Edmonson County's 1996 Football Triumph and Record Holder Wes Vincent

About the Guest(s):

Ricky Wood: Ricky Wood is a former head coach of the Edmonson County High School football team. He led the team to significant achievements during his tenure, particularly in 1996 when they reached the semifinals of the state football playoffs.

Wes Vincent: Wes Vincent is a former high school football player who attended Edmonson County High. As a running back, Vincent set the state record for most carries in Kentucky high school football history. He had a remarkable career with records in both carries and touchdowns during his high school years.

Episode Summary:

Join Gary Fogle on this episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories," where he revisits the monumental achievements of Edmonson County High School's athletic programs. While this Kentucky high school is renowned for its 1976 boys' basketball Sweet 16 victory, another lesser-known yet significant accomplishment occurred in 1996 concerning their football team. Through engaging conversations with key figures, Fogle delves into how these triumphs shaped the school's sporting legacy.

In the first section, Gary discusses Edmonson County's unforgettable 1976 victory over famed basketball teams like Louisville Central and Owensboro, which changed the perspective on how Sweet 16 tournaments were viewed. This momentous event thwarted the move towards classifications in the competition, thanks to this small school's victory, ensuring all schools competed together irrespective of size. Transitioning to football, Fogle and his guests explore the improbable journey of Edmonson County's 1996 football team to the state semifinals, a historical feat for the school.

Key Takeaways:

• Edmonson County High School's basketball team won the Sweet 16 in 1976, challenging the trend of large schools taking home the title, thereby preserving the one-class format.

• The strong performance of the 1996 Edmonson County football team marked their first and only advancement to the semifinals of the state playoffs.

• Ricky Wood, then head coach, reminisces about the media frenzy and community celebrations following the team's success.

• Wes Vincent, a prominent player from the 1996 team, holds the record for the most carries in Kentucky high school football with nearly 1100, a testament to his resilience and skill.

• Despite physical wear over the years, Vincent cherishes his record and the sense of brotherhood from his football days.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We had a parade up around the square and through town. You could see people looking out the windows like, what in the world's going on? It's midnight." - Ricky Wood

2. "I wanted the ball every play." - Wes Vincent

3. "The fourth quarter is when we started kicking in." - Wes Vincent

4. "I would like to keep the carries win just because of how many it is it will be very hard to break that record." - Wes Vincent

5. "I miss it every day." - Wes Vincent

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 to get some rich insights into these storied moments from Kentucky high school sports history. Don't miss more fascinating stories and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.