AAA-Non-Sports Blogs
10/02/17 – Leachman/KHSAA State Golf Championships Begin Tuesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2017
The first state championships of the 2017-18 season will be contested this week at the Bowling Green Country Club with the 2017 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships. The boys’ tournament begins Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7 a.m., with the final 18 holes slated for Wednesday, Oct. 4. The girls’ championship gets underway with first round action on Friday, Oct. 6, followed by the second round on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Tee times and pairings for each event can be found through the tournament homepage links below, which will also be the source for live scoring throughout the championships:
Boys – http://khsaa.org/2017-leachmankhsaa-boys-state-golf-resultstee-timesinfo/
Girls – http://khsaa.org/2017-leachmankhsaa-girls-state-golf-resultstee-timesinfo/
On the boys’ side, Lyon County’s Cullan Brown will look to repeat as individual medalist while St. Xavier will be in search of its fourth-straight team title. Brown claimed the 2016 state title with a five-under par 139 (66-73), while St. Xavier posted a […]
Bob White: A good guy gets a lift through a bad time
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 28, 2017)
LOUISVILLE – Bob White, like any newspaper reporter worth his salt, loved covering events that had dramatic twists or heartwarming endings. He delighted in being surprised by what he was chronicling during his half-century career as a sportswriter for the Courier-Journal.
In the past year, White has experienced that emotional ebb-and-flow storyline himself.
The dramatic twist came when he was victimized by identity theft and left in financial ruin. “I lost everything. I had zero in the bank,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
But family, colleagues and friends came together to write a heartwarming ending to White’s story that left him overwhelmed with appreciation.
“It’s been unbelievable how people have helped me out,” White said.
Last winter, John Osborne, White’s brother-in-law, helped set up a GoFundMe account for him on the Internet. Contributions, ranging from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars, came in from across the state and totaled nearly […]
09/22/17-UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year
UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year, meeting the following criteria:
- The nominee must have overcome illness or injury that affected their ability to participate in KHSAA sanctioned sports.
- The nominee must have returned to their sport(s) and demonstrated excellence and achievement beyond expectations.
- The nominee must consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethical behavior on and off the playing field.
- The nominee must be in verified good academic standing with their school.
- The nominee must have participated and been a member of an athletic team during the 2016-2017 academic year.
- Nominations shall be submitted by December 30, 2017, 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 […]
Recalling the most remarkable comeback story in KHSAA history
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 14, 2017)
Justin Thomas, a St. Xavier graduate and former KHSAA state titlist, has written quite a story on the PGA Tour this season. He’s won five tournaments, including the PGA Championship, earned nearly $9 million, and has a shot at the $10 million Fed Ex Cup this weekend.
But his story isn’t the best ever written over the course of a season by a St. Xavier grad/ KHSAA state titlist/PGA champ.
Bobby Nichols takes that honor. He authored perhaps the most remarkable comeback in the history of Kentucky high school sports.
That comeback began 65 years ago this month.
In September, 1952, Nichols, then a junior at St. X, was critically injured in a car accident. He suffered a brain concussion, broken pelvis, collapsed lung, punctured spine, bruised kidney and other internal injuries. The 16-year-old was given last rites. He was unconscious for more than two weeks, and spent 3 ½ months […]
Tom Larkey ready to join football’s 300-victory club
“It’s a story most people couldn’t tell – my football, my family.”
— Tom Larkey
BY MIKE FIELDS (Sept. 7, 2017)
If Perry County Central beats Clay County Friday night, Tom Larkey will become the 10th high school football coach in Kentucky history to win 300 games.
One reason Larkey is on the cusp of that milestone is that he’s a tough ol’ cuss. He’s proven that time and again in his 37 years as a head coach:
- In 2001, when he had Rockcastle County among the state’s elite, Larkey underwent prostate surgery early in the season. Less than a week later, when the Rockets played at Estill County, he couldn’t be on the sidelines, but he watched the game with his wife from their car on a nearby hill. That didn’t keep him from hollering suggestions to his son (and assistant coach) Chris, who was calling plays. “He’s nuts!” Chris said, laughing as he recalled that night […]
09/04/17-Annual Meeting Reminders
With the KHSAA Annual Meeting of schools two weeks away, this reminder about designating the delegate for your school.
DELEGATE DESIGNATION AND OTHER DETAILS
If you haven’t already done so, please be sure and designate your school’s delegate. The post at http://khsaa.org/082817-2017-khsaa-annual-meeting-registration-reminder/ gives complete instructions.
Please contact the Commissioner’s office if you need further instructions. More information is forthcoming as it is finalized. We look forward to seeing you there!
08/28/17-Role of the Home Team, Officials and Coaches in Practice of Sportsmanship at Soccer Contests
This combination of requirements, recommendations, and best practices supersedes all prior versions of this communication.THE ROLE OF THE HOME TEAM, OFFICIALS AND COACHES IN THE PRACTICE OF SPORTSMANSHIP AT CONTESTS
Background
The practice of good sportsmanship is integral to conducting an interscholastic athletic contest. After reviewing past records of disqualifications and sportsmanship issues involving the KHSAA and its member schools, the KHSAA Board of Control has adopted the following additional recommended procedures for implementation at contests in the sport of soccer.
Home Game Management Responsibilities
- The Principal of the home team shall designate a game manager on site prior to the start of each contest at a time designated by the KHSAA.
- The home game manager will meet with the officials during the pre-game period, making the officials aware of his/her primary location for the entire contest.
- The home game manager is responsible for providing proper security at each event.
- The home game manager […]
09/01/17 – Reminder about Shortened and Interrupted Football Games
In light of the large number of calls and emails this week and with the vast amount of turnover in athletic administrators and coaches, a reminder about the Competition Rules is in order for Football. Interrupted games are not new and this weekend’s weather is not our first dose of weather problems.
Within the playing rules, in an emergency (such as inclement weather where advisories are placed against travel or to seek shelter), teams can mutually agree to shorten any remaining period or terminate the game at any point. If such termination is mutually agreed to, the game shall be recorded as the current score and the game cannot be replaced on the schedule.
Just a couple of reminders and probably the last sentence in the tournament rules is the main point to keep in mind, “All involved shall remember that this situation is caused by elements such as weather that are uncontrollable by anyone, and keep the discussions in that […]
08/30/17-Rescheduled Football Games Due to Anticipated Weather
This notice is being sent to all KHSAA football schools.
With likely inclement weather, many of our football schools are moving their Friday night games to Thursday or Saturday. Please take a look at the football schedule for this weekend at
https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyfb17/2017-08-31_2017-09-02
If your game has been moved and the date and time have not been changed, please reply and let us know.
There is NOT any type of mandate to move as was erroneously reported earlier in the media, just a desire to keep everyone informed.
Also, remember that for contracted games, no single school can simply say “we aren’t coming”. Changing of contracted games required mutual consent. Let me know if we can help.
Thank you!
Sam Simpson’s long tenure at Henry Clay comes to an end
Sam Simpson is retiring as Henry Clay football coach after 27 years at the helm.
He led the Blue Devils to a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 1995, and with 193 victories he is the school’s all-time winningest football coach.
“I guess everybody knows when it’s time,” Simpson said. “It’s been heavy on my mind the last week or so, and when you think about something this much, it must be time.”
Henry Clay’s 0-11 record this season didn’t make his decision any easier.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a tough year because it was,” Simpson said. “There was part of me that wanted to come back and right this ship. Then part of me realized I’ve had a great experience and have a lot of wonderful memories.
“I’ve coached with a lot of great people, coached a lot of great kids, and I was proud to be at a school […]
Haywood, Hilton faced off in their football coaching debuts
BY MIKE FIELDS (Aug. 29, 2017)
Philip Haywood and Dudley Hilton, the two winningest high school football coaches in Kentucky history, have 780 victories between them.
And to think that 42 years ago today, they squared off against each other in their head coaching debuts.
On August 29, 1975, Prestonsburg and its 24-year-old rookie coach, Philip Haywood, played host to Breathitt County and its 27-year-old rookie coach, Dudley Hilton, in the season opener.
Prestonsburg won the game 20-6, giving Haywood his first victory. He’s gone on to pile up 416 more wins, most of them at Belfry. He’s also led the Pirates to six state titles, including the last four years in a row.
“I just vaguely remember that first game,” Haywood said. “I don’t know if Dudley and I even knew each other back then. I doubt if either of us had a clue what we were doing. We probably were just glad to get a team out on the field […]
08/28/17 – 2017 KHSAA Annual Meeting Registration Reminder
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 2017 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 20 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level, adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). Final agenda is being published as it becomes final in the coming days, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. ET. and conclude not later than 12:30 p.m. Details and requirements for the Annual Meeting Delegate are summarized below. To submit the name of your delegate, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/
ANNUAL MEETING DELEGATE DESIGNATION
The Annual Meeting has continuous improvement/leadership training opportunities throughout the morning as members work to carve out the best plan of action for the future and then the meeting concludes as delegates convene to […]
08/28/17 – Reminders about Required Title IX Student Interest Survey During 2017-18, KHSAA Assistance Available
For all KHSAA member schools, 2017-2018 is the year for the biennial student interest survey related to Title IX. None of the basic survey requirements have changed, as you are to survey your students in grades 9 through 11, as well as the identified 8th graders within the feeder pattern of your school system. Only minimal changes have been made to the survey instrument, KHSAA Form T61.
T61 Student Interest Survey Assistance is now available as a membership benefit from the KHSAA. If you have specific questions about the survey requirement or other Title IX specific information, contact Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry at the KHSAA at 859-299-5472 or via email at dbilberry@khsaa.org. If you desire the KHSAA to setup and tabulate your survey for you via our electronic system and need assistance, contact Information Technology Director Rob Catron via email at rcatron@khsaa.org to request your survey.
The required target response rate for survey validity remains […]
05/23/17- Forde Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year For 2016-17
Forde Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year For 2016-17
May 23, 2017The inaugural yearlong Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program culminated on the campus of Midway University on Monday as Sacred Heart’s Brooke Forde was named the first overall winner. Beginning in May of 2016 with the Bass Fishing State Championship, Midway University presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each of the KHSAA’s 14 girls’ state championship events, with an overall winner selected following the final championship of the timeframe (2017 State Archery).
The Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year award is based upon overall athletic performance (60%), academic achievement (20%), and community service (20%). Students must possess an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better to qualify, and must be academically eligible during the season in which they are nominated. School administrators, coaches, and athletic directors nominate student-athletes online at KHSAA.org, and the nominees […]
08/16/17 – High School Activities Bring Communities Together!
By Bob Gardner, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
Tailgates. Pep rallies. Friday night lights. The new school year is here! And that’s exciting news for student-athletes and high school sports fans alike.
Research shows that being a student-athlete is about a lot more than fun and games. It teaches important life lessons, too. In fact, high school athletes not only have higher grade point averages and fewer school absences than non-athletes, they also develop the kind of work habits and self-discipline skills that help them become more responsible and productive community members.
Attending high school sporting events teaches important life lessons, too.
Among them, it teaches that we can live in different communities, come from different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures, cheer for different teams, and still have a common bond.
That’s why attending the activities hosted by your […]
08/10/17 – 2017-2018 Regional Athletic Administrators Meetings of Membership
This reminder is for all member school Superintendents, Principals and Athletic Directors within the KHSAA.
For the fall of 2017, the KHSAA has revised the manner in which it conducts its regional workshops and meetings. The old “region meeting, data and Title IX workshops” and the former required Principal meetings have been combined into a single series of meetings.
Attendance is required of each school but is no longer specific to the principal or principal certification. The Principal or the Designated Representative listed on the KHSAA website will count toward each requirement. In addition, this workshop is on the list of those items that satisfy the requirements for the continuing improvement hours for each Athletic Director per Bylaw 25. There is no registration fee.
The content for the segments will include sessions on managing the coach and player data for your school, a review of the KHSAA Bylaws, an update on the operations and projects around […]
Soccer Part 2 Test Available for Officials
This is a reminder to all licensed Soccer Officials that the NFHS Soccer Part 2 Test is available online from Monday, August 14 until Monday, August 28 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). 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 for officials remains free online until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sept. 4. You will need to login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to view the clinic. After September 4, the clinic will […]
8/08/17 Soccer Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Soccer is available beginning August 8. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches, varsity, junior varsity and freshman, and whether or not the coach receives pay.
Below is additional information:
OFFICIALS
August 8 to September 4 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 5 to September 24 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
September 25 to October 1 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.
COACHES
August 8 to September 5 (Coaches) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and […]
08/08/17 – Volleyball Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Volleyball is available beginning August 8. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches, varsity, junior varsity and freshman, and whether or not the coach receives pay.
Below is additional information:
OFFICIALS
August 8 to September 11 (Officials) – the Volleyball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 12 to October 1 (Officials) – the Volleyball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
October 2 to October 8 (Officials) – the Volleyball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.
COACHES
August 8 to September 12 (Coaches) – the Volleyball Clinic will be online only and […]
08/08/17-Football Rules Clinic Available Online for Officials and Coaches
The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Football is now available following a minimal delay for system maintenance. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches, varsity, junior varsity and freshman, and whether or not the coach receives pay.
Below is additional information:
OFFICIALS
August 8 to September 28 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 29 to October 18 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
October 19 to October 25 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.
COACHES
August 8 to September 29 (Coaches) – the Football Clinic […]
08/08/17 – NFHS Announces Football Publication Corrections and Interpretations
Each licensed official and each head coach have received the NFHS Rules and Case Books by now. Several of you have also purchased the Rules By Topic and other publications from Referee Enterprises.
You will find the minimal amount of corrections to those publications for 2017 that have been distributed by the NFHS at /football/2017/2017 nfhs football rules interpretations -clarifications – final.pdf.
Continued luck this season.
08/03/17 – Pannell Swim Shop Returns as Title Sponsor of State Swim Meet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2017
The State Swimming and Diving Championships will have a title sponsor once again, as Pannell Swim Shop and the KHSAA have reached an agreement on a three-year deal beginning with the upcoming 2018 championships. Pannell Swim Shop, which previously served as title sponsor of the State Swim Meet from 2009-13, has 30 years of experience serving the swimming community as a premier one-stop shop for all swimming and swim-related needs.
“Pannell Swim Shop is synonymous with high school swimming in the Commonwealth and we are absolutely delighted to have them continuing as a partner in support of our state meet,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Tom [Viney] has a longtime involvement in the swimming and triathlon community, and his familiarity with both our schools and this event are the ideal combination. Nothing could be more appropriate than for Pannell Swim Shop to rise to the occasion […]
08/01/17-Football Officiating Crew Communication Devices Guidelines and Restrictions
KHSAA VARSITY FOOTBALL OFFICIALS
WIRELESS CREW COMMUNICATION DEVICES – GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
With continued changes in technology, communication devices worn by officials are becoming more and more common place. While most understand that these devices can benefit the communication between members of an officiating crew, officials must be prepared to deal with the responsibility for using such device.
DEFINITIONS
- For KHSAA varsity football contests, a Wireless Communication Device is defined as a two-way radio with an attached earpiece and push to talk microphone.
- Other types of communication devices are prohibited and may not be carried by an official during competition.
GENERAL USE
- Crew communication devices MAY be used during all games if used in accordance with these guidelines.
- Officials should be ever mindful that the vast majority of radio systems are NOT secure from the public.
- Careful attention must be paid to what is said when speaking use the headsets and the […]
07/29/17 – KHSAA Recognizes Top Officials During Officiate Kentucky Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2017
With nearly 700 officials in attendance for the first-ever Officiate Kentucky Day, the KHSAA honored its top officials of the 2016-17 season during the day’s festivities at the Marriott Louisville Downtown. The top officials for each sport or sport-activity the Association licenses officials were honored as part of the annual officials recognition program during a luncheon on Saturday.
This year’s nominees and winners (in bold) for the 2016-17 season are:
Baseball — Randy Ross (Morehead), Bryan Hockman (Russellville), Kyle Maggard (Hazard),
Basketball — Molly Caldwell (Lexington), Kristie Combs (Hazard), Tim Trent (Pikeville), Barry Vincent (Bowling Green)
Competitive Cheer — Ruth Sorace (Elizabethtown), Judy Lowry (Lexington)
Field Hockey — Mary Brainard (Lexington), Craig Kalbfleisch (Louisville)
Football — Brian Taylor (Russell), Joe Ammerman (Cynthiana), Tyrone Fields (Whitesburg)
Soccer — Keith Green (Wingo), Eric Morwessel (Ft. Wright)
Softball — Chuck Standiford (Hopkinsville), Mike Carby (Bowling […]
07/26/17 – KHSAA To Host Officiate Kentucky Day This Saturday In Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2017
The KHSAA will host the first-ever Officiate Kentucky Day on Saturday, July 29 at the Marriott Louisville Downtown in conjunction with the 2017 National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Annual Summit (July 30-August 1). More than 650 attendees will convene in Louisville for this one-day gathering designed to educate officials, exchange valuable information and celebrate their involvement in the industry.
Saturday’s festivities begin with an opening session at 8:30 a.m. with topical breakout sessions scheduled throughout the day, culminating with a closing session at 4:30 p.m. featuring Fox Sports Rules Analyst Mike Pereira as the keynote speaker. A full schedule of events can be found at http://khsaa.org/officiate-kentucky-day-july-29-2017-schedule-of-events/; with a list of speakers and presenters available at http://khsaa.org/officiate-kentucky-day-speakers/.
As part of the day’s activities, the KHSAA will conduct its annual Outstanding Official of the Year Awards program for the […]
07/21/17 – KY High School Basketball Hall of Fame Opens – Celebrating the Essence of the Game
In celebration of the great work by so many individuals through the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches and their allied partners, the KHSAA wishes them the very best of luck as the induct the remainder of their Centennial Class this weekend. In celebration, we gladly present a piece written by Hall of Fame journalist Billy Reed as KABC finishes this step in their long journey to celebrate the essence of the game that led to the KHSAA founding, high school basketball.
“Well, one of my dreams has always been, on a Sunday morning, to be coming home on a fire truck, riding through Shelbyville and holding the state championship trophy with my finger up in the air: ‘We’re number one!’”
— Arnold Thurman, 1966 Shelby County state champs
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — If basketball has more to do with dreams than any other sport, and a convincing argument can be made that it […]
Officiate Kentucky Day – Speakers
Keith Alexander
LHSAA Assistant Executive Director
Assistant Executive Director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. Director of officials responsible for cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, powerlifting and sports medicine. Officiated 10 years of high school football including Arkansas 4A state finals in 2004, six years of NCAA Division II football, 18 years of high school basketball with several state championship appearances
_________________________________
Charles Breithaupt
University Interscholastic League, Executive Director
Executive Director of the University Interscholastic League (UIL); oversees 1500 high schools and 30,000 coaches. Previously coached high school football, basketball, baseball and cross-country; named coach of the year nine times; inducted into Texas high school basketball hall of fame in 2003 and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2014
_________________________________
Don Collins
Commissioner of the San Francisco Section of the CIF
California Interscholastic Federation, San Francisco Section commissioner, […]
2017-18 KHSAA Board of Control
Jerry Wyman
President, 2017-2018
Director, 2014-2018
Louisville
Director of Academics, Activities, Athletics
Jefferson County Schools
Regions 6 & 7
Donna Bumps
President-Elect, 2017-2018
Director, 2016-2020
Bowling Green
Principal
Muhlenberg County High School
Regions 1-8
Reed Adkins
Director, 2017-2020
Pikeville
Pike County Schools
Superintendent
Regions 15-16
Bonnie Barnes
Director, 2017-2021
Lexington
Guidance Counselor
Henry Clay High School
Regions 9-16
Debbie Beichler
Director, 2015-2019
Mt. Washington
KDE Appointed Member
Retired Educator
Darrell Billings
Director, 2016-2020
Clay City
KDE Appointed Member
Private Enterprise
Kimberly Parker-Brown
Director, 2013-2017
Lexington
KDE Appointed Member
Faculty, Midway College
Michael Clines
Director, 2016-2020
Covington
Superintendent
Diocese of Covington
Regions 9-16
Mark Evans
Director, 2014-2018
Louisville
Athletic Director
Mercy Academy
Regions 1-8
Pete […]
PRP reigns again as king of Kentucky baseball under Bill Miller
BY MIKE FIELDS (June 17, 2017)
Thirty-five years ago Bill Miller coached Pleasure Ridge Park to a runner-up finish in the state baseball tournament. The Panthers lost to unbeaten Madison Central in the finals.
In 1985 PRP made it back to the title game but lost to Owensboro Catholic.
In 1993 the Panthers were one win away from a state championship again before falling to Harrison County.
That may have been three strikes against PRP, but Miller never lost faith that his program would someday break through and hit it big. In fact, he remembers telling people, “Once we win one, we’ll win a bunch.”
Miller’s not only a great coach, he’s a great prophet.
PRP won three consecutive state championships starting in 1994; the Panthers took home the big trophy again in 2008 and 2013; and on Saturday they claimed yet another state title by beating Simon Kenton […]
06/15/17 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Championship Game Moved to 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2017
The start time for Saturday’s championship game of the 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament has been moved to 11 a.m. With the potential for heat index delays on Saturday, the schedule adjustment was discussed during a conference call this afternoon between the KHSAA and the semifinal teams, and was approved by each head coach.
Friday’s semifinal games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark will remain as scheduled, with Simon Kenton taking on Marion County at 11 a.m., followed by McCracken County vs. Pleasure Ridge Park at 1:30 p.m.
The semifinals and championship game will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription based service. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $9.95 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 40 participating […]
High school baseball has changed a lot in 50 years. Just ask Bobby Lynch
BY MIKE FIELDS (June 15, 2017)
Ashland’s 1967 state baseball champions were recognized during Saturday’s state finals at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to mark the 50th anniversary of their title.
Bobby Lynch, who was a standout pitcher on the Tomcat teams that won three consecutive championships (1966, ’67, ’68), was there with a few of his former teammates.
High school baseball is a whole ‘nother sport now than it was when Ashland beat Fort Knox 7-2 to win the state title at UK’s Shively Field 50 years ago this week.
The bases are still 90 feet apart; the pitching rubber is still 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate; it’s still three strikes and you’re out; but some of the rules and trappings of the high school game have changed considerably.
Well aware that we sounded like a couple of curmudgeons, Lynch and I discussed some of the differences between the game played in the ’60s and […]
Geordon Blanton’s championship senior year
BY MIKE FIELDS (June 9, 2017)
J.C. Blanton remembers last summer when his son Geordon told him he’d like to win three state championships his senior year at Johnson Central.
“I told him if he got one he’d be lucky,” J.C. said.
Geordon must be a lucky guy; it helps that he’s an exceptional athlete, too.
After leading Johnson Central to its first state football title last fall, and after winning his second individual state wrestling title this past winter, Geordon Blanton is playing for the Golden Eagles in the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament this weekend.
Blanton hasn’t taken time yet to relax and reflect on just how special his championship senior year has been.
“I can sit back and think about everything this summer when my high school season is over,” he said. “Right now I want to make sure I live in the moment, enjoy it, and soak it all up.”
Jim Matney, who coached […]
Fast-pitch softball has given girls college opportunities
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 30, 2017)
When Emily Gaines started playing fast-pitch softball as a 9-year-old, she was hooked: “I fell in love with it,” she said.
As an eighth-grader, Gaines cracked the starting lineup for South Laurel.
By the end of her high school career, she had written her name in the state record book as the all-time leader in hits (349), doubles (104) and consecutive games hitting streak (52), and was named Miss Softball.
Gaines earned a scholarship to Kentucky, where as a senior she was the Cats’ starting right fielder. In her last game, in UK’s first-ever appearance in the College Women’s World Series, she hit a home run.
“It was an amazing way to end my softball career,” she said.
That was in 2014.
Twenty years earlier, young women could only have dreamed of such athletic achievements.
In 1994, Kentucky was one of only four states that didn’t offer fast-pitch softball to its high […]
05/23/17 – Dance State Competition FAQs
KHSAA DANCE
Frequently Asked Questions (as of August 18, 2017)
The following is a FAQ for Dance. Refer to the Competition Rules that will be published in the KHSAA Handbook and on the Association website for more information. The Competition Rules govern Dance.
Is Dance a “Sport”?
- Within the programs of the KHSAA, Dance is categorized as a “sport-activity”.
With the KHSAA sponsoring a Dance championship, does that make Dance exactly the same as all other sports and activities within the school?
- The management of individual teams within a school is a local decision. School administrators will decide about issues such as compensation, travel allowances and other benefits in compliance with federal, state and locally adopted policies.
- Nothing about the KHSAA adding this sport-activity makes anything “automatic” within a school or school district.
- Be mindful of the fact that unless supervised in the same manner as the rest of the school sport and sport-activity programs, the […]
05/20/17 – Track and Field 3A State Meet Interrupted/Terminated Due To Weather
Statement of the Commissioner’s Office Regarding Class 3A Track and Field Meet Suspension and Termination
At approximately 9:05 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2017 inclement weather (primarily a lightning storm) surrounding the UK Outdoor Track & Field Complex compelled meet management to interrupt the Class 3A meet. The meet was stopped and the facility was evacuated in the interest of safety, and in compliance with KHSAA policies and procedures, due to lightning. At that time, five heats were remaining in the 4×400 relays, as one heat of the girls’ 4×400 had been conducted and the runners for the second heat were in the starting blocks. In addition, the girls’ triple jump was stopped with the top two individuals shy of their sixth jump. NFHS Rule 3-2-5 states that a meet may be suspended by the games committee, in collaboration with the referee, due to an emergency such as hazardous weather conditions or power failure. For the […]
Current Members – KHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee
The Kentucky Medical Association’s Committee on Physical Education and Medical Aspects of Sports has dutifully served the role of a Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for more than thirty (30) years. This group is created and formed by the Kentucky Medical Association’s House of Delegates, and meets not less than annually.
The committee also has a subcommittee to act in the event that quick action is needed, and regularly has members of other professional organizations under the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure at its meetings.
05/10/17-Reminders about Students Practicing/Playing While Ineligible
Recently, the Commissioner’s office has been made aware of several questions and concerns regarding various approved changes to the eligibility rules of the KHSAA. A reminder to all involved is that once a proposal receives the requisite vote of the membership, that is only the FIRST of many steps for the proposal to have the force of regulation.
During the promulgation steps this year (required steps to implement changes as state regulation), clarifications have been received regarding some of the action taken by the schools and the conflicts that the new and proposed rules might have with existing rules. THE FOLLOWING NOTICE AND RULING SUPERSEDES ANY AND ALL PRIOR INTERPRETATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN PERSON OR VIA PHONE, ELECTRONIC MAIL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION. Please ensure that this is shared with all relevant parties.
The table below represents an attempt to summarize various decision points schools may have (or may not have) when […]
HF103-Hall of Fame Selection Ballot
Loading…05/12/17 – State Dance Competition
Following is a link to the news release that was posted following yesterday’s KHSAA Board of Control meeting concerning the 2017 KHSAA State Dance Competition.
In addition, coaches should be mindful of the following:
COMPETITION
The State Competition will be an open competition (no regional qualifying).
SCORING
Once UDA finalizes the scoresheets, we will send out a notice to coaches.
DIVISIONS
Championships will be conducted in the following:
Jazz
Pom
Kick
Hip Hop
JUDGING
Judge training will be conducted through UDA (online) at no charge. The KHSAA will be managing Dance, so individual school questions/inquiries should come to the Association office.
STATE
The State Competition will be Saturday, Dec. 16 at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington. Additional information on the competition is being finalized and information will be posted soon.
Please contact the […]
Put me in, coach! I’m ready to play baseball, basketball, football
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 11, 2017)
Scott County junior Landon Easley loves playing baseball, but not enough to practice and play it year-round.
“I couldn’t do it. Baseball is such a mental sport that I’d have a headache all the time if I did that,” Easley said with a laugh.
Scott County junior Sam Sutton feels the same way.
“I’d hate it because I’d get so burned out on it,” he said. “If I had to play any sport the year round, I’d get sick of it and not way to play it anymore.”
Concentrating on one sport may be trending in high schools across the nation, but not at Scott County.
Easley and Sutton are among several Cardinal baseball players who consider specialization a dirty word.
They play football in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring.
“I just feel like playing all three sports in high school is something […]
Heflin’s success as tennis coach a net result of caring about kids
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 8, 2017)
Just as Land Between the Lakes is wonder of nature in Western Kentucky, Larry Heflin is a force of nature when it comes to high school tennis in that part of the state.
Thanks to his competitive fire, coaching acumen and dedication to young people, Heflin built Lone Oak’s program from nothing into a powerhouse, and in the process made the Paducah area a hotbed for high school tennis.
After the KHSAA added team competition to the state tournament in 1982, Louisville and Lexington teams combined to win 19 of the first 20 titles for boys and girls. (Henderson County’s boys were the exception in 1984.)
But when Lone Oak’s girls broke through to capture the 1992 championship, it signaled the start of a dynasty. The Purple Flash girls won five consecutive state titles, and 11 in 21 years.
When Lone Oak consolidated with Heath and Reidland to form McCracken County in 2013, Heflin took the reins of the Mustangs. The winning continued. McCracken County’s […]
HF102-Hall of Fame Screening Ballot
Loading…05/05/17 – State Softball and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament Draws to be Held Monday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2017
The draws for the 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament and the 2017 KHSAA State Softball Tournament will take place Monday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. The draw will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and can be viewed live online at KHSAA.tv.
In its first year under new title sponsor Whitaker Bank, the State Baseball Tournament begins June 8-10 with first round and quarterfinal action at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends. The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament resumes the following weekend with the semifinals and championship game, June 16th and 17th. The semifinals and finals will be played in the afternoon, followed by home games for the Legends both evenings.
The State Softball Tournament returns to Jack C. Fisher Park in […]
Remembering Brent Arnold
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 3, 2017)
Brent Arnold, who coached multiple sports at Lafayette for many years, died this weekend after a short battle with cancer. He was 72.
Arnold was an assistant girls’ basketball coach at Lafayette under Kathy Neal when the Lea Wise-led Generals were state runners-up in 1979.
Arnold took over as the Lafayette girls’ head coach in 1981 and guided them to the Sweet 16 in 1984. He had an overall record of 119-58 in seven years.
Arnold moved over to boys’ basketball and served as an assistant under Donnie Harville, and after leaving the bench kept the scorebook for the Generals.
He also coached cross-country and girls’ track at Lafayette.
Former Lafayette athletics director Karen Vanover, who retired the same year (2000) as Arnold, remembers that Arnold “tried to come off as pretty gruff, but he was really a pushover. He was a very kind, caring and giving person.”
Arnold always kidded […]
05/01/17 – 2017 Officiate Kentucky Day Reminder
Officials are reminded that Officiate Kentucky Day (OKD) will take place on Saturday, July 29th in Louisville. Space for this event is limited (and is already more than 50% sold out) and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Particularly for those sports that require Advanced Camp attendance to be considered for the postseason (Softball, Baseball, Volleyball and Soccer currently, and Football and Basketball beginning with the 2018-2019 seasons), attendance at OKD will satisfy this requirement for a four-year period! Please note this will be the only event offered this year in any sport that will meet the Advanced Camp requirement.
Following OKD, the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) will be having its Annual Summit at the same venue from July 30th until August 1st. Both events will provide a great opportunity to be exposed to the highest levels and advanced topics in officiating today.
Gabby Karas: 12 state titles and a champion’s spirit
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 1, 2017)
SHELBYVILLE — Flashback to May 23, 2014, and the KHSAA Track and Field Championships.
Collins’ freshman Gabby Karas, who won the 800- and 1,600-meter races with record-setting times earlier in the day, finishes the afternoon by adding the 3,200 title to her haul.
Karas remembers what happened next: “Everybody in the whole stadium (at UK) got quiet; everyone was waiting. And then the announcer announced I’d broken the 3,200 record, too. Everybody started screaming, and I started crying. It was crazy. It was like a magical movie moment I never thought I’d be lucky enough to have.”
The high a runner gets from an endorphin rush may be exhilarating, but it can’t match the high a runner gets from a victory rush.
Karas knows the feeling, a dozen times over. She won 12 state titles — 8 in track and 4 in cross country — in her high school career.
The last of those championships came […]
04/26/17 – Statement on Passing of Dunbar Student-Athlete
KHSAA staff was shocked and saddened to learn of today’s tragic incident at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
“The absolute worst part of my job is getting a call like I received Wednesday night with the sudden loss of this young man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ifeacho family, the Paul Laurence Dunbar and Fayette County school community, and all of those who valiantly tried to save this young man following his incident. We recognize the fragile nature of life itself and wish peace on all who knew this fine young man during this difficult time.”
– Julian Tackett, KHSAA Commissioner
– KHSAA –
Danville’s Paul Morse still tops in baseball record book
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 20, 2017)
DANVILLE – It’s been 25 years since Paul Morse smacked his last home run, struck out his last batter and chalked up his last pitching victory for Danville High School.
Still, over the last quarter-century, nobody in the state has been able to match the career numbers posted by the former Admirals’ baseball star.
Morse still ranks No. 1 in the KHSAA record book for his prowess as a hitter (65 homers) and as a pitcher (55 wins, 651 strikeouts). He’s also tied for second place in RBI (253).
“I didn’t used to think much about it,” Morse said earlier this week. “But now that I’m getting older, I look at those numbers I put up and I’m kind of like, ‘Wow!’ It was all a little more than I thought it was.”
Morse was an accomplished multi-sport athlete at Danville.
He was a five-year starter in baseball. As an eighth-grader he was the […]
04/18/17 – KHSAA State Archery Championships This Thursday At KBA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2017
The 2017 KHSAA State Archery Championships will take place Thursday at the Kentucky Basketball Academy in Lexington, with the first of six flights getting underway at 9:30 a.m. The last flight will compete at 2:30 p.m., with awards presentations to the top four teams, top five boys’ finishers and top five girls’ finishers scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Madison Central captured the team title in 2016 after posting the top score (3,436) in the championship round. Pulaski County (3,430) was the state runner-up a year ago, followed by Anderson County and Trigg County. Anderson County’s Henry Thompson garnered individual medalist honors after shooting a 297 (with 28 10’s).
More information for the 2017 KHSAA State Archery Championships can be found through the links below:
Schedule – http://khsaa.org/archery/2017/stateschedule2017.pdf
Lane Assignments – http://khsaa.org/archery/2017/laneassignments.pdf
Official Program – http://khsaa.org/Publications/Programs/20162017/Archery/issue1/
Results – http://khsaa.org/2017-complete-khsaa-state-archery-results/
Following the event, official […]
04/14/17 – NFHS Part 2 Exam Online for Track & Field Officials
This email is being sent to all licensed Track & Field Officials.
The Track & Field Part 2 Test is now available online from April 14 until Friday, April 28 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The test will automatically close exactly at that time. Login at http://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to complete the online test.
The Part 2 Exam allows for officials to obtain a Level 2 or Level 3 rating with the KHSAA (for details see the Officials Division Section within the KHSAA Policies and Procedures published in the KHSAA Handbook – Page 6).
http://khsaa.org/handbook/20162017/policies.pdf
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.
Also, remember registration is open […]
04/10/17 – Spring Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring 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 […]
Harrison County baseball’s unimaginable loss
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 4, 2017)
CYNTHIANA — A few weeks into the high school baseball season, Harrison County has not lost a game.
But the Thorobreds don’t feel like an undefeated team.
They feel like a team that has suffered an unimaginable loss — the loss of a teammate.
Harrison County senior Brett Persinger, who had started at shortstop for the Thorobreds since he was a seventh-grader, was killed in a car accident last November. Max Ogden, another teammate, was seriously injured.
Mac Whitaker has experienced plenty of good times and bad times in 40 years as Harrison County’s baseball coach, but nothing prepared him for the tragedy that struck his team the day before Thanksgiving last fall.
Brett Persinger grew up in the Thorobreds’ program. When he was 10, he was shagging fly balls and winning over everybody with his engaging personality. His dad, Rodney, was an assistant coach.
“Knowing Brett’s family so well, and having known him […]
03/30/17 – KHSAA Revising Office Hours Effective April 3, 2017
Effective April 3, 2017, the KHSAA will have new office hours. The office will open each day at 7:30 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Logistical and traffic issues (both current and anticipated) in the surrounding area near the office, in particular, the opening of the new Frederick Douglass High School have created this necessity.
We appreciate the understanding of our membership and various constituencies.
03/30/17 – Reminders about Title IX and Participation List Submission for 16-17
As spring sports are now fully in swing, it is time to remind each of you that the annual reports for Title IX and the Participation List are due on April 30.
- If you have specific questions about Title IX and the law itself, any of our Assistant Commissioners should be able to help get you some assistance. Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) is our primary contact for your questions related to the law and its interpretations.
- Information Technology Director Rob Catron (rcatron@khsaa.org), as well as almost any of our support staff, can help you with electronic issues including login and report preparation using the online system. The online system is currently available for entry.
This year, based on feedback from the membership, there have been minimal system changes to make this task easier. Here are the highlights:
- You will not be able to submit your reports if you have incomplete rosters. Based […]
60 years ago: UK baseball, Stoll Field, Jim Host
Flipping through microfiche files of old newspapers is endlessly entertaining. Some story or photo always catches your eye, like the sports page (above) from the Lexington Herald 60 years ago today. It was about UK baseball. I didn’t know Harry Lancaster, Adolph Rupp’s basketball assistant, coached baseball, or that the baseball team played at Stoll Field, or that John Crigler and Jim Host were baseball teammates, or that left-handers were called port-siders . . .
Excerpted from March 29, 1957, Lexington Herald story:
Southeastern Conference defending champion Florida meets the 1956 cellar-dwelling Kentucky Wildcats on Stoll Field this afternoon at 3 o’clock in a season-opening baseball encounter expected to find the league rivals on much evener terms than a year ago when the Gators swept three contests on their home grounds by lopsided scores.
For the first of a three-game series, which finds a double-header on tap Saturday at 1 p.m., Coach Harry Lancaster of the Wildcats […]
03/21/17 – Softball Part 2 Test Now Available
The NFHS Softball Part 2 Test will be available online from Monday, March 20th, until Monday, April 3rd 11:59 p.m. EST. The test will automatically close at this time. Officials can 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 in the postseason.
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 keep in mind that there are no extensions or late fees to be able to take the exam outside of the window listed above.
Please also be mindful that the Online Rules Clinic remains free through April 10th. You can login at […]
03/20/17 – Baseball Part 2 Test Now Available
The Baseball NFHS Part 2 Test will be available online from March 20 until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday, April 3. The test will automatically close at that exact 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 keep in mind that there are no extensions or late fees to be able to take the exam outside of the window listed above.
Please also be mindful that the rules clinic remains free online through April 10. You will […]
Bowling Green basketball begins Purple reign
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 19, 2017)
D.G. Sherrill never got to attend the Sweet 16 when he was a kid growing up in Caldwell County in far western Kentucky.
“My daddy believed when my basketball season was over, it was time for me to go to work,” he said. “So I was in a welding shop when everybody else was coming to watch basketball.”
Sherrill’s first trip to watch the state tournament was in 1992 at Freedom Hall, when he was starting his coaching career as an assistant to Terry Hayes at Dawson Springs.
He remembered his less-than-luxurious accommodations in Louisville.
“(Hayes) stayed at the Hyatt, and I was out in some motor inn. I think they gave us tickets and money, but he didn’t share of that with me,” Sherrill said with a laugh.
Sherrill was in a jovial, sentimental mood Sunday afternoon as he reminisced about his early days in coaching.
He had the best […]
Jake Ohmer’s legacy a winning one
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 18, 2017)
When the KHSAA celebrates its 125th Sweet 16 in 2042, you can bet there will be high school basketball fans reminiscing about how a kid named Jake Ohmer made a name for himself in the 100th state tournament.
They’ll talk about how he was a scoring machine, and a surprisingly strong rebounder; how he flew up and down the Rupp Arena court with controlled abandon, how he made Scott – not Scott County – the talk of the town that week, and how he almost got his underdog team to the state finals.
Jake Ohmer’s storybook post-season ended Saturday night in the cruelest of ways. He missed a shot in the closing seconds that would have given Scott a stunning upset of heavily favored Bowling Green. The Purples escaped 80-79, and their Coach D.G. Sherrill said they were lucky to do so.
That’s because Sherrill knew as well as anyone […]
03/18/17 – KHSAA To Award Second Annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2017
The KHSAA will present the second annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships during tonight’s semifinals of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® to David Chase Baker from Menifee County and Madison Lauer from Taylor County.
When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his late widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. Mrs. Stout felt this was an opportunity for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service.
Winners will receive a one-time $2,000 scholarship payable to an institution of higher learning, and were chosen after careful review with high school and college administrators, with selection criteria based on athletic activities, non-athletic activities, non-school activities and an essay on the role a student-athlete should play in the community.
A multisport athlete at Menifee County, Baker competes in baseball, soccer and golf for […]
Sweet 16’s top scorers in back-to-back games
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 17, 2017)
Scott senior guard Jake Ohmer has put on a scoring show in his first two games in the 100th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 this week.
Ohmer created a buzz in Rupp Arena by pouring in 41 points in Scott’s first-round victory over Harlan County, and following it up with 32 in a quarterfinal win over Perry County Central.
That gives Ohmer 73 points in back-to-back games in the state tournament.
Is that a record?
It’s not even close.
“King” Kelly Coleman of Wayland set the standard with a two-game total of 96 points in 1956. He had 28 points in a semifinal loss to Carr Creek, then came back that night with 68 against Bell County in the consolation game.
Coleman totaled 89 points in the first two rounds of the ’56 tournament. He had 50 in Wayland’s opener against Shelbyville and 39 in the Wasps’ quarterfinals against Earlington.
Coleman came into the […]
Purples’ power: talent with experience
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 17, 2017)
Bowling Green took out No. 1 Scott County 68-53 in the quarterfinals of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 Friday afternoon.
“That was the best basketball team we’ve played all year, bar none,” Purples Coach D.G. Sherrill said after his team posted its 27th consecutive victory.
Bowling Green played like Rupp Arena was its home floor, which is understandable.
For talented seniors Terry Taylor and DeAngelo Wilson, this was their eighth state tournament game in the last three years, and Kyran Jones’ seventh.
Bowling Green lost to Owensboro in the 2015 finals and to eventual champion Paul Laurence Dunbar in last year’s quarterfinals.
Taylor, a fluid 6-foot-6 swingman, had 20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals against Scott County. He now has 128 points and 65 rebounds in Rupp.
Wilson, a mercurial 5-10 guard, had 20 points, 5 steals and 3 rebounds. He now has 95 points in […]
Bobby Keith’s Sweet 16 legacy
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 17, 2017)
The 100th Sweet 16 celebration this week in Rupp Arena is missing one of the most important figures in Kentucky high school basketball history.
Legendary Clay County Coach Bobby Keith died last fall, leaving all those who knew him with heartache. He was a remarkable coach and remarkable man.
Keith is best known for guiding Clay County to the 1987 state championship, and runner-up finishes in 1985 and ’88.
But his personal Sweet 16 experience went back 60 years.
Keith was in the lineup for Clay County when the Tigers played Hazard in the first round of the 1957 Sweet 16 in Freedom Hall. That was the first KHSAA-sponsored state tournament after integration, and Hazard’s Bob Baker, Don Smith and Linville Wright became the first black players to play in the Sweet 16.
Keith didn’t score in the 50-47 loss to Hazard, but he was honored to have been part of […]
Collins basketball now has stories to tell
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 16, 2017)
Collins’ basketball program’s seven-year itch to win a game in the state tournament finally got scratched.
The Titans pulled away in overtime to beat Elliott County 65-57 in the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 in Rupp Arena Thursday night.
It was the first state tournament victory for Collins, which was created when Shelby County was split in two high schools in 2010. The Titans also won the 8th Region in 2015, but lost their Sweet Sixteen opener to eventual state champ Owensboro.
Collins dodged a bullet — or more accurately, it got in the way of a charging Lion — in Thursday night’s win over Elliott County.
After the Titans’ Dominique Turner hit two free throws with :08.5 left, the Lions’ Korbin Spencer went the length of the court and attacked the rim. But Charlie Cochran was there to take a charge.
Collins scored the first seven points in OT and was on […]
The ‘Worm’ turned in most dynamic dunk in Sweet 16
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 16, 2017)
Perry County Central’s Damon Tobler had an impressive dunk during the Commodores’ win over Pikeville in the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 on Wednesday. It was just for show, though, because the slam was erased when Tobler was whistled for a foul on the play.
Even if it had counted, however, it wouldn’t have come close to matching the most dynamic and most important state tournament dunk I can remember.
Warren Central’s Lonnell “Worm” Dewalt had the jam of all jams in the 2004 title game against defending champion Mason County.
In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Warren Central was clinging to a 58-54 lead when Dewalt had a rebound slam off a miss by Matt Maresca to push the margin to 60-54.
But that wasn’t the Dewalt dunk that brought down the house.
On the Dragons’ next possession, Brock Whitney missed a three-pointer and . . .
Let’s let Tim Riley, […]
Oh, my, Ohmer goes for 41 points, 17 rebounds
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2017)
Jake Ohmer was Mr. Low Key after going for 41 points, 17 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists in Scott’s 77-65 victory over Harlan County in the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 Tuesday night.
It was the highest scoring performance in the state tournament since Elizabethtown’s Antwain Barbour had 42 against Russellville in 2000.
Asked how it felt to be Jake Ohmer after his star turn in Rupp Arena, the 5-foot-9 senior guard deflected the glory.
“It feels good, but I’m more glad about how our team played together and how we came out and got the win,” he said.
Coach Steve Fromeyer was quick to point out that his Eagles aren’t “Jake Ohmer and the four misfits. We have good pieces around him.”
Ohmer has a team-first attitude, too. But he’s also used to being the media darling this post-season.
The University of the Cumberlands’ commit has 145 points in Scott’s last four […]
Pikeville proud: Hillard Howard
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2017)
Hillard Howard has been living in Florida the past seven years, but he’s back visiting his old Kentucky home this week for two good reasons.
Even though Pikeville lost to Perry County Central in their Sweet Sixteen opener Wednesday afternoon, Howard was proud of what the Panthers accomplished this season.
“It’s amazing, really, for Elisha to come in […]
Vogt votes for NKU over UK
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2017)
When Kentucky plays Northern Kentucky University in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday night, there’ll be at least one TV viewer in Lexington rooting for the Norsemen to pull off an upset for the ages.
“I was a Kentucky fan growing up, but I’ve gotta cheer for NKU in this one,” Chris Vogt said.
Vogt, a 6-foot-11 senior who led Graves County to the Sweet Sixteen, signed with the NKU last fall. Vogt and his teammates lost to Bowling Green in the opening game of the state tournament on Wednesday, but they’ll stay in town the rest of the week.
That means Vogt will be looking for someplace to watch the UK-NKU game where he’s not surrounded by Big Blue fans.
“That’ll be tough, especially in Lexington,” he said with a smile.
Vogt, who averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 rebounds this season, had 8 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in Graves […]
Welcome back, Bobby Flynn
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2017)
It was great to see Bobby Flynn back in Rupp Arena on Wednesday for the 100th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16.
Flynn has been a fixture at state tournaments for more than 40 years as a volunteer, mostly working along press row.
He was noticeably absent last year, however, due to health issues. He suffered broken ribs and broken collarbone in a fall, and after recovering from those injuries, he fell again and suffered a broken back.
“I’m still hurting in my back, but I’m doing a lot better,” said Flynn, who will turn 90 this July.
Bobby’s son Doug said bringing his dad to the Sweet 16 “is the best therapy in the world for him and for all of us. His whole life has revolved around basketball. This is like family for us. We hope this gets him all pumped up and really gets him going.”
Bobby was wearing […]
Phil Cox and his ‘Loyall’ mentor, Billy Hicks
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 14, 2017)
Before Phil Cox became Vanderbilt’s all-time leading scorer in 1985, before he starred at Cawood High School and became Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball in 1981, he first realized what the game might hold for him as an eighth-grader at Loyall Junior High in Harlan County.
And he credits his eighth-grade coach, Billy Hicks, for opening his eyes to the future.
Cox and Hicks, who hadn’t seen each other in more than 25 years, traded stories about the good ol’ days Tuesday morning, before a press conference at Lexington’s Griffin Gate Marriott announcing the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame’s Centennial inductees for 2017.
Cox will be among the honorees at this summer’s ceremony in Elizabethtown. Hicks, the winningest high school coach in Kentucky history who has Scott County back in the Sweet Sixteen this week, was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year.
Cox, now the principal at Jefferson Middle School […]
Richie Farmer’s ‘Sweet’ memories
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 14, 2017)
Richie Farmer clearly recalls how his record-setting Sweet Sixteen career began in Rupp Arena 33 years ago this week.
Clay County had a big lead on Owensboro in their first-round game when Farmer, an eighth-grader, took the floor with 1:08 remaining.
Then, with the clock ticking away, “I got the ball in the middle of the floor against their press, coming down on the break, and I hit a little 12-footer in the lane (with :05 left),” Farmer said last week.
“It was a shot I’ll never forget. It was an unbelievable feeling, being a kid who grew up dreaming of playing in the state tournament in Rupp Arena, and getting to live that dream.”
Farmer, however, doesn’t remember the final shot of his Sweet Sixteen career. It came in a losing effort against Ballard in the 1988 finals in Freedom Hall.
He hit a straight-away 22-foot three-pointer with 14 seconds […]
03/13/17 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information; 98.5 FM to Air Games Locally
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2017
The 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® gets underway Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Bowling Green squares off against Graves County at 12 p.m. (ET). Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net. All 15 games will also be broadcast through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Radio Network, with the games airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s “The Bull Icons at 98.5 FM”.
Live video webcasts of all 15 games will be available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/). Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $9.95 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 40 participating state associations.
A free audio-only feed of the […]
Mercer County girls win Sweet Sixteen in style
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 12, 2017)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – When Chris Souder took over as Mercer County girls’ basketball coach 18 years ago, he allowed himself to imagine the Titans winning a state title someday.
“It’s always a dream, it’s always a goal,” he said. “But two years ago we talked about it actually being a realistic goal. If everybody would stay the course, buy into the way we wanted to play, we felt this was going to be a special bunch.”
That feeling became a reality Sunday afternoon when Mercer County beat Franklin County 85-71 in the championship game of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen before 3,963 fans in BB&T Arena.
The Titans’ 85 points were the second most in finals history. M.C. Napier set the record with an 88-56 win over Highlands in the 1994 title game.
Mercer County (31-6) put on a dazzling display of team basketball.
All five Titans’ starters […]
Mercer County vs. Franklin County for girls’ state title
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2017)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Mercer County will play Franklin County in the championship game of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen in BB&T Arena Sunday at 2 p.m.
Mercer County (30-6) earned a spot in the finals for the first time by beating Murray 67-60 in Saturday’s semifinals.
Franklin County (33-5) advanced to the title game by beating Holmes 51-36 in Saturday’s nightcap. The Flyers have twice been state runners-up, both times to Butler, in 1980 and last year.
Mercer County Coach Chris Souder said his program has come a long way in recent years. He remembers his Titans getting demolished by Elizabethtown 79-38 in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen in 2015.
They made a better showing last year, making it to the semifinals before losing to Franklin County 55-51.
“It’s just incredible the way this program’s evolved […]
Mercer County’s Seygan Robins’ long road to basketball success
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2017)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – For high school basketball players, the road to success and scholarships isn’t a direct route.
It’s not a dribble drive straight to the hoop for an easy score.
The destination isn’t always the big stage of the Sweet Sixteen to compete for a big trophy, and glory for your team, school and community.
It’s a long journey with detours and disappointments. Sacrifice and hard work are constant companions.
But there’s lots of fun and friendships along the way, too, and it’s best if your family is along for the ride.
That’s the way it has been for Mercer County junior standout Seygan Robins, who’s playing in the St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen this week.
Seygan and her Titan teammates are in the state tournament for the third year in a row, and they’ll play for the state championship Sunday afternoon.
For Seygan, who’s already earned a scholarship […]
Murray coach and her husband on same basketball wavelength
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 10, 2017)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – Travis Turner has been doing radio coverage of Murray High School girls’ basketball for a long time, but he had his first near-death experience Friday afternoon as he described the Tigers’ stunning 65-56 upset of defending champion and nationally ranked Butler in the quarterfinals of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen in BB&T Arena.
“I thought I was going to die when I was on the air,” Turner said. “I’ve never been more emotional during a broadcast in my life.”
That’s because he was watching his wife, Rechelle, coach Murray’s girls to one of the biggest victories in the program’s history.
That’s right. The coach of […]
Donna Murphy’s Sweet 16 starburst
The St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen tips off today at NKU’s BB&T Arena. This is the 56th girls’ state tournament, the 43nd since the KHSAA started sponsoring the event again in 1975. While everybody agrees that girls’ basketball has come a long way since then, it should be noted that the ’75 Sweet Sixteen featured one of the state’s all-time greatest players.
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 8, 2017)
Donna Murphy, who must be included in any conversation about the best girls’ high school basketball players in Kentucky history, became a legend despite having to wait to prove herself to a statewide audience.
Murphy’s first two years of high school predated the modern era of the Girls’ Sweet Sixteen, which kept her wondrous athletic skills from being widely appreciated.
In her freshman and sophomore years at Newport, Murphy and her teammates played in the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference, which was made up of schools in the 9th Region. There was a […]
03/07/17 – St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2017
The 2017 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® begins Wednesday afternoon at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights when Sacred Heart takes on Butler at 12 p.m. (ET). Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net.
All 15 games of the Girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/). Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $9.95 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 40 participating state associations. Viewers who subscribe for the Girls’ Sweet 16® will also be able to watch all 15 games from the boys’ basketball tournament while their subscription is active.
A free audio-only feed of the games will also […]
02/28/17 – Tickets on Sale for Hall of Fame Banquet on March 18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2017
The Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2017 will be inducted in an afternoon ceremony at the Lexington Center on Saturday, March 18th prior to the semifinals of the 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®. The banquet starts with a social hour at 12 p.m., followed by a luncheon at 1 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 2 p.m.
This year’s class consists of Oscar Brohm (Flaget), Michelle Clark-Heard (Atherton), Betty Jo Cook Gibson and Anna Jo Cook Pickens (London), Hillard Howard (Pikeville/Letcher County Central), Marty Moore (Highlands), Marcia Morton (Male), Chris Redman (Male), Jesse Stuart (Glasgow), Claude Sullivan (Winchester), and Charles “Jock” Sutherland (Gallatin County/Harrison County/Madisonville/Lafayette). The initial announcement on the 2017 Hall of Fame Class can be viewed at https://goo.gl/x8FK3C.
Tickets for the 2017 Hall of Fame banquet are available for $60 for individual tickets or $500 for a 10-person table, and can be purchased at […]
Remembering Douglass Demons basketball
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 27, 2017)
Sixty years ago today, Henry Bell, John Burdette, Paul Price and their Douglass High School basketball teammates walked into UK’s Memorial Coliseum and made history.
On Feb. 27, 1957, Coach Charles Livisay’s Demons became the first black school to compete in Lexington’s 43rd District tournament, capping the first season of integration when black schools were allowed to compete as KHSAA members.
Bell recalled being overwhelmed by the Coliseum’s expanse. “It was just so big. I was like, ‘wow!’ Our gym at Douglass was real small; the court was only 35 x 60. A shot from the corner was only a 15-footer. A regular (high school) court was 50 x 84.
“The Coliseum was a college court so it was 10 feet longer than that. After I ran up and down it a couple times, my tongue was hanging out,” Bell said with a laugh.
Burdette remembered the Coliseum’s strange acoustics. “It was like it was soundproof,” he said. “Your […]
02/22/17 – Swimming & Diving Championships Begin Thursday in Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2017
The 2017 KHSAA Swimming & Diving State Championships (Feb. 23-25) begin Thursday with the boys’ and girls’ diving preliminaries at the Ralph Wright Natatorium in Louisville. Boys’ diving prelims are set for 12:30-3 p.m. followed by the girls’ diving prelims from 6:30-9 p.m.
Competition resumes Friday morning with the boys’ swimming prelims starting at 10 a.m., followed by the girls’ swimming prelims at 4:30 p.m. Saturday’s championship finals get started at 11 a.m. with the boys’ competition, and conclude with the girls’ championship finals, which are slated to start at 5:15 p.m.
Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday for the morning session, and 3:30 p.m. for the afternoon session. On Saturday, ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. for the boys’ finals and 4:15 p.m. for the girls’ championship.
A complete schedule of events, the official championship program, heat sheets and live scoring can […]
Dynasty of dynasties: St. X swimming & diving
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 22, 2017)
LOUISVILLE — St. Xavier’s swimming and diving program is the greatest dynasty in the history of Kentucky high school sports. Its state championship numbers are as overwhelming as a tsunami: 52 team, 146 individual and 75 relay titles.
The Tigers will be going for their 29th team title in a row when the KHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships are held at the University of Louisville’s Ralph Wright Natatorium this weekend. If they win, they will tie the boys’ national record for consecutive state titles shared by Honolulu (Hawaii) Punahou (1958-86) and Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles (1988-2016).
The Carmel (Ind.) girls set the overall record with their 30th in a row last year.
St. X Coach Todd Larkin said the secret to the Tigers’ sustained dominance is they don’t let past successes adversely affect present pursuits.
“Our students respect the tradition — you can’t really avoid talking […]
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