News Releases
11/26/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Field Hockey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2019
Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 43 licensed officials in field hockey, Megan McGrath (Louisville) and Jamie Gatewood (Louisville) were chosen as finalists with McGrath selected as the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]
11/22/19-Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships for 19-20
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 2019-2020 is now underway.
Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Friday, February 29, 2020. 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. 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 and a member of the […]
11/19/19 – Board Reviews Fall Sports Championships and Ongoing Operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2019
The Board of Control conducted a lengthy review of the recently completed fall sports and each respective championship, while also discussing ongoing operations and issues during the course of its meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Tuesday. Among the actionable items in the meeting, the Board addressed the format of the Swimming & Diving postseason meets and the future placement for Sayre football.
Over the last few years, staff received multiple requests to restructure region diving competitions due in part to facility issues and a shortage of qualified judges without a connection to a specific school. The situation was exacerbated by the expansion to 40 qualifiers in the state diving competition, with 22 at-large participants potentially leading to competitive issues if there is a perception that the judges are not consistent and objective at each meet.
Following a survey of the membership, 75% of respondents voted in favor of […]
2019 KHSAA State Football Tickets Availability
Class 1A, 12/6, 2 pm ET
TBA vs TBA
Click Here to Purchase Single Game Tickets for the Class 1A game (includes parking)
TBA vs. TBA
Class 3A, 12/6, 7 pm ET
TBA vs TBA
Click Here to Purchase Single Game Tickets for the Class 3A game (includes parking)
TBA vs. TBA
Class 2A, 12/7, 1 pm ET
TBA vs TBA
Click Here to Purchase Single Game Tickets for the Class 2A game (includes parking)
TBA vs. TBA
For Class 4A, 12/7, 4:30 pm ET
TBA vs TBA- More
11/01/19- UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athletes of the Year
UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athletes of the Year. This year, winners will be named for both male and female comeback athletes. Athletes should meet 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 2018-2019 academic year.
- Nominations shall be submitted by January 15, 2020, 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.
[…]11/06/19 – UK Healthcare Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Becomes Title Sponsor of KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2019
UK Healthcare Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has expanded its corporate partnership with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association with a four-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl State Football Championships. UK Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, which has been a long-time partner of the Association, provides top of the line sports medicine and athletic training services at all KHSAA Championship events in the Lexington area. UK Healthcare and UK Ortho’s increased corporate support elevates it to Platinum Level partner status with the Association, on par with Whitaker Bank and Spalding, the two existing Platinum Level partners. The arrangement also includes naming rights for the 2019 UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl through the 2022 championships.
“UK Orthopaedics is honored to provide athletic training and medical care […]
11/06/19- High School Football Playoffs—A Community Happening
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
Many people would agree that their years in high school were some of the best years of their lives—particularly those individuals who were members of a sports team or participated in other activities such as the marching band or debate team.
In many cases, team members become lifelong friends. Reunion parties are held from time to time as teammates return to remember the fun—more so than the outcome of games or events—they had while participating in high school activities. Quite often, reunions for sports teams are staged during the highlight of each sports season—the state playoffs.
And as the calendar turns to November, there is nothing like the excitement of high school football playoffs in cities across Kentucky and throughout the nation every Friday night as the fall sports season […]
11/05/19 – State Volleyball Tournament Begins Friday in Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2019
The 2019 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament gets underway Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. when Henderson County takes on Greenwood at Valley High School. The last of eight opening round matches will take place at 8 p.m. with Rowan County facing Corbin. Advanced tickets for the state tournament, including a discounted online-only all-session pass, can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The state tournament resumes Saturday morning with quarterfinal action starting at 10 a.m., followed by the semifinals beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday night. The championship match will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
The Semifinals and Championship of the 2019 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament 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 $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to […]
10/31/19 – Dawahares/KHSAA Hall Of Fame Class Of 2020 Inductees Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2019
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association will induct its Class of 2020 into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame presented by Roberts Insurance on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Embassy Suites Lexington. This year’s 12-member class will be the 33rd inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame, and consists of former high school coaches, athletes, officials, administrators, and contributors. The Class of 2020 will also be recognized during the semifinals of the 2020 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®. The induction of the 12-member Class of 2020 will bring the total number of honorees in the Hall of Fame to 491.
Nominations for the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame are always welcome and can be submitted by filling out the online form available at http://bit.ly/2K6vrUX.
CHARLIE ADKINS (Coach / Paintsville) – Charlie Adkins coached baseball in the 15th Region for 34 years, amassing a career record of 805-293 with 20 […]
10/30/19 – KHSAA State Cross Country Championships Set For Saturday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 30, 2019
The KHSAA State Cross Country Championships return to the Kentucky Horse Park this Saturday with the first race of the day slated for 9:30 a.m. A full meet schedule is available on the KHSAA website at http://bit.ly/2JA6Tpf, with advance tickets available for purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The 1A Girls’ race opens the day’s festivities at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 1A Boys at 10:15 a.m. The Class 2A meet will follow with the girls at 11:30 a.m. and the boys at 12:15 p.m. The 3A Girls’ Championship is set for 1:30 p.m., with the 3A Boys closing out the day’s events at 2:15 p.m.
Results will be posted at KHSAA.org following the conclusion of each race. Official championship photos will be available at khsaaphotos.org within 72 hours of the event.
For more information on each championship, visit the links below:
2019 KHSAA State Cross Country […]
10/29/19 – KHSAA State Soccer Championships Head To Bryan Station HS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2019
The 2019 KHSAA State Soccer Championships culminate this week with the semifinals and finals at Bryan Station High School. Each game will be broadcast live by KHSAA.tv as part of the NFHS Network, with advance tickets available for purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
Boys’ Semifinal action gets underway Wednesday evening when East Carter (19-3-1) takes on Daviess County (20-2-2) at 6 p.m., followed by Oldham County (16-5-1) versus Henry Clay (23-1-3) at 8 p.m. The Girls’ Semifinals are set for Thursday evening, with Ashland Blazer (20-0-2) facing Greenwood (21-2-3) at 6 p.m., and Sacred Heart (24-1-2) squaring off against Highlands (19-3-5) at 8 p.m.
Both tournaments conclude Saturday, Nov. 2 with the boys’ championship slated for 6 p.m. and the girls’ final set for 8 p.m. The semifinals and finals will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription-based service.
Subscription plans for the […]
10/25/19 – Field Hockey State Semifinals Set For Saturday In Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2019
The sixth annual KHSAA State Field Hockey Tournament resumes Saturday evening with the Semifinals heading to Christian Academy-Lou. The first match of the night at Centurion Stadium will pit DuPont Manual (18-4-4) against Christian Academy-Lou. (15-6-1) at 6 p.m., followed by Sacred Heart (21-7) versus Assumption (15-10-1) at 7:45 p.m. Tickets to the 2019 KHSAA State Field Hockey Tournament can be purchased online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The 2019 State Field Hockey Tournament concludes Monday evening at Centurion Field with the championship match at 7 p.m. Live stats for each game will be available on the Field Hockey page at KHSAA.org, with box scores posted following the completion of each match. Monday’s championship 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 $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of […]
Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show
The Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show airs every Friday night starting at 10 p.m. (ET). The Scoreboard Show recaps all of the night’s action from across the Bluegrass. The show can be heard online at WLAP.com, or via WLAP Radio 630 through the IHeart radio app.
You can listen to the Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show at any time on any device by downloading the podcast. Simply go to WLAP.com, click “On Demand Podcast”, and scroll down to Kentucky High School Scoreboard hours 1 and 2.
CALLS CITY FREQUENCY WCLU AM/FM GLASGOW 1490/102.3 WHOP AM/FM HOPKINSVILLE 1230/95.3 FM WLAP AM LEXINGTON 630 WKRD LOUISVILLE 790 WMSK AM/WMSK FM MORGANFIELD 1550/101.3 More
10/04/19 – Leachman/KHSAA State Golf Championships Begin Tuesday in Bowling Green
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2019
The fall championship season gets underway next week when the Bowling Green Country Club hosts the 2019 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships (Oct. 7-12). The girls’ tournament begins at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8 with the opening round, followed by the second 18 holes on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The boys’ championship opens with first round action on Friday, Oct. 11, with the final 18 holes slated for Saturday, Oct. 12.
Lexington Christian Academy will look to repeat as girls’ team champion after claiming the 2018 state title with a 639 total (324-315) led by individual medalist Laney Frye (72-74 – 146). On the boys’ side, Taylor County will also try to repeat as team champions after capturing the school’s first state title in 2018 with a 592 total (294-298) – edging St. Xavier by two strokes (291-303 – 594). John Marshall Butler (Trinity (Lou.)) enters the 2019 championship […]
10/01/19 – Fall Draw Show Set For Wednesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2019
The matchups for the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, and Volleyball State Tournaments will be revealed Wednesday, October 2nd when the annual Fall Championship Draw Show is conducted at the KHSAA Offices at 1 p.m. The Draw Show will be broadcast live online by KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network.
The 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey State Tournament begins Thursday, October 24th with quarterfinal matchups on campus sites. The semifinals and championship will be played Saturday, October 26th and Monday, October 28th at Christian Academy-Louisville.
The 2019 KHSAA State Soccer Championships open with the semi-state matches on Oct. 21-22, followed by the quarterfinals on campus sites from Oct. 24-26. The semifinals (Oct. 30-31) and finals (Nov. 2) will move to Lexington and be played at a Fayette County Public School.
The KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament will be held at Valley High School in Louisville for the eighth-straight […]
09/30/19 – Official KHSAA RPI Rankings Unveiled
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2019
The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings are now available on the Association’s website (https://khsaa.org/rpi-ratings-percentage-index/) following a thorough development and implementation process. Approved by the Board of Control in January of 2018, the RPI will be incorporated into the football competition rules as a means of seeding Rounds 3, 4, 5. The RPI is simply an informational tool in the other team sports and is provided as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion.
“It has been an important period the last few weeks experimenting with output formats and screen layouts, while determining what documents were needed to ensure both transparency and replicability. We have continually stressed that as the only official results source, any other data outside of our website should be regarded with skepticism,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “We are very thankful to our friends with the Colorado High School Athletic Association […]
09/27/19 – Fall Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships (Golf, Field Hockey, Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Competitive Cheer and Dance) 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. Media outlets are responsible for the actions of all individuals representing their organization, including compliance with KHSAA policies and procedures. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to […]
09/23/19- KHSAA and Midway University Expand Student-Athlete Awards Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2019
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association and Midway University are expanding their partnership in the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year Awards program to include recognition for males beginning in the fall of 2019. The program originally began in the spring of 2016 as a way for Midway University to honor female student-athletes, and will now include male and female student-athletes for all KHSAA-sanctioned sports and sport-activities.
“We value our partnership with the KHSAA as we expand our on-campus offerings to include male students and male sports and look forward to continuing to get our message out across the Commonwealth to even more student-athletes and potential students,” said Midway University President John P. Marsden, Ph.D.
“It is exciting to expand our relationship with Midway University to coincide with its own expansion of sports offerings,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “This was already a tremendous partnership through its effort to […]
09/19/19 – Board Approves Next Steps for Potential Lacrosse Sanctioning
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2019
The Board of Control approved a recommendation on Thursday to appoint a sport-specific focus group to study the sanctioning of boys’ and girls’ lacrosse following a survey of the membership. Earlier this month, the Association asked the designated representative for each member school to provide feedback on the possibilities of adding lacrosse as a sanctioned sport in either the fall or the spring. The membership responded positively that they would have a team and enter championship competition if the KHSAA were to conduct a spring lacrosse championship for both boys (56 votes) and girls (54 votes). Interest for a fall championship failed to meet the required 50-school threshold for further consideration.
Following review of the survey, the Board approved a recommendation from staff to form a focus group to confirm genuine interest in schools adding lacrosse should the KHSAA sanction a spring championship, with the earliest implementation being for […]
09/05/19 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Released for Football, Soccer, Volleyball and Field Hockey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2019
The first statistical leader reports of the season for football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, volleyball and field hockey have been posted at KHSAA.org. The leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games (one game in football).
The requirement to enter statistics in volleyball is new for 2019, and follows the addition of baseball, softball and field hockey stats to the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard during the 2018-19 academic year. Statistical entry, which is now available for all sports on the Scoreboard, has the benefit of allowing member schools to highlight and promote the accomplishments of their student-athletes, which should be a priority for all involved in school-based sports.
Statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats are subject to penalties, including fines and other actions […]
08/27/19 – Hype Student Leadership Conferences This Week in Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2019
The 19th Annual KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences will be held this week at the Lexington Convention Center (Aug. 29-30). The conferences are a free service provided by the Association for student-athletes to learn teamwork exercises and sportsmanship initiatives, and discuss current issues.
The first conference will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 in the Bluegrass Ballroom at the Lexington Convention Center, with the second session taking place the following day (Friday, Aug. 30). Assisting with this year’s conference will be a group of four student-athletes that represented the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in July: Hannah Eastes (Fort Campbell), Mick Clines (Bishop Brossart), Lindey Lipe (Muhlenberg County) and Marcus Hay (Fort Campbell). In addition to helping facilitate this year’s conference, the group will help plan the 2020 HYPE Student Leadership Conference.
Topics for this year’s breakout sessions include seminars on Brain Mapping and Goal Setting (Omari […]
08/24/19- Parents and Adult Fans: The Biggest Challenge Facing High School Sports Today
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
Inappropriate adult behavior at high school athletic events in Kentucky and across the United States has reached epidemic proportion.
When more than 2,000 high school athletic directors were asked in a recent national survey what they like least about their job, 62.3% said it was “dealing with aggressive parents and adult fans.”
And the men and women who wear the black and white stripes agree. In fact, almost 80% of officials quit after the first two years on the job, and unruly parents are cited as the reason why. As a result, there is a growing shortage of high school officials here in Kentucky, and in some sports like wrestling, swimming, and track and field, the shortage is severe. No officials means no more games.
If you […]
06/21/19- Ferguson tabbed Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2018-19
Ferguson tabbed Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2018-19
June 21, 2019The third annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program concluded when the award winners from the past year were invited to campus for a ceremony to announce the overall winner for 2018-19. It was announced at the ceremony that Maci Ferguson (tennis) of Russell High School was named the overall winner for 2018-19.
A 2018 graduate of Russell High School, Ferguson left a lasting impact in her time as a standout for the Red Devils. A two-time Doubles State Champion and a four-time All-State Tennis Team Selection, Ferguson helped lead the Red Devils to five consecutive Region Championships. She also is a three-time Region 16 Player of the Year who also won the 2017 Wendy’s Heisman Award.
Ferguson not only excelled on the court, but also in the classroom. While putting in many hours with lessons and travel on […]
07/18/19 – Student-Athlete Participation Reaches Record Levels Once Again
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2019
Student-athlete participation in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities reached record levels in 2018-19 as 106,931 rostered participants competed across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and six sport-activities – surpassing last year’s then-record total of 106,241. Thirty-two percent of all student-athletes competed in multiple sports during the 2018-19 academic year, helping total KHSAA participation rise by 7,288 rostered participants from where it was six years ago (an increase of 6.8% since the 2012-13 season). Participant counts are cumulative among all KHSAA rosters and continue an upward trend in participation across the board according to the data submitted to the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS) in Indianapolis.
Participation numbers have also been impacted over the last eight years by the addition of six sport-activities (Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Dance and esports) and the sport of Field Hockey. KHSAA participation in 2018-19 was also boosted by […]
07/17/19- Heat and Humidity Reminders for Member Schools Representatives
With temperatures rising across the state and predictions for record temperatures in the coming days, now is a good time to remind all of our school administrators and coaches of the requirements of the Heat Index and Heat Illness prevention program. The complete program is detailed at https://khsaa.org/common_documents/handbook/policies/policies-heatilllnesspolicy.pdf
No game or plan for a game or practice for a game is worth short-cutting this required procedure that is now more than fifteen years old. Nothing about the program has changed with the exception of the inclusion of the ability to use the wet bulb globe to monitor conditions, but with the turnover in coaches (and administrators) perhaps a few heat index and illness reminders are helpful:
- Heat index requirements and restrictions apply (and have always applied) to outdoor and indoor sports. In many cases during the summer, indoor practice areas (including gymnasiums) are set to be electronically controlled in terms of temperature and coaches […]
07/11/19 – Board Finalizes Golf Format; Addresses Tennis Championships and Future of Esports
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2019The Board of Control conducted its first organizational meeting of the 2019-20 academic year on Thursday in Covington, finalizing the format of the state golf tournament while also addressing the calendar for the state tennis championships and the future of esports.
After reviewing feedback following its earlier decision to change the team format to a four-person squad at the state tournament (which was a format of the tournament in past years), the Board of Control elected to revisit the issue at its July meeting. After significant discussion, the Board eventually settled on a final resolution to address its original concerns with the size of the field, match its boys and girls alignment, ensure all schools have an opportunity to participate in the championship regardless of squad size and complete the tournament during the mid-fall season while also addressing the team composition […]
06/14/19 – State Softball Schedule Adjusted
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2019
After nearly continuous consultation with a variety of media outlets and weather professionals, the KHSAA has revised the schedule for the final rounds of the State Softball Tournament.
The semifinals will be played Saturday starting at noon, with the finals scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday evening.
“We have talked to administrators at all eight schools this week to make them aware of the forecast and predictions we were hearing for the Lexington area for Saturday night and Sunday, along with the options we were considering,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “The consensus of all the media weather professionals is that to play the finals on Sunday would very likely lead to weather delays and cancellations. The predicted inclement weather and rain, once it begins, is scheduled to be considerable for the better part of the next four days.
“In the interest of the student participants and their families and […]
06/07/19 – KHSAA State Softball Postponed Till June 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2019
Due to this weekend’s long-range weather forecast in Lexington, the start of the 2019 KHSAA State Softball Tournament has been postponed to Friday, June 14. The quarterfinal games will be played in a continuous format on June 14 starting at 10 a.m. The order of games for the quarterfinals will remain the same and times for the other rounds will be finalized and assigned in the coming days.
“Though this was not an easy decision to make, it was one we reached after consulting with the University of Kentucky, our softball staff, and others in an effort to provide an optimal experience for the participants in the best interest of our member schools,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Postponing the games till next weekend will prevent our teams from having to wait out the weather on an hourly basis, while also incurring additional expenses through extended lodging and travel. […]
06/06/19 – First Logan Billings Scholarships Awarded
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2019
The KHSAA is proud to announce the recipients of the first Logan Billings Memorial Scholarships. Hazard’s Bailey Blair and Rowan County’s A.J. Hacker received the scholarships by virtue of their selection as Most Outstanding Player in the Baseball Semi-State games at Morehead State this past weekend. Each individual will receive a $500 scholarship payable to their enrolled institution of higher learning.
Logan Billings, the son of KHSAA Board of Control member Darrell Billings and his wife Jennifer, died unexpectedly in July, 2018. Following his untimely death, the family approved an initiative from the Association to establish a scholarship in Logan’s name, funded by private donations earmarked for that cause.
“Darrell, Jennifer, Logan and the entire Billings’ family have given a lifetime of service to the folks in Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the state. Long before Darrell was a member of our Board of Control, he and his […]
Ferguson tabbed Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2018-19
(Special notice courtesy of Midway University. Photo courtesy of Midway University. Photo of KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett, the 2019 winner Maci Ferguson of Russell High School, and Dr. John P. Marsden, President of Midway University)
The third annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program concluded when the award winners from the past year were invited to campus for a ceremony to announce the overall winner for 2018-19. It was announced at the ceremony that Maci Ferguson (tennis) of Russell High School was named the overall winner for 2018-19.
A 2018 graduate of Russell High School, Ferguson left a lasting impact in her time as a standout for the Red Devils. A two-time Doubles State Champion and a four-time All-State Tennis Team Selection, Ferguson helped lead the Red Devils to five consecutive Region Championships. She also […]
06/04/19 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and KHSAA Softball State Tournaments Set For Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2019
The 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and 2019 KHSAA Softball State Tournaments will be held this week in Lexington, with the state baseball tournament returning to Whitaker Bank Ballpark while the state softball tournament heads to the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium for the first time.
Tickets for each event are available for purchase online with links available on the homepage at KHSAA.org. Re-entry is not permitted at either event, however, as is customary with all KHSAA General Admission events, the stands will not be cleared following the conclusion of any single game (with the exception of the reserved seating areas behind the plate) and fans are free to stay within the stadium confines.
The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament (June 5-8) begins Wednesday evening when Beechwood takes on Breckinridge County at 5:30 p.m., followed by Tates Creek versus Pleasure Ridge Park at 8:30 p.m. Quarterfinal action resumes Thursday […]
05/29/19 – Triple Threat, Academic All-State Honorees Finalized for 2018-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2019
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association today announced final counts for its “Triple Threat Award” and “Academic All-State” recognition programs for the 2018-19 academic year. In its second year of existence, the Triple Threat Award was presented to a total of 1,878 student-athletes for 2018-19, while 151 KHSAA member schools recognized a total of 10,046 students as First Team Academic All-State and 5,772 students as Academic All-State Honorable Mention.
“We are very pleased with the participation level of our membership with the Triple Threat and Academic All-State programs,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Both of those processes have been automated to help our membership and make the recognition more readily available to our great student-athletes.”
Created by the Commissioner’s office in May of 2018 as a way to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Triple Threat Award […]
05/29/19 – State Tennis, Track and Field Championships Begin Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2019
The 2019 Top Seed Tennis Club/KHSAA State Tennis Championships and the 2019 KHSAA Track and Field State Meet will be contested this weekend in Lexington, with both events culminating on the campus of the University of Kentucky. Advance tickets to each event are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The State Tennis Championships (May 30-June 1) begin Thursday morning at 8 a.m. with girls’ matches at Top Seed Tennis Club and the boys’ competition at the UK Boone/Downing Tennis Complex. All remaining tennis matches will move to the UK Boone/Downing Tennis Complex after the first day, with Friday’s competition starting at 8 a.m. Saturday’s action opens with the boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles semifinals at 9 a.m. Championship matches for boys’ and girls’ doubles are slated for 12 p.m., with the finals for boys’ and girls’ singles set for 2 p.m.
Team champions will be determined through […]
05/14/19 – Top Seed Tennis Club To Sponsor State Tennis Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2019
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has added a new corporate partner, with Top Seed Tennis Club signing on to become the title sponsor of the State Tennis Championships. Located at 777 E. Brannon Road in Nicholasville, Top Seed Tennis Club (https://www.topseedtennis.net/) opened in 2018 and features 21 hard courts surfaced with DecoTurf® (12 indoor and nine outdoor).
“We are beyond thrilled and proud to place the Top Seed Tennis Club name and brand alongside the KHSAA State Tennis Championships,” said general manager Jon Sanders. “Top Seed Tennis Club is a facility built for tournaments like this and for the growth of the game of tennis and development of young players. We are looking forward to a fantastic tournament and the development of all players involved.”
“We are […]
05/09/19 – Kentucky Proud Park to Host Final Semi-State Games
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2019
Following yesterday’s Board of Control meeting, the KHSAA has reached an agreement with the University of Kentucky to hold the final two unscheduled Semi-State Baseball games at Kentucky Proud Park on June 1st. The doubleheader will feature Region 9 vs 10 and Region 11 vs 12, with the game times to be determined.
Semi-State 1 & 2 (Regions 2 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 3) – Western Kentucky University
Semi-State 3 & 4 (Regions 6 vs. 5 and 8 vs. 7) – University of Louisville *
Semi-State 5 & 6 (Regions 10 vs. 9 and 12 vs. 11) – University of Kentucky
Semi-State 7 & 8 (Regions 14 vs. 13 and 16 vs. 15) – Morehead State University
*-in the event UofL is selected to host NCAA Baseball, the site would be the newly renovated Eastern High School.
The 2019 KHSAA/Whitaker Bank State Baseball Tournament […]
05/09/19 – Bass Fishing Championship Begins Friday at Kentucky Dam Marina
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2019
The seventh-annual KHSAA State Bass Fishing Championship begins Friday morning at the Kentucky Dam Marina when 90 teams compete for the 2019 state title. The 90 boats competing at this year’s state championship marks an increase in participation for the second consecutive year, as the qualifying field was previously expanded from its original 64 boats to 80 in 2018, and is reflective of continued growth in the sport-activity of Bass Fishing.
The two-day KHSAA State Bass Fishing Championship (May 10-11), with Calvert City serving as official host city, begins each morning with the boat launch from Kentucky Dam Marina at 7 a.m. The teams will launch in three flights, with a staggered return to the dock for weigh-ins. The launch order will then be reversed for the second day of the competition.
Teams will start returning to the marina at 3 p.m. each day, with the weigh-ins scheduled to […]
05/08/19 – Board Approves BA/FP Semi-State Sites, Adopts Spectator Conduct Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2019
The Board of Control conducted its final meeting of the 2018-19 academic year on Tuesday and Wednesday at the KHSAA Offices, approving sites for the upcoming baseball and softball semi-state games while also addressing a number of policy revisions.
Acting on a prior directive from the Board of Control, KHSAA staff has worked throughout the year to secure neutral venues for the baseball and softball semi-state rounds – with a preference given to collegiate sites if possible. The semi-state games will take place Saturday, June 1st, with the Board approving the following sites:
SOFTBALL
Semi-State 1 & 2 (Regions 2 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 3) – Western Kentucky University
Semi-State 3 & 4 (Regions 6 vs. 5 and 8 vs. 7) – University of Louisville
Semi-State 5 (Region 10 vs. 9) – Northern Kentucky University
Semi-State 6 & 7 (Regions 12 vs. 11 and 14 […]
05/02/19 – Bass Fishing Qualifiers for State 2019
The preliminary field for the 2019 KHSAA State Fishing Championships is now set. This year’s event will feature 90 boats, all of which qualified based on their performance in one of four regional competitions.
All state championship anglers must pre-register online at HighSchoolFishing.org by May 7th. This will help confirm your participation and allow for boat captain changes if different from regional events. Only those teams who have qualified for the state championship will be able to register. The 2019 KHSAA State Bass Fishing Championship will be held May 10-11 at Kentucky Dam Marina.
“Upon review of the regional championship results and following consultation with our partners at Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), I feel comfortable that we can utilize three flights of thirty boats each and not impact the competition experience or our efforts to minimize risk,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Assistant Commissioner Mike Barren and the rest of our staff involved with […]
05/02/19 – Leachman Buick GMC Extends Title Sponsorship of State Golf Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2019
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association and longtime corporate partner Leachman Buick GMC have reached an agreement on a contract extension which will see the latter’s sponsorship of the state golf championships reach 21-consecutive years when the new contract expires in June of 2025.
“We at Leachman Buick GMC are extremely excited to extend our sponsorship commitment for the Boys and Girls State Golf Championships for an additional five years. The opportunity to be a part of our young student-athletes’ endeavors is something we do not take lightly and we always hope that the State Championship is a memory that positively affects each participant for life,” said David Jaggers, Leachman GMC Buick Executive Manager/Partner. “This extension will guarantee our sponsorship of this great event for 21-consecutive years and we hope that this event continues to grow and improve each and every year. We would like to thank Bowling Green […]
04/29/19- Getting Smart but Acting Foolishly: There is a Solution (Op-Ed Column)
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
We communicate on smartphones, drive smart cars, make purchases using smart cards and even drink smart water. But, really, how smart are we?
Between college admission and internet privacy scandals, sexual misconduct investigations, stolen trade secrets and the growing concern about how we communicate and connect with each other, technology seems to be outpacing our capacity to understand the most responsible way to use it.
In other words, how are tomorrow’s leaders being groomed to make decisions that provide the perspective, balance, and strength of character that today’s advanced world needs?
The answer is by participating in high school sports like the ones offered by the high schools in Kentucky.
Most researchers agree that leaders are made, not […]
04/28/19 – Official of the Year Winners Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2019
The KHSAA honored the top officials for 2019 during the Association’s 26th Annual Officials Recognition Banquet today at the Association’s headquarters. The ceremony recognized the finalists for each sport or sport-activity in which the KHSAA licenses officials, as well as the Larry G. Boucher Jr. Supervisor of the Year.
Finalists in each sport were selected through a combination of service to their association and excellence in officiating. One official in each sport was named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. The Association also presented the annual Larry G. Boucher Jr. Supervisor of the Year Award during the ceremony.
Outstanding Official Nominees (winners listed first)
BASEBALL – Terry Carter (Madisonville), Robert Bauer (Cave City), Carl Johnson (Metropolis, Ill.)
BASKETBALL – Jeremy Grantham (Boaz), Kristi Eller (Louisville), Nathan […]
04/24/19 – KHSAA State Archery Championships Head to Bowling Green Tuesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2019
The KHSAA State Archery Championships will be contested in a new venue in 2019, with the event moving to Ephram White Park in Bowling Green. The state championship gets underway Tuesday, April 30th with the first of six flights slated for 9:30 a.m. (CT). Advance tickets to the event are available for purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The last flight of the day is set for 2:30 p.m., with awards presentations to begin immediately afterward. Team trophies will be presented to the top four boys’ and top four girls’ teams, with medallions presented to the top five individuals for each gender.
At last year’s state championship, Bullitt Central posted a team score of 2,030 to capture the boys’ team title and hold off state runner-up Madison Central (2,023). Henderson County’s Dalton Hinkle defeated Anderson County’s Henry Thompson in a tiebreaker to claim the individual state championship, after both players posted […]
04/22/19 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and KHSAA Softball State Tournament Draws Set for Tuesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2019
The draws for the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball and KHSAA State Softball Tournaments will take place Tuesday, April 23 at 12 p.m. The draw will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and can be viewed live online at KHSAA.tv.
The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament will be held June 5-8 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, for the ninth-straight year. The tournament begins with quarterfinal action June 5-6, followed by the semifinals on Friday, June 7 and the championship game on Saturday, June 8.
The State Softball Tournament will take place June 7-9 at the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium, as the event transitions to a single-elimination format in 2019. The tournament begins with quarterfinal action on Friday, June 7th, followed by the semifinals on Saturday, June 8th and the championship game on Sunday, June 9th.
The Draw Show will be streamed live […]
04/18/19 – Spring Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships (Archery, Bass Fishing, Tennis, Track & Field, Baseball and Softball) 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. Media outlets are responsible for the actions of all individuals representing their organization, including compliance with KHSAA policies and procedures. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the […]
04/16/19 – Official of the Year Candidates Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2019
The KHSAA will honor the top officials for 2019 on April 28th at the Association’s 26th Annual Officials Recognition Banquet. The ceremony, conducted at the KHSAA Offices, honors the finalists for each sport in which the KHSAA licenses officials. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. with the program scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Finalists in each sport were selected through a combination of service to their association and excellence in officiating. One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. The Association will also present the annual Larry G. Boucher Jr. Supervisor of the Year Award during the ceremony.
Outstanding Official Nominees
BASEBALL – Robert Bauer (Cave City), Terry Carter (Madisonville), Carl Johnson (Metropolis, Ill.)
BASKETBALL – Kristi Eller (Louisville), […]
04/01/19 – KHSAA.org Now Features Enhanced Stat Offerings for Baseball, Softball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2019
New for the 2019 season, box scores, cumulative team season statistics and state leaders for baseball and softball will be available at KHSAA.org. For the past two seasons, limited statistical information was available at KHSAA.org (only state leaders were offered in 2018) through an outsourced arrangement with a third-party vendor. Internalizing the stat entry process brings the statistical coverage for baseball and softball on par with soccer, football, basketball and field hockey on the KHSAA’s website and the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard.
Member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. Failure to do so subjects the school to penalties from the Commissioner’s office, including fines and other actions, within the constraints of Bylaw 27. If a school or individual is omitted from the stat leaders report, or information is not current, that means the team in question did not enter its statistics prior to that morning’s […]
03/12/19 – KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Heads to Rupp Arena for the First Time
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2019
The KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® will make its debut at Rupp Arena this week (March 13-17), as the historic venue plays host to the girls’ basketball tournament for the first time. This year’s tournament will mark the first Girls’ Sweet 16® played in Lexington in the modern era, as the city held the event 11 times prior to the return of girls’ basketball as a KHSAA-sanctioned sport in 1975, with the games played at the Armory from 1922-26 and UK Alumni Gym from 1927-32.
The 2019 Girls’ Sweet 16® gets underway Wednesday afternoon when Knott County Central takes on Scott 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. The games will also be carried statewide across 46 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the games […]
03/05/19 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Info, 105.5 FM To Air Games Locally
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2019
The 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® gets underway Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Knox Central takes on Walton-Verona 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. The games will also be carried statewide across 53 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the games airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s Rewind 105.5 FM.
All 15 games of the Boys’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (https://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 Boys’ […]
02/25/19 – KHSAA to Award Fourth Annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships at Boys’ Sweet 16®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2019
The KHSAA will present the fourth annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships during the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® to Lance Butler of Paducah Tilghman and Brynne Galloway of Garrard 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 selection criteria based on athletic activities, non-athletic activities, […]
02/20/19 – Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships Begin Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2018
The 2019 Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships (Feb. 21-23) begin Thursday with the boys’ and girls’ diving preliminaries at the Ralph Wright Natatorium on the University of Louisville campus. Boys’ diving prelims are slated for 12:30-3 p.m. followed by the girls’ diving prelims from 6:30-9 p.m.
This year’s event features a new format, as the entirety of the boys’ swimming and diving championship will be completed on Friday, with the girls’ swimming prelims and & finals contested on Saturday. Boys’ swimming prelims begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, with the diving competition opening the championship finals at 5:30 p.m. and the first swimming events at 7 p.m. Saturday’s schedule of events will follow the same timeline, with the girls’ swimming prelims starting at 10:30 a.m. The girls’ championship begins with the diving finals at 5:30 p.m., followed by the girls’ swimming finals at 7 p.m.
Tickets […]
02/19/19 – Board of Control Addresses Future Postseason Formats for Fall Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2019
The Board of Control reviewed postseason formats and state qualifying for several fall sports during its meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Tuesday. Changes to the state golf qualifying process and golf alignment were among the topics discussed, along with the implementation of the RPI during the Football postseason and a revision of the semi-state round for the soccer postseason.
The final action in revising the golf regional alignment, as well as state tournament qualifying, completes nearly a full year of review of the manner in which the postseason championships are conducted in the sport. In past years, the golf format for advancement to the state tournament was for the top two teams from each region (four or five players), along with the top four girls at-large and top three boys at-large from each region, to qualify for state. Following the Board’s decision in January to revise the state […]
02/15/19 – Sweet Sixteen® Online Media Credentialing System
The media credentialing system for the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ and KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments is now available online, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org. Both of this year’s events will be held at Rupp Arena, with the boys playing March 6-10, followed by the girls’ tournament March 13-17.
The deadline to apply for credentials is 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to each respective tournament – March 4 for the Boys’ Sweet 16® and March 11 for the Girls.
OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships. As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a live broadcast during the Sweet 16® (this includes the use of […]
02/13/19 – State Wrestling Championships Begin Friday at Alltech Arena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2019
The 2019 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships sponsored by the U.S. Army ROTC begin Friday morning at Alltech Arena, with gates opening for fans at 8:30 a.m. and first round matches commencing at 9:30 a.m. Tickets to the State Wrestling Championships are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA, including a discounted online-only $30 all-session pass.
Friday’s opening session will continue through the third round of the championship bracket (bouts 1-616). Saturday’s opening session begins with third round consolation bracket matches at 9 a.m., and continues through the sixth round consolation bracket matches (bouts 785-812).
The medal round session is scheduled to begin with the KWCA awards at 3 p.m. followed by the consolation bracket finals for third, fifth and seventh place. Upon conclusion of the consolation bracket finals, the competitors in the finals will be introduced and the first championship match will begin. Awards will be […]
02/06/19 – State Bowling Championships Begin Thursday at Executive Strike & Spare
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2019
The eighth-annual KHSAA State Bowling Championships get underway Thursday at Executive Strike & Spare in Louisville with the Unified, Adapted and Singles competitions. The Unified Championship, which is in its third year as a KHSAA offering, and the inaugural Adapted Championship start at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Boys’ and Girls’ Singles Championship at 11:30 a.m. Advanced tickets to the event can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The Unified Championship will consist of one qualifying game for seeding followed by baker’s doubles matches throughout a 16-team bracket. The Adapted Championship will feature one qualifying game for seeding prior to the final head-to-head matchup. The singles competition will have each competitor bowl three games before the field is trimmed to the top eight individuals. The top eight will then roll two additional games, with the top four boys’ and girls’ performers advancing to the step ladder bracket, which will continue […]
01/31/19 – Dawahares/KHSAA Hall Of Fame Class Of 2019 Inductees Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2019
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association will induct its Class of 2019 into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame presented by Roberts Insurance on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Lexington. This year’s 10-member class will be the 32nd inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame, and consists of former high school coaches, athletes, officials, administrators, and contributors. The Class of 2019 will also be recognized during the semifinals of the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®. The induction of the 10-member Class of 2019 will bring the total number of honorees in the Hall of Fame to 479.
KANDICE BROWN-PARKER (West Carter HS / Athlete) – As a senior at West Carter, Brown-Parker led the Lady Comets to the 2000 KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® title and was named the most valuable player of the tournament after averaging 20.3 points per game. She scored a game-high 19 points […]
1/24/19- Dear Mom and Dad, and in some cases, School Personnel: Cool it (Op-Ed Column)
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
If you are the mother or father of a high school athlete here in Kentucky or one of the key school administrators in a member school or member school district, this message is primarily for you.
When you attend an athletic event that involves your son or daughter, or the members of your student body, cheer to your heart’s content, enjoy the camaraderie that high school sports offer and have fun. But when it comes to verbally criticizing game officials or coaches, it’s time for everyone to cool it. “The time has come for everyone involved in the game to “pump the brakes” as it relates to conduct at games, particularly, the parents who attend,” noted NFHS Executive Director Karissa Niehoff.
Make no mistake about it. Your passion is admired, […]
01/23/19 – Collins HS to Host Esports Season Zero Championship Monday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2019
The Season Zero Esports State Championship will be determined Monday at Collins High School, when squads from St. Henry District and Boyle County square off to decide the first state champion in a best-of-three League of Legends match. Admission to the esports state championship is free, though interested fans should reserve their tickets online at http://bit.ly/2sLlBAV.
Those unable to attend Monday’s championship can watch the event live online through the NFHS Network or Twitch.tv (https://www.twitch.tv/playvs).
Through its partnership with PlayVs, the KHSAA offered its member schools a new participation opportunity in October to join Season Zero and compete in League of Legends. The esports program will expand for the spring season, with team competing in League of Legends, SMITE and Rocket League. For more information on the Spring Season, visit http://bit.ly/2M4BKul.
-KHSAA-
About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High […]
01/18/19 – Sweet 16® Draw Show to Air Monday, January 28th on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 18, 2019
Pairings for the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® and the 2019 KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® will be revealed on Monday, January 28th at 1 p.m. (ET) when the annual Sweet 16® Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv and WKYT.com, and broadcast by WYMT (Hazard), WBKO (Bowling Green), WSAZ (Huntington) and WFIE (Evansville, on its app).
The 102nd installment of the boys’ basketball state tournament will be held March 6-10 when the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® heads to Rupp Arena. The 58th KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® will take place the following week (March 13-17) and will be a historic event for the KHSAA, with Rupp Arena playing host to the tournament for the first time.
The 2019 Girls’ Sweet 16® will mark the first time the girls’ state tournament has been played […]
01/16/19 – Board of Control Sets Sites for State Softball and State Archery; Reviews Football Playoff Format
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2019
In its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Offices, the Board of Control finalized locations for two spring championships while addressing the future playoff structure for football and continuing its research for future revisions to state golf.
Following last year’s action by the Board to transition the state softball tournament from a double-elimination format to single elimination, create an eight-team state tournament and a semi-state round, KHSAA staff sent out information to prospective cities interested in hosting the event. After reviewing information and options from both Lexington and Louisville, the Board approved a recommendation to award the 2019 and 2020 State Softball Championships to the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium.
“The young ladies in the Commonwealth are so blessed to have great facilities interested in hosting the revised state tournament format,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “It will change many of the dynamics […]
01/15/19 – Winter Sports Championship Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Winter Sports Championships (Bowling, Wrestling, Swimming & Diving) 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 […]
01/11/19 – Esports Season Zero Playoff Info, Spring Season Update
The playoffs for Esports Season Zero are underway! Congratulations to Wolves Blue from Wolfe County High School for an undefeated regular season. They will face off against BoCo Black from Boyle County High School in the semifinals next week.
A huge congratulations to all of the following schools for making it into the Top 8:
Cardinals 1 from Nelson County
SDHS from St. Henry District
Titans from Collins
Paarthurnax from Warren Central
BoCo Gold from Boyle County
Eagle Level 7 from Johnson Central
Schools and students alike have seen the tremendous benefits of participating in esports.
“Collins High School esports has given a select group of students the chance to get out of their comfort zone and be a part of something with our school. It’s fun to see them interact with students they wouldn’t have without this opportunity. Win, lose, or draw this is a success!” – Powell Miller […]
12/18/18 – Initial Basketball Stat Leader Reports Released
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2018
The first statistical leader reports of the 2018-19 season for girls’ and boys’ basketball have been posted at KHSAA.org. The leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games.
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, the fine for schools not in compliance was doubled in 2017, as it creates a competitive imbalance for those that […]
12/12/18 – KHSAA State Dance Championships This Saturday at Frederick Douglass HS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2018
The second KHSAA State Dance Championships will be held this Saturday at Frederick Douglass High School, starting at 9 a.m. with the Jazz Small, Hip Hop Large, Pom Large and Jazz Large divisions. Awards for the first session are tentatively scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with the second session (Hip Hop Small, Pom Small) set to begin at 1 p.m. The last performance of the afternoon session is slated for 4 p.m., with awards to begin at approximately 4:20 p.m.
Advance tickets to the event are available for purchase online (https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA). Fans that purchase tickets in advance through GoFan will be able to enter the gym before tickets go on sale to the general public at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The KHSAA State Dance Championships 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 […]
12/05/18 – Competitive Cheer Championships Set for Saturday at Alltech Arena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2018
The seventh annual KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 at Alltech Arena beginning at 9 a.m. with the All-Girls Small, All-Girls Medium and Game Day Divisions. The afternoon session is slated to get underway at 2 p.m. with the All-Girls Large, All-Girls Super and Coed competitions.
Tickets to the KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA. Doors will open for fans at 8 a.m. each day and those planning to attend should be advised that the Kentucky Horse Park charges $5 for parking.
The KHSAA Competitive Cheer Championships 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 […]
11/27/18 – KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl Broadcast Info
For Immediate Release: November 27, 2018
The KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl returns to Kroger Field for the second-straight year this weekend, when the state football finals are contested Nov. 30th through Dec. 2nd on the University of Kentucky campus. Friday’s action opens with Beechwood (11-2) facing Pikeville (11-2) in the 1A Championship at 2 p.m., followed by Central (12-2) versus Corbin (13-1) in the 3A Championship at 7 p.m.
Saturday’s slate features three contests at Kroger Field, starting with Mayfield (14-0) against Christian Academy-Louisville (14-0) in the 2A Championship at 1 p.m. Franklin-Simpson (13-1) and Johnson Central (13-1) will square off for the 4A Championship game for the third-straight year at 4:30 p.m., followed by Male (13-1) taking on Scott County (11-3) in the 6A Championship game at 8 p.m. The 2018 KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl concludes Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. when South Warren (14-0) faces Covington Catholic (14-0) for the 5A Championship.
Each […]
11/20/18- Kentucky Student-Athletes Invited to Apply for 2019 Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year
Kentucky senior student-athletes with ties to agriculture may apply for one of six scholarships and the honor of being recognized as a 2019 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year.
The program is a partnership of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).
“Students who participate in athletics and work in agriculture must juggle work, sports, and studies to achieve their goals,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This program is a way we can recognize their hard work and sacrifice while helping them continue their education.”
“Our office is always looking for more ways to honor and recognize the hard work of student-athletes, and we are certainly appreciative of the Department of Agriculture for its sponsorship of this program,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “We realize agriculture students have a lot of responsibilities to balance, and we are thrilled to be able to highlight them for their accomplishments.”
To […]
11/20/18-Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships for 18-19
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 2018-2019 is now underway.
Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Friday, January 12, 2019. 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. 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 and a member of the […]
11/14/18 – Board of Control Adjusts 2019 Fall Seasons, Sets State Championship Sites
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2018
During the course of its meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Wednesday, the Board of Control made adjustments to the 2019 fall sports seasons and finalized sites for this year’s State Baseball and Swimming & Diving Championships.
For the last several years prior to 2018, the soccer, volleyball and cross country seasons all culminated on the same weekend. With volleyball moving a week earlier in 2018 to avoid a conflict in Louisville with the Breeders’ Cup, the Association had the opportunity to reevaluate the structure of its seasons while also looking to alleviate concerns with competitions on ACT test dates.
With those factors in mind, the Board approved a recommendation to set the start of the 2019 Soccer regular season to begin in NFHS Week 6 (8/11-8/17) and end with the final regular season week in NFHS Week 13 (9/29-10/5). […]
11/09/18- Growing Up in the Digital Age (Op-Ed Column)
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
From the Greatest Generation to Baby Boomers, Generation X to Millennials, teenagers in every era have had challenges growing up.
In today’s digital world, high school students are being tested in unique and demanding ways. The Washington Post confirms that 73 percent of all American teenagers own their own smartphone and, on average, spend almost nine hours a day texting, chatting, gaming, blogging, streaming and visiting with friends online.
Although conclusive research showing a direct correlation between the mental health of teenagers and smartphone usage won’t be complete for years, it isn’t a great confidence builder for a student to discover online that everyone else seems to have more friends.
In addition, recent figures indicate that more than […]
10/31/18 – Cross Country and Soccer State Champions Decided This Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2018
Eight state championship trophies will be awarded this weekend in Lexington with the 2018 KHSAA Cross Country State Meet taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park and the culmination of the KHSAA State Soccer Tournament sponsored by the U.S. ARMY ROTC at Frederick Douglass HS. Advance tickets for each event can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA
The 2018 KHSAA Cross Country Championships begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the Class 1A Boys’ race, followed by the Class 1A Girls at 10:15 a.m. The Class 2A meet is scheduled to begin with the boys at 11:30 a.m., with the Class 3A meet slated to start at 1:30 p.m. A full state meet schedule is available at http://khsaa.org/cross_country/2018/statemeettimetable.pdf
The 2018 KHSAA State Soccer Tournament sponsored by the U.S. ARMY ROTC continues Wednesday evening with girls’ semifinal action at Frederick Douglass HS, as West Jessamine takes on Sacred Heart at 6 […]
10/15/18 – 2018 KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl Tickets Available Online
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 29, 2018 (UPDATED 11/5/18)
Tickets for the 2018 KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl are available for purchase online at KHSAA.org. Reserved sets (one seat for all six games) are available in the Woodford Reserve Club for $150 or the Field Level Club for $125.
Individual game tickets in the general admission areas are also available at this time for $15 in the general admission areas, $25 in the Field Level Club and $30 in the Woodford Reserve Club.
Advance ticket prices include parking, as there will be no additional parking charge at Kroger Field for those holding a pre-purchased ticket.
To place an order, visit: https://khsaa.org/2018-khsaa-state-football-tickets-availability/
The scheduled order of games for this year’s championship is:
Friday, November 30th
2 p.m. – 1A Championship
7 p.m. – 3A Championship
Saturday, December 1st
1 p.m. – 2A Championship
4:30 […]
10/26/18 – KHSAA State Soccer Championships sponsored by the U.S. ARMY ROTC Resume Saturday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2018
The 2018 KHSAA State Soccer Tournament sponsored by the U.S. ARMY ROTC continues Saturday morning with quarterfinal action at Paul Laurence Dunbar HS and Lafayette HS. Four matches will take place at each site, with the first games of the day starting at 1 p.m. and the last games at each site scheduled for 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available for purchase at KHSAA.org, including an online-only, discounted all-session pass at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA/Soccer.
STATE SOCCER QUARTERFINALS, SATURDAY, OCT. 27
at Paul Laurence Dunbar HS
1 p.m. (BOYS) – Henry Clay vs. Boyd County
3 p.m. (GIRLS) – Highlands vs. Greenwood
5 p.m. (BOYS) – Highlands vs. Daviess County
7 p.m. (GIRLS) – Bethlehem vs. Henderson County
at Lafayette HS
1 p.m. (GIRLS) – Sacred Heart vs. North Laurel
3 p.m. (BOYS) – St. Xavier vs. Corbin
5 […]
10/25/18 – Volleyball State Tournament Begins Friday at Valley HS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2018
The 2018 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament returns to Valley High School this weekend (Oct. 26-28), with first round action beginning Friday morning when Corbin takes on McCracken County at 9:30 a.m. The opening round concludes Friday night with Paintsville vs. Southwestern at 8 p.m. The state tournament resumes Saturday morning with quarterfinal action starting at 10 a.m., followed by the semifinals beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday night. The championship match will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Advanced tickets for the state tournament can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA, including an online-only, discounted all-session pass.
The Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Final of the 2018 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament 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 […]
2018 KHSAA State Football Tickets Availability
Nov. 30 to Dec. 2
ALL Games
Click to purchase Woodford Reserve, Field Club Reserved for All 6 Games (includes parking)
Class 1A, 11/30, 2 pm ET
Beechwood vs. Pikeville
Click Here to Purchase Single Game Tickets for the Class 1A game (includes parking)
TBA vs. TBA
Class 3A, 11/30, 7 pm ET
Central vs. Corbin
Click Here to Purchase Single Game Tickets for the Class 3A game (includes parking)
TBA vs. TBA
10/19/18 – Field Hockey State Tournament Begins Saturday in Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2018
The fifth annual KHSAA State Field Hockey Tournament begins Saturday morning at Christian Academy-Louisville when Sacred Heart (22-1) takes on Ballard (14-5-1) at 10 a.m. Tickets to the 2018 KHSAA State Field Hockey Tournament can be purchased online, including a discounted all-session pass, at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
DuPont Manual (19-5-2) will face Male (16-9) in the second quarterfinal game at 12 p.m., followed by Kentucky Country Day (20-4-2) versus Christian Academy-Lou. (13-7-1) at 2 p.m. Assumption (18-6-2) will square off against Presentation (6-7) in the final quarterfinal match at 4 p.m. Live stats for each game will be available on the Field Hockey page at KHSAA.org, with box scores posted following the completion of each match.
The 2018 State Field Hockey Tournament resumes Monday, Oct. 22 with the Semifinals at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Wednesday’s championship game is set for 6 p.m. The Semifinals and Final will be webcast live […]
10/15/18 – Sixty-Eight Member Schools Honored for Exemplary Sportsmanship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2018
Sixty-Eight (68) KHSAA member schools have been identified as having zero disqualified players or coaches during the 2017-18 school year following a final review of the available data. With 596 disqualifications reported last year in the sports of Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling; the level of sportsmanship displayed by the 68 member schools becomes all the more impressive. Many of these schools were recognized at the KHSAA Annual Meeting of the membership in September, with additional schools recognized following an audit of disqualification data in October.
“In this day when it is more and more difficult to recruit and retain officials and where conduct expectations in everyday conversation appear to be subpar, it is great that we can recognize these schools for modeling that sportsmanship and good behavior are important,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Displaying good sportsmanship on the field or court, when […]
10/08/18- 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 2017-2018 academic year.
- Nominations shall be submitted by December 30, 2018, 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 […]
10/08/18 – Fall Draw Show Set For This Wednesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2018
The matchups for the 2018 KHSAA Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, and Field Hockey State Tournaments will be revealed Wednesday, October 10th when the annual Fall Championship Draw Show is conducted at the KHSAA Offices at 2 p.m. The Draw Show will be broadcast live online by KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network.
The 2018 KHSAA Field Hockey State Tournament gets underway Saturday, Oct. 20 with quarterfinal action, followed by the semifinals on Monday, Oct. 22 and the championship match on Wednesday, Oct. 24, with all games played at Christian Academy-Louisville. The KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament will be held at Valley High School in Louisville for the seventh-straight year and begins with first round matches on Friday, Oct. 26. Quarterfinal and semifinal action will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, followed by the championship match on Sunday, Oct. 28.
The 2018 KHSAA State Soccer Tournament sponsored by the U.S. Army […]
10/02/18 – Girls’ Golf First Round Suspended Due to Darkness
First Round play of the 2018 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA Girls’ Golf Championship was suspended tonight due to darkness with three groups still out on the course. The first round will resume at 7 a.m. (CT). There will be a short break to compile results, make the cut and assemble 2nd Round pairings. The 2nd Round will not start prior to 9:30 a.m. (CT).
– KHSAA –
About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage high school athletics in the Commonwealth. The Association is a voluntary nonprofit 501(c)3 organization made up of 280 member schools both public and private. The KHSAA sanctions 44 state championships in 13 sports and 5 sport-activities, licenses and trains over 4,000 officials, provides catastrophic insurance for its more than 70,000 member school student-athletes, as well as overseeing […]
10/01/18 – Leachman/KHSAA State Golf Championships Begin Tuesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2018
The first state championship trophies of the 2018-19 season will be awarded this week at the Bowling Green Country Club with the 2018 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships. The girls’ tournament begins Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 a.m., followed by the second round on Wednesday, Oct. 3. The boys’ championship gets underway with first round action on Friday, Oct. 5, with the final 18 holes slated for Saturday, Oct. 6.
Tee times and pairings for each event can be found through the tournament homepage link below, which will also be the source for live scoring throughout the championships. Fans interested in following the event with their mobile devices, can also download the BlueGolf Junior Golf app for iOS or Android (http://bit.ly/2Oq2d95) or the Kentucky PGA Junior Tour app for live results.
Sacred Heart enters the 2018 tournament in search of its third-consecutive state title, after repeating as team […]
09/26/18 – 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 […]
09/25/18 – Board of Control Addresses Future Championship Formats and Schedules in Several Sports
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2018
The Board of Control conducted its first meeting of the 2018-19 academic year on Thursday, September 20 at the Association offices. Much of the day’s agenda involved ongoing discussion of the future format of several KHSAA championships. Among the action taken, the Board gave tentative approval to transitioning the State Softball and Baseball Tournaments to 8-team single elimination events, with the key provision of re-establishing semi-state play, preferably at non-high school sites. This builds upon last year’s decision to move away from the double-elimination format in Softball, in the interest of player safety and gender participation experience equity.
The tentative plan would transition these championships to 8-team events with first round, semi-state games, rotated in geographic pods and played at a neutral site. The Commissioner and staff were directed to develop site criteria for semi-state games for review at October’s Board meeting, with the goal to […]
09/18/18 – 2018 Annual Meeting of Delegates This Wednesday At Lexington Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2018
The KHSAA Annual Meeting of Delegates will be held Wednesday, September 19th at the Lexington Center, starting at 8 a.m. with three information and continuous improvement sessions for athletic administrators. The day’s agenda begins with a workshop on The Changing Resources Available to Athletic Directors (NFHS Network, Huddle/Go Fan, Arbiter Sports), followed by a presentation on the Latest Information on NCAA Eligibility Requirements (Heather McAtee, University of Kentucky), and a segment on Preserving Interscholastic Athletics (Phil Rison, NIAAA).
The business meeting is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. in Bluegrass Ballroom 2, with four proposals up for consideration at this year’s meeting:
- Amend Bylaw 6 to remove the restriction on transfer in sports for which the student has no previous participation record.
- Amend Bylaw 6 to create an exception to the one-year period of ineligibility when evidence is submitted with the original request for eligibility that […]
09/05/18 – Midway University/KHSAA Field Hockey Female Student-Athlete of the Year Nomination Now Open
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for Field Hockey is now open.
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 2018-2019 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 will be presented her award at a banquet at Midway University in May 2019.
Deadline for nominations for Field Hockey will be Sunday, September 30, 2018
-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/news-and-information/sports-blogs/
08/31/18 – Midway University/KHSAA Golf Female Student Athlete of the Year Nomination Now Open
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for girls’ golf is now open.
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 2018-2019 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 will be presented her award at a banquet at Midway University in May 2019.
Deadline for nominations for girls’ golf will be Friday, Sept. 14.
-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/news-and-information/sports-blogs/
08/27/18 – KHSAA Participation Numbers Reach Record Levels In 2017-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2018
Student-athlete participation in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities reached record levels in 2017-18 with 106,214 rostered participants across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and five sport-activities. Participation has increased by 6.6% since the 2012-13 season, with an increase of 6,571 rostered participants over the last five years, buoyed by the addition of five sport-activities (Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer and Dance) and the sport of Field Hockey. KHSAA participation in 2017-18 was also boosted by the continued growth of the Unified Track & Field and Unified Bowling programs.
Despite a drop in 463 rostered participants from 2016-17 to 2017-18, Football remains the most popular sport in the state in terms of participation with 13,304 student-athletes across all levels (33 females) playing for 221 schools. At the varsity-only level, football participation dropped 214 student-athletes between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Part […]
08/24/18 – KHSAA To Host Annual HYPE Student Leadership Conferences Next Week In Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2018
The 18th Annual KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences will take place next week, with both sessions taking place at the Lexington Convention Center (Aug. 27-28). The conferences are a free service provided by the Association for student-athletes to learn teamwork exercises and sportsmanship initiatives, and discuss current issues.
The first conference will be held Monday, Aug. 27 at the Lexington Convention Center in the Bluegrass Ballrooms. Tuesday’s conference will also be at the LCC, but will take place in the Heritage Ballroom and Elkhorn Meeting Rooms (A/B & C/D).
Assisting with this year’s conference will be a group of eight student-athletes that represented the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in July: Ethan Barnett (St. Mary), Hannah Heile (Assumption), Connor (CJ) Johnson (Marshall County), James Kalso (Muhlenberg County), Rhiona Marshall (Bryan Station), Misty Thompson (Fort Campbell), Brooklyn Willis (Muhlenberg County) and Seth Wright (Lewis […]
08/24/18 – High School Sports Participation Increases for 29th Consecutive Year (NFHS)
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018 (7:45 AM EST)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 24, 2018) — Led by an additional 15,009 participants in girls sports programs, the overall number of participants in high school sports increased for the 29th consecutive year in 2017-18, according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
The number of participants in high school sports in 2017-18 reached an all-time record high of 7,979,986, according to figures from the 51 NFHS member state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia. The number of girls participating in high school sports reached an all-time high of 3,415,306, and boys participation also set a new standard at 4,564,680.
While the number of additional participants this year (16,451) was not as substantial as the previous year (94,635), a steady increase in several boys and girls sports extended the streak to a record-breaking 29th […]
07/23/18 – Eight Student-Athletes Headed to NSLS; Three Staff Members Appointed to NFHS Committees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2018
Eight student-athletes from across the state will represent the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit, July 23-25, at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, Ind. The eight student-athletes will form the KHSAA’s Student Advisory Committee for the 2018-19 school year and will assist in the planning and execution of the Hype Student Leadership Conferences in August.
The KHSAA delegates for 2018 are:
Ethan Barnett (St. Mary)
Hannah Heile (Assumption)
Connor (CJ) Johnson (Marshall County)
James Kalso (Muhlenberg County)
Rhiona Marshall (Bryan Station)
Misty Thompson (Fort Campbell)
Brooklyn Willis (Muhlenberg County)
Seth Wright (Lewis County)
This year’s National Student Leadership Summit is the fourth national conference since the program was revived in 2015 (it had been discontinued in 2010). The student-athletes selected to represent their states will split into groups and work through topical discussions on relevant and contemporary issues. The […]
06/05/18 – Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) Reminders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2018
The KHSAA has received several inquiries from various parts of the state relative to the potential transferring of student-athletes among and between KHSAA member schools. With the end of the school year upon us, a few reminders concerning the rules and regulations should be highlighted.
- The rules that govern students and their play are made by the member schools. The 280 member schools across the state comprise the KHSAA, not its 14 full-time staff members.
- These rules have been approved as state regulation (therefore having the force of law) and are incorporated by reference as part of 702 KAR 7:065.
Transfer rule
- The transfer rule is listed on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw6.pdf
- Bylaw 6 contains restrictions relative to students changing schools after they have BOTH been in grade nine AND played for a member school at the varsity level.
- A […]
05/16/18 – State Tennis Site Adjustment for May 17
Due to expected rain tomorrow morning, the sites for tomorrow’s 2018 KHSAA State Tennis Championships have been adjusted. Please note the following changes for Thursday:
BOYS’ MATCHES
All Singles & Doubles 1st and 2nd Rounds will play at Top Seed Tennis Center (777 E Brannon Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356)
GIRLS’ MATCHES
Singles top half of bracket (lines 1-32) will play at UK
Singles bottom half of bracket (lines 33-64) will play at Lexington Tennis Club
All 2nd Round singles matches will play at UK
All 1st Round Girls’ Doubles matches will play at Lexington Tennis Club
2nd Round top half of bracket for Girls’ Doubles (lines 1-32) will play at Lexington Tennis Club
2nd Round bottom half of bracket for Girls’ Doubles (lines 33-64) will play at Top Seed Tennis Center
COACHES
Boys’ Coaches should report directly to Top Seed
Girls’ Coaches should report FIRST to UK […]
05/16/18 – State Tennis, Track and Field Championships Begin Thursday in Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2018
The 2018 KHSAA State Tennis Championships and the 2018 KHSAA Track and Field State Meet will be contested this weekend in Lexington on the campus of the University of Kentucky. The State Tennis Championships (May 17-19) begin Thursday morning at 8 a.m. with boys’ matches at Shillito Park and the girls’ competition at the UK Boone/Downing Tennis Complex.
All remaining matches will move to the UK Boone/Downing Tennis Complex after the first day, with Friday’s competition starting at 8 a.m. Saturday’s action opens with the boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles semifinals at 9 a.m. Championship matches for boys’ and girls’ doubles are slated for 12 p.m., with the finals for the boys’ and girls’ singles set for 2 p.m.
Team champions will be determined through an accumulation of points throughout the tournament, with each singles player and doubles team receiving one point for each match victory. Brackets for […]
05/14/18 – Hieneman Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2017-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2018
The second annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program culminated on the campus of Midway University on Monday as Russell High School’s Sara Hieneman (softball) was named the overall winner for 2017-18. Beginning in May of 2017 with the State Bass Fishing Championship, Midway University presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each of the KHSAA’s 15 girls’ state championship events, with an overall winner selected following the final championship of the timeframe (2018 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 are voted upon by a […]
05/14/18 – New Triple Threat Award Recognizes Three-Season, Multi-Sport Athletes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2018
In an effort to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Association recently launched the “Triple Threat Award” program to recognize those students who participate in high school athletics year round.
The award, which is given to student-athletes who participate in a KHSAA sport or sport-activity on the varsity level during each season of the academic year (fall/winters/spring), will be presented to a total of 1,814 student-athletes for 2017-18.
The awards are based solely on each member school’s rosters that were submitted through the KHSAA’s online system, as that is the only permitted determinant for athletic eligibility (including team eligibility).
A closer look at the breakdown of honorees for the 2017-18 academic year shows that:
- 266 of the 280 member schools have at […]
05/01/18 – Owensboro Health/KHSAA Softball and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament Draws Set for Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2018
The draws for the 2018 Owensboro Health/KHSAA State Softball and 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournaments will take place Thursday, May 3 at 11 a.m. The draw will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and can be viewed live online at KHSAA.tv.
The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament begins with first round and quarterfinal action June 7-9 and will be held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, for the eighth-straight year. The State Baseball Tournament resumes the following weekend with the semifinals and championship game, June 15th and 16th.
In its first year under new title sponsor Owensboro Health, the State Softball Tournament returns to Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro for the 11th-consecutive year in 2018, and will be held June 7-9. The state tournament begins with first round games on Thursday night, followed by a full slate of action on Friday leading into […]
04/24/18 – KHSAA State Archery Championships Set For Thursday at KBA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2018
The 2018 KHSAA State Archery Championships get underway Thursday morning at the Kentucky Basketball Academy in Lexington, with the first of six flights starting at 9:30 a.m. The last flight of the day is set for 2:30 p.m., with awards presentations tentatively scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
This year’s state Archery Championship will be the first to award a girls’ team championship, following action taken by the Board of Control in January. The event was previously treated as a coed sport-activity with one overall team championship awarded. Team trophies will be presented to the top four boys’ and top four girls’ teams at this year’s event, with medallions presented to the top five individuals for each gender.
In 2017, Madison Central posted a team score of 3,442 to edge state runner-up Lafayette by two points (3,440) and repeat as state champions. Model’s Joshua Smith captured the boys’ individual state championship […]
04/18/18 – 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 […]
03/12/18 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information, 98.5 FM To Air Games Locally
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2018
The 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® gets underway Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Corbin takes on Estill 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. The games will also be carried statewide across 51 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the games airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s “The Bull Icons at 98.5 FM”.
All 15 games of the Boys’ 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 […]
03/06/18 – St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2018
The 2018 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® gets started Wednesday afternoon at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights when Johnson Central faces Owensboro Catholic 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. The games will also be carried statewide across 46 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network.
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 […]
02/21/18 – Owensboro Health Announced as New Title Sponsor for State Softball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2018
The KHSAA State Softball Tournament will boast a new title sponsor in 2018, with Owensboro Health signing on to support an event which has called Owensboro’s Jack C. Fisher Park home for the last 10 years. Opening in June of 2013, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital serves the medical needs of 12 counties in Western Kentucky and two counties in Southern Indiana, delivering 1,900 babies, performing 200 open-heart procedures, 600 hip and knee replacements, with 65,000 Emergency Department visits and 1.2 million lab tests on average.
“Owensboro Health is proud to sponsor one of the state’s premier sporting events and to welcome softball fans from across Kentucky,” said Brian Hamby, director of Marketing and Public Relations for Owensboro Health. “By investing in […]
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