Ludlow High Celebrates 50 Years Since Historic Football Win

About the Guest(s):

This episode features members from the 1975 Ludlow High School football team in Kentucky, including Wayne Troxell, Harry Settle, and Jim Lok Sack. These former players were instrumental in their team winning the Kentucky High School Class A State Championship—the only championship in the school's history. They bring firsthand accounts of the camaraderie, challenges, and memories from their historic season. Matt Jones, who was an outstanding senior offensive lineman, also shares his experiences and personal anecdotes from that remarkable year.

Episode Summary:

Join Gary Fogle as he delves into a nostalgic journey of Kentucky's high school football history, marking the 50th anniversary of Ludlow High School's Class A State Championship victory in 1975. This episode captures not just the evolution of high school football in Kentucky, from three to six classes, but also the human stories behind a small town's remarkable achievement.

Gary and his guests, former Ludlow High School players, recount their riveting story of triumph, beginning with a crushing defeat and culminating in an unexpected championship victory. Revisit how Kentucky high school football underwent significant structural changes in 1975, affecting schools across the state, particularly in Jefferson County. The episode sheds light on the sense of community born out of sports victories, as illustrated by Ludlow's 1975 team, which has maintained tight bonds over decades. The guests share personal anecdotes, testament to their enduring friendships and collective pride in their hometown's legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• In 1975, Kentucky's high school football transitioned from three to four classes, reshaping the competitive landscape for schools across the state.

• Ludlow High School, a small community school near Cincinnati, celebrated its 50th anniversary of the Class A State Championship, its only championship in any sport.

• The episode highlights the unique characteristics of the Ludlow 1975 team, such as their strong camaraderie and resilience following a harsh season-opening loss.

• Reflecting on the cultural significance of sports, former players detail how cherished memories and lifelong friendships were forged during that memorable season.

• Personal anecdotes from the players reveal the impact of sports on individual lives and community identity, with insights into how humor and teamwork contributed to their success.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think it was actually after we beat Connor, which was the 4A school at the time... After that, we all just kind of said, we can do this." – Wayne Troxell

• "Everybody says you lose track of your high school teammates. This unit... stuck with us the rest of our lives." – Jim Lok Sack

• "Our senior class definitely benefited by the guys in front of us... that portion of time... it stuck with us the rest of our lives." – Harry Settle

• "If you want to get in touch with him, you got to call him on the home phone landline." – Gary Fogle on Matt Jones

• "I'm gonna do something special with that. When everything's said and done... Yes, I want to be buried with it." – Matt Jones on his high school jersey

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 relive the golden moments from Ludlow High School's sports history and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.