[Mama Bear]

The Black Bears are at field practicing now! Can't hardly stand the wait!No matter the outcome, this will be our senior's last game played in Harlan County. So proud of all of these young men.

This has been a very difficult year for our community due to the economic hardship placed on the coal industry. Many of the men and women are laid off and worried about what's to come for our future here. It's been a nice diversion to come together at Coal Miners' Memorial Stadium and cheer in unison for the son's of Harlan County. These boys have a true understanding of what hard work looks like. Most have seen the black dust on their daddy's face and sludge on their boots when they come home from a hard days work. I hope Friday they'll take that Coal miner's spirit onto the field with them.

I'm also very thankful for Coach Larkey's leadership and no quit attitude which has bled over to this team. Many forget it hasn't been a year ago that he had his second major heart surgery and he just keeps on going. I'm very thankful for Coach Canady for the hours and hours of time he puts in watching film and continuing to make our Filthy Animal Defense one of the best in the state. Coach Creech, Farmer, Caldwell, Cole, Reynolds, and Lipford have the task of developing our Bears so that we can be a contender every year. So many hours in the heat and cold away from their families to guide our boys and we are forever thankful. Can't forget Coach Willls for his dedication to our team and for taking care of them when they are hurt. We are blessed to have such a wonderful staff. Very Thankful!!


Go Bears!