"Two weekends ago myself and Arin Arnold, a senior from Danville, tried out for Northern Kentucky University's team. We both made it along with Arin's older sister, Aly. NKU was National Small Co-ed Champions in 2206-07-09 and is very competitive. To be a part of the team is an honor.
"Along with the two rivals who are now teammates, Brittany Coontz, a Boyle County senior also tried out at Campbellsville University. I feel it is necessary to give all seniors athletes the equal amount of recognition when they take their talents to a higher level and compete with college students. If there is any way possible an article can be written for the girls it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking time to read my e-mail."
Well put. Trust me, I love cheerleaders.
And I will agree 100 percent that they probably are under appreciated for the time and effort they devote. However, since I'll readily admit I really don't know just how much work it takes, I thought why not let Jameson tell us. So she's going to write a column about cheerleading and hopefully get Aly Arnold to do the same from a college cheerleader's perspective.
* Stephen Vance had a minor disagreement with my assessment of the returning talent on Kentucky's basketball team and what roles players might have next season.
"Kevin Galloway was last year's best passer to the post, has great court vision and quickness, a good first step off the dribble, a decent defender and is a decent rebounder - all of those play well in a spread offense. I expect Galloway to see about 10 minutes per game because of his versatility, possibly more if he can hit a jumper.
"The players I expect to see at mop up time are Ramon Harris (ball handling), Perry Stevenson (yes, because of skill set), Jon Hood (maturity), DeAndre Liggins (early in the year - decision making and defense), and if circumstances result in their staying, Josh Harrellson and/or A.J. Stewart (plays too soft on inside, has limited outside game).
Fair points about Galloway and he's a player that might thrive for Calipari because he can finish at the basket. His passing also was terrific at times. However, he has to eliminate his floor miscues if he wants to play even 10 minutes per game.
* Danville assistant football coach Brian Brannock, a Georgia native and fan, liked my column from the National Sportscastsers and Sportswriters Association awards weekend.
"So what did you think of Larry Munson? He was the presenter when I was inducted into the Northeast Georgia Sports Hall of Fame my senior year. It gave me chills to here him talk. Yes, I agree that Cawood Ledford needs to be in there, too."
Munson, the legendary announcer for Georgia football, was inducted into the NSSA Hall of Fame. Munson is sensational. His voice is so unique and he had that knack for being a clear homer yet you never minded because his information was so concise and accurate. I can only imagine what a thrill it must have been for Brannock to have received his special award from Munson.
* Former Lincoln County basketball player Jon Moore, who now lives in California, liked two recent columns.
"I really enjoyed the article and interview with Joe Hall. He was the Kentucky coach when I was growing up and the guy that I always most associate with Kentucky basketball. Also, I enjoyed the piece on Maria Montgomery, Miss Kentucky.
"You might be surprised to know that I was in the audience at the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas cheering her on. My wife, Karen, works as a video editor on some projects for the Miss USA/Miss Universe pageants and she was there working on the show. It was nice to see Montgomery get fifth place, live and in person. I didn't get a chance to meet her, but enjoyed it all the same."
The Q&A with Hall was fun to do because he is still such an entertaining and gracious person. Hall even went to the trouble to call and thank me for the article and also praise the Clay Jackson photo that ran with the story. And Montgomery is just a treat to be around. Hopefully, Moore - and Jameson - will enjoy today's Q&A with her as much because it shows the impact sports, especially cheerleading, has had on her.
* Kentucky fan John Martin can't get enough UK basketball recruiting news.
