[Hatz]

Hatz... you may have opened a can of worms LOL Here comes a long winded explanation.

I think the pride is much more sociologically driven and not statistically, I think it comes froma far ranging scope. One of my co-workers here in Atlanta is from Rockcastle County and we actually had this very discussion about "EKY mannerisms" a little while back.

The "pride" of being from the Appalachian Region IMO transcends sports and can be dated back to the Scottish descendants who settled the area. These people had many genertaions of Clannish heritage that was instilled deep into their veins. As they began settling into the area (which most resembled their native land across the ocean), thye continued many customs. This is where bluegrass music got its start as they integrated many of the same instruments and music styles that were prevalent in Scottish culture. The relative isolation as a result seemed to fuel a strong desire of "defending their own" especially from outsiders who began moving into their area. A strong sense of protecting one's properties, and upholding the family name would seemingly spill over into many other facets of their life such as their community and politics, all of which was further fueled by an inherant lack of money and the need to "fend for themselves".

The geographic barriers that the Appalachian mountains presented typically left these areas cut off from the ver changing outside world. Businesses found it foolish to locate there, coal companies led by "outsiders" took advantage of families with deep planted roots, politicians focused on more "prevalent" areas, and the emergence of labor unions only further fueled the fires that the locals were viewed nothing more as "uneducated and only slightly better than worthless". Through this viewpoint many people began feeling as if it was a them against the world situation... which in turn only further solidified their bonds with their fellow kindred spirits.

During the 50's and 60's as cities grew in Kentucky and modern ammenities became more prevalent for those areas, the emergence of sports became an outlet for the hard working people in EKY and their primary means of entertainment. Thus legends were born of figures who capitvated everyone's attention.. folks like King Kelly Coleman, the Carr Creek Basketball team, and football players. Athletic events became social events and something to take pride in. As these teams went on to take on the out of area programs, with more ammenities, more media attention, and better reputations, it called on the old feelings of being the underdog.

I have lived all over the state of Kentucky... Richmond, Louisville, Lexington.... and done business from every single corner of the state, and no other area remotely compares to the overall support of EKY. Certain areas have certain teams that have huge crowds while they are winning, but mountain schools generally turn out regardless. I still remember going to a Louisville Male game when they were bringing in Brentwood Academy (TN) and being amazed at how small the crowd was.

So long story short... the pride EKY fans have has very little to do with success, and more about tradition.

Absolutely GREAT POST and what I was kind of looking for. It's a sociological thing much more than an accomplishment thing. :Thumbs: