On the national scene, briefly

With the addition of several sports to the local high school lineup in recent years, I have been able to stay away from the college and pro sports scene for the most part in this space, and as I prefer anyway, concentrate on our local sports happenings, in particular those that go on with the Clinton County High School athletes.

But I must, at least briefly, break from that and give credit where credit is due, especially since in years past I have taken such joy in taking every available stab that I could.

My wife and co-worker, Janie Gibson, has long been a die-hard baseball fan and of course her favorite team is none other than the Kansas City Royals. In fact, our oldest son, Brett, was named after the most famous KC Royal, George Brett.

All of that said, imagine my surprise the last couple of weeks as I watched the Royals pull off what was thought to be the impossible – win eight straight post-season games to grab a spot in this week’s World Series.

Okay – you won’t read this often so here goes: Congrats to Janie and the rest of the Royals fans on a great season, and since the Reds aren’t anywhere to be found, good luck on claiming a national championship.

Now, I’m going to go wash my typing fingers.

Basketball Reunion weekend

I had a fairly long telephone conversation with Charlie Hunter this week about the now one-day South Central Kentucky High School Basketball Reunion and he’s excited about this weekend’s schedule and the possibility of some of the names who could be attending.

Players, coaches and fans are invited to the day-long reunion this Saturday, October 25. A “Fun Day” slate at Beaver Trail Park is set from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the banquet will be held at Barren County High School later that night with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner and awards banquet at 7:00 p.m.

The entire day is open to the public and the fee is $20 for adults, with free admission for children 12 and under.

Hunter said he is excited about the buzz surrounding the event and he’s hoping for a large turnout. He plans on honoring a host of people, including those coaches from the area who led teams – both boys and girls – to regional championships.

Of course, the list is long, ranging from winning coaches in the 1950s through last year. That means that three coaches from Clinton County will be recognized, namely coach Lindle Castle, who led the Bulldogs to a 5th Region Championship in 1960, and coaches Gary Abbott and Ronnie Guffey, who led our Lady Bulldogs to regional championships in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

Should be a lot of fun and a chance to get to see some old foes and friends again on perhaps better terms than when first meetings occurred on the hardwood.

You can reach Hunter at 270-404-1948.