Still a busy time for local fall sports teams

All of the fall sports teams at C.C.H.S. continue to have a busy stretch right now, as all programs are in full swing – something that will change in the next few weeks as some begin winding down and headed toward tourney time – with golf being the first.

I spent the afternoon Monday walking around with the Golf Dawgs during the match, grabbing a few photos, and the fall-like weather made for some nice golf surroundings. Unfortunately, the Lady Golf Dawgs’ match was cancelled that afternoon by the other teams that were originally slated to appear. Coach Starnes took advantage of the open date to let her team get in a full afternoon of practice.

Soccer fans should take note that a few changes have been made to the schedule recently, according to info sent our way by C.C.H.S. Athletics Director Mike Beard.

First of all, the games are now to be played at the Clinton County Middle School field, instead of a previously reported location at the high school football field.

A game this past Monday was cancelled and an upcoming game this Saturday, September 15 for both the boys’ and girls’ squads at Butler County has also been cancelled.

Our Gridiron Dawgs will put their traveling uniforms in storage for a few weeks as they begin a four-game home stand this Friday night, September 14, when they play host to a 1A team – Caverna – in a night that will also see Homecoming festivities being held on Bulldog Field.

The Dawgs (0-4) are looking for their first victory of this season, and are coming off of 52-8 loss at the hands of Casey County this past Friday night. Likewise, the Colonels of Caverna are looking for win #1 this season, having given up a 14-0 loss at the hands of Hart County in its most recent outing last Friday night.

Two losses in one week

Kentucky High School sports fans should note the loss of two well-recognized figures in the past week – one a state-wide recognized individual, and the other more of a local – or at least regional – figure.

Former KHSAA Commissioner Louis Stout, who had been affiliated with the association for some 30 years, including his eight-year run as the chief of the organization, passed away this past Sunday morning from what the family called a “heart incident”.

Stout joined the KHSAA in 1971, and since my first Sweet 16 was in 1976, I grew up – and grew old – watching the large figure roam the sidelines of each and every tournament, meeting and greeting, and taking care of any situation that arose throughout the years. I don’t think I ever heard anyone say anything negative about Mr. Stout. One of the best Commissioners the KHSAA ever had – says here.

When he died, he was in his second year as National President of the Amateur Athletic Association (AAU).

The second passing this week was that of an individual that local fans – particularly basketball fans – will recognize. Gerald “Jerry” Hamm, a Russell County native and a Bowling Green resident – passed away last week at age 76.

Jerry was a long-time basketball official that local fans would immediately recognize when they saw him, since fans generally don’t remember officials’ names.

Handicapped with just one eye – he had to have a good sense of humor and thick skin every time he put that whistle around his neck.

Hamm was officiating when I played back in the mid 70’s – what little floor time I received – and I confronted him one night after a game when we met up in the parking lot. Of course I disagreed with several fouls he had whistled me for.

Luckily, a couple of years ago – I ran into him at the Sweet 16, and I reminded him of that night – then, some 35 years later, I apologized for being young and stupid.

He recognized me from my years on the sidelines as a P.A. announcer here, and luckily not for the night our paths crossed in the parking lot.

We both had a good laugh, and talked for a long time as he asked about people in Clinton County he remembered, in particular Coach Lindle Castle.

I’m glad I had that chance to shake his hand and pat his back.

TURNOVERS

by Alan B. Gibson