LOOKING BACK

 The sports history of Corbin High School began within the first couple of decades of the 20^th century.

Early names that were prominent in those formative years were names like Coach Dick Bacon and Coach Nick Denes who guided the Redhounds on the football field and basketball courts. Coach Denes led the basketball Redhounds to their only state championship to date in 1936.

Although some dispute that the Redhounds were state champions in 1939 under Coach Ted Meadors on the football field, they were undefeated and certainly could lay clam to being their best in the Commonwealth.

In 1955, it was Coach Bill Tucker leading the fabulous Redhounds to an undefeated and undisputed state championship in his second year as coach.

In 1960 Coach Tucker’s successor, Walt Green, led the Redhounds to their last undefeated season in over 50 years ago.

In 1976, Coach Archie Powers and his Redhounds claimed the Class 2A State Championship and in 1980 Powers added his second 2A championship in five years.

In 1982 Coach Larry “Cotton” Adams led the Redhounds to a 2A state title.

In basketball the Redhounds have come no closer than a third place finish in 1950 since winning it all in 1936.

The round ballers were not without their moments however. There was the six-year run of 13^th region championships from 1947 thru 1952 under Coach Harry Taylor that later produced three players who were drafted into the NBA after great college careers. Jerry Bird, Frank Selvy and Jerry Smith.

In 1992 Coach Billy Hicks led the Redhounds back to the state tournament after a 40-year drought.

Coach Mike Deaton led the Redhounds to Rupp Arena twice and Corbin’s current coach Tony Pietrowski has taken the ‘Hounds on three occasions and certainly seems to have the Redhounds on the correct course.

The Redhounds football program also shows promise for the future as they move into 3A football with a crop of young players.

How was it that such an excellent tradition was able to develop?

Through the foresight and heart felt care of men who invested their time and efforts in the interest of the children of Corbin.

Ted Meadors was paramount in those efforts. Meadors had one biological son, but served as a father figure for hundreds of the children raised in Corbin.

Ted’s lessons were well learned and passed from one generation to another as boys grew into men and shared what this wise man had taught them.

I have never felt proper recognition was given to this great man for his contribution to the youth of Corbin. Time sometimes dulls the memory of things that should be significant.

Everybody develops a certain sense of values from that certain individual that will stay with you; I wonder where Ted got his. I don’t know, but I feel the kids of Corbin were fortunate that Ted Meadors passed them on down.

We should erect a statue of a guy with a burr haircut and dark droopy eyes saying, “All right you yard birds, line up over here.”