Centennial Committee, a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches, Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame and the KHSAA. The winning logo will be used for promotional purposes during the yearlong centennial celebration of Kentucky’s original high school championship by the KHSAA, KHSBHF and the KABC, beginning with the 2017 KHSAA/Whitaker Bank Boys’ Sweet 16® and culminating with the 2018 boys’ basketball tournament.
Glynn will receive a cash prize of $250 for her winning design, which was selected from a pool of 81 entries during the two-month submission period. A standout track and field athlete since the eighth […]
01/16/17- Reminder about Religious Uniform Accommodations
Frequently in the NFHS Playing rules, there is a reference to the prohibition on items being worn by participants without documented evidence provided by the state association.
For example, in NFHS Basketball Rule 3-5-4e(b), there is a statement allowing head coverings for religious reasons that reads, “In the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participants may not expose his/her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player, and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play.”
In the event that an official encounters this type of head covering and is alerted to such by the head coach of the team (in any sport), officials should allow the wearing of the head cover (or other uniform accommodation) provided it does not appear to be dangerous to any other […]
1/13/2017 – Nominations sought for Midway Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Girls’ Basketball
The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year among girls’ basketball participants for 2016-2017.
This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one female participant from each 2016-2017 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/
The winner, if present, will be recognized at the 2017 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA State Basketball Tournament March 8-12 in Highland Heights. In case the winner’s team does not qualify for the state tournament, representatives from Midway University will present the award at the recipient’s high school at a mutually determined later date.
From the winners selected for each championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2016-2017 Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of […]
01/12/17 – Board of Control Addresses Alignment Issues, Archery Championship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2017
During the course of its regularly scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Thursday, the Board of Control addressed alignment issues and championship details in several sports, while also approving a requested new trial pilot program for the 15th Region Tournament.
Following the consolidation of South Floyd and Allen Central High Schools, changes were needed in the basketball alignment (and subsequently the alignments in baseball, softball and volleyball) for the 15th Region. KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett attended a meeting of the Superintendents in the impacted districts on January 9 to review options related to the region. Facing challenges like an imperfect geographically aligned region and a pattern of reduced sport offerings by some schools in the region, there were few obvious non-impactful options available. With that in mind, the Superintendents expressed an interest in a multi-year pilot program where their teams would play one less […]
Fraley’s coaching career comes full circle at Powell County
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 10, 2017)
STANTON – A large black-and-white photograph hangs in Powell County’s gym, forever preserving the Pirates in all their glory, moments after they won the 14th Region basketball title for the first time in 1974.
Several players have arms raised in triumph, fingers jabbing No. 1 into the air. A few players look sweaty and exhausted, but delighted. The cheerleaders, sitting in front, are all smiles. The championship trophy is at the feet of the young head coach, who is glancing off to the side with a bemused look, as if he can’t quite grasp what his team has just accomplished that night at Breathitt County.
More than four decades later, Dave Fraley, the head coach in the photo, still gets excited when he talks about that 1974 team, led by Steven Kisner and James Goodwin, what the region title meant to the people of Powell County, and what it meant to him as he embarked on […]
Transy’s all Bluegrass-bred basketball roster
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 6, 2017)
When Transylvania men’s basketball coach Brian Lane gathered his team for their first preseason get-together last summer, there was really no need to introduce the new players to the holdovers.
They were already pretty familiar with each because they are all graduates of Kentucky high school hoops.
Two dozen colleges in Kentucky have men’s and women’s basketball programs – from big schools like UK and Louisville, to little ones like Asbury and Brescia — but of those 48 rosters, only one is made up entirely of home-grown players.
That is the Transylvania men’s team. All 16 players were basketball-bred in the Bluegrass State.
“It’s not by design, but we do try to do a good job (recruiting) in Kentucky,” Lane said.
The Transy roster is comprised of players from nine regions, stretching from the 2nd in Western Kentucky to the 15th and 16th in Eastern Kentucky. They come from state-championship certified programs […]
01/05/17 – First Basketball Stat Leaders Report Released
The first weekly statistical leader reports for girls’ and boys’ basketball have been posted at KHSAA.org. Statistics are compiled weekly throughout the season and will be posted to the KHSAA website each week.
Statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats are subject to penalties from the Commissioner, including fines and other actions within the constraints of Bylaw 27. Member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline.
Based upon recommendations from the Basketball Advisory Committee during its most recent meeting, the fine for schools not in compliance will be doubled for the 2016-17 season, as it creates a competitive imbalance for those that do participate. The requirement to enter statistics, which has been in […]
01/05/17 – Middle School Regulation Adoptions
After approval by the Kentucky Board of Education through the regulatory process, please be advised of the new policies affecting middle school athletics, which per 702 KAR 7:065 is competition for students grades 5-8 participating in competition for grades levels 6 through 8. Highlights of the changes are listed below with the complete regulation at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/702/007/065.pdf.
Dead Period
Beginning in June 2017, the period of June 25 to July 9 (inclusive), shall be a dead period for middle school athletics.
During the dead period:
(a) Students shall not receive coaching or training from school personnel, whether salaried or non-salaried;
(b) School facilities, uniforms, nicknames, transportation, or equipment shall not be used;
(c) School funds shall not be expended in support of interscholastic athletics; and
(d) A postseason wrap-up activity, celebration, or recognition event relating to a spring sports team at a school may be held.
[…]
01/03/17 – ArbiterPay Option for Schools for Payment of Officials
As was shared with those that were attendance at the Annual Meeting, the KHSAA has now finalized a review and approval giving member schools the option to pay licensed officials online (some schools have already started using this service) through ArbiterPay (A Division of Arbiter Sports).
While the assignment of officials has been done through Arbitersports.com in the past, this added resource (ArbiterPay) has been reviewed and approved by the KHSAA Board of Control and has been given positive referral by the Kentucky State Auditor’s office.
ArbiterPay Questions
What is ArbiterPay?
ArbiterPay or “RefPay” is the web based software that pays officials electronically through Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF). ArbiterPay is completely integrated with ArbiterOne so school administration can pay officials with the click of a button once the system is properly configured.
What are the benefits of paying officials through ArbiterPay?
12/23/16 – 2017 Soccer Advanced Camp with Officiate Kentucky Day
Soccer Officials planning for their summer and advanced camp requirement are advised that for the 2017 season, advanced camp credit will only be awarded for those in attendance at the KHSAA’s Officiate Kentucky Day on July 29 in Louisville.
There will not be any other advanced camp offered for 2017. Those that need camp attendance to be eligible for Region/State assignments in 2017 are required to attend Officiate Kentucky Day. For those still wanting to work the Bluegrass State Games, that opportunity will still be available. However, no credit for the advanced camp will given for that participation.
Additional information on Officiate Kentucky Day (July 29, 2017) will be posted online at www.officiatekyday.org as finalized. Information on the National Association of Sports Officials Summit (July 30-August 1, 2017) will be posted online at www.naso.org.
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list […]
12/21/16 – 2017 Volleyball Advanced Camp with Officiate Kentucky Day
Volleyball Officials planning for their summer and advanced camp requirement are advised that for the 2017 season, advanced camp credit will only be awarded for those in attendance at the KHSAA’s Officiate Kentucky Day on July 29 in Louisville.
There will not be any other advanced camp offered for 2017. Those that need camp attendance to be eligible for Region/State assignments in 2017 are required to attend Officiate Kentucky Day.
Additional information on Officiate Kentucky Day (July 29, 2017) will be posted online at www.officiatekyday.org as finalized. Information on the National Association of Sports Officials Summit (July 30-August 1, 2017) will be posted online at www.naso.org.
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/
King of the Bluegrass still reigns as top holiday tourney
BY MIKE FIELDS (Dec. 19, 2016)
LOUISVILLE – The King of the Bluegrass has reigned as the best high school holiday basketball tournament in Kentucky — and one of the best in the nation — for 36 years now.
It was the brainchild of then-Fairdale Coach Stan Hardin and assistant Lloyd Gardner, who came up with the idea on the bus ride home after the Bulldogs played in a Christmastime tournament in Ocala, Fla., in 1980.
“My philosophy was, if they could have a tournament like that in Florida, which isn’t a basketball state, we should be able to do it in Louisville,” Hardin recalled.
“We decided right then to put it together,” Gardner said.
They went to the Fairdale administration and got the go-ahead, as long as it didn’t cost the school anything. Hardin went looking for a sponsor, found RC Cola, and the tournament became a reality.
The inaugural King of the Bluegrass Holiday […]
12/12/16- Officiate Kentucky Day Information
OFFICIATE KENTUCKY DAY
Saturday, July 29
Marriott Downtown – Louisville
You are invited to the first-ever, Officiate Kentucky Day!
What is Officiate Kentucky Day?
Officiate Kentucky Day (OKD) is a one-day gathering of sports and sport activity officials from throughout the Commonwealth to celebrate the officiating industry. This event allows the KHSAA to partner with the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) as part of their “state day” program and will showcase nationally known collegiate and professional officials as well as high schools officials to share their knowledge, skills and expertise in officiating.
OKD will be a lead-in to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Summit that will follow July 30-Aug. 1, also at Marriott Downtown in Louisville.
Legendary sports officials and industry leaders including Jerry Markbriet, Billy Kennedy, Steve Shaw, Joe Crawford, Dean Blandino, Bill Carollo, Scott Green, Marcy Weston, Sandra Serafini, Steve Javie, Tom Lopes, […]
12/08/16 – Competitive Cheer Championships This Saturday In Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2016
The fifth annual KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships will take place this Saturday, Dec. 10 at Alltech Arena in Lexington. The format of the state championship has changed for 2016, with the competition split into two sessions with three divisions performing in each one. Doors will open to the fans at 8 a.m., with the first session (All-Girls Small, Medium and Large Divisions) starting at 9 a.m. The second session (All-Girls Super and the Coed A&B Divisions) is slated for a 2:30 p.m. start time. A detailed order of appearance can be found at http://khsaa.org/cheer/20162017/orderofappearance.pdf
Fans planning to attend Saturday’s event should be advised that the Kentucky Horse Park charges $5 for parking. Tickets to the KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships are $10, with children 10-and-under admitted free.
Each session of the KHSAA Competitive Cheer Championships will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/). […]
Johnson Central celebrates first football title
BY MIKE FIELDS (Dec. 4, 2016)
BOWLING GREEN — It ain’t over till it’s over, they say, but Johnson Central football coach Jim Matney seemed pretty sure his Golden Eagles were winging their way toward championship glory when he giddily jumped up and down along the sidelines after his team took a 36-0 lead over Franklin-Simpson late in the first half of Sunday’s Russell Athletic/KHSAA Class 4A finals.
That meant there would be a running clock the entire second half on this cold, damp evening, and Johnson Central and its fans wouldn’t have to wait as long to start celebrating the county’s first state football title.
For the fifth straight week of the playoffs, Johnson Central mercy-ruled its opponent into submission. The Eagles wound up pile-driving Franklin-Simpson 48-0 in the finale at WKU’s L.T. Smith Stadium.
“This means everything to our kids,” Matney said. “I’m very thankful, very humbled. This is important to our county and for everybody that ever put […]
Belfry vs. Central has a (championship) ring to it
BY MIKE FIELDS (Dec. 3, 2016)
BOWLING GREEN — When Belfry Coach Philip Haywood and Louisville Central Coach Ty Scroggins met at midfield before Saturday night’s Russell Athletic/KHSAA Class 3A finals, they shook hands, exchanged warm smiles, and neither of them said, “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
On the contrary, this is why they and their players pour their hearts and souls into football.
There are more traditional high school rivalries in Kentucky, but none of them can match the championship cachet that comes with Belfry-Central.
“A lot of other rivalries, like St. X-Trinity or Male-Manual, they play every year,” Scroggins said earlier this week. “But the only way we play this rivalry game is if both programs get to the state finals. We get to play for a trophy; we get to play for a ring, and that makes it extra special.”
Over the last 10 years, Belfry vs. Central has almost become a first-weekend-in-December annual event in WKU’s L.T. Smith […]
12/01/16 – 2016 Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl Broadcast Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2016
The 1A Championship will open the 2016 Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl on Friday night at 7 p.m. (CT) when Beechwood (13-1) takes on Hazard (12-2) at Houchens Industries/L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green. The action resumes Saturday afternoon when Central (9-5) faces Belfry (13-1) in the 3A Championship at 5 p.m., followed by Trinity (Louisville) (14-0) and Lafayette (13-1) in the 6A Championship at 8 p.m.
Sunday’s slate features three contests on the campus of Western Kentucky University, with Christian Academy-Louisville (13-1) taking on Danville (12-2) in the 2A Championship at 12:30 p.m. Franklin-Simpson (14-0) will square off against Johnson Central (13-1) at 3:45 p.m. in the 4A Championship, with Bowling Green (14-0) and Pulaski County (12-2) closing out the weekend with the 5A Championship at 7 p.m.
Each game of the Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (More
11/28/16 – Basketball Part 2 Test Reminder
The NFHS Basketball Part 2 Test is available online from midnight Eastern Time on November 27 through midnight Eastern Time on December 12. The test will automatically close exactly at that time even if tests are in progress. Login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play.
First-year officials are NOT required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
Please also be mindful that the rules clinic remains free online through midnight Eastern Time January […]
11/26/16 – Revised and Updated Schedule, 2016 Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl State Football Finals
With Western Kentucky University’s win tonight at Marshall University combined with Southern Mississippi’s upset win over Louisiana Tech on Friday, WKU has qualified to again host the Conference USA championship game in Bowling Green. The game will be played on Saturday morning, December 3rd at 11 a.m. CT. This will necessitate a change in the KHSAA game schedule for the state finals, which will wrap around the Conference USA championship game.
The Class 1A game will be played on December 2nd with a kickoff slated for 7 p.m. CT.
“Conference USA championship rules have large mandatory blocks of time that must be made available at the playing facility, not only for team preparation but for stadium and network television preparation, and this was the only alternative other than playing a game very early on Friday morning,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Last year’s Thursday night game was problematic for both schools with the travel necessary both on Thursday […]
50th anniversary of Dayton High’s football title
BY MIKE FIELDS (Nov. 26, 2016)
It was 50 years ago today — Nov. 26, 1966 — that Dayton High School stunned Russellville 6-2 to win the Class A football title at UK’s Stoll Field.
Dayton hadn’t been to the state finals before, and it hasn’t been there since.
Russellville came into the championship game undefeated (11-0) and a solid favorite to handle the Greendevils (9-3). One big reason: Russellville’s linemen outweighed Dayton’s by an average of more than 30 pounds.
The Panthers’ Henry Noe and Donnie Bagget blocked a Dayton punt out of the end zone midway through the second quarter to give Russellville a 2-0 lead.
Ironically, Coach Ray King’s Greendevils wound up winning the game on the same kind of play.
Early in the fourth quarter Dayton’s Jerry Brooks blocked a Russellville punt — his fifth block of the season — and teammate John Fowee picked up the loose ball and returned it 8 yards for a TD.
It […]
11/18/16 – Important Change in Bylaw 22, Out of State Opponents
At the September annual meeting of the membership. the delegates overwhelmingly approved Proposal 10 which removes the requirements in Bylaw 22 that KHSAA member schools only play out of state teams that are members of that state association or eligible to play members of that state association.
Following review by interpretation and application, this provision shall be implemented immediately. Therefore, as of November 18, 2016, each KHSAA member school may choose, solely at its discretion, whether or not to play against out of state teams (regardless of contest location) who are not members of that state association.
KHSAA member schools continue to only be able to play schools located in Kentucky and eligible to be members of the KHSAA, that are in fact members of the KHSAA.
11/18/16 – Important Change in Interpretation, Bylaw 6, 7 and 8 (student activity while ineligible)
At the September annual meeting of the membership. the delegates overwhelmingly approved Proposal 6 which stipulates that the required period of ineligibility of a student-athlete who has been ruled ineligible per Bylaws 6, 7 and 8 is applicable solely to the varsity level.
Following review, by interpretation and application, this provision shall be implemented immediately in current cases, and efforts will continue to promulgate this change on a permanent basis through the regulatory process. Therefore, as of November 18, 2016, it is the discretion of the member school as to whether or not student-athletes ineligible due to the provisions of Bylaws 6, 7 and 8 are able to be contestants in non-varsity play. This aligns with the discretion afforded local schools to practice student-athletes who may be ineligible due to Bylaw 6, 7 and 8, other than the time periods when due process provisions are being decided.
Therefore, as of November 18, 2016, it is […]
11/18/16- Board of Control Referendum to the Membership – Bylaw 23
At its November meeting, the Board of Control gave final approval to the distribution of a referendum of the membership for the purpose of amending Bylaw 23, Limitation of Seasons. At the September annual meeting of the membership, there was a proposal discussed (that subsequently did not pass) that at its core, required that all participants in an open gym be restricted to enrolled students in the member school feeder pattern or present with permission. That proposal contained a variety of aspects and issues and the discussion led to a lack of clarity among the delegates, and ultimately, the resultant vote.
The overwhelming feedback from the schools both at the meeting and afterward was an approval of closing down the restrictions on open gym as a means of addressing perceived (or real) issues with recruiting (undue influence) and transfers for athletic advantage following participation in such activities. The rationale is straight forward and intended to address concerns many member […]
12/14/16 – 2017 Baseball Advanced Umpires Camp with Officiate Kentucky Day
Baseball Umpires planning their spring and advanced camp requirement are advised that for the 2017 season, advanced camp credit will be awarded for those in attendance at the KHSAA’s Officiate Kentucky Day on July 29 in Louisville.
There will not be any other advanced camp offered for 2017. Those that need camp attendance to be eligible for Region/State assignments in 2017 are required to attend Officiate Kentucky Day or to attend camp in the winter/spring of 2018.
Additional information on Officiate Kentucky Day (July 29, 2017) will be posted online at www.officiatekyday.org as finalized. Information on the National Association of Sports Officials Summit (July 30-August 1, 2017) will be posted online at www.naso.org.
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/
Dennis Johnson and the good ol’ days of multi-sport athletes
BY MIKE FIELDS (Nov. 17, 2016)
In this day of specialization among high school athletes, who are prodded by their parents and coaches to devote all their time and energy to one sport lest a college scholarship (or possibly a pro contract) eludes them, let us remember Dennis Johnson.
Johnson excelled in football, basketball and track & field at Harrodsburg High School from 1994-98 because, first and foremost, he was an exceptional talent. He had size, strength, a surplus of God-given abilities and a never-quit work ethic. (He also showed lots of promise as a hard-throwing pitcher, but he gave up baseball to concentrate on track & field.)
But just as important, he had a father/coach who believed it was beneficial for kids to play more than one sport.
“Absolutely,” says Alvis Johnson, who coached his sons Dennis and Derrick in football and track & field at Harrodsburg. “At that age, kids should play every sport they can because they really […]
11/16/16 – Board of Control Extends Sponsorship of Field Hockey For Three Years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2016
On Wednesday, the Board of Control approved a recommendation from staff to continue the sponsorship of Field Hockey through the 2019 state championship. With Field Hockey just completing its third season as a KHSAA-sponsored sport in October, discussion during the course of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Offices stressed the importance of the field hockey schools and coaches to make progress in expanding the geographic reach of the sport, as that factor will be considered when the sport is re-evaluated in 2019 for further continuation. In addition to its continued sponsorship of Field Hockey, the Board will consider recommendations from staff during its January meeting regarding potential adjustments to the sport’s alignment and state championship format.
The Board also made a determination on Wednesday regarding the future alignment of the yet-to-be-named Fayette County High School, which will open during the 2017-18 academic year. Those placements […]
11/10/16- High School Playoff Games Again Asked to Honor Veterans at Week 2 Games
Through the efforts of a veteran and concerned individual by the name of Robert Williams of Menlo Park, California, there is now a national movement to have every high school and college in the United States honor all veterans and active duty military at events near Veteran’s Day. This is a great way to recognize our veterans and active duty military and hopefully reinforce to all the importance of their sacrifices and the meaning of Veteran’s Day. The KHSAA is grateful to be able to participate again during 2016.
For the second round of the football playoffs at home sites November 11, each home school is asked to request all veterans and active duty military in attendance to stand and be recognized for their contributions.
The KHSAA is certainly proud to be a part of this recognition and hopeful that this simple acknowledgment will convey a powerful message of thanks on the part of the school and […]
Jake Johnson catches, passes John Cole, keeps state receiving record local
BY MIKE FIELDS (Nov. 9, 2016)
Former Somerset football star John Cole was visiting family in his hometown last week when he heard the news that current Pulaski County star Jake Johnson had broken his state record for career receiving yards the previous Friday night.
Was Cole, a Briar Jumper for life, OK with having an arch-rival Maroon eclipse his numbers?
“Yes, 100 percent,” he said. “It’s exciting. It’s great to keep it in the county. I’m happy for Jake.”
Johnson, a 6-foot, 178-pound senior, broke James Quick’s state record for career receptions in Pulaski County’s first game this season. Quick, who played at Trinity from 2009-12, had 280 catches. Johnson has obliterated that mark. He has 369 receptions going into Friday night’s playoff game against Whitley County.
Breaking Cole’s career yardage mark of 4,981 took a little longer, but Johnson did it in the regular-season finale against Bourbon County. He has since upped his total to 5,044.
“Over 5,000 […]
11/08/16 – Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships
When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. She felt this was a chance for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service. The award process for 2016-2017 is now underway.
Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through December 5, 2016. The award winners will be announced in conjunction with the boys’ state basketball tournament in March. Two grants, each in the amount of a one-time scholarship of $2,000 payable to an institution of higher learning, will be awarded each year for the next four years. The scholarship is not renewable and is not endowed for expansion. Minimum criteria is a 3.5 (converted to 4.0 scale) grade point average; involvement in varsity sports or sport-activities; involvement in other school activities, a record of community service/involvement […]
11/07/16 – Information On Ordering Tickets to 2016 Russell Athletic/KHSAA State Football Finals
It is again time for us to take orders for advance tickets to the 2016 Russell Athletic/KHSAA State Football Finals. Here are some notes about this year’s finals.
- The games will be played at Feix Field, Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green;
- The tentative schedule for this year’s event has games scheduled as follows (All times Central):
- Friday, December 2nd – 1A – 1 PM, 4A – 5 PM
- Saturday, December 3rd – 3A – 1 PM, 6A – 5 PM
- Sunday, December 4th – 2A – 1 PM, 5A – 5 PM
- Club level seats (200 level, $90 for all six games) are available and will have access to the indoor area between and during the games, but seating is limited. Ticketing in the club level sells out quickly most years;
- The VIP chairback seats (100 level, $60 for all six games) are available and […]
Jimmie Reed: a football lifer
BY MIKE FIELDS (Nov. 4, 2016)
Jimmie Reed attended a powder-puff football game in Louisville a couple weeks ago.
He wasn’t on the sidelines coaching, or on the field afterward handing out awards. He was there to cheer on one of his granddaughters.
It goes to show how Jimmie Reed’s life is still infused with football. It’s part of his make-up, and has been since he first put on a helmet and pads in the early 1960s as a grade-schooler in Springfield, Ky.
Reed quit playing football 44 years ago, and quit coaching it 22 years ago, but he never quit the game. He’s still active as a fan, administrator and advocate.
“When I played football, I loved the camaraderie and how much it taught me,” Reed, 65, said recently. “Once I got into coaching, I had the opportunity to influence kids and have them enjoy that same kind of camaraderie and that same kind of experience.
[…]11/03/16 – Nine Team State Titles Up For Grabs During Fall Championship Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2016
A total of nine teams will earn the title of state champion on Saturday and Sunday as the KHSAA’s Fall Championship weekend wraps up the 2016 soccer, cross country and volleyball seasons. Six state champions will be crowned Saturday morning during the 2016 KHSAA Cross Country State Meet at the Kentucky Horse Park. Championship action continues that evening in Lexington with the finals of the girls’ and boys’ state soccer tournaments at Bryan Station HS with the first game starting at 5 p.m. The 2016 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament begins Friday morning with first round matches at Valley HS in Louisville and concludes with the championship match at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
KHSAA.tv will produce live webcasts of the championship games of the KHSAA State Soccer Tournament, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals of the KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament. A highlight package of the 2016 KHSAA Cross Country State […]
10/28/16 – KHSAA State Soccer Tournament Continues Saturday With Quarterfinal Action in Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2016
The 2016 KHSAA State Soccer Tournament continues tomorrow morning with quarterfinal action at Paul Laurence Dunbar HS and Lafayette HS in Lexington. Four games will take place at each site, with the first games of the day scheduled for 12 p.m. and the final contest set for 6 p.m. To view the official championship program for the 2016 KHSAA State Soccer Tournament, visit https://goo.gl/fIftNo.
SATURDAY, OCT. 29 – KHSAA SOCCER QUARTERFINALS
at Lafayette HS
12:00 p.m. – BOYS – Louisville Collegiate vs. Covington Catholic
2:00 p.m. – GIRLS – Simon Kenton vs. Lawrence County
4:00 p.m. – GIRLS – Greenwood vs. Owensboro Catholic
6:00 p.m. – BOYS – South Laurel vs. Paul Laurence Dunbar
at Paul Laurence Dunbar HS
12:00 p.m. – GIRLS – Russell vs. Lexington Catholic
2:00 p.m. – BOYS – North Hardin vs. Perry County Central
4:00 p.m. – BOYS – South Warren vs. […]
Justin Thomas latest Kentuckian to cash in on PGA Tour
BY MIKE FIELDS (Oct. 28. 2016)
Justin Thomas won the CIMB Classic in Malaysia last week, successfully defending his title in Kuala Lumpur.
Thomas is showing lots of early promise on the PGA Tour. When the Louisvillian won the CIMB Classic last year he was only 22 — the youngest Kentuckian ever to win on tour. J.B. Holmes was 23 when he won for the first time.
Thomas is the seventh former KHSAA state champ to win on the PGA Tour, following in the footsteps of Gay Brewer, Frank Beard, Bobby Nichols, Russ Cochran, Kenny Perry and Holmes.
Here’s how Kentuckians have fared on the PGA Tour over the years, including how old they were when they won for the first time:
- Kenny Perry (Lone Oak, WKU) was 30 when he got the first of his 14 victories on the PGA Tour. He has $39 million in career earnings, including the Champions Tour.
- Bobby NIchols (St. Xavier, Texas A&M) was 25 […]
Beth Bates got her foot in the door of football history
BY MIKE FIELDS (Oct. 26, 2016)
It’s been more than 30 years since Beth Bates kicked her way into Kentucky high school football’s history books, but she’s still occasionally reminded of her headline-grabbing days at Williamsburg High School.
“People bring it up, so it comes back around every so often,” Bates said recently. “And I have told my kids about it. They know the story.”
As a junior at Williamsburg in 1982, she booted five extra points for the Yellow Jackets to become, as far as anybody could document, the first girl in the state to ever score points in football.
In her senior season, Bates became the first girl to kick a field goal in state history when she connected on a 22-yarder for Williamsburg in a 12-3 loss to Lynn Camp.
Even though she garnered lots of attention in those ground-breaking days, Bates didn’t see herself as a pioneer.
“At the time, it was just […]
10/23/16 – Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Inductees Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 23, 2016
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Class of 2017 was announced today in a press conference at the KHSAA Offices. The 11 members in this year’s class will be the 30th inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame, and consists of former high school coaches, athletes, officials, administrators, and contributors. The Class of 2017 will be inducted in ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Lexington Convention Center. The Class of 2017 will also be recognized during the semifinals of the 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®. The induction of the 11-member Class of 2017 will bring the total number of honorees in the Hall of Fame to 456.
Oscar Brohm (Flaget HS) – A three-sport standout at Flaget High School (1962-65), Brohm starred in football, basketball and baseball for the Braves. As a senior in 1965, Brohm was named First Team All-State by the Courier-Journal […]
10/20/16 – Field Hockey State Tournament Begins Saturday; 2017 HOF Press Conference This Sunday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2016
The bracket is set for the 2016 KHSAA Field Hockey State Tournament, which begins Saturday afternoon with quarterfinal action at Assumption Green in Louisville. Christian Academy-Louisville (20-4-1) will take on Atherton (19-4-1) at 2 p.m. in the first match of the day, followed by DuPont Manual (18-5-2) against Mercy (8-9-1) at 4 p.m.
Defending state champ Sacred Heart (20-5) will face Presentation (9-13) at 6 p.m., with Assumption (21-3-1) and Kentucky Country Day (9-7) squaring off in the final match of the day at 8 p.m. A complete bracket can be found at http://khsaa.org/fieldhockey/2016/fhbracket.pdf
The semifinals and finals of the state tournament will move to Bellarmine University, with the semifinal games set for 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24. The championship game will be played Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. The semifinals and championship game will be webcast live through the NFHS Network (http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/), with links […]
10/13/16-UK HealthCare Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year
UK HealthCare, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year, meeting the following criteria:
- Nominee must have overcome illness or injury that affected their ability to participate in KHSAA sanctioned sports.
- Nominee must have returned to their sport(s) and demonstrated excellence and achievement beyond expectations.
- The student-athlete must consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethical behavior on and off the playing field.
- Nominee must be in verified good academic standing with their school.
- Student must have participated and been a member of an athletic team during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Nominations shall be submitted by December 30, 2016 to the KHSAA through the link at http://khsaa.org/ge36-uk-healthcare-comeback-athlete-of-the-year/.
- Nominees will be automatically forwarded to UK HealthCare and the Sports Medicine Staff for review and selection.
- The selection committee, consisting of athletic trainers from each region across the state, will evaluate each nominee.
- A decision will be made and the winner will be contacted by February 15, 2017.
- The award will be […]
Todd Bretz the constant in Dunbar’s soccer success
BY MIKE FIELDS (Oct. 11, 2016)
Todd Bretz was only 24 when he signed on to coach boys’ soccer at Paul Laurence Dunbar when it opened in 1990.
Jon Akers, Dunbar’s first principal, had to find more than a dozen head coaches to staff the sports programs at the new high school, and he remembers that Bretz was “by far” his youngest and most inexperienced hire.
But Akers saw something in him.
“I could tell right away Todd had a passion for soccer,” Akers recalled recently. “But what I liked about him more than anything, he was going to discipline his players to work hard and be sportsmen.”
Akers’ new coaches also included Mike Meighan (football), Frank Watson (boys’ basketball) and Jud Brown (girls’ basketball). “They were all quality people who loved kids, but they had a tough love to make sure the kids behaved themselves and worked as a team, not as individuals.
“That’s what I saw in Todd, and […]
RIP, Bobby Keith: Clay County icon; basketball genius
Bobby Keith, who guided Clay County to the 1987 Sweet Sixteen championship and was regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches in state history, passed away Oct. 5, 2016, after suffering a heart attack. He was 75.
Keith was an absolute basketball genius. He guided his beloved Clay County Tigers for 27 seasons, leading them to 18 (!) 13th Region titles. His 767 career victories are fifth on the state’s all-time list. He had a career record of 767-125 (86%).
Keith was a media favorite because he was always cooperative and always a good quote. After Clay County beat Ballard in overtime to win the state title in 1987, he quipped: “I was hoping so bad I could win one before I gave it up because these things are harder to come by than chicken teeth!”
I wrote this profile of Keith for the Lexington Herald-Leader in 1988 at the height of Clay County’s success. The […]
Jeff McGill has helped nuture state golf tradition
BY MIKE FIELDS (Oct. 4, 2016)
BOWLING GREEN – An hour into a conversation with Jeff McGill about all things golf, including his views on the virtues the game teaches and his memories of winning the 1969 state title, he states the obvious: “I fall into the category of being a traditionalist.”
McGill, the pro at Bowling Green County Club, has certainly done his part to nurture the tradition of the Leachman Buick-GMC-Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships by helping to host the event for more than 10 years.
“Growing the game is the reason I get up in the morning,” McGill said.
Early October is one of McGill’s favorite times of the year because more than 300 high school golfers come to his course to determine the girls’ and boys’ team and individual state golf champions.
McGill sees the future of the game — and society — in their faces.
“When I speak or make a presentation to […]
10/03/16 – Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA Golf Championships Start Tuesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2016
The 2016 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships get underway tomorrow morning when the girls’ tournament begins with 7 a.m. (CT) tee times at the Bowling Green Country Club. The girls’ championship concludes with second round action on Wednesday, starting with tee times at 8 a.m. (CT). The boys’ competition begins Friday morning with the first 18 holes of the event, with groups teeing off at 7 a.m. (CT), followed by Saturday’s championship round at 8 a.m. (CT).
Tee times and pairings for the boys’ and girls’ championships are available at the following links:
Girls’ First Round Tee Times
http://khsaa.org/2016-leachmankhsaa-girls-state-golf-resultstee-timesinfo/
Boys’ First Round Tee Times
http://khsaa.org/2016-leachmankhsaa-boys-state-golf-resultstee-timesinfo/
Madison Central captured the 2015 girls’ team title with a two-day total of 629 (316-313), edging runner-up Elizabethtown (632) by three strokes. Paducah Tilghman’s Teri Doss earned medalist honors with a six-under par 138 total (69-69), with Madison Central’s Tristyn Nowlin finishing one-shot […]
10/03/16- 2016-2017 Basketball Rules Clinic Online Now
The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is now online for all coaches (head and assistant) and licensed officials.
HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES
- The clinic is required for ALL coaches at each school, head or assistant, paid of unpaid.
- For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to http://schools.khsaa.org and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.
- October 5 to January 9 – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
- January 10 to February 5 – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period. This late fee will be refunded to new (first year) coaches (first time ever in basketball, not the first year at a school). If this first-year exemption is needed, contact […]
9/29/16 – Information, Pairings and Tee Times for State Golf
Information, pairings and Tee Times for day one of the 2016 Leachman Buick●GMC●Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships are now posted. You can access this information by going to the following links:
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Girls State Golf Results/Tee Times/Info
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Girls State Golf First Round Tee Times
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Girls State Golf Individual Leaderboard
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Girls State Golf Team Leaderboard
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Boys State Golf Results/Tee Times/Info
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Boys State Golf First Round Tee Times
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Boys State Golf Individual Leaderboard
2016 Leachman/KHSAA Boys State Golf Team Leaderboard
09/23/16 – Fall Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Fall Sports Championships is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media that regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system (credentials.khsaa.org).
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the quantity of credentials issued to media outlets when space is at a premium.
Failure to adhere to the KHSAA policies and guidelines, as well as unauthorized use of the media credential, will result […]
09/22/16 – Volleyball, Soccer, Field Hockey Draw Show Set For 3:30 PM Friday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2016
The pairings for the 2016 KHSAA Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, and Field Hockey State Tournaments will be determined Friday, September 23rd when the annual KHSAA Fall Championship Draw Show is conducted at the KHSAA Offices at 3:30 p.m. The Draw Show will be broadcast live online through the NFHS Network (www.nfhsnetwork.com) with a link to the network available at khsaa.org.
District soccer tournaments begin the week of October 10th, with region soccer tournaments getting underway the following week. The Girls’ Soccer Semi-State (Oct. 24) and Boys’ Soccer Semi-State (Oct. 25) matches will be held at host sites, followed by the quarterfinal round on Saturday, Oct. 29 in Lexington. The girls’ and boys’ semifinals will be played on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, respectively, with the championship games taking place on Saturday, Nov. 5. All games will take place at Fayette County public high schools, with specific times and locations […]
09/22/16 – Board of Control Approves Unified/Adapted Opportunities in Bowling; Alters State Tennis Format
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2016
During its regularly scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Wednesday, the Board of Control approved a proposal to add Unified and Adapted opportunities in the sport-activity of Bowling, beginning with the 2017 state championship. Bowling will be the second KHSAA offering to include Unified and Adapted opportunities, joining Track & Field which began including Unified events in 2015 following a joint partnership between KHSAA and Special Olympics Kentucky. The Unified Bowling events will be added to the singles competition on Feb. 9, with a final schedule to be announced at a later date. Unified sport allows for combined competition involving intellectually disabled students and non-intellectually disabled counterparts, while adapted sport allows for participation by those with physical disability.
“One of the most gratifying things we have been able to do in the past few years is the addition of adapted and unified track and field events,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian […]
Charles Hurt: a Shelby County Rocket to remember
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 21, 2016)
Charles Hurt, who died last week at age 55 after a long battle with leukemia, is being remembered for his basketball playing days at Kentucky.
But Hurt played his best basketball at Shelby County, where he was a two-time all-stater and helped the Rockets win the 1978 state title. He hit one of the most memorable shots in Sweet Sixteen history in the championship game against Holmes.
“You couldn’t speak any higher of his character, the way he worked and the way he felt about his team,” said Tom Creamer, who coached Hurt at Shelby County. “In the four years I had him, I don’t remember him complaining about anything. He was just a very unique person, a fine young man.
“He had a lot of talent, but what always impressed me about Charles was that he didn’t want any limelight on him. He wanted it to be on the team. […]
09/20/16 – KHSAA Enters New Partnership With UK Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2016
The KHSAA is proud to announce a new partnership with UK Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, which will see the group continue to provide first-rate care at state championship events while also increasing its role as a partner of the Association. As part of the UK Healthcare system, the Ortho and Sports Medicine group has supported the KHSAA with certified athletic trainers at various championship events over the last 20 years. A silver level corporate partner of the Association, the involvement of the Ortho and Sports Medicine group has played a vital role in the safety and care of all KHSAA participants.
“UK Sports Medicine and the doctors, athletic trainers and staff have long supported KHSAA events, particularly those in service areas […]
09/20/16 – KHSAA Issues Rulings on Unsporting Acts and Shortened Games in Football
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2016
The KHSAA today issued sanctions regarding Bylaw 15 (Practice of Sportsmanship) violations from a pair of football contests, as well as final rulings concerning Bylaw 22 (Contests, Sanctions, Rules, Forfeitures) incidents from last weekend.
Per the KHSAA Competition Rules, when a contracted football game is interrupted by events beyond the control of all parties, three choices exist:
a) Terminate game with score as it exists;
b) Resume game at point of interruption at a mutually agreed date and time. This decision shall be finalized at the site prior to team departure.
c) Resume the game on the following calendar day, unless published Board policies prohibit such play, in which case it shall be played the following day.
On Friday, Sept. 16, a football game between Scott County HS and Lafayette HS was interrupted with 11:04 remaining in the 3rd quarter, with Scott County leading 25-20. In […]
Rachel Sanford: for the love of running
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 13, 2016)
LOUISVILLE — Rachel Sanford was never chasing glory or records or celebrity when she was winning an unprecedented five consecutive KHSAA state cross country titles, a remarkable streak of success that began in 1993 when she was only 10 years old.
“I was just out there having fun, enjoying running and being with my family,” she said recently. “It was never really about the winning. It was about the overall experience.”
Now, some 20 years later, Rachel Sanford DeJarnatt can better understand the buzz she created as a wunderkind. On a restaurant patio near her home in Louisville, where she lives with her husband Dee and their two children (2-year-old Andrew and 6-week old Eleanor), Rachel sifted through a box of newspaper and magazine clippings and photos from her time as a childhood champion.
She remembers being upset the day she had to interrupt her recess at Southern Elementary in Somerset to have her […]
09/12/16 – Athletic Director Institute, Annual Meeting of Delegates on Tap This Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2016
Athletic Directors and school administrators from across the state will visit Lexington this week as the KHSAA hosts the first-ever Athletic Director Institute and its Annual Meeting of Delegates. The Athletic Director Institute will be held at the KHSAA offices on Tuesday, September 13, followed the next day by the Annual Meeting of Delegates at the Lexington Center.
Designed for Athletic Directors with five-or-fewer years of experience, the AD Institute will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will afford newer administrators an in-depth review of all 27 KHSAA Bylaws, required forms and procedures and other vital segments to allow for continuous improvement.
The Annual Meeting of Delegates will take place Wednesday at the Lexington Center starting with registration at 7:45 a.m. The day’s agenda will include three sessions of roundtable topic discussions for administrators starting at 8:15 a.m., followed by the business meeting at 11:30 a.m. Each KHSAA member school […]
09/09/16 – KHSAA to Participate in “Team Up, Speak Up to Fight Concussions” on September 13
The Concussion Legacy Foundation has created the first ever national concussion education day, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13. On Team Up Day, millions of athletes will hear a speech from their coach, captain and medical team that encourages them to Team Up & Speak Up to Fight Concussions, with the specific message that a good teammate looks out for concussions in their teammates, and has a responsibility to speak up to a coach or other adult if they think their teammate has a concussion.
Organizations representing over 1 million athletes have already signed on to Team Up Day, and the goal is that all 44 million youth athletes hear this message this year. The growing list of participating organizations includes the National Federation of State High School Associations, USA Rugby, the American Hockey Coaches Association, California Interscholastic Federation, Idaho […]
Lynch East Main: once king of the hills and state
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 6, 2016)
LYNCH – Dig into the history of Kentucky high school football and one shiny nugget you’ll uncover is that the first official state champion hailed from this tiny coal town deep in the hills of Harlan County.
It was a cold, snowy afternoon on November 28, 1959, when Lynch East Main, led by Johnny Powell’s 225 rushing yards and Adam “Bull” Hoiska’s three touchdowns, throttled Henderson Douglass 40-0 at UK’s Stoll Field to win the Class A state title.
It was the first year the Kentucky High School Athletic Association sponsored playoffs in football.
It was also the start of a dynasty for Coach Ed Miracle’s Bulldogs, who reached the Class A finals five years in a row, and eight times in 13 years. They won four championships and were kings of the mountains . . . and the state.
[…]
Under Beatty, Trinity is 15-0 against Lexington teams
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 2, 2016)
When Lafayette plays host to Trinity in high school football tonight, the Generals will try to end Lexington’s 16-year streak of futility against Bob Beatty’s Shamrocks.
The last time a Lexington team beat Trinity was in 1999 when Eric Shelton ran roughshod through the Rocks’ defense in leading Bryan Station to a 31-21 playoff victory in Louisville.
That was Kevin Wright’s last year as Trinity’s coach. Beatty took over in 2000, and since then the Rocks have gone 15-0 against Lexington competition. Most of the games have been lopsided, including Trinity’s 70-14 rout of Lafayette last season.
Here’s how the Rocks have dominated Lexington since 2000 (* denotes playoff game):
2000
- 45-10 over Henry Clay*
- 52-21 over Tates Creek*
2001
- 50-0 over Tates Creek*
2002
- 49-7 over Dunbar*
2003
- 25-13 over Dunbar*
2005
- 41-20 over Henry Clay*
2006
- […]
08/31/16 – Annual Meeting Reminders
With the KHSAA Annual Meeting of schools two weeks away, here are some important reminders.
HYATT HOUSING
The Hyatt Regency, adjacent to the center, has a small block of rooms available for September 13, by contacting 859-253-1234 and when transferred to the reservations office, refer to the KHSAA block of rooms (“KHSAA Athletic Meeting”) for the KHSAA block of rooms at $127 per night. Reservations at the Hyatt should be made by September 6, 2016 as the block will close at that time. Please be mindful that with other meetings in town that day, prompt room requests would be helpful in ensuring a room is available.
PROPOSALS
The summary of the proposals has been online for a couple of weeks at http://khsaa.org/annualmeeting/20162017/annualmeetingproposals.pdf. More details and descriptions will be posted as the meeting nears as always. Please see the website at http://khsaa.org/general/day-to-day/annual-meeting-information/. We are reviewing the proposals in detail at the region meetings and can clarify any issues […]
09/01/16 – Athletic Director Approved Continuous Improvement Hours
Bylaw 25, Sec. 5. POST HIRE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUING DUTIES AS AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Available Tract of Leadership and Continuous Improvement Hours
KHSAA
- Annual Meeting (4 hours)
- New Athletic Director Institute (6 hours)
- Region Meeting (Annually) (4 hours)
- Attendance and Participation at Regional Policy Board Meetings in those regions in which ALL member schools are a member of the RPB (1 hour per season (fall, winter, spring, per year)
NIAAA Leadership Options
FOUNDATION
- 501 – Philosophy, Leadership Organization & Professional Programs
- 502 – Principles, Strategies & Methods
- 504 – Legal Issues I (Risk Management)
- 506 – Legal Issues II (Title IX, Sexual Harassment)
- 508 – Legal Issues III (Hazing, ADA, Employment Law)
- 510 – Legal Issue IV (Social Media, Event Security, Participation of Transgender Student/Athlete & Other Legal Issues)
- 511 – Concepts and Strategies for Interscholastic Budgeting and Finance
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
- 608 – Management Strategies & Organizational Techniques
- 611 – Concepts & Strategies for Interscholastic Fundraising, Marketing, Promotion and Booster Clubs
- 630 – Interscholastic Contest Management—Planning, Preparation & Methods
- 631 – Emergency […]
08/29/16 – HYPE Student Leadership Conference This Week in Lexington, Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2016
The 16th Annual KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conference will take place this week in Lexington and Louisville. The conference is a free service provided by the Association for student-athletes to learn teamwork exercises and sportsmanship initiatives, and discuss current issues.
The first half of the conference will be held Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the Lexington Convention Center, followed by the second seminar on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the Ramada Plaza Louisville Hotel & Conference Center.
Assisting with this year’s conference will be a group of six student-athletes that represented the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in July: Melisa Comertpay (Muhlenberg County), Korbin Florer (Bracken County), Luke Huffman (DuPont Manual), Lauren Shraut (Holy Cross (Lou.)), Keeton Thornsberry (Holy Cross (Lou.)) and Danielle Wethington (Sacred Heart). In addition to helping facilitate this year’s conference, the group will help plan the 2017 HYPE Student Leadership Conference.
Topics for this year’s breakout sessions include […]
Perfect match: Ron Kordes & Assumption volleyball
BY MIKE FIELDS (Aug. 29, 2016)
LOUISVILLE – When Ron Kordes was hired to coach volleyball at Assumption in 1989, then-principal Karen Russ asked how long he thought he might lead the Rockets’ program.
“I told her, ‘Let’s do it a year at a time, and as long as I’m enjoying it, we’ll continue on,’” Kordes recently remembered.
“Now here I am 28 years later and I’m still enjoying it.”
Talk about a perfect match.
Under Kordes’ direction, Assumption volleyball has been one of the most successful and dominant programs in the history of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
The Rockets have won 19 state titles and been named national champions four times in the last 24 years. Starting in 1995, they won eight consecutive state titles and fashioned a remarkable 174-game winning streak against Kentucky competition.
Kordes should notch his 1,000th career victory in the next week or two. (His win total is currently 990.)
Not bad for […]
08/25/16 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Released for Football, Soccer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2016
The first weekly statistical leader reports of the season for football and boys’ and girls’ soccer have been posted at KHSAA.org. Statistics are compiled weekly throughout the regular season and will be posted to the KHSAA website every Thursday.
As a reminder, member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline (12 p.m. each Thursday).
Member schools failing to meet the requirements to enter and maintain rosters, schedules and statistics subject themselves to penalties by the Commissioner, including fines and other actions, within the constraints of Bylaw 27.
The statistical leader reports can be found through the links below:
FOOTBALL
Overall Stats Leaders
http://khsaa.org/football/2016/stats.htm
Class 1A Stats Leaders
http://khsaa.org/football/2016/stats1.htm
Class 2A Stats Leaders
More
My, oh, Myra; Kentucky’s only 4-time golf champ
“What I like about golf, and the reason I think kids should play golf, is because it’s an individual sport that requires you to gain control over your emotions, develops your critical thinking skills, your conceptual thinking skills, and your discipline.
“Golf is never the same. There’s no way ever to get bored with it, ever. It’s an elusive challenge you’re always chasing. To be able to gain control over a projectile flying through the air is pretty cool. If you can curve it, hit it straight, hit it low, hit it high, it’s almost like being a magician. It’s just an awesome thing to do.”
— Myra Van Hoose Blackwelder
BY MIKE FIELDS (Aug. 25, 2016)
When Myra Van Hoose’s parents gave her a set of golf clubs when she was in junior high, she had no idea the gift would profoundly shape the rest of her life, personally and […]
08/22/16 – 2016 KHSAA Annual Meeting and First AD Institute
This is intended for all KHSAA member school Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors and the links can be forwarded as needed.
ANNUAL MEETING
This reminder that the 2016 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 14 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level,adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). A final agenda will be published in the coming days, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. ET. and conclude not later than 1:00 p.m. Details and requirements for the Annual Meeting Delegate are summarized below. To submit the name of your delegate, go to http://khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR INSTITUTE
The first KHSAA Athletic Director Institute will be held at the KHSAA offices in Lexington on Tuesday, September 13. Designed for those ADs with five or fewer years of experience, this meeting will begin with registration around 9:30, conclude before 4:00 and […]
Jack and Joe Morris, football’s top father-son coaching duo
BY MIKE FIELDS (Aug. 22, 2016)
MAYFIELD – The first family of Mayfield High School football includes the most successful father-son coaching duo in the history of Kentucky high school football.
Between them, Jack and Joe Morris have been part of the Cardinals’ program for almost six decades – including a combined 42 years as head coach, during which time they’ve accumulated 454 victories, 18 trips to the state finals, 10 state championships, and zero losing seasons.
Jack first arrived at Mayfield in 1959 as a student teacher, then joined the football staff as an assistant the next year. He left for an assistant’s job at Paducah Tilghman in 1968 but returned to Mayfield in 1969 to take over as head coach.
In 24 years as boss of the Cards, Jack had a record of 254-50-2, highlighted by four state titles (1977 ’78, ’85, ’86).
His son’s coaching career is following the same arc of […]
‘Granddaddy’ Rec Bowl has unmatched history
BY MIKE FIELDS (Aug. 19, 2016)
The headline above tells you the result of the first Recreation Bowl played in Mount Sterling on Nov. 11, 1948. It was a Thursday night, and after Somerset, led by running backs Dickie Holmes and Dick Mitchell, thumped previously unbeaten Evarts 27-0 in front of 4,000 spectators, University of Kentucky football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant awarded Bill Clark’s Briar Jumpers the winners’ trophy.
(Somerset didn’t have much time to celebrate because on Friday it traveled to Bardstown and played St. Joe Prep. The Jumpers won, 35-0. Two games, two victories, in 24 hours.)
In 1948, the Recreation Bowl was the only bowl in Kentucky. It was started as a fundraiser for the Montgomery County swimming pool fund.
How times have changed.
About 100 Kentucky high school football teams will usher in the […]
08/18/16- KHSAA and Midway University Partner To Create Female Student-Athlete of the Year Program
KHSAA and Midway University Partner To Create Female Student-Athlete of the Year Program
April 18, 2016The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) is proud to announce Midway University as its first corporate partner to join the Association’s newly created Girls’ Sports Initiative, which aims to showcase and promote girls’ sports in Kentucky. As part of this new venture, one of the first collaborative corporate partnerships of its kind in the country to specifically target girls’ sports, Midway University will establish a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award in each female sport and sport-activity sanctioned by the KHSAA.
“We are blessed here in the Commonwealth with so many examples of great performances by not only some of the most athletic girls in the country, but a group that represents that wonderful combination of great students, exceptional student-athletes and active servant leaders in our communities,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “This program will allow many of […]
08/15/16 – Soccer Part 2 Test Now Available
The Soccer Part 2 Test will be available online from midnight Eastern Time on August 15 through midnight Eastern Time on August 29. The test will automatically close exactly at that time. Login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
Please also be mindful that the rules clinic remains free online through midnight Eastern Time September 5. You will need to login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to view the clinic. After September 5, the clinic will be available online but only with the […]
08/15/16 – Volleyball Part 2 Test Now Available
The Volleyball Part 2 Test will be available online from midnight Eastern Time on August 15 through midnight Eastern Time on August 29. The test will automatically close exactly at that time. Login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
Please also be mindful that the rules clinic remains free online through midnight Eastern Time September 5. You will need to login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to view the clinic. After September 5, the clinic will be available online but only with the […]