Archers switch targets with fall hunting months away

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

Nearly 100 youth bowfishermen took to the waters of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley on Saturday afternoon with a dozen coming from Hopkins and Webster Counties.

Ninety-three children piled into 38 boats as part of the 2nd Annual Jarred Ashmore Memorial Bowfishing Tournament.

Local participants included Blake Beaver, Ashdyn Cardwell, Hunter Carlton, Summer Clark, Zack Clark, Kylie Daugherty, Madelyn Hackney, Dylan Honeycutt, Nolan Melton, Caleb Utley and Brady Wright.

Paul Carlton, father of 13-year-old Hunter Carlton, said the sport provides arching enthusiasts with an opportunity to stay sharp.

"Generally it's kind of like a second season for a person that's an archer," he said. "You bow hunt in the fall. Once January comes, bow season ends unless you're just an avid archer that shoots in competitions."

Hunter Carlton said despite the same basic principles there are some differences.

"In the winter, it's a little more complicated because you have to fix your sights and all that to hit the target," Hunter Carlton said. "When you're bowfishing, you don't have to set your sight. You don't really have a sight. You basically pick a spot and shoot."

Although bowfishers can practice any time of the day, Saturday's event began at 7 p.m. and went throughout the night. The participants used lights to help locate the fish.

Paul Carlton aided his son by spotlighting.

"You see a lot more fish at night," Paul Carlton said. "Fish are a lot more visible to you at night because of the lights. Certain species only come up closer to the top of the water at night.

"We have spotlights to illuminate the fish or halogen that are run off a generator that light the whole area in front of the boat."

Each tournament has different rules for determining winners. Hunter Carlton finished Saturday's action with two fish totaling 38 pounds.

Hunter Carlton said he caught a 26-pound bighead and a 12-pound gar.

Paul Carlton said the biggest fish caught of the tournament was 44 pounds and described exactly how the equipment operates.

"You have an arrow with a line attached to it and you have a special reel on your bow," he said. "It has a barb on the arrow and you shoot the fish and the arrow hopefully stays in the fish."

Hunter Carlton, who has been bowfishing for a year, said he usually looks "up by the dam and down river" when on the lake.

Bowfishers can practice on any body of water where law permits, Paul Carlton said.

Several calls by The Messenger to other local participants were not immediately returned.

Pirates get back on track with 5-4 win

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, June 28, 2009 10:46 AM CDT

DAWSON SPRINGS -- When Tradewater Pirates batter Matt Presley connected with Fulton pitcher Cory White's delivery in the eighth inning, there wasn't a doubt the ball would pass the right field fence line.

For a team that had lost six of its last nine games entering Saturday's matchup, a victory was not so certain, though. Fortunately, Presley's two-run blast broke a tie ballgame and Tradewater (14-10) moved on to defeat Fulton (13-10) by a score of 5-4.

The contest featured three lead changes, one tie and some unconventional scoring as three of the game's runs came on balks, but it was Presley's blast that decided the outcome.

Closer Christian Stutts did not let the game end without testing the Pirate fans' nerves. Stutts retired the first two batters, then allowed one run on three consecutive hits before shutting the door with a strikeout.

Both teams entered the eighth tied at 3-3, and Fulton appeared ready to break the tie. Leadoff hitter Tyler Monkman singled then promptly stole second base. Pirate reliever Nolan Mullaney struck out the next hitter.

Then, the Tradewater defense took over. Railroader Brian Beavin hit a sharp grounder to Cass Via at third. Via looked Monkman back to second and threw to first for the out. Monkman broke for third as Via released the ball. First baseman Brock Green fired a return throw back to Via, who tagged Monkman out to end the inning.

Via led off the bottom half of the eighth with a single to right and advanced to second on an errant pickoff attempt. With one out and extra innings approaching, Presley smacked a no-doubt home run to right field.

Tradewater struck first with one run in the first inning. Sean Flaherty singled with one out and the next batter, Matt Presley, reached on an error. Then, Brock Green delivered an RBI single to plate Flaherty.

Neither team mounted much offense in the next few innings until Fulton manufactured a three-run sixth. After a leadoff single and back-to-back sacrifice bunts, the Railroaders primed themselves ready for a large offensive.

Alan Stoupa provided the first run on an RBI single. Then, two more runs scored on balks by Tradewater starting pitcher Zac Tidholm. Futlon's Philip Dean attempted to add to the lead by scoring on a single from second base. Sean Flaherty, Tradewater's left fielder, had different plans and gunned Dean down. Catcher Miguel Vasquez applied a wonderful tag to complete the play.

The Pirates cut the advantage in half in the bottom of the sixth and did so without collecting a hit. Flaherty reached with one out on a fielding error and advanced to second on a passed ball and onto third on a ground-out.

With two outs, Green hit a dribbler to the Fulton second baseman, who bobbled the ball. Green reached first safely as Flaherty crossed the plate.

Tradewater benefitted from a run-scoring balk in the seventh as Fulton did earlier to knot the game at 3-3.

Tidholm pitched six full innings before exiting. He surrendered three runs on seven hits and struck out six. Tidholm also walked three and committed two balks.

Mullaney tossed two innings of relief and faced seven batters. He struck out four and gave up one hit.

Fulton (14-10) 000 003 000 -- 4 11 4

Tradewater (13-10) 100 001 12X -- 5 7 1

WP: Nolan Mullaney

LP: Cory White

S: Christian Stutts

Former North duo selected as Transy captains

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, June 28, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

Once co-captains at Madisonville-North Hopkins, swimmers Maggie Davenport and Daniel Porter will assume the title again at Transylvania University this season.

Both earned recognition as captains after the team voted for its leaders in April and were approved by the coaching staff.

For Davenport, the nomination came as a bit of surprise. During her first two years at college, Davenport played soccer before making the jump to swimming as a junior last year.

"It was really humbling, the fact that I was picked to be a captain after only a year on the team," she said. "That meant a lot to me that the coaches and the players would think of me that highly."

Porter said he has known Davenport since pre-school and happily takes credit for talking her into shifting her sports focus.

"I finally convinced her to switch over to swimming and I don't think she could be happier actually," Porter said. "Maggie and I have become a lot closer in college and swimming has intensified that."

Davenport agreed and said she made the right decision.

"It was a pretty big adjustment, but I don't regret the move at all," she said. "I'm pretty happy with the way things turned out, and I think it's a lot better for me this way."

Davenport and Porter represent just two of six former North swimmers now with Transylvania. Claire Dorris, Yunan Yang and Porter's younger twin brothers Joseph and Stephen are also on the squad.

Despite sibling rivarly, Daniel Porter said he believes his brothers were among those voting for him.

"I actually do surprisingly think they voted for me," he said.

Davenport said the familiarity among the former North swimmers breeds comfort and a knowledge of how to motivate each other, as well as other intangibles.

"It's keep us pretty entertained and we get a lot of the hometown gossip that way too," she said.

Daniel Porter, who works as a student orientation leader on campus, said he understands how to work with others and accept the responsibility of a leader.

"First and foremost, you have to have good relations with everyone on the team," he said. "You've got to be the one that steps up in practice and the weight room and just in social life in general because it's college."

Helping teammates maintain focus is a big role as well, Davenport said.

"Our season is the longest in all of the sports, it's just keeping the motivation up and keeping everyone dedicated throughout the season," she said.

Davenport said she plans to incorporate lessons she learned from her predecessors too.

"The previous captains were always really open and you were able to go to them with anything and that helped my transition quite a bit," Davenport said. "That's what I hope to do: to make sure they know they can come to me about anything."

Stocked with years of experience and sage words of advice, Davenport and Porter plan to lead the Pioneers to a successful swim season.

Disc golf tourney to bring players from several states

y Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, June 26, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

Popularity for disc golf has increased steadily in western Kentucky during the past few years and one local enthusiast will make Madisonville the sport's epicenter for at least one day this weekend.

HB Clark, who designed the course at Madisonville City Park, will host the 2nd Annual Ideal Market Madisonville Open on Saturday. Participants from around the region and at least four different states are expected.

"There's a lot of people in the Madisonville, Princeton, Hopkinsville area that have taken the game up in the last couple years and because of that we'll have a lot of recreational players," Clark said.

Saturday's competition will feature 12 divisions including pro, advanced, intermediate and recreational. The pros will compete for a cash purse while recreational players will battle for pro shop prizes.

The event is a part of the AT&T Disc Golf Series and a Professional Disc Golf Association sanctioned event.

Though the event will draw some of the area's best talent, one local golfer said he thinks he will be the champion.

"It's my home court and I'm not afraid of anybody that comes out there, whether they've traveled night and day for a period of months just to get here for this tournament," Matt Vaughn jokingly asserted. "They're walking onto my turf."

Vaughn, who will compete in the advanced division, said his personal best is five strokes under par, but the course record is eight below.

Locals like Vaughn will undoubtedly have an advantage with familiarity of the course and plan to take advantage.

The toughest section of the course comes on holes seven and eight where players must navigate around the park's lake.

"The lake gives everybody trouble on that course," Clark said. "It comes into play on a couple holes where you don't think it would and you have to throw over it and alongside it quite a bit on seven and eight. The locals that can play seven and eight well will have a great advantage."

Vaughn also acknowledged the water's impact on players.

"A lot of times they intimidate," Vaughn said of the lake's presence. "A lot of people will lay up. I practice it and practice it. I can throw over the lake and I skip the lay up, which gives me a stroke on that hole."

Vaughn admitted he has lost upward of 25-30 discs in the lake before he perfected his toss.

As of Thursday afternoon, Clark said 25 individuals pre-registered, but expects many to sign up Saturday.

"Most disc golfers are procrastinators, so they'll just come in (Saturday)," he said.

Registration is $20 and includes two rounds of tournament play, lunch and a disc. Spectators are encouraged and professionals will tee off at 8:30 a.m. and approximately 1 p.m.

A glow disc golf tournament will conclude the day's events. The glow competition will be a nine-hole, two-person scramble to start at 9 p.m. Registration for that event is $10 and includes a glow in the dark disc.

For more information, visit www.BluegrassDiscGolf.org/Madisonville or call tournament director HB Clark, 792-0672.

Weaver returning to Madisonville

y Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

Will Weaver said several factors caused him to originally accept the head football position at Mercer County, but one reason to stay at Madisonville-North Hopkins was enough to make him restless and eventually return.

Less than 48 hours after accepting the Mercer job, Weaver announced his resignation Wednesday morning and intention to fulfill his commitment to see his first freshman class through to graduation.

"I couldn't hardly sleep (Tuesday night) just thinking about the promise that I had made to those freshman," Weaver said. "A lot of kids have put their trust in me and the community has always been there for me.

Upon his original hiring at North, Weaver made it clear he would not be a part of North's recent history of briefly tenured coaches.

"I had the freshmen raise their hands," Weaver said in the April 28, 2007 edition of The Messenger. "I told them I'd make one promise to them -- that I'll be the coach here when they graduate."

Weaver said he held a team meeting with the Mercer players Wednesday morning and shortly thereafter made the choice to resign.

"All I kept thinking is about the commitment I made to my kids and those (Mercer) guys weren't my kids," he said. "I went back and talked with my wife. We made a family decision that no matter what happens we're coming back here and finishing our commitment. We're happy in Madisonville and we're 100 percent sure about that decision."

After meeting with the Mercer squad, Weaver informed principal Terry Yates he planned to return to North.

"He met with the players this morning, and he came in and met with me" Yates told The Advocate-Messenger in Danville. "He felt it was in the best interest of him and his family.

"We're obviously disappointed. We felt like we had a good commitment from him, and things were going in the right direction."

News of the decision traveled fast to Hopkins County.

Maroons football booster club president Jamie Buchanan said Weaver called him with the latest Wednesday morning.

"I just know he is coming back and the only thing I can say is I'm glad to see the coach is coming back just to fulfill his commitment that he made to these boys two years ago," Buchanan said, "because the kids are the most important thing out there in that facility."

The process of Weaver's determination to come back began Tuesday evening when Weaver discussed the possibility with Hopkins County Schools superintendent James Lee Stevens.

"I actually called (Tuesday night) to see if that was an option because I thought about it all night," Weaver said. "When I found out (Wednesday morning) that was a viable option, then after the team meeting I had up there (Wednesday), I knew what I had to do."

Still several factors made the Mercer position difficult to turn down.

"I guess I was caught up in it was a significant pay raise," Weaver said. "They had an indoor practice facility. They just merged two high schools that both had good tradition. They won the state championship a couple years ago.

"There was a lot of appealing things and it being close to Lexington, and they offered my wife a job at the high school along with me. There were a lot of things that were pulling me toward that job."

Weaver said the booster club didn't offer him more money to return. He simply did not want to turn his back on the players he made a promise to two years ago.

"There wasn't any negotiations or anything that went on, period," Weaver said. "I missed my kids. I'm back to finish my commitment and just wanted to know if I would be welcomed back. Mr. Stevens gave me the OK and said he would accept me back with open arms."

North, Central heat up summer hoops

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Staff Report nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 12:27 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- During the summer months, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees take dominance as the most heated rivalry in sports. That didn't stop the boys basketball teams from Madisonville-North Hopkins and Hopkins County Central from tangling in a scrimmage Tuesday afternoon, though.

Central and North faced off in the first of several varsity and junior varsity scrimmages spanning Tuesday and today at Storm Gym. The Storm won the event's first contest against the Maroons, 65-62.

Several coaches from both teams donned t-shirts and shorts as they paced back and forth courtside, but that didn't mean the play on the floor was lax.

"It might be a casual atmosphere, but the kids are always going to compete," North coach Marty Cline said. "It's just a pride thing. They want to compete against their cross-town buddies."

North held an 18-17 advantage after the first quarter with eight points coming from Maroon junior Dylan Basham.

The game featured 20 lead changes and seven ties, but Central jumped ahead with 4:52 remaining and never let go. Storm guard Je'Vonte Hughes gave Central a five-point lead with a breakaway layup with 2:48 to play. It was the largest lead of the game for either team.

The Maroons trailed by one point with 34 seconds remaining, but Central held on for a homecourt win.

Both teams began a new era as North graduated seven seniors, including Mr. Basketball Jon Hood, and Central lost 6-9 big man Chuck Jones and the school's all-time assist leader Cory Coble.

"We're a guard-oriented team, there's no doubt about it," Central coach Matt Bell said of his lineup. "I really like way our two sophomores are stepping up in Jake Hopper, who got some minutes late last year, and Jaylen Baxter. Those guys make us better just because we shouldn't turn the ball over as much."

Hopper exhibited his range as well by knocking down a number of 3-point baskets.

Cline also discussed his team's new approach without Hood.

"Well, we can't say give it to Jon and get out of the way anymore, so we have to make some changes," he said. "We're going through some of that stuff obviously not just with his ability, but also his size and rebounding.

"Those are things we have to make up and we're trying to figure out how we're going to do that. That's what this stuff is for."

North's big man Basham took the scoring responsibility and finished with a game-high 19 points. Basham also recorded seven rebounds and sank two 3-point attempts.

Maroons Robert Hatchett (11) and Logan Waide (10) joined Basham in double figures.

Shaquille Jernigan impressed during the contest as well with a team-high 12 points for Central. Daniel Croft tallied a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Hughes and Riley each finished in double digits with 11 points.

North will play Warren Central at noon today, and Central will play the Dragons at 2 p.m. today.

North 18 13 12 19 -- 62

Central 17 15 12 21 -- 65

North: Dylan Basham 19, Robert Hatchett 11, Logan Waide 10, Daylan Jones 5, Seth Ashby 4, Denzel Johnson 4, Isiah White 3, Jaylyn Combs 2, William Ellis 2, Joe Kington 2.

Central: Shaquille Jernigan 12, Je'Vonte Hughes 11, Josh Riley 11, Daniel Croft 10, Jake Hopper 9, Jaylen Baxter 4, Jesse Almon 4, Blake Mitchell 3, Jordan Todd 1.

Mercer's Weaver admires Smith

For the first time in four years and only second time in my life, I was interviewed for an article actually. Here it is.

By LARRY VAUGHT 
larry@amnews.com

Mercer County football fans may notice a familiar look in some things that new coach Will Weaver tries to incorporate into his program.

"I modeled what we did at Madisonville(-North Hopkins) after what Chuck (Smith) did at Boyle County. After I got that job, I talked to him a long time about how he did things," said Weaver, who accepted the vacant Mercer job Monday. "He told me about overall program organization and things like that. I admire what he did and felt that was a great plan to use to model my program after.

"Your talent still has to dictate what you do on the field, but I have been a spread (offense) guy who likes throwing the football around."

Weaver was head coach at Madisonville for two years and went 5-5 and 7-4, the school's first consecutive non-losing seasons in 24 years.

"He is a real good guy. I am sorry to hear that he is leaving. He is a tough guy, but it seems like he gets the kids very organized," said Nick Brockman of The Messenger, Madisonville's daily newspaper.

"He is very popular here. He turned around the program. He was doing his job and had the talent to keep it going. I don't know anything about the program at Mercer, but he was doing well here."

Madisonville lost 19-0 to Henderson County last year after beating Henderson 38-21 in 2007. Henderson coach Clay Clevenger, a Danville native who also interviewed at Mercer, respects the job Weaver has done.

"He will do a good job because he did a good job at Madisonville. He's a good guy. He really had good skill kids coming back this year, too," Clevenger said.

That includes cornerback J.C. Wade, who already has several Division I scholarship offers.

Weaver's name was mentioned prominently with several other jobs this spring, including one at Harrison County.

"I heard his name tossed around with a few jobs this summer that he was applying for. I don't know how serious he was or how many he applied for. When I first heard today about Mercer, I thought it was just another rumor," Brockman said.

However, that rumor became reality late Monday afternoon when Weaver took the job and others who were interviewed were notified that Mercer had its successor to Marty Jaggers. They included Clevenger, Rowan County coach Shadon Brown, Mercer assistant coach Bill Mason, Scott County assistant coach Dave Thomas and former Harrodsburg all-state player Dennis Johnson.

Weaver won't have much time to meet his new players because the Kentucky High School Athletic Association-mandated dead period begins Thursday. That means he won't be able to have any contact with his players for two weeks.

"That's not ideal, but there is still time to get ready," Weaver said. "I am not going to come in and make excuses. If that means working 24-7 (24 hours a day, seven days a week), then that's what we will do to get things going."

Central program takes to the air

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:30 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- Starting Thursday, Hopkins County Central sports enthusiasts will have one more avenue to get a fix for their athletic news addiction thanks to the brainchild of football coach Zach Hibbs.

After one fitful night of sleep, Hibbs crafted the idea for a Central-themed television show and that dream will soon become a realization.

"It was actually something that I sat up in the middle of the night and said 'Wow, that would be a great idea,'" Hibbs said. "I've got people around me that have been able to help me out to make it possible.

"Our kids need an opportunity to get on there and see themselves on TV and have the events broadcast."

Hibbs, who will host the 30-minute show, said he has been keeping the project quiet as he assembled the necessary means to pull off the endeavor and also to keep the guest list manageable.

"I haven't told all of my coaches about it yet because they would be beating down the door 'Let me in! Let me do it!,' " Hibbs said.

Storm senior center Cody Summers will be among Hibbs' guests on the premiere show.

The show, which is filmed at Central's Storm Production Studios, may have a football coach at the helm, but Hibbs said he wants to encompass all Storm athletics.

"That way we can do it year round," he said. "I think it will be a good thing for us."

By conducting the television program, Hibbs said he aims to help the public learn more about Central athletics as a whole.

"I know a lot of the times with us being out here in the country, a lot of times people in Madisonville don't get to hear about events that we're going to have," he said. "It's not that they don't want to come, it's just that they don't know anything about it. It's a good media for us."

Helping Hibbs behind the scenes, boys basketball coach Matt Bell provides the technical support and production work.

"Coach Bell is very talented with the things he can do in the multi-media setting," Hibbs said.

Hibbs said he plans to add theme music and visual elements as he and Bell develop the program.

"We would like to have some clips, pictures," he said. "If we can get those things in, then yes I would love for that to happen, and I think that will probably be the case."

Storm Chasers will air Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. Saturdays on Cable Channel 14. New episodes will run every two to three weeks.

Program yielding positive results

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, June 20, 2009 1:24 AM CDT

The Difference: it's not just the name of the program, but it's also the impact one YMCA training regimen has been making with some Hopkins County athletes.

Developed by former Madisonville-North Hopkins and Hopkins County Central assistant football coach Chad Cunningham, the program helps youths improve fitness through arduous conditioning.

Named "The Difference," the workouts are specifically designed for youth and young adults ages 7-18 and utilize scheduled testing to measure increased strength and agility.

"It's basically the total body," Cunningham said of the routine. "It's a version of the presidential physical fitness test."

Cunningham, now the strength and conditioning coach for the Lady Storm soccer team, designed the program for local youth athletes to train closer to home.

"I've seen beaucoups of talent go through Hopkins County and you always hear about Owensboro and this, that and the other," he said. "Those people have a place to go to and I felt like there's no reason why we don't have that.

"There's no reason that people should have to go to Owensboro to get this kind of training. It should be offered right here with the number of kids in sports."

Kelly Forbes, the Hopkins County Family YMCA sports and marketing director, said there are currently 17 athletes enrolled in the four-week sessions and individuals can sign up to come once, twice or three times a week.

The Difference began in March and many athletes have already seen positive results, Forbes said.

"Athletes are taught proper body weight exercises, running and agility form," she said. "The have developed cardio endurance, strength, stamina, speed, power, flexibility, coordination and power from performing constantly varied functional movement exercises."

After four weeks, participants can continue to enroll in the program as they wish.

"It's something that you're going to keep getting better and seeing improvements at," Cunningham said. "Even if somebody comes and does it for eight weeks, that doesn't mean they can't keep going."

Cunningham said the participation is nearly even between boys and girls and he is even working a team camp with the Central dance squad.

"Somebody like the dance team you wouldn't think would enjoy this kind of stuff or it would help, but it helps on balance and it helps on speed," he said.

In addition to dance team members, Forbes said athletes participating in volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, football and golf have enrolled with The Difference.

Former Central football coach Rick Snodgrass joins Cunningham as an instructor for the course.

Cunningham said he asked Snodgrass to help because of his reputation in the community and knowledge for exercise physiology.

"As far as the high school level, 25 years as a coach, he knows what he's doing," Cunningham said. "I felt he would be a good fit and he's good with the kids."

With summer in full swing, all high-school athletes are in an official down time, but that hasn't stopped the most determined from trying to make a "difference" for next season with one of the YMCA's latest offerings.

Sharks use balance, beat Hopkinsville

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, June 19, 2009 12:22 AM CDT

Four different swimmers won each of their five individual events on Thursday evening as the Madisonville Sharks captured a dual meet victory against Hopkinsville Golf and Country Club in South Central Conference action.

Kailyn Brown, Michelle Roy and brothers Jack and Drew Dodds each claimed wins in their respective age divisions for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle and individual medley as Madisonville won 336-257.

Brown and Roy also competed alongside Hannah Kik and Linny Hooper in the 14-and-under division to win the 200-yard medley relay.

Madisonville snagged four relay victories one week after not claiming a single one in the squad's first home meet of the season.

"We have a 10-and-under boys relay that has a really good chance at doing well at championships if they all swim like they're supposed to," co-coach Mary Katherine Kington said.

Drew Dodds helped that group win Thursday with much assistance from Andrew Gaines, Cameron Hunt and Jett Kik.

Kington said the relays have been an area of focus as the Sharks prepare for each successive meet.

"We worked on relay transitions in practice, trying to get them off the wall as soon as the other person's fingers touch," she said. "Hopefully that helped (Thursday night)."

For the youngest swimmers, the first meets of the season mean learning the basics, Kington said.

"The early meets we just try to make sure everybody is doing their strokes properly so when we get to championships they don't get disqualified," she said. "We want everybody to learn how to race so when they finish at the wall they're competing with the person in the lane next to them and not just floating into the wall."

Olivia Devine represented one of Madisonville's sharpest young swimmers, taking first in the 25-yard back and free in the girls 6-and-under group. Emory Fazenbaker finished second in the 8-and-under individual medley.

The success has come quickly for some Shark swimmers.

"A lot of kids came in and didn't know any strokes, no technique, no fundamentals," Kington said. "Now, they have sound technique and know basically what they're supposed to do."

Kington, a 2009 Madisonville-North Hopkins graduate and former Lady Maroon swimmer, exhibited why the younger Sharks should follow her example when she took part on the first-place girls open 200-yard free relay. Hopkins County Central swimmers Kathryn Cartwright, Ellen Cox and Rebecca Spraggs joined Kington on the winning relay.

Co-coaches and North grads Joseph Porter and Shawn Sarles also earned a win as part of the open boys relay with Central teammates Kain Bean and Zach Yonts.

Several Pirates off to a hot start

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, June 18, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

As the Tradewater Pirates sit atop the K.I.T. League standings, many of the team's players boast among the best individual statistics for offensive and pitching categories.

Starting pitcher Dustin Williams ranks highest among Pirate players placing No. 1 in five separate categories while shortstop Colby Price paces the team offensively with three first-place honors.

Williams owns top billing in starts (3), wins (3), losses (0), fewest hits (5) and strikeouts (32). He also ranks second in innings pitched (22 2/3) and fourth for ERA (1.19).

Through Tuesday's action, Owensboro Oiler Mitch Kellum had not allowed an earned run in 15 innings pitched.

Meanwhile, Union City's Jon Ivie and Fulton's Matthew Harris have each recorded three saves to pace the K.I.T. Pirate reliever Christian Stutts trails closely behind with two.

Tradewater starter Ryan Tabor also ranks among the league's best for fewest walks. Tabor has allowed just four free passes in 16 innings while striking out 22.

At the plate, Colby Price has carried his hot bat from Oral Roberts University (Okla.) to Riverside Park and beyond. Price boasts the league's best slugging percentage (.704), most RBIs (13) and is tied for the home run lead with Tyler Choate at three. All three of Price's home runs came during a pivotal doubleheader sweep Sunday at Sikeston.

Like Williams, Fulton Railroader Philip Dean dominates the offensive categories, leading in average (.405), on-base percentage (.569), hits (17) and runs (18). Dean also ranks second in stolen bases with six.

Dean shares the lead for hits, however, with Pirates outfielder Matt Presley, who also places second in average (.362).

Jordan Hughes' league-leading 14 walks have helped him to a .500 on-base percentage despite hitting just .174 thus far.

Beau Faulk rounds out the final Pirate league leader. Faulk represents the only player in the league to play in all 14 contests.

Other Tradewater Pirates ranking among the league's best include Austin Messerli with four doubles (second) and Cass Via and Sean Flaherty each have five stolen bases, good for third.

Finally, Benton Yaun has struck out just three times in 31 plate appearances.

Pirates struggle in loss to Owensboro

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, June 18, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

DAWSON SPRINGS -- Another rain out might have been the best outcome for the Tradewater Pirates on Wednesday evening at Riverside Park.

After back-to-back postponements, Tradewater and the Owensboro Oilers faced off for a doubleheader, but the Pirates appeared sluggish and rusty after experiencing a couple days away from the field.

Owensboro led 5-0 in the first game as both squads entered a one-hour rain delay. When play resumed the Oilers (8-6) continued to hold onto their advantage and eventually defeated the Pirates (10-5) by a score of 10-1.

Tradewater starting pitcher Luke Rogers surrendered five runs in just two-plus innings of work. Owensboro began the night on the fast track to victory with four runs in the first inning.

Reliever Wes Clingman entered in the third to take over for Rogers and tossed a scoreless third.

Tradewater failed to get on the board once again in the third.

The Oilers touched Clingman for a run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the fourth, and then the lightning and rain took control. At 6:12 p.m., play was halted for one hour.

When the contest resumed, Owensboro added one more run in the fourth on a throwing error to take a commanding 7-0 advantage.

After 2 1/3 innings of work, James Rechenbach relieved Clingman.

Finally, in the fifth, Tradewater ended Owensboro starter Mitch Kellum's shutout bid. The Pirates loaded the bases with a single and two walks. With one out, designated hitter Matt Presley hit a sacrifice fly to score Sean Mahley. Tradewater could not muster another run from the threat, though.

The run ended Kellum's league-leading 19 consecutive-innings streak without allowing an earned run.

Rechenbach surrendered three more runs in the seventh on a two-run triple and RBI ground-out.

Offensively, Mahley, Sean Flaherty, Beau Faulk, Lanc Crochet and Benton Yaun each collected a hit for the Pirates. For Owensboro, former Tradewater plater Mike Finigan finished 3-for-4. Oiler center fielder Cody Pack also went 3-for-4 and added 4 RBIs as Owensboro tallied 15 total hits.

Tradewater and Owensboro continued play during the sixth and seventh innings despite lightning and thunder. As the teams prepared to start the second game, the lightning intensified and moderate, steady rain began to fall. Tradewater tarped the mound and and batter's box.

The second contest was scheduled to start at 9:05 p.m., but umpires decided to officially postpone the game shortly after 9:10 p.m. as lightning and light rain persisted.

The game one loss dropped the Pirates' first-place lead over Owensboro to just 1 1/2 games.

Tradewater returns to action 7 p.m. today at Union City.

Owensboro (8-6) 410 200 3 -- 10 15 3

Tradewater (10-5) 000 010 0-- 1 5 2

WP: Mitch Kellum (2-0)

LP: Luke Rogers (0-2)

Mashburn to continue career at Centre College

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

If Lauren Mashburn thought she grew up on a golf course, the 2009 Madisonville-North Hopkins graduate will be spending even more time on the links in preparation for the collegiate season after signing a letter of intent to play at Centre College.

Mashburn, a co-captain for the Lady Maroon golf team, announced she will continue her career at Centre last week. The step seems to be one of a progression in the career of a golfer who took to the sport from a young age.

"My family has always lived on the golf course, so I rode around with dad with my little two-foot tall golf clubs for quite a while, since probably I learned how to walk," Mashburn said.

As a child, Mashburn began to learn the basics of golf at Lakeshore Country Club and beginning her seventh grade year, she played competitively for North at the same course.

North coach Sam Westfall said there are multiple characteristics that helped Mashburn establish herself as a collegiate prospect.

"Two things, I think she worked real hard when she was in high school and I think she's just a real, real good student," he said. "She worked hard like the way she did around the golf course."

Mashburn said it's nice to continue her career especially at such a prestigious school.

"It means more that I'm getting to play at Centre because they focus more on academics and arts," she said.

In addition to its reputation for academic success, Centre ranks in Golf World Magazine's top 20 in Division III according to a release from the school.

Still, Centre coach Brian Chafin said he believes Mashburn can work her way into the lineup as a freshman.

"I expect Lauren to compete for a top five spot next year as a first-year student at Centre," he said. "She has the ability to play at our level if she dedicates herself to working on her game."

Mashburn said she recently played a round with Centre assistant Tom Campbell and the pair discussed the areas she must focus on as the summer progresses.

"The stipulations were I needed to work on my short game and work on getting up and down around the green," Mashburn said. "If I did that, then my scores would drop tremendously and I wouldn't have to worry about my spot. But as of right now, with my scores as they are, I think me and another girl are still competing for the fifth and sixth spots."

As with any sport, one of the best ways to improve is through constant repetition and practice.

"My short game has never really been up to par, so I've been spending hours and hours on the driving range hitting buckets and buckets of range balls," Mashburn said.

Besides hitting the range, Mashburn said she also plans to participate in the Greater Owensboro Golf Series and play events in Evansville and the Pepsi Tour this summer. She also qualified for the Kentucky Girls Junior Amateur at Bardstown Country Club on July 8-9.

No matter the result of her tournaments this summer, Mashburn said she's confident an environment like Centre's will help her excel.

"I think actually moving to a place where there are a lot players that are significantly better than me, and instead of me looking for my competition at tournaments, I can look at my competition everyday," she said. "Because I'm such a competitive player, I think it will help me improve faster."

Summer a time to hone skills

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Writer

Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 12:23 AM CDT

The gyms might be empty and ball fields overgrown these days at Hopkins County schools, but summer provides the opportunity for high school athletes of nearly all sports to improve and stay active.

From swimming to baseball, basketball to football and beyond, summer's free time allows local athletes to hone the skills fans look forward to watching during the fall, winter and spring.

The warm weather, increased daylight and leisure time lends itself to natural summer sports like golf and baseball. Madisonville-North Hopkins golfer Patrick Hibbs has utilized his opportunity to play in the Kentucky State Amateur Golf Tournament at Champion Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville.

Fellow golfer Taylor Howerton of Hopkins County Central has participated in the Greater Owensboro Golf Series while older sister Ashleigh Howerton has played in the Junior Masters and plans to take part in many other tournaments this summer.

Each of the golfers can only hope practicing in the heat will give them the experience to make a deep postseason run this fall at the state tournament.

As for baseball, several North and Central players have been working their craft at Elmer Kelley Stadium for the American Legion Post 6 Madisonville Miners. Maroons like Hayden Marks, Michael Huddleston and Dalton Liking have been ripping the cover off the ball in addition to graduates Ben Campbell, Micah Rainwater and Drew Bennett.

Tyler Harris and graduate Clayton Solise have been doing a solid job representing the Storm as well.

Central and North's football teams are heading toward running at full steam with both experiencing great success at 7-on-7 passing camps in the Louisville area. With eight weeks left until opening kickoff, both squads have lots of positions to fill and questions to answer.

Even if a player chooses not to get involved with a team activity, athletes of many sports have plenty of opportunity to enhance their knowledge through camps. Softball, basketball, soccer and dance are among just a few scheduled in the coming weeks in Madisonville.

Memorial Day's passing also signaled the start to swim season. Last week, the Madisonville Golf and Country Club captured its first home meet of the year, downing Russellville Country Club. North graduates Mary Katherine Kington, Joseph Porter and Shawn Sarles lead a young and eager bunch and provide plenty of combined swimming experience as they coach the Sharks.

In addition to educational camps, basketball players hoping to advance to the next level like Storm big-man Daniel Croft will attend sessions in attempts of gaining attention and name recognition.

Not to be left out, local runners will use the cool mornings and evenings and participate in events like 5Ks to build up endurance for the approaching high school season.

Classes are out, but for student-athletes, learning continues during the summer. The focus just changes to the latter half of the equation.

Sharks win first home meet

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, June 12, 2009 12:21 AM CDT

Lightning and rain prevented the Madisonville Sharks from completing their first home swim meet, but not from capturing a South Central Conference win.

Madisonville hosted Russellville Country Club at the Madisonville Golf and Country Club on Thursday and the teams finished 55 of 73 scheduled events before lightning forced officials to end the meet at approximately 6:30 p.m. Through 55 events, Madisonville held a 216-148 advantage.

If the rain wasn't enough to send them racing, Madisonville's trio of first-year coaches had plenty to follow in the water.

"We run circles around the pool during the meets," co-coach Mary Katherine Kington said. "(We're) just making sure that the kids are having fun and learning new things so they are constantly improving at each meet."

Madisonville racked up 19 individual first-place finishes. Emory Fazenbaker recorded the most individual wins with three in the 25-yard butterfly, 25 back stroke and 100 individual medley, all in the 8-and-under age group.

Clay Cunningham, Drew Dodds, Bob Kik, Morgan P'Pool, Michelle Roy and Rebecca Spraggs each tallied two victories. Kendall Adkins, Olivia Devine, Jett Kik, Libby Shockley and Zach Yonts produced a win a piece as well.

During the 100 individual medley, Yonts, who will be a sophomore at Madisonville-North Hopkins in the fall, swam neck-and-neck with a Russellville swimmer until the Maroon broke away in the final 25 yards.

In addition to his victory in the 100 IM, Yonts, 15, finished second in the 50 back and 50 breast stroke, losing narrowly in each event.

Yonts, who has been swimming for just two years, said it's tough to swim against more experienced opponents, but he has still developed some concrete goals for the summer.

"Just to improve all around, mostly improving on my breast stroke because it's not very good," he said. "It's always a challenge to get up there and beat them."

Kington said with a blend of new and seasoned swimmers come different bench marks.

"We have different practices for different age groups, but we try to accomplish goals with each different group of kids," she said. "Individually, we try to teach the little kids and make sure they know all four strokes and they are able to do them legally and properly, so they don't get disqualified."

Madisonville will next swim 5 p.m. Monday in a home meet.

Tippett wins U.S. Collegiate Bass Championship

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, June 11, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

Hanson resident Kalem Tippett wasn't in familiar water when he traveled to Lake Lewisville, Texas, but that didn't stop the angler from uncovering the secret to capturing the U.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship May 28-29.

Tippett, 20, and his partner Vincent Campisano, who represented Murray State University, simply did as they would on their own turf by practicing some ledge fishing.

"That's all Kentucky Lake is pretty much," Tippett said. "We went down there looking for a ledge to fish, something like we fish here at home and ended up finding a ledge, so it was pretty much like fishing home water. It was just a point of finding where they were out."

The tactic paid dividends and the duo led all 111 competing teams after day one with five fish weighing 21.66 pounds.

Tippett, who just finished his sophomore year, said he didn't know if the lead would stick as many favored a team from the University of North Texas on its home territory.

Tippett's success continued during the tournament's second day, though the strategy did change.

"The first day, we threw crankbait pretty much all day and just lured them out," he said. "The second day, they turned off on it and we ended up having to drag Paca Craws."

Tippett admitted he wasn't quite sure what caused the different movements in the bass.

"The weather was pretty much the same both days, but the shad on the second day moved deep," he said. "(The) bass just kind of hunkered in and weren't feeding the second day like they were the first, so it took a little more time to bite."

Although it was Tippett's first time fishing a tournament with Campisano, he said the teamwork proved vital to their success.

"Most of the time you can throw different baits and give two different presentations until you figure out what's going to work," Tippett said. "That was a big part of it our second day.

"We pulled back up on our ledge where our fish were. The guy on the back of the boat kept throwing the crank bait for a little while and I started dragging the Paca Craw, and once I got a bite on it, we both swapped to the Pacas. He ended up catching two more after that."

The team caught five fish for 14.5 pounds on the second day for a 36.16-pound total and held off North Texas by eight-tenths of a pound.

"We barely squeaked them out," Tippett said. "We only found one spot really that held good fish."

During the days leading up to the tournament, Tippett said he and Campisano pre-fished and searched for ledges.

"We found a spot that was kind of at the end of a spawning flat and we just dropped off and had some real good stuff on the ledge," Tippett said. "We looked for two days for ledges and we only found one that held enough fish to last for two days."

Tippett said he will also be competing this summer at the Under Armour College Bass National Championship July 9-12 on the Arkansas River.

Klinker adjusting to life in Reds' system

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, June 11, 2009 12:25 AM CDT

Years removed from his playing days at Elmer Kelley Stadium, former Madisonville resident Matt Klinker continues to toil as part of the Cincinnati Reds minor league organization.

Klinker played baseball for Madisonville-North Hopkins his eighth grade and freshman year before moving to West Chester, Ohio, about 15 miles north of Cincinnati. After completing high school in 2003, Klinker attended college at Furman University (S.C.) and was picked up in the 15th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft by the Reds.

Two years later, Klinker, 24, has progressed to Cincinnati's Class A Advanced squad, the Sarasota Reds (Fla.). Klinker, listed at 6-5, 220 pounds, has been used as a reliever and starter in the minors, but expects to make his mark in a starting role.

"I'd say just a smart pitcher that knows how to change speeds and locate his fastball," he said of his approach. "I can run it up there to 94, but I'm on my best when I pitch about 89-92 and just change speeds with my change-up and curveball."

Klinker, a right-handed pitcher, said he likes to emulate power righties like Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens or Kevin Brown, but also admires the craftiness of Greg Maddux.

Last season, Klinker got a chance to prove his stuff against two-time All Star Dontrelle Willis, who was making a rehab start for the Lakeland Flying Tigers. For Klinker, it was his first start after being promoted from the Dayton Dragons (Ohio).

"I was like 'Wow, this guy has won a World Series and has been up in the bigs, has a multi-million dollar contract,'" Klinker said.

Klinker tuned it up and overcame any possible nerves. He tossed 62/3 shutout innings and struck out five and Sarasota eventually earned a 1-0 victory.

Although Klinker undoubtedly welcomed the promotion, leaving Dayton meant moving away from family and one of the best minor league atmospheres in the country. Dayton's Fifth Third Field averages nearly 8,500 fans per game.

"That was an awesome experience being so close to home," Klinker said. "I would have 20-25 family members and friends to every one of my starts. They just pack it out. It's one of the top 10 attendance for all Minor League Baseball."

After making six starts for Sarasota this season, Klinker strained his super splenius in his shoulder and underwent a cortisone shot to reduce inflammation.

On Sunday, Klinker threw two innings in an extended spring training game to catcher and fellow Cincinnatian Tyler Stovall.

"It's good to have local guys and we talk about the area of Cincinnati," Klinker said.

Klinker called himself a "pseudo hometown kid" and has used his connection for various opportunities like blogging for the Web site redlegnation.com about the lifestyle of a minor league ballplayer.

Still, Klinker thinks about his adjustment to a busier life and what he left behind in Hopkins County.

"It was definitely a little bit of culture shock when I went (to Cincinnati) for the first time, but I got used to it quick," he said. "I definitely miss the small-town feel of Madisonville when I moved."

Klinker said he hopes to return to Sarasota's lineup in the next week or two.

Vance out as North baseball coach

By: Nick Brockman, The Messenger/nbrockman@the-messenger.com 824-3241

Published: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 4:21 PM CDT

Hopkins County Schools superintendent James Lee Stevens acknowledged Tuesday afternoon that Madisonville-North Hopkins baseball coach Scott Vance will not be retained for next season.

Vance, who guided the Maroon program for seven seasons, directed the team to a 25-10 record in 2009.

Stevens said he talked with Vance on Friday and “sent him the letter on Monday.”

“(Vance) was relieved of his duties as baseball coach at the end of the season,” Stevens said. “He will continue as a teacher in the Hopkins County School system.

“Coaches are employed on a year-to-year basis and after he completed the season, and the number of graduates we had in the baseball program, the administration members of North-Hopkins felt like we needed to go in a new direction and start a rebuilding program.”

During Vance’s tenure, he accumulated a record of 164-83 (.664) and recorded seven 7th District Tournament Championships.

Stevens said it was off-the-field issues that led to relieving Vance, though.

“His success rate has been very successful,” Stevens said. “His baseball knowledge has been very good. It’s just a failure of communications following directions of the KHSAA and school board procedures.”

After listening to the North administration, Stevens made the ultimate ruling.

“That’s not a board decision, it’s a personnel action, which is taken by the superintendent,” he said. “Basically, there had been discussion since the beginning of the baseball season with the school administration of Madisonville-North and basically, based upon the recommendation of the information that was provided to me by those people, I made the decision.”

Vance declined to comment, but did offer he would discuss the “entire and whole story after speaking with some legal representation.”

Miners off to a fast start in '09

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

If the Madisonville Miners' opening weekend is any indication of how the rest of the season shall go, then local baseball fans will have plenty of high-powered action to witness this summer.

The American Legion Post 6 Miners junior and senior squads swept their competition this weekend. The juniors traveled to the Bullitt East Tournament where they captured the championship while the elder team took both games in a doubleheader against Metcalfe County at Elmer Kelley Stadium.

Miners manager Scott Marks joined the junior team at Bullitt East and witnessed many positive aspects.

"My favorite part about the junior team was the way we attacked the ball at the plate," he said. "We were patiently aggressive and did a good job at the plate.

Madisonville-North Hopkins' Hayden Marks started for the Miners juniors and led the squad to a five-inning, 10-0 victory Friday night. Marks tossed four innings, struck out seven and did not allow a hit.

Fellow Maroons Michael Huddleston and Dalton Lykins each recorded two hits. Huddleston added four stolen bases and Hopkinsville's Clayton Smithson finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs.

The offense continued on Saturday with a 14-2 victory against Anderson, Ind. and a 10-0 win against host Bullitt East.

Josh Drake and Kyle Smithson, both from Hopkinsville, secured the pitching wins.

Offensively, Lykins totaled 5-for-7 with five RBIs on the day while Hopkins County Central's Tyler Harris went 3-for-6 with four RBIs.

The junior team entered Sunday's action as the No. 1 seed in the elimination bracket. Madisonville defeated Bullitt East 12-9 to advance to the championship contest.

Kyle Smithson earned the pitching win as the Miners went the full seven innings for the only time all weekend. Drake collected two hits including a solo home run. Huddleston tacked on two more stolen bases to his weekend total and Lykins added two more RBIs.

Madisonville fell behind 5-0 to Owen County Post 39 after three innings in the championship, but scored 15 unanswered to capture the title.

Marks said it was the single most impressive part of the weekend.

"We were down 5-0 and it looked kind of bleak - it didn't bother the kids at all," he said. "They didn't play the score, they played the game."

Harris, Huddleston, Lykins and both Smithsons finished with at least two hits.

Looking back at the juniors' weekend, Marks said Lykins' performance stood out among the best.

"He caught all weekend for us and the juniors did a great job," he said. "The more tired he got, the better he played. He's definitely a competitor. He would be my MVP for the weekend being able to play all those games and catch."

Meanwhile, the elder Miners squad swept Metcalfe County 8-1 and 15-4 on Saturday.

Western Kentucky University pitcher Tyler Gilliland threw six innings and struck out six to earn the first win. University of New Orleans pitcher Jarred Marks threw one inning of no-hit relief.

Pitching continued to be the senior team's theme in the second game as 2009 Madisonville-North Hopkins graduate Ben Campbell struck out eight in five innings and surrendered just one earned run.

Campbell's former catcher Drew Bennett, now of Vincennes University (Ind.), paced the Miners with a three-hit, two RBI performance. Micah Rainwater, also a 2009 North grad, knocked in two on two hits and Gilliland added a two-run home run.

The Madisonville junior team returns to action at 4:30 p.m. today to play host to Bowling Green in a doubleheader, while the seniors do not play again until 5:30 p.m. at the Western Kentucky Dirtbags.

Terry holds off Gaston at wire in Pennyrile Soap Box Derby

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, June 7, 2009 12:18 PM CDT

It took 31 heats and more than four hours of racing, but in the end just .038 seconds separated Saturday afternoon's winning driver from the next competitor in the inaugural Pennyrille Soap Box Derby.

Ten-year-old Blair Terry defeated Claude Gaston by the slimmest of margins as 13 stock division drivers battled during competition held on Main Street between Fifth Third Bank and the former Bartholomews Restaurant.

Gaston did not lose a single race in the double-elimination event until he met Terry in the finals. Terry advanced to the championship from the competitor's bracket. Thus, Terry faced an arduous task: defeat Gaston twice. That, he did.

Gaston won "Phase B" of both heats with Terry taking the "Phase A" races. Terry captured the first heat by .136 seconds and edged Gaston once again in the second for the victory.

Terry said he knew his competition was tough and it took him some time after the race to understand he had won despite crossing second.

"I thought Claude was going to win, but when I came across the finish line, I won," Terry said.

The victory marks the first for Terry, who has a collection of seven top 10-finishes during his three-year racing career.

Terry's grandfather, Bill Farrell, worked many months as president of the Pennyrile Soap Box Derby Association to host the event and he openly displayed the joy he felt for his grandson.

"He's never taken first place before, so this is special," Farrell said with a tear in his eye.

With the win, Terry will join his older brother, Alex Terry, to compete in the World Championships on July 25 in Akron, Ohio. Alex Terry, 12, will compete in the rally race division.

Alex Terry said his brother appeared to focus more after falling into the competitor's bracket.

"I think he probably figured out what was at stake and he could go to Akron," Alex Terry said.

Brien Terry, father of Alex and Blair, said he agreed.

"After he lost, he seemed to start focusing," Brien Terry said. "It was a hard battle. There were a lot of good cars out there."

Although two boys raced for the event's top prize, girls occupied the third through sixth places in Carleigh Troutman, Morgan Eubanks, Mallory Howard and Miranda Kuehne.

"The girls are better racers than the boys and the reason for this is a little girl is more flexible," Farrell said. "She can get down lower in the car."

The girls nearly swept the post race awards as well. Troutman claimed Best Design for her Hopkins County Sheriff-sponsored car. Howard won Best Pit Crew for bringing an enthused cheering section and Kuehne captured Best Sportsmanship.

Joseph Clemmons earned the Best All-American award for his dedication.

After the race, each participant also received a plaque and the top four finishers sported trophies that rivaled the children's own height.

With the inaugural race completed, plans have already begun to expand next year's event.

"This is a good community and it deserves to have something like this," Farrell said. "I'm tickled pink to have this happen (Saturday). We know where our kinks are, our bumps, and next year it's going to be bigger. Our numbers will double next year."

Farrell said he plans to increase the field to include a super stock division to allow older children to race.

13 drivers to compete in today's Derby race

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, June 6, 2009 1:23 AM CDT

Beginning at 9 a.m. today, Madisonville's main drag will be a race drag for 13 soap box drivers hoping to capture first place in the city's first-ever All-American Soap Box Derby race.

After several months of preparation and waiting, the drivers will compete on Main Street between Fifth Third Bank and the former Bartholomews Restaurant. The race will be hosted by the Pennyrile Soap Box Derby Association.

Although numbers may be lower than the association originally expected, interest has grown considerably as the word has spread.

"I really think that this is something that Madisonville and Hopkins County is going to be able to wrap their arms around and take off like a rocket with," vice president Brien Terry said. "It's not only a sport, but there's a big factor that comes into play. It's a chance for a kid and an adult to spend some quality time together."

Today's race will be a double-elimination event. Each driver must lose two heats to be eliminated from competition. During a heat, two drivers will race and then swap lanes to ensure fairness. The day's ultimate winner will advance to the World Championship race to be held July 25 in Akron, Ohio.

Terry, who has helped two of his children race, said he has seen quite an array of strategies to winning.

"Everybody has a different philosophy," he said. "You kind of have to watch and listen and see who's winning to figure out who might have a better edge."

As veterans and organizers, Terry and Pennyrile Soap Box president Bill Farrell have been the go-to individuals for advice in this year's race.

"We do have a little more knowledge than most people here just because we've gone out and done a little bit more," Terry said. "We've been sharing everything that we know because we want everyone to have an equal shot at it."

Since Monday, Terry has been inspecting cars at the event's impound at West Broadway Elementary to ensure safety and regulations.

"It kind of feels like I've moved into West Broadway school," he said. "It's been about 9:30 every night before I've left. I'm looking to put a cot over there I think."

Drivers will meet at 7:15 a.m. today at the school and load cars onto two trailers that will carry them to the pit area at Fifth Third Bank. Starting at 8 a.m., each racer will get one practice run on the course.

Following the practice runs, official competition will commence.

Soap box racing has long been a popular event in other areas of Kentucky such as Bowling Green, but Terry and other Pennyrile Soap Box officials said they think Madisonville could be the newest hot bed.

"The longer we do this, the more we come across people that hadn't heard about it or just heard, and if these people are any indication of what is going to take place, next year should be bigger and better," Terry said. "It seems the word is starting to spread."

Hibbs, Cox prepping for tournament

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, June 5, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

As next week's Kentucky Amateur Golf Championship nears, two Hopkins County residents will be fine tuning various aspects of their game for participation in the prestigious event.

Patrick Hibbs and Steve Cox finished third and fourth respectively in a qualifier at Henderson County Club on May 24 to earn two of the eight berths on the day.

Hibbs, who will enter his senior year Madisonville-North Hopkins in the fall, shot a 75 while Cox, a local businessman, followed one shot behind at 76.

"It's pretty cool," Hibbs said of his first trip to the Kentucky Amateur Championship. "I'm looking forward to the tournament this week because it's probably the biggest I've ever played in and I'm just hoping I will make the cut.

"It was my first competitive tournament of the year and it was nice getting back into the rhythm and feeling the pressure."

Last high-school golf season, Hibbs narrowly missed making his second consecutive state tournament by one stroke.

Now, Hibbs said he's much improved.

"I feel like my game is a lot better now," he said. "I can tell that I'm better. I'm hitting it longer and hitting it a little bit more straighter and everything, so I feel good about that. My putter is a little better than it was last year too."

When asked what has triggered his off-season improvement, Hibbs said, "A combination of weight room and having another year of experience, getting better."

Meanwhile, Cox ensured back-to-back appearances in the championship with his qualifying round at Henderson. Last year, Cox shot an opening-day score of 79 and then shot 87 in the state amateur at Paducah Country Club.

During Cox's senior year of high school in 1971, he led the Maroons to a second-place showing at state. Cox won the 2006 Madisonville City Golf Championship and has been crowned Evansville Club Champion 13 times.

Although Hibbs may be a first-timer in next week's field, he said as long as he can hit greens and stay away from three-putts, he should be in for a solid performance.

"I just know when I play my game and keep it down the middle, I'll be fine," he said. "I'll be able to compete with them."

The Kentucky Amateur Golf Championship will be played Tuesday through Thursday at Champion Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville.

The Messenger was unable to reach Cox for comment on Thursday.

Pirates derail Fulton 6-2 behind Williams' pitching effort

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 12:27 AM CDT

DAWSON SPRINGS - Less than 24 hours after arriving in Hopkins County, the Tradewater's newest pitcher Dustin Williams tossed seven no-hit innings to lead the Pirates against the Fulton Railroaders.

Williams walked five and hit two batters but overcame those struggles by striking out 11 and not allowing a hit in his K.I.T. League debut. Tradewater's offense provided the pitching staff with plenty of support as the Pirates (3-2) claimed a 6-2 victory.

Manager Brandon Kitch said he liked how the Pirates swung the bats, but expects even more as the season progresses.

"We saw a lot better things today and it's only going to get better as far as the offense goes," Kitch said.

"We're not scoring enough runs for me.

"I'm used to 10 and 12 runs."

In the first, Williams started strong with back-to-back strikeouts to begin a 1-2-3 inning. Williams retired the Railroaders (3-2) in order again in the third and fifth innings, but ran into some control problems during the seventh.

With a 5-0 lead in hand, Williams began the top of the seventh by hitting the first two Fulton batters in the middle of the back. A pair of wild pitches allowed the lead runner to score and the second run of the inning came on an RBI ground-out.

"I think I just got a little tired, started losing my legs and started trying to do too much," Williams said after the game.

Despite the runs, Williams still had not allowed a hit, but Kitch opted to bring in reliever James Rechenbach for the eighth because of Williams' high pitch count.

Kitch, who has seen Williams pitch before, said he knew it was time to remove the pitcher despite his success.

"He gets a little emotional sometimes and once he starts getting emotional, he begins losing control and losing focus," Kitch said.

"He got his feet wet tonight and now he knows what to expect the rest of the year. He's got great stuff."

Rechenbach retired the first two batters he faced before surrendering back-to-back singles. The next batter grounded into a fielder's choice, however, to end the threat.

Christian Stutts entered in the ninth and faced four batters to earn the save.

Offensively, the Pirates struck early with a run in the first via a Beau Faulk RBI ground-out. Neither team scored again until the fifth when Tradewater plated four runs to take a commanding 5-0 advantage.

During the fifth, four Pirates reached before Fulton recorded an out. The inning's first run came on a bases-loaded walk. Another scored on a 6-4-3 double play. Leadoff hitter Sean Mahley followed with an RBI single to center and eventually scored by advancing three times on three separate wild pitches.

Center fielder Matt Presley provided the game's final run in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly.

Tradewater's Joe Halley tallied the team's lone multi-hit game going 2-for-2.

The Pirates return to action 7 p.m. Thursday to play host to the defemding K.I.T. League champion Owensboro Oilers.

Tradewater visits Owensboro Friday.

Fulton (3-2) 000 000 200 - 6 7 1

Tradewater (3-2) 100 040 01X - 2 2 0

WP: Dustin Williams

LP: Nick Holmes

S: Christian Stutts

Area baseball, softball teams have bright futures

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Writer

Published: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

High school baseball and softball seasons came to a finish this week in Hopkins County with some coming unexpectedly sooner than anticipated and each local squad has not only plenty to be proud of, but a lot to look toward next season.

Softball teams like Hopkins County Central and Dawson Springs rose above expectations despite being two very young teams while the Madisonville-North Hopkins baseball club dominated Region 2 opponents throughout the regular season.

Not to be left out, Central's coach Lee James said his baseball team showed tremendous improvement during the season and finished just one game under .500. The Lady Maroons proved they can be a formidable opponent with starting pitcher Kyleigh Taylor and graduate just two players - Kelly Herrenbruck and Caitlin Todd.

At Dawson Springs, the Panthers struggled to secure wins, but coach Adam Locke has been promoting a positive atmosphere and has plenty to build upon with players like left-handed pitcher Brett Cobb and speedster Dayton Reed. Both will return for their junior campaigns next season.

While sports should always be about team accomplishments, plenty of local athletes boasted some well-deserved individual feats this season, none more significant than by Lady Storm pitcher Ali Austin, who established herself as the 7th District's top hurler.

Austin tossed Central's first-ever seven-inning perfect game in a 7-0 victory against Crittenden County on April 16. Less than two weeks later, the sophomore threw a no-hitter against Livingston Central.

For the Lady Panthers, Brooke Randolph rivaled Austin for the county's best pitcher. Randolph led Dawson to a berth in the 2nd Region Tournament, but the team drew an unfortunate opponent in Christian County.

Coach Kent Workman will not lose a single player to graduation though. This season's youth may prove to have many benefits when the club returns with plenty of varsity-experienced players next year.

Meanwhile, the North baseball team made its mark with eye-popping offensive numbers. The Maroons led the 2nd Region with 311 runs and scored 88 more runs than its closest foe. From table-setter Ryan Quinn as leadoff hitter to No. 9 batter Matt Levin, the Maroons raked opposing pitching.

With North's departure in the 2nd Region semi-finals, six seniors ended their high school careers, but some will continue at the next level. This summer, Ben Campbell and Micah Rainwater will play for the Madisonville Miners, an American Legion squad. Both are also getting looks from college coaches.

Five regulars return for North led by catcher Dalton Lykins and pitcher/shortstop Hayden Marks.

All in all, the 2009 season presented many successes. Although it's unfortunate some of Hopkins County's seniors did not graduate with that elusive regional title, this year's achievements indicate that day might not be too far away.