[HCS]

Another multi-sport athlete from EKY that I watched play was Middlesboro's Jeff Kyle. Jeff  wanted to transfer to Corbin and play his senior season with the Redhounds. He came to Corbin and practiced with the team over the summer. But some influential racists put the kabash on that and Kyle went back to Middlesboro and had a season to remember.  First team all-state in football, second team all-state in basketball, led his baseball team to the 1982 Final Four. Maybe the bigots that sent Jeff Kyle back to Middlesboro because he was black cursed Corbin. The Hounds won the AA title in '82 and haven't won one since. The curse of Jeff Kyle, folks.

Interesting. I had no idea.
Cawood wins the basketball region in 83 if that happens. Lost in overtime on a controversial play at the end of regulation.

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Steve Bird was a friend and a classmate. One of the best athletes I ever watched play sports.  He helped EKU and Corbin native, Roy Kidd, win two national championships and went on to play pro football in the NFL.  Played in four consecutive national championship games at EKU. Outstanding baseball player, as well.  Pre-HS days , the guy must have hit .800 against me. I couldn't get the guy out. Fine baseball player for the Hounds. Same on the basketball court. Excellent basketball player. If baseball or basketball had been his one focus, he would have had an outstanding college career in either of those sports. He was OVC Male Athlete of the Year for 1982-83.

Yes, the UK legend and Hall of Famer, Calvin Bird was his uncle.


[Image: https://ekusports.com/images/2010/11/3/B...?width=300]

Great time to be at EKU in the early 80s with Woolum throwing to Bird for a 1-AA championship. His uncle, Bob Howard, was the first principal at HCHS and one of the all-time great cross country and track coaches in Harlan County.