West Kentucky Sports September 2019

Volume 2, Issue 9

E S RI

Area soccer teams

on the

— Page 12

Vincent, Head retire from Legion Post 68 — Page 26

Marshals set Record — Page 4

KHSAA makes changes to golf postseason

— Page 22

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September 2019 • Page 3

6

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Big 10 | Page 8

The Marshall County Athletic Foundation inducted the 10th Hall of Fame Class in August.

The Brackets They Are A’Changin’ | Page 22 In July, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association announced a number of changes to the state golf tournament format.

McCracken Eyes Sports Tourism | Page 25

12

Paducah and McCracken County officials held a final ordinance reading Aug. 26 with the intent of bringing youth sports tournaments to western Kentucky.

Changing of the Guard | Page 26

Long-time coaches Greg Vincent and Stan Head announced their retirement from the American Legion Post 68 baseball team following their run through the regional tournament in August.

Middle School Football| Page 29 The middle school football season is underway. Photos of early games courtesy of Jimmy Palmer.

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Page 4 • September 2019

500 Marshall County sets miletsone for public school programs Marshall County’s soccer program put another feather in its cap Aug. 16 in Mayfield as the boys team earned its 500th win.

Pratik Patel also notched goals. Kiefer Court recorded two assists. Ben Burkeen had five saves in the 6-1 win.

The mark separates Marshall as the first public school to reach the milestone. The Marshals are also the third winningest team in state history, an accolade to go along with 21 district titles, 14 regional titles, seven Elite Eight appearances, four trips to the final four and a state finalist.

Following the win, the Marshals fell in the following two games, 3-2 to Male and 2-1 to Eastern.

Marshall County turned it around Aug. 22 with a 6-1 win over Calloway County. Against the Lakers, Lynch notched two goals, followed in scoring by Court, Chase Riley, Patel and Jericho Evans.

In the record setting game, Collin Riley led the way with three goals. William Lynch, Tyler Treas and

Jarrett Riley had two assists. Chase Riley and Parker Kerrick also earned assists in the contest.

Page 6 • September 2019

BARNES STRONG

Western Kentucky honors memory of Caldwell coach Staff Report David Barnes — a fixture in western Kentucky sports as Caldwell County’s athletic director and head football coach — died Aug. 17 at Baptist Health Madisonville.

Barnes had entered his 36th year of coaching football. He began his coaching career at Murray High and then moved on to Daviess County as an assistant and eventually head coach. In 2006 he moved to Caldwell County where he has been the head coach for 14 years.

He has been an educator for 36 years, a devoted husband for 29 years and a loving father.

Barnes began feeling ill during a scrimmage the previous night at Hopkins County Central. He had been previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017.

5Caldwell County Football coach David Barnes

Coach Barnes is survived by his wife of 29 years, Rachael Barnes of Eddyville; one son, Will Barnes and wife Sarah of Eddyville; his father William M. Barnes of Fredonia and one brother, Mark R. Barnes and wife Jackueline of Mississippi.

Memorial visitation was held Aug. 20, and a memorial service was held Aug. 21 at the Caldwell County High School Gymnasium.

Caldwell County alumni and area programs reach out in the days following Barnes’ passing to honor the coach who led the Tigers to 110 wins in 13 seasons, seven shy of the school record.

On Aug. 21, the Trigg County Wildcat football program announced it will be placing “Barnes Strong” stickers on helmets of all 1,172 program member players to honor the coach.

Former Caldwell County quarterback and current Purdue Boilermaker Elijah Sindelar released a statement following Barnes’ passing.

5Trigg County football helmets, like several other western Kentucky programs, will feature “Barnes Strong” stickers throughout the season in memory of David Barnes.

“He always cared about every player and always went the extra mile to try and put his players in the best position to be successful,” said Sindelar, who won Mr. Football under Barnes in 2014. “It was an absolute honor to be able to play under a coach that I knew had my back on every play no matter what happened.

“He believed in me even during the times I didn’t believe in myself, but even more so, he trusted me, and that’s what made him such a good coach. He was always there for me not only as a player, but also as a man.”

September 2019 • Page 7

During the Aug. 26 meeting of the Lyon and Caldwell girls soccer teams, the two programs took time to come together in support of the Caldwell County community following the passing of long-time football coach David Barnes.

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Page 8 • September 2019

BIG

10

Marshall County High School Athletic Foundation inducts tenth annual class into Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies for the 10thannual Marshall County Athletic Hall of Fame were held in August. The 10th class included players, teams, coaches and contributors from both the pre-consolidation and post-consolidation eras.

Kevin Saal, Murray State Athletic Director was the speaker for the evening. Jeff Waters of WCBL served as the emcee. The school had senior student athletes serve as presenters of the awards for the inductees.

Alan Williams was not in attendance as he had work obligations he could not avoid. Also, Chuck Gullo, the 2019 coach inductee, was also not in attendance as he had a cruise planned much in advance of the date of the ceremony. He did however send a video of his acceptance speech. Also, there were several Marshall County athletic teams and coaches present for the evening.

5Alan Williams • Athlete Alan was a four-year starter for the MCHS Football team, and led the Marshals to a 25-10 record over his final three years.

His Marshals reached the state quarterfinals of the 6A playoffs in 2007. He is in the KHSAA top 25 in career touchdowns (25) and receptions (161).

In addition, he had 5,021 career rushing yards and over 2,200 career yards receiving, and all of these are MCHS records. He was a three time All-State running back and was a member of the Tremendous 26 prior to his senior year. He attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, where he was a four-year starter.

5Adrienne Cathey • Athlete

5Chuck Gullo • Coach Buffalo, New York native Chuck Gullo was an all-around athlete who came to Kentucky on a track and field scholarship to WKU. He shared his talents with high school athletes for over 44 years, coaching at Daviess Co., Highlands, St. Mary, and Marshall.

He spent over 20 years coaching at Marshall County. During his career, he coached seven cross-country state champion teams, and nine individual track and field state champions. He was the Kentucky Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 1978, and was inducted into the Kentucky Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1990.

Adrienne was one of the trailblazers in fast pitch softball in Marshall County. From 1998-2003, she pitched for the Lady Marshals, with a career record of 83 wins and 65 losses. She threw four no-hitters and struck out over 750 hitters in her career.

As a junior, she was named honorable mention All-State, and was also a two-time WPSD Player of the Week. She was in Who’s Who among high school students in sports. She went on to pitch for Freed Hardeman University from 2003-2007, with a career record of 4532, and was named three times to the Transouth All-Conference team and was second team All-Region her sophomore season.

Continued from Page 6 Travis was a member of the MCHS State Championship team of 2007 and the State Runner-up team of 2008. He was also the individual state champion in 2007 and the individual runner-up in 2008. In 2009, he finished in the top five in the individual state competition. In 2007, he was named Mr. Kentucky Golf.

5Travis Thompson • Athlete Dr. Colburn is known to most Marshall Countians as the godfather of soccer not only in Marshall County, but throughout western Kentucky. His visionary efforts began in the early 1980’s, leading the youth soccer programs in Marshall County.

His efforts in building soccer fields and organizing the youth program in the county made Marshall County a leader in soccer in this area. He was honored

by Marshall County High School by having the soccer field at the high school named in his honor.

His name is synonymous with the success enjoyed by Marshall County teams throughout the years.

He was also the individual Region 1 Champion in 2007 and finished in the top five in the region in 2008. He was a top 10 finisher in the 2008 McDonalds tournament of champions. He earned a four-year scholarship at Murray State University, where he was a member of the golf team.

5Jeremy Story • Athlete Jeremy played for the MCHS men’s basketball team from 1991-1995. He is the all-time career assist leader with 624, and holds the single season assist record with 263 in the 94-95 season. He ranks fifth on the all-time scoring list with 1,460 career points.

5Richard Colburn • Contributor

He was named to the All-State tournament team in 1995, and was also the KABC 1st Region Player of the Year in 1995. He was All-District, All-Purchase, and All-Regional tournament team in 94 and 95. He was a member of the Kentucky Junior and Senior All-Star teams, and was the MCHS MVP and team captain in 1994 and 1995.

He played at Murray State University from 1995-97, and was the color commentator for MCHS basketball from 1997-2001.

3Jerry Hall • Athlete Jerry was a standout basketball player at North Marshall from 1955-58, where he was a double-digit scorer and rebounder.

He was an AllPurchase player in 1958, and was also named to the All-District and All-Regional tournament teams in 1958. He went on to play at Vanderbilt University, where he was a starter for two years, averaging 6.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 1962-63, and 8.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in 1961-62.

The 1963 Commodores also defeated the University of Kentucky in Memorial Coliseum.

E S RI

Area soccer teams

on the

Story and photos by Jody Norwood Three weeks into the 2019 soccer season, a handful of teams are coming into their own. From restocking to rebuilding, several area programs are on the rise thanks to a mix of new coaches, new players or hard earned experience.

A few teams on the list — notably the Lady Marshals and the Lady Lyons — have winning records. Other teams on the rise are still working in that direction. Of course, win-loss records don’t mean much during this part of the season. It’s still too early for postseason prognostication: there’s a lot of soccer between now and October, no matter much things starting to click.

For some teams it’s still the start of building foundations.

Armando Guell is in his second season leading Paducah Tilghman’s Lady Tornado. Through the early weeks, it appears things are heading in the right direction. Down the road at St. Mary, Blaine Skeen is in his first year with the Vikings. The Vikings’ win-loss record isn’t showing it yet, but things there

likewise are on an upswing. Despite the losses, the Vikings have been within striking distance during every game.

For others, the philosophy is already in place. So are the championships.

Marshall County entered the season as defending district and regional champions. Several key members from last year’s squad are back. It’s a similar situation down the road in Eddyville, where the team is young but experienced. Keeping things consistent, the Lady Lyons have a new head coach in familiar face Abby Smith, who served previously as the team’s assistant. For their male counterparts, it’s all new this season, with a new coach, new direction and several new pieces in place. But the Lyons are growing with every game and have a chance to put things together come September.

Their destiny is in their own hands, but part of their success may hinge on the fortunes of preseason favorites. One of those early picks is on the list of teams on their way up.

September 2019 • Page 11

5Abigail Wurth (left) and Molly Watkins (right) 6Shelby Nickal (below)

Paducah Tilghman Lady Tornado

Now in their second season under head coach Armando Guell, the Lady Tornado have shown significant improvement from a team that went 4-27 in the prior two years.

Early in the season, Guell said the staff — comprised of himself and wife Jessica — have been working not just to instill knowledge, but also confidence in athletes that the program can produce soccer players. That’s shown with a number of younger roster members, including new members like Diamond Gray. As an eighth grader, Gray was the second leading scorer for the girls basketball team and a member of the Tilghman relay team taking third at state in May. “I love that fire the team is getting,” Guell said following their second game of the season. “We want people to know we can play soccer.”

With a balanced scoring attack, controlling midfield and consistent defense,, that’s becoming apparent to any doubters.

“We’re still growing,” Guell said at the start of the season. “We’re still trying to play our best game. It’s out there. We get better every single day. This year’s going to be a good one for us.”

The team’s synergy has come from a consistent class of younger players, notably their sophomores. Through the opening games, sophomores Frannie Hideg and Shelby Nickal, along with junior Dylan Nevals, have led the scoring. Freshman standouts Abigail Wurth and Kiersa Atnip have also been big contributors. Wurth earned two goals and two assists in the first three games, while Atnip had four scores and one assist. Nickal led the team through that stretch with six assists and three goals.

Guell said he expects the growth on the field between Wurth and Nickal to keep growing.

“They’re young, but there’s a lot of talent,” Guell said.

“They’re not captains this year, but they play like they are.

They do that every single day at practice.

Page 12 • September 2019

5Jack Roof

St. Mary Vikings

St. Mary’s best season over the last decade came in 2011 when it finished 11-11-1. Since then, it’s mostly been a rough road for the Vikings.

The 2019 season could be the start of that changing.

Under new head coach Blaine Skeen, the Vikings opened the season 1-2. Their lone win was a 1-0 victory over Graves County on a goal by Jack Roof. While the record isn’t eye catching, St. Mary’s defense has been. The Vikings allowed just one goal in the first two games behind keeper Jack Bell, who has averaged 11 saves per game so far.

Bell gave up two goals to Marshall County in the season opener on the road, but held Graves County scoreless. McCracken County fared better, besting the Vikings 6-1.

For context, the Vikings started 2018 against Marshall,

Graves and McCracken, giving up a combined 29 goals to the three perennial First Region favorites. In 2018, the Vikings gave up the second most goals in the First Region (80), ahead of the Bombers (139).

On Aug. 13 in Draffenville, the loss was an improvement over last year’s 11-1 decision in favor of the Marshals. Bell fended off 14 shots on goal in the 2-1 loss. Joey Eggemeyer scored St. Mary’s lone goal midway through the second half, but the Vikings would get no closer.

So far, Eggemeyer and Roof have accounted for the bulk of St. Mary’s offense. Going forward, if Skeen hopes to have success in the First Region he’ll have to develop a more diverse attack.

But for St. Mary fans, there’s hope the Vikings won’t return to the bottom of goals allowed in the region.

September 2019 • Page 13

5Jack Bell

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Your Home for Lyon County Lyons and Lady Lyons Basketball, Marshall County Marshals and Lady Marshals Soccer, University of Louisville Football and Basketball and NASCAR!

5Carmen Gunn

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Marshall County Lady Marshals For some, it’s going to be hard to consider the defending Second District and First Region champions — titles the Lady Marshals have held since 2017 — as a team on the rise.

As good as those squads were, the 2019 incarnation doesn’t seem to have found its ceiling just yet.

Marshall County has a good blend up upperclassmen maintaining their past success (Carmen Gunn was the team’s second highest scorer in 2017 and led the team last season with 24 goals) alongside solid contributions from younger players. Eight Lady Marshals earned goals through the first two games to go along with seven different players adding assists, helping Marshall County lead the First Region in goals scored through the opening weeks.

As talented as the offense has been, the defense may be even better. Through the first four games, three dif-

ferent keepers saw time in the goal, working with their defenders for four consecutive shutouts. Senior Carlin Whirley leads the cadre of keepers. Last season, Whirley allowed a region-low 29 goals while making just over 100 saves.

On offense, the Lady Marshals have seen a balanced scoring attack led by Gunn, Kallen Fuller, Chasse Clark and Kelsey Crass. Freshman Janie Pagel has also been a solid contributor early in the season.

September could test Marshall County with matches against an improved Hopkinsville, Madisonville-North Hopkins, Greenwood, Owensboro Catholic and Graves County. Marshall may have increased opposition in the Second District, too. The Lady Marshals had no problem dispatching Mayfield 10-0 in their first meeting of the season, but hit a bump with Calloway County, falling 1-0 to the Lady Lakers.

September 2019 • Page 15

5Carlin Whirley

CoaChing Position oPen American Legion Post 68 in Lyon County is accepting applications for a head baseball coach due to the retirement of former coach Greg Vincent.

The candidate will coach recent state title winning Junior and Senior teams.

Interested candidates should submit resumes to Bob Harbison at: bob@eddycreek.com

Page 16 • September 2019

Lyon County Lyons

Under new head coach Mike Daily, the Lyons opened the 2019 season 0-4-1. While it probably wasn’t the start Daily and the Lyons hoped for, the losses gave fans a glimmer of hope for the future.

Lyon fell 6-0 to Murray, a historically tough opponent for the Lyons, and 3-0 to Muhlenberg County. They also tied Hopkins Central 1-1.

But defensively, the Lyons look to be heading in the right direction. Last season, Lyon gave up an average of 6.5 goals per games. Through the first three games of this year, Lyon has given up an average of 2.3

The change is a mix of new coaching and new faces. Cole Schroeder has taken over duties in the goal this year. Schroeder is averaging 23 saves per game.

Before the start of the season, Daily said the team was adapting to his coaching style.

“Everything is about the team,” Daily said. “We run as a team.

You mess up, you don’t get penalized individually, the team does.

If you knock a cone over in a drill, the whole team runs.”

The Lyons picked up their first win Aug. 31 in a 6-5 decision over Butler County. Heading into the contest, the Lyons had only scored one goal in five games.

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September 2019 • Page 17

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Page 18 • September 2019

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September 2019 • Page 19

5Rose Smith

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Lyon County Lady Lyons

The 2018 season was a turning point for the Lady Lyons.

With a combined 11-26 the previous two years, Lyon finished the season with a winning 12-4 record to go along with a Fifth District title. This season, the Lady Lyons are well on their way to back-to-back seasons above .500 after going 4-2 across their first six games.

During that stretch, Lyon was led in scoring by Rose Smith, who amassed 19 goals. Smith score at least twice in each of the first five games. Smith is averaging 3.2 goals per game. She’s been aided in scoring by Sydney Hoffman, who scored four goals during the season’s start. Kayden Watts, Bailey Guess, Destiny Dycus and Crista Cummins have each scored during Lyon County’s run.

Defensively, Lyon has been led in the goal by Abby Smith. Smith is averaging 11 saves per game. Defenders Cummins, Kate Gray and Abbi Crawford have helped to keep the box clear, shielding attacks and closing lanes.

With a 5-4 decision over Crittenden County on Aug. 16, the Lady Lyons have got off to an early lead in district competition.

Before the season got underway, head coach Abby Smith said part of her team’s strength is in their attitude.

“They’re positive,” Smith said. “They’re not complaining.

They’re coming out here at 8 a.m. My girls are coming in happy and smiling. They love what they’re doing.”

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Page 20 • September 2019

Worth Mentioning

Injuries have bitten Marshall County’s Marshals early in the season, including last year’s leading scorer Bryson Penn. A number of players stepped up as the Marshals began to find their identity during the final weeks of August, including William Lynch — who may have the best juke and step overs in the First Region — and Pratik Patel. Patel has a nice shot and fleet feet. Keeper Ben Burkeen has progressed as the team’s defensive leader, finishing out August with three consecutive shutouts, including a 1-0 decision over McCracken County. On the other side of the ball, Collin Riley leads Marshall County’s attack with 11 goals as of Aug. 31.

5Tomas Ferreyra, Murray Murray’s Tigers have a strong overlapping defense and midfielders that use their space well.

They’re also a physical team, putting a body on whoever has the ball. Their record is 3-3 through August, but the Tigers haven’t lost a game by more than one goal, thanks in large part to their fullbacks. Dawson Bradley leads the team from the goal, averaging six stops per game. Offensively, the Tigers have relied on Trevor Harrison (5) and Charles Pemwell (4) for the bulk of their scoring. Pemwell also leads the team in assists with three so far.

5Kaylee McEnaney, Caldwell County

Rhett Miller — the former boys soccer coach — took over the Caldwell County Lady Tigers in 2018. Leadership was sparse with just two seniors as the team went 11-13. This season, the Lady Tigers are 3-3 through August, having fallen 3-0 to Henderson County, 6-0 to Madisonville-North Hopkins and 2-1 to Graves County. Miller’s leadership appears to be paying off. Karsyn Parker is averaging nine saves per game and has recorded two shutouts so far. Kaylee McEnaney leads the team in scoring with five goals, followed by Hannah Young and Lucy Goffinet with four apiece.

September 2019 • Page 21

Got Pics?

Recreational and club soccer seasons are underway. West Kentucky Sports will feature reader submitted photos (just like the one featured on this page) in our October issue. Want to have your favorite player or team included in the issue?

Email your photos to: wkysports@gmail. com. Submissions must be received by Sept. 20 to be included.

5Dynamo players Max Greene Cruz Cocke

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Find us online at facebook.com/wkysports to keep up with daily sports stories, FREE giveaways and updates from area programs.

Page 22 • September 2019

Golf state tournament changes look to impact qualifiers, ‘pace of play’ Staff Report The Kentucky High School Athletic Association announced a number of golf postseason changes during this year’s dead period. The changes will likely mean increased competition to advance to the state tournament but could eliminate some teams that historically have fared worse in the region than at the next level.

The KHSAA’s the Board of Control conducted its first organizational meeting of the 2019-20 academic year in July, finalizing the golf state tournament format. Board members also addressed the calendar for state tennis championships and esports concerns.

According to information by the board, 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. Board members 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 feedback.

n That four or five players may be entered at the region level with the lowest four scores constituting a team score; n the winning team at the region qualifying for the state tournament with four to five golfers comprising a team at the state tournament with the lowest four scores comprising the team score and team substitution provisions remaining as they are in current rules; n that for 2019 and 2020, the next seven individual finishers not on the qualifying team advance to the state tournament; n that only the 12 qualifying regional winners are eligible for the team championship regardless of the number of individuals that quality from a team at region play;

Marshall County boys golf coach Keith Bell said the changes don’t change his team’s goal of returning to state.

n that pace of play, both from a length of the round and individual hole standards be a continued emphasis with staff reviewing with Golf House of Kentucky the need for continual emphasis and the KHSAA producing, well in advance, additional hole-byhole pace of play guidance for the state championship course;

“I was totally against the play 4 score 4 format which was the original KHSAA proposal. We were told that ‘pace of play’ was the main issue that generated these changes. I like the play 5 score 4 format for high school golf.

n that the regional advancement formula for individuals be reviewed after 2020 in the event of the need for adjustment in state qualifying based on region size for the future;

“Of the two choices that the KHSAA provided to high school golf coaches, I feel the one in place is the best that we could hope for,” Bell said. “Personally, I was happy with the format we had been playing under allowing two teams to advance to the state tournament. Our first thee visits to the state tournament we went as Region One runner-ups. Ironically, we actually had better scores at the state tournament than the region 1 champions in some of those years.

Board members settled on restoring the play-5, count-4 model at the state championship with the following conditions:

n that continual review be done of the alignment in golf to determine the options for increasing the number of regions as a means of enticing newTACKETT er programs to be created and older ones expanded due to advancement opportunities as well as addressing region entry over-crowding issues; n that following the 2020 tournament, any further adjustments be implemented with a process for continual review;

September 2019 • Page 23

Marshall County golf team members (from left): Coach Keith Bell, Jay Nimmo, Camdyn McLeod, Drake Butler, Trey Wall and Tyler Powell. n that all twelve region qualifying teams will play both rounds of the state tournament; and

n the top 42 individuals from the first day of play (plus any ties involving the 42nd position).

Bell said his team has played well so far this season, but will have to focus on regional play, which opens Oct. 1 this year.

“Accomplishments prior to that don’t help you and mean nothing, it’s what you do that day,” Bell said. “However I feel our tournament schedule will prepare our team for that day.

“What it means now is you have to win the region to advance and our goal to do just that. I think most other high school sports have the same format where only the regional champion advances.”

State officials have agreed to review the new format following the 2020 season.

“Clearly there were many issues identified not only with the prior format, but also other issues surrounding golf and participation levels as the board conducted its first comprehensive review of golf in many years,” said KHSAA Commissioner

Julian Tackett. “There are no easy answers. KHSAA Championships are not simply for elite programs and schools flush with participants and historic past performances, nor are they solely for team competition. The Board has the daunting requirement of also ensuring there is an opportunity for students from all levels of involvement, whether the school has one golfer on their roster or 40.

“The board has charted a course to address these issues and looked at many options. Clearly, it is not the role of the KHSAA to rigidly implement copies of events at other levels of play, and we are thankful when our students get the opportunity at those levels. But for the vast majority of high school students, there will be no college or professional opportunities and for the 94 percent who won’t play competitively after high school [per NCAA statistics], it is critical that all of them have opportunities to experience the best participation opportunity around, a high school postseason championship.”

In addition to the golf changes, the board also modified the upcoming tennis season format. According to information provided by state officials, the 2020 tournament required adjustment after a recent conflict was created with the scheduling of

(Continued on next page)

Page 24 • September 2019

Continued from previous page the USTA Southern Tournament and the Creason qualifier for that tournament. In order to accommodate participating student-athletes, and not require them to make choices between the Creason qualifier or the Southern Open, the Board approved a recommendation to shift the state tennis dates for 2020 to June 1-3 pending final approval of availability of the state facilities.

“While we never like to change event dates, we clearly need to work closely with Kentucky USTA to minimize conflicts,” said Tackett. “We will also be working with that group and its national counterparts to see if this conflict can be avoided in the future.”

The Board also finalized the schedule for the 2019 state football finals, accepting a recommendation to set the championship schedule at Kroger Field as follows: n Friday, Dec. 6: 1A – 2 p.m.; 3A – 7 p.m.

n Saturday, Dec. 7– 2A – 1 p.m; 4A – 4:30 p.m.; 5A – 8 p.m. n Sunday, Dec. 8 – 6A – 2 p.m.

Staff also presented a postevent review of the baseball and softball semi-state rounds, with the Board directing staff to finalize

four semi-state baseball and two softball semi-state sites for 2020.

Staff was also tasked with surveying softball schools regarding the semi-state pairings with options of 1) continuing the four-region rotation of pairings; 2) developing an eight-region rotation of pairings per semi-state; or 3) conducting a blind draw each year within each eight-region semi-state.

“The first year of baseball and softball semi-state competition was an unqualified success, along with the revisions to the state tournaments,” said Tackett. “But we have to constantly review things, especially our softball sites, to be sure that we have an optimal participant experience for the students.”

During the July meeting, the Board:

n Requested staff issue a survey of the membership in its ongoing review of the state tennis championships to gauge interest on the type of team championships the Association would sponsor; n Directed staff to consolidate discussion points and develop a final edited proposal regarding revisions to Bylaw 6 (Athletic Advantage) for submission to the delegates with review circulated to the members of the Board of Control prior to distribution;

September 2019 • Page 25

McCracken aims to compete for sports tourism

Officials from Paducah and McCracken County take shots on a soccer goal in celebration of the newly formed Sports Tourism Board, which aims to attract tournaments to the area.

Staff Report Another local community has taken a step toward enticing youth sports tournaments to western Kentucky.

On Aug. 26, the McCracken County Fiscal Court held a joint meeting with the Paducah Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting, approving ordinances to levy a 10 percent transient room tax (6 percent in county taxes and 4 percent in city taxes), effective Oct. 1. The ordinances also changed the way the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau is organized, allowing the county to form a McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission.

Officials estimate the tax will generate more than $1 million in revenue to start, with funds going to create sports tourism opportunities. There have been talks about building new soccer and baseball facilities in McCracken County with hopes of hosting tournaments.

The current county soccer fields have no lights, no restrooms and are built on a landfill.

“It gets reported that this is a tax increase — and it is — but it’s an increase very few people in McCracken County will pay this tax, said County Commissioner Eddie Jones “This is a tax on people who are traveling through our town.

“We’re looking to convince ‘Little Johnny’ in St. Louis and his parents to come to Paducah and participate in sports tourism. Maybe on Monday and Tuesday [a Paducah resident] gets to play on these fields.”

City officials also voiced support.

“How many years have we been asking for sports tourism? How many years has our community been saying we have an opportunity

and we’re missing it? But the whole time, the missing part of the equation was funding,” said Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless.

City commissioner Richard Abraham said the city’s location along Interstate 24 and proximity to metropolitan hubs makes it an ideal spot for a project.

“Our facilities haven’t matched our location,” Abraham said. “We finally got our infrastructure in place to do some things. I’m excited.

I’ve told my buddies in Owensboro the clock is ticking, we’re going to get some of those tournaments down here.”

Following the structure laid out by Kentucky Revised Statutes, the monies collected will be utilized by a board appointed by the county. Members include representatives of the hotel industry and members at large.

McCracken County isn’t the first to take steps towards capitalizing on the multi-billion dollar youth sports industry.

In 2018, the City of Princeton in Caldwell County took similar steps in creating a tourism board with the hope of constructing a sports complex. Both communities will look to follow the lead of cities like Owensboro, which has already established a sports park attracting a number of soccer events throughout the year. They’ll also compete nationally in an industry with spending estimated around $9 billion annually.

The good news, for city leaders, is that 10 digit number is expected to keep growing. According to a 2017 report by HBO’s Real Sports, the recently built Westfield, Indiana Grand Park (one of the country’s largest mixed-use facilities at 400 acres) brings in more than 1 million visitors each year, who spend about $145 million on gasoline, hotel rooms, food and ways to pass the hours in between games.

Page 26 • September 2019

CHANGING of the

GUARD Coaches Greg Vincent, Stan Head leave Post 68 with legacy of success

5Coach Greg Vincent takes a moment to speak with players.

Every road comes to an end. Following two consecutive senior state championships, coach Greg Vincent said it’s time for himself and Post 68 to take different paths.

players is increased.

Vincent has been involved in American Legion baseball since he was 15 years old, and Post 68 for the last six with stops as a high school coach along his 40-year coaching path. Now, nearing 63 years of age, Vincent said the time has come to turn the program over and pursue other interests.

Vincent said Legion ball also exposes players to more consistent competition.

“I told the kids, I’m done,” Vincent said. “It’s been fun.

I love American Legion baseball. It’s something special.

When those kids wear the flag on their uniform, it’s something different.”

He leaves the program in good shape, with several players eligible to return, state junior and senior championships, support from the Post and six consecutive winning seasons.

Vincent said long-time Livingston coach Stan Head is also stepping down.

“When [his son] Cameron was done, I knew Stan wanted to watch him play [in college],” Vincent said. “It’s time for somebody else to take this program. I just hope we can find somebody as passionate as we were. And that’s the kicker right there. I loved coaching high school, but it’s nothing like coaching American Legion baseball.”

Vincent said the level of competition is typically higher in American Legion, but the devotion and dedication by

“Some of the kids that play high school baseball are just on the team because they want to get a uniform,” Vincent said. “Kids that play American Legion baseball are probably wanting to play at the next level, they love the game, they’re coachable and they’re eager to learn. But the passion they have for the game is just different than high school.”

In August, his team saw some of the country’s best at the American Legion Great Lakes Regional tournament in Charleston, Illinois. Post 68 entered the tournament as the state champions, falling to eventual champions Danville, Illinois after opening the tournament with a win.

“The first game, I was proud of them,” Vincent said. “We played well. We played Danville the second game, and they won the whole thing. We played probably the worst defensive game we played all year. We dropped a fly ball in the first and gave them a run. We made two errors in the fourth and gave them three. We battled back, tied it up, and we dropped two fly balls. It just killed us.

“It’s no doubt in my mind we had the best team there, but after the mistake filled game against Danville, we just kind of lost it a little bit.”

Post 68 fell to the Illinois Post 210 7-6. In the contest, Drew Cooper was 2-for-2 and Gabe Board was 2-for-3.

Cameron Dean had two RBIs off one hit.

September 2019 • Page 27

5Chris Yancy with coach Greg Vincent.

Brady Betts took the loss on the mound, giving up eight hits and striking out five batters across 107 pitches. Board came in for relief, striking out one batter on 19 pitches while giving up no hits.

In their final game, Post 68 fell 6-3 to Post 171 of Gladwin Michigan.

Last year, the post won its first state tournament in program history, earning a spot to compete in the Southeast division.

“It’s an odd way to end, but this regional was a lot different than last year,” Vincent said. “It just wasn’t meant to be, but we had the best kids there. They conducted themselves well.

“There’s some guys that played with us that have no idea how good they can be. Gabe Board, Cade Duncan, Cameron Head, Davis Corbett, Drew Cooper; these kids don’t realize.

There’s nothing wrong with playing other sports, but now that they’re in college and just playing baseball — and concentrating

5Bob Harbison of Post 68 with Drew Cooper. their lifting and everything toward that sport — wow. It’s going to be interesting to see how they do.”

During his run, Vincent was focused not just on finding good baseball players, but on bringing in quality individuals.

“We didn’t have success because of the coaching, we had it because of the kids,” Vincent said. “We had kids that loved the game and gave it all they had. There’s no such thing as a great coach. Good coaches just get lucky enough to have great kids play for them. I’ve been pretty damn lucky to have some great kids play for me.

“That’s what it’s all about. Watching those kids grow up. I hear from them when they get married, when they have kids.

We don’t usually talk about baseball, the wins and the losses.

That’s what makes it worth it.”

(Continued on next page)

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Page 28 • September 2019

5Coach Greg Vincent watched his son Jay, a Post 68 alumni, throw out the first pitch of the 2019 season.

For the post, those players came from a mix of attracting talent through the program’s success and scouting athletes throughout the year. Bob Harbison of Post 68 said player discussions and watching tape starts in the winter months ahead of the season’s start.

Harbison said the search for a new coach will begin in time, but whoever takes over the reigns may have some solid returning players.

“I was surprised by the number of guys that are eligible to come back next year,” Harbison said. “Some of them will probably play in a college league or something, but I think we’ve got nine eligible to come back.”

Part of the draw for many area players has been Vincent and Head’s ability to help with finding a place to play after high school.

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“For at least the last three years, everybody who has wanted to play college ball has,” Vincent said. “We’ve been very involved. There’s a few that wouldn’t be playing if we hadn’t found them a home, but that’s just part of what you do.

“I love doing that part of it. I think I’ve had over 200 kids that have gone on to play college baseball. Since I took over Post 68, we’ve sent close to 40 [to college] in the last six years. That means we’re doing something right. We’re getting quality kids who want to play baseball.

For now, Vincent said his plans are open.

“I’m going to travel a little bit and I’m going to relax some,” Vincent said. “Enjoy myself. There’s a lot of factors in my decision, but it’s time. But I’ve loved it. I’ve loved it since I was 15 years old. I still watch it and talk about it every day.

But somebody a lot younger than me needs to go.”

September 2019 • Page 29

Middle School seasons start The 2019 Kentucky middle school football season is underway. Pictured here, Graves County takes on Calloway County. To submit photos of your favorite team to be featured in an upcoming issue, email them to: wkysports@gmail.com Photos courtesy of Jimmy Palmer https://jimmypalmer321.zenfolio.com

West Kentucky Area Sports Briefs

Page 30 • September 2019 In the All ‘A’ golf tournament,, Lady Lyon golfer Cathryn Brown was the region All “A” runner up with a round of 81, qualifying her for the State All “A” tournament for a second consecutive year.

Brown is Lyon’s lone female golfer this season. Also qualifying was the championship team of UHA, led by Rheagan Lyndsey with an 86. On the boys side, Weston Wood lead University Heights Academy to a team title.

It marks the first time in UHA’s history for both the male and feIn junior varsity golf action, Marshall County golfers finished the Ballard Golf Invitational on Aug. 17 with several high points. The players from Marshall County competed in their first varsity tournament of the year together, while battling against the top teams from Region One. Freshman Preston Futrell led the Marshals in the scoring as he finished with a 75. Preston finished tied for third against most of the top golfers in the region. All six golfers sent to the Ballard Invitational finished the day with their career highs. The Marshals finished in third place for the varsity team scoring with a score of 331. Hunter Anderson (85), Teddy Wynn (88), Tate Scillian (94), and Hayden Powell (83) played alongside their teammate Preston Futrell. Ben Staples played as an individual and finished with a score of 91.Pictured from left: assistant coach Lyndon Dunning, Tate Scillian, Teddy Wynn, Preston Futrell, Hunter Anderson, Hayden Powell and Ben Staples.

The 2011 soccer team finished the Jackson Wolves Weekend Challenge as finalists in their age bracket. The team won its first three games by a combined 20-1, but fell in the final game to the 2011 Mississippi Flood. The tournament was held in Jackson, Tennessee.

male teams to qualify by the All ‘A’ State Tournament, which will get underway Sept. 7.

Marshall County High School sophomore Tyra McWilliams placed third in the ASA National Archery Tournament in August.

She also placed fifth for National Shooter of the Year.

THE BACK PAGE

September 2019 • Page 31

By Jody Norwood | Editor

Built on foundations of tradition, fairness and community, the sports we play help bring us together. They give day-to-day lives a little perspective.

That was apparent in the days following the passing of Caldwell County’s David Barnes.

As an educator, athletic director and coach, Barnes was a fixture of western Kentucky sports for a quarter century. He guided students and athletes, helping them become better people during irreplaceable years.

There was no shortage of condolences and stories shared by former players and opposing coaches.

Barnes’ 110-50 record with the Tigers and 2012 2A title game will be remembered, but not as much as the impact he made on his players, fans and community. ...

Two full weeks into the soccer season there was a noticeable difference this year: fans are behaving better.

Maybe it’s due to the emphasis being placed on parent (and coach) behavior this year as opposed to previous seasons. Maybe fans have heard about the shortage of officials signing up. Maybe it just was too hot in August to fuss about perceived bad calls.

Whatever the reason, it’s a nice change.

No referee gets rich officiating your student athlete’s game.

And no referee goes through hours of training just to avenge a personal grudge against your program. Talk to most of them and they got into officiating because of their passion for the game.. . .

Interested in submitting photos?

Story to share? Looking to advertise?

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wkysports@gmail.com

To advertise, phone 270-625-1139 West Kentucky Sports is a trademark of 25 Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction of copyrighted materials is prohibited without expressed written consent.

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