Another kudo for Rian

Rian Craft, a 4th Region basketball official that Clinton County fans have seen often on our floor, received yet another nod last month for his efforts as one of the best high school “stripes” in Kentucky.

Although the season ended without a state tournament at all for the boys and just a couple of games for the girls, the KHSAA went ahead with the process of recognizing the best of the best when it comes to officiating in all of the sports governed by the organization.

Craft, who in March was named the 4th Region Official of the Year by the Athletic Director’s Association, was just last month named as one of the top finalists for the Official of the Year Award.

Although he wasn’t chosen as the top official in Kentucky, being one of the four finalist for the honor, out of the 1,782 licensed basketball officials, speaks tons about Rian’s abilities on the floor.

Although he runs a game clearly in charge, he most often can be seen with a smile on his face behind that whistle in his mouth.

The 4th Region has some excellent officials, and like everything else, there are a few that you just hate to see walk in the back door.

But when Rian comes through the gate, you know the kids are going to get a fair shake from one of the best.

BTW, the Top Whistle award this year went to Raymond Lightfoot of Frankfort.

High school sports trying to get underway

I’m still not convinced we’re going to see high school sports this fall, this winter, or even this school year, but at least the KHSAA is making an effort to get things rolling.

Depending on how bad the next COVID-19 spike is, and how long it lasts, there has at least been some guidelines sent down on how things can be opened up as coaches start trying to hold workouts and eventually practice sessions.

It’s a long, complicated list of dos and do nots, for each category of high school sports – low touch indoor, low touch outdoor, high touch indoor and high touch outdoor.

Regardless of the degree of caution in each set of guidelines, it’s clear that even the KHSAA isn’t sure how all of this is eventually going to shake out when it’s all said and done.

None of the guidelines/regulations currently being released involve anything beyond July 13.

In the meantime – no sports at all stinks!