LOOKING BACK

 As I sit looking at a beautiful snowfall many thoughts run through my mind. In the past I have written of all-time Redhound football and basketball teams. It usually generates much thought from both old and young Redhound fans and mine is but one person’s opinion, but here goes.

On offense, for my money at quarterback is Ralph Wilder, the left-handed passer that quarterbacked one of only three teams to an undefeated season and a state championship in 1955. At halfback (yes, I have halfbacks on my team) Calvin Bird of the ’55 team and brother Rodger Bird of the 1960 undefeated team. The starting fullback on my team would come from the 1939 undefeated team, Jimmy Cummins. From the decade of the seventies the wide receiver would be Steve Bird, while the one of many outstanding tight ends I chose was Martin Earl Pennington. The two offensive tackles I felt good about were Alfred Keck and Big Fred Rader. At offensive guards I liked Mel Chandler and Jesse Grant and at center I felt Ted Meadors was the man.

On defense at ends I would choose Vin Hoover and David Chandler, The defensive tackles would be David Burton and Sam Brasel, The nose guard would be R.C. Thomas. The linebackers would be Tommy Adkins and Caleb Watkins. The defensive backs would be Harold Queary, David Miller, Greg Taylor and playing both ways Rodger Bird.

The punter would be Michael Campbell. The place kicker would be Sam Brasel and returning kickoffs and punts would be Billy Bird.

Certainly, an argument could be made for many outstanding players from over the years, but this group was chosen from off the top of my head without a great deal of thought and I am open to other opinions or suggestions.

In basketball it is even more difficult, but the five players I chose in no particular order are Jerry Bird, Frank Selvy, Jerry Smith, Calvin Bird and Tony Pietrowski. Other names kept popping into my mind, Bo Roaden, Marvin & Curly Selvy, Edd Selvy, Don Turner, Curt Selvy, Max Mobley and from yet an even earlier era Marion Cluggish.

This year’s Redhound round balers are off to yet another good start at 4-1 including wins over 13^th Region contenders Clay County at Manchester and South Laurel in London.

The game with South Laurel was a barnburner the second half as the Cardinals switched defenses and stepped up their intensity. I was impressed as the Redhounds responded by gritting out a tough win.

The Christmas vacation will find the Redhounds playing in the new facility at Harlan County. Holding tournaments usually take young high school players out of their normal lifetime routines and sometimes bring about out of character performances. I hope this does not happen this year.

I heard recently the General, or Bobby Knight, has elevated his position to that of curator for the coaching profession. Knight took it upon himself to critique the integrity of Coach John Calipari of Kentucky.

The Kentucky basketball program has always been stuck somewhat in the General’s craw, he didn’t like Rupp, he didn’t like Hall and he doesn’t like Calipari.

None of those coaches were ever fired for excessive and persistent abuse of student athletes. None of those coaches have ever been thought of as an egotistical over-`bearing bully. The General can continue to run his mouth and everyone will continue to consider the source.

On a brighter note, I extend to each of you my best wishers for the Holiday season.