LOOKING BACK

 I begin this column on a sad note as I inform you of the passing of Charles Steinmetz. Charlie was a Redhound football player in the mid 60s, but it is not enough to say Charlie was a football player. He stood around 5’8” and weighed in at around 135 pounds, and was as gritty as anybody who ever wore the Redhound colors. I can still see Charlie breaking the huddle and leading his team to the line of scrimmage, tugging the top of his jersey in his teeth as he bent over the football from his center position. Our condolences go out to Charlie’s family.

In the tradition of Charlie Steinmetz and all former Redhounds, the 2009 Hounds went out Friday and blitzed the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets, 37-0 in the first half and toyed with the Jackets in the second half winning by a final score of 37-13.

Playing only the first half, Caleb Watkins ran for four touchdowns to bring his total to 23 touchdowns for the year.

Watkins could have scored several more touchdowns if it were not for playing a weak schedule and allowing less playing time for Caleb.

As great of a year as Watkins is having, he is receiving very little recognition. Mike Fields weekly column lists favorites for Mr. Kentucky in football with no mention of Caleb.

Last year when all-state honors were voted on, the associated press recognized four South Laurel players, two on second team and two on honorable mention. Watkins was the only Redhound player recognized and that on honorable mention. It is a shame that kids play their hearts out and do not receive the recognition due them.

The last game of the regular season for the Redhounds should test their metal as they play Lexington Christian in Lexington Friday night.

The defense of the Hounds will be tested by a strong running attack featuring Dominique Hayden and a passing game led by quarterback Lucas Witt.

The sure tackling of Matthew Taylor, Brady Foley, Saxon Okuma and Watkins holds the Redhound defense together.

In my writings the past few weeks with regard to the Redhound basketball program it has been pointed out to me that I had made no mention of Luke Stewart, the senior inside player for the Hounds. Certainly, I did not intentionally disregard Luke, as I feel he will be very important to the success of this year’s team. Luke is a very intense player, who has worked very hard for this chance on the court and it should payoff this year. Luke is very good in and around the basket.

I was watching the Kentucky-La Monroe game when they came up with the question who was Kentucky’s best all-time offensive player and they listed Sonny Collins, Babe Parelli, Tim Couch, Craig Yeast and Dicky Lyons, Sr. I believe Couch won the vote. I can think of two Bird brothers that should have been on the list, Calvin and Rodger.

I cannot think of a better all-around player than Rodger Bird to have ever played at the University of Kentucky.

Rodger played on defense as a safety and scored on pass interceptions and was named All-SEC and All-American. Rodger was the punter and returned punts and kickoffs for touchdowns on special teams. Roger was the leading rusher while leading the team from his running back position. Rodger was the number one draft pick of the Oakland Raiders where he was named Defensive Rookie of the year in the National Football League. Bird set a record for punt return yardage that was later broken by Pittsburgh’s Lynn Swann. Now I ask you, who has better credentials than those?

There are a group of guys I eat lunch with throughout the week and one of our buddies Bill Leick moved a few months ago to Knoxville. Bill came in and visited with us last week and it was great to see him. Bill says there is a lot of orange down there in Knoxville.

Hang in there Bill, I think the Big Blue will give you something to cheer about this year.