Another school year just ahead

Hard to believe, but students and teachers will come together once again this week as we get yet another school year underway, which brings to mind two thoughts.

First of all, remember that during the morning and afternoon hours, we are about to see a dramatic increase in traffic numbers, especially in the areas near our school facilities.

In addition to the buses and their big flashing lights, we are also going to be encountering an increased number of vehicles – both staff and instructors as well as students – most of who aren’t yet that experienced in the rules of the road.

Bottom line – be careful and slow down a little.

Secondly, with the start of the school year, athletics are at somewhat of a slow stage this week, although there is some activity, especially on the golf course with the Golf Dawgs and Lady Golf Dawgs.

Both golf teams will be in action this Thursday morning as they play host to Barren County at Dale Hollow Lake State Park.

Still, sports fans, never fear, because in a few days, things will kick into high gear and all of this slow sports news will certainly change.

One of the best – a familiar face

The folks that high school sports fans find themselves loving to hate – those who wear the black and white referee uniforms, are in reality for the most part, some normal and usually really good people.

I’ve come to know many of the officials, especially those working the basketball games, down through the years, and while there are a few who fall outside of these boundaries, most are normal people who don’t really want to be in the limelight, but just want to do their part to benefit the young athletes.

All of that said, one of the more familiar faces from Clinton County basketball games, Barry Vincent, was recognized last week as being one of the very best basketball officials in this basketball crazy state.

Vincent, along with 700 other officials from all of KHSAA sports, was recognized last week during the KHSAA’s first ever Officiate Kentucky Day.

Although he wasn’t honored with the highest honor of “top official” in basketball, he was nominated and was one of only four basketball officials to reach the final tier. The “top” official honor was earned by Molly Caldwell of Lexington.

A familiar face on the Clinton County floor, Vincent seems to draw more CCHS games than any other official – so much so that we often tease him at the Official’s Table about having to pay property tax in Clinton County.

Barry’s a good official and the honor was well deserved.