30 Years Later: Reidland High's Historic Fast-pitch Championship – Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

Tony Burkeen was the head coach of the Reidland High School softball team in 1995. Under his leadership, Reidland secured the first-ever Kentucky high school state championship in fast-pitch softball. Previously, he had gained familiarity with the sport by organizing games across state lines in Illinois.

Andria Brooks served as the starting third baseman for Reidland High School's softball team in 1995. Known for her sports acumen, she had already played softball at competitive levels through summer leagues and contributed significantly to her team's success.

Alicia Height was the senior starting second baseman for Reidland High School. Her prior experience and passion for fast-pitch softball played a crucial role in the team's championship victory. She was a pioneer in a team that transitioned from informal summer leagues to Kentucky's fast-pitch softball championship.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Kentucky Sports Memories, host Gary Fogle takes listeners back to 1995, a notable year for Kentucky high school athletics. This marked the beginning of fast-pitch softball as a sanctioned sport, giving birth to a legacy led by the inaugural champions, Reidland High School of Paducah. With experts and players from the pioneering team, Fogle highlights their insights and reflections on this historic milestone.

Reidland High School, coached by Tony Burkeen, took advantage of their experience in fast-pitch softball, a game gaining popularity in western Kentucky, particularly in Paducah. Despite the novelty of the sanctioned sport, Reidland's strategic confidence, spearheaded by players like Andria Brooks, set them apart as formidable competitors. "I think we're going to win the state," recalls Brooks, expressing the team's shared belief in their unique talent assembled. Alicia Height further emphasized the team's readiness as they transitioned from dominating summer leagues to the high school championship stage.

Reflecting on the legacy of their victory, Height describes the sense of pride years later, acknowledging Reidland's role in setting a new standard for high school athletics. Insightful narratives from the players reveal the camaraderie and groundwork that went into this triumph. "We were young...now looking back, we did that," Height revisits the realization of their monumental achievement. This episode is an inspirational dive into the team spirit, foresight, and dedication that led to creating a lasting impact on Kentucky's sports history.

Key Takeaways:

• Reidland High School was the first-ever winner of the Kentucky high school fast-pitch softball state championship in 1995.

• Coach Tony Burkeen leveraged prior exposure to fast-pitch softball by organizing matches in Illinois, preparing his team for their historical win.

• The success of Reidland's team was attributed to their extensive experience in competitive summer leagues.

• The transition from slow-pitch to fast-pitch softball in Kentucky high schools heralded a new era, with Reidland leading the charge.

• The victory brought Reidland High School fame, setting a benchmark for future state championships and influencing generations of young athletes.

Notable Quotes:

• "We kind of had a jump start on some of the other people in Kentucky." - Tony Burkeen

• "I think we're going to win the state." - Andria Brooks

• "Finally our senior year, we can play a sport that we love in a school sport." - Alicia Height

• "We did something in this state in athletics that no one had done before." - Alicia Height

Resources:

• Kentucky High School Athletics Association (KHSAA) for historical sports records - KHSAA (mentioned indirectly in the discussion, no URL provided).

Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into Reidland High School’s historic fast-pitch championship and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.