Kentucky hoping for NASCAR Sprint Cups in 2009 Kentucky Speedway

Governor Beshear: Hopes Still High for NASCAR Sprint Cup Race in Kentucky for 2009

Press Release Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Contact Information: Dick Brown 502-564-2611

State officials visit Sprint Cup Race at Charlotte

FRANKFORT, KY – Gov. Steve Beshear and Jerry Carroll, the man who helped build the Kentucky Speedway, spent Sunday getting a first-hand view of how a world-class NASCAR Sprint Cup race is run. Both the governor and Carroll returned to Kentucky optimistic that new Kentucky Speedway owner Bruton Smith can find a way to get a similar race in Kentucky as early as next year.

Gov. Beshear, Carroll, and Larry Hayes, Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet, were guests of Smith for the running of the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The visit comes days after the announcement that Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), headed by Smith, would acquire Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky.

“It’s an amazing thing to see. It is something that will have a tremendous economic impact for Kentucky as we help further develop the Kentucky Speedway with this new group,” said Gov. Beshear. “We talked in general about forming a partnership to make sure that Mr. Smith’s operation is a success. I assured him that we would do that. He will be coming to Kentucky in the near future and he and Mr. Carroll will be meeting with me and my staff and we will have more specific conversations about that at that time.”

The question of whether Smith and SMI can get a Sprint Cup race scheduled for the Kentucky Speedway in 2009 has been up in the air. While NASCAR is quoted as saying it may be too late to change the schedule of races for next year, Carroll says he has faith that Bruton Smith can make it happen.

“I’ve been around him for awhile, and I have to say that whenever Bruton Smith says he can do something he normally gets it done,” said Carroll. “I was very encouraged by the things he said today. I would keep my hopes up for 2009, I really would. He wants to have the race here. He loves Kentucky.”

The atmosphere surrounding the race and the potential that a similar event offers Kentucky are all positive factors that Gov. Beshear looks forward to seeing in the Commonwealth.

“It was an exciting day. It’s really a great family affair. And it’s going to fit in so well here in the Commonwealth and so well there at Kentucky Speedway,” said the governor. “There are some great things ahead for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in NASCAR racing.”

Combined with the international attention that will be focused on Kentucky in September with the Ryder Cup and the World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010, Gov. Beshear says a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in 2009 would be a true trifecta for the Commonwealth.

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Related Story Speedway Motorsports buying Kentucky Speedway

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We wish all of our friends and cousins in Gallatin County all the best with their economic and tourism efforts. A big shout out to John "Spike" Wright, Gallatin County Attorney. Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes Online

East Ky Miners Pace still shopping Majors Pikeville KY

East Kentucky Miners basketball star, Josh Pace still shopping his chances in the NBA. Pace was the leading scorer in the CBA in 2007-08, by scoring a average of 23 points per game. Josh was one of those players I thought might be a "tweener" but I tell you what, teams are giving him a serious look. He is trying out for the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and the Golden State Warriors.

We are big fans Pikeville's East Kentucky Miners, and wish for alumni Josh Pace only the best with the NBA.

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Charlie Pinson is an independent Kentucky insurance agent. He is also "The Voice of Pikeville College Bears" and numerous other high school sports teams broadcast on WPRG-TV 5, Intermountain Sports by Gearheart Communications. He is pictured above with East Kentucky Miners Diamond Girls in from of the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville. Visit Charlie's Kentucky Insurance agency online.

Kentucky Govenor weighs in on sale of Kentucky Speedway

Governor Steve Beshear’s statement regarding the sale of Kentucky Speedway

Press Release Date: Thursday, May 22, 2008 Contact Information: Dick Brown
502-564-2611

“This is an exciting day for Kentucky and all NASCAR fans. The economic impact to the state will be tremendous. I am pleased that Kentucky Speedway will be in the hands of a great sports entrepreneur like Bruton Smith.

Jerry Carroll and others built this into a world-class track and their long-held dream of having a permanent home for a NASCAR Sprint Cup race may finally come true. As Speedway Motorsports and Bruton Smith take the wheel, I look forward to working with him to bring a coveted Sprint Cup event to Kentucky Speedway.

My staff and I have been in discussions with Jerry about the sale prior to today’s exciting announcement. To make sure we don’t lose any momentum, I will be traveling to North Carolina for the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend to visit with Bruton and get specific about how we will work together to bring a Sprint Cup race to Kentucky Speedway.

With the Kentucky Derby, the 2008 Ryder Cup, the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the recently announced Bluegrass Motorsports Club and Road Course in Gallatin County, and the excellent prospects of a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway, Kentucky is clearly becoming the location of choice for sports enthusiasts from all interests and backgrounds.”

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Kentucky sport fan, and Kentucky insurance agent Joyce Pinson, spent many summers along the Ohio River in Gallatin County. She loves the little river town of Warsaw, where she fondly remembers the soda fountain at Bill Beverly's pharmacy. She often snapped beans on her aunt's farm, near Sparta and the new Kentucky Speedway.Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Revvv up for Indy 500

The staff of Charlie Pinson Insurance KY wishes everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend. We are out on vacation!

Interesting articles about upcoming INDY Race

• Helio Castroneves ponders move to Nascar



• Sports Illustrated says Foyt a longshot



• 
  Nascar boring? Then start a fight Dario Franchitti moves to Nascar/wife Ashley Judd

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Everybody knows that Ashley Judd is a dyed in the wool Kentucky Sports fan. The folks here at our Kentucky Insurance agency  are big fans of Ashley, but know very little about Motorsports and car racing. Forgive us.

Big Brown Triple Crown Contender :Casino Drive Spoiler?

"Colorful" hardly begins to describe Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow. Far from being "politically correct" and definitely far from being a "saint", Dutrow has had his ups and downs. An admitted recovering drug addict and banned from racing for numerous infractions including overmedicating horses, you have to wonder how he got to this new crescendo. Big Brown is poised to do something that hasn't been done in thirty years...win the Triple Crown.

Time magazine offers up an article very revealing about Dutrow, the New York enigma. In regard to Big Brown's biggest competition at the Belmont, Casino Drive, who has been making big waves in Japan...here is Dutrow's comments in the Time article, "Dutrow says he would tell his jockey "to find Yamamoto," referring to the Japanese admiral who conceived the Pearl Harbor attack, "and chew his ___." (I deleted the word, but you can figure it out)His jockey is of course two time Kentucky Derby winner Kent Desormeaux.

Casino Drive, won the Peter Pan Stakes a few weeks back. Oddly enough, jockey Desormeaux was "up" on that race. Will that give Desormeaux an advantage? Dutrow, quoting Desormeaux says Casino Drive doesn't measure up to champion, Big Brown.

A rider for Casino Drive has yet to be announced. Rumor has it that Edgar Prado is one of three candidates. In another twist, it was Prado who Dutrow had originally wanted to mount Big Brown.

Big Brown had a workout at Belmont a few days ago, and the trainer is well pleased. Casino Drive, is scheduled to workout on Sunday.

Say what you like about Dutrow, Big Brown seems to be the real deal. Now, as I have said before he is no Secretariat, my all time ideal horse. But with Barbaro and Eight Belles  fates throwing a pallour on racing, it's time for a hero. The win could be healing for Dutrow, for Desormeaux, and for the the industry. We can only hope.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent, who very much enjoys Kentucky sports including horse racing. A big fan of jockey Steve Cauthen, Joyce blogged about the triple crown battles between Alydar and Affirmed  which took place thirty years ago.

Kentucky Sports Safety Tips from SAFE KIDS

Gear Up and Warm Up for Spring Sports Safety

From the Media Center at SafeKids USA; provided on this blog by Kentucky Insurance Agents

Safe Kids Worldwide Offers Sports Safety Tips

Each year, nationwide, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under are treated for sports injuries. Roughly half of these injuries are sustained in solo activities — especially biking, skating and skateboarding — but a pproximately one out of four participants in youth soccer, football or baseball has been injured at least once. About 15 percent of kids playing basketball have been injured, and 12 percent of kids playing softball.

In team sports, most injuries — 62 percent — occur during practices, not games. “Always insist that your kids wear the same protective gear, do the same warmups and take all the same precautions when they practice as when they're getting ready for a game,” says Chrissy Cianflone, director of program operations at Safe Kids Worldwide.

“When we think of sports injuries, we think of dramatic tackles or falls or being hit in the head, but young athletes are also at risk of strains and repetitive-motion injuries,” says Cianflone. “If your coach recommends certain types of warmups, it's not just to make you a better athlete — it will help keep you from getting hurt.” Repetitive-motion injuries account for nearly half of all sports injuries to students in grade 6 and above.

In a 2000 survey by Safe Kids Worldwide, 30 percent of parents said their child had been injured at least once while playing a team sport, 15 percent said their child had been injured more than once and about 7 percent said their child suffered a serious injury. “Contact sports have a higher rate of injuries than solo sports, but injuries from solo sports such as biking or skateboarding tend to be more severe,” says Cianflone.

Kentucky Sports Injury Prevention Checklist

Safe Kids USA recommends these precautions for all children playing or practicing any individual or team sport:

• 
  ~Before signing up for a sport, get a general physical exam.



• ~Always wear appropriate protective gear for the activity — for practice as well as games — and make sure it's the right size and properly adjusted.



• ~Do your warmups. Again, if it's important before a game, it's important before practice too.



• ~Make sure responsible adults know and enforce the safety rules of the sport, are present to provide supervision, and are trained in first aid and CPR. Also, make sure the field is in safe condition.



• ~Never “play through” an injury. Get immediate help from a coach or trainer and be sure to mention everything that hurts or aches.



• ~Follow the rules. In most sports, the rules are based not only on sportsmanship, but safety.



• Last but not least: “Stay hydrated,” says Cianflone. “Drink plenty of water or electrolyte sports drink before and during the activity, and rest frequently during hot weather. A child can lose up to a quart of sweat during two hours of exercise, and kids get overheated more quickly than adults and cannot cool down as easily.”

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Charlie and Joyce Pinson,  Kentucky health insurance agents,  first became acquainted with the Safe Kids program through the local Kiwanis club. With the summer Kentucky sports season heating up, all athletes and armchair quarterbacks should consider taking steps for their health and safety.

He is right! Dick Vitale on UK Wildcats and Hartford Insurance Playbook for Life

Kentucky Recruiting

Running Amuck

College basketball recruiting is getting pretty weird according to Dick Vitale. He said it is "absolutely wacky" as an eighth grader has given Lexington Kentucky Wildcats Coach Billy Gillispie a verbal committment. Apparently Gillispie saw the player, Michael Avery, at a Lavon James camp and offered him a scholarship on the spot.

Dick Vitale is knocking this move. Alot can happen in those five years between junior high school and college. The world is a changing scenerio. Vitale points out that there is much pressure on these young athletes, being observed so early in their careers.

In my own observations, we are seeing too many children scrutinized too early. Look at O.J. Mayo. By eighth grade, there was constant buzz about his NBA career. What kind of pressure is that putting on the players? Can kids really be kids? Even though the player in question is being recruited by the Wildcats, I must agree with Dickie V. Five years out, who knows how a player will change. We cannot predict athletic development, academic performance, or even social skills. Why put kids under the microscope so early? And as a recruiting team, a committment five years out may not be what the team needs when the committment is due to be fulfilled. This cannot be good for the athletes or the University of Kentucky.

Read ESPN Dick Vitale's Recruiting Article

Hartford Insurance "Playbook for Life"

Partners with Dick Vitale

I love Kentucky sportscasting. But my "real job" is being a  Kentucky Insurance agent. One of the greatest motivation speakers I have had the pleasure to meet, Dick Vitale was a featured speaker at a Kentucky Health Insurance conference sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross a few years back. More recently, Vitale is a spokesperson for Hartford Insurance's Playbook for Life.

Originally designed for student athletes, Hartford Insurance's Playbook is now available free online. The playbook aimed at students uses interactive quizzes and games to help students better understand financial responsibility. Topics include savings, planning to buy a car, finding the right job, and managing credit cards. A financial calculator is also available.

A second playbook is designed for parents as a tool to helping their children navigate through financial matters that we all face. While not a specific guide, the exercise is one I think would be helpful to students and parents alike.

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Charlie Pinson is a Kentucky sportscaster and Kentucky Insurance Agent.
Kentucky Health Insurance Quote and  :  Kentucky Car Insurance Quotes are available on the Kentucky Insurance agency website.

Big Brown to Stand at Three Chimneys

Big Brown coming back to Kentucky

If you followed my Kentucky horse racing posts, you know I was not a fan of Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps it's my Agricultural Economics background, but I just felt like he had not run enough races to be a solid contender. (I was too conservative) I ate my hat (quite a pretty one I must confess) on Derby Day and took a wait and see attitude for The Preakness.

Behind the scenes between the Derby and Preakness, the Clay family were negotiating Big Brown's future. It seems Big Brown will go to Three Chimneys Farm. Big Brown will stand in good company. Three Chimneys has had the likes of Point Given, Silver Charm, and Smarty Jones in their stables. Dynaformer, sire of Barbaro, and Seattle Slew, the only Triple Crown Winner to go undefeated, have also called Three Chimney's home.

The Big Brown deal monetary figure has not been disclosed. What is interesting, is the deal was sealed BEFORE the Preakness was run! WOW! Before I signed that contract I would have taken a skip and a jump down the road from Three Chimney's, to Woodford Reserve, for a courage reinforcement. Giggle

Big Brown Canters Away with the Preakness

Saturday's Preakness made a "Big Brown fan" out of me. It was so engaging to see the triple crown contender wanting his head, and KD holding him back. When the jockey finally "pushed the button" Big Brown just flew! For just a minute, I was sure I saw wings on the big horse's hooves. WOW!

As I have noted previously, I am a big fan of Affirmed  and of course Big Red Secretariat. In my opinion, Secretariat is "the horse above horses." However, Big Brown gives me pause and makes me smile with the anticipation of the last leg of the Triple Crown, The Belmont Stakes. Guess I will come to the Big Brown party a little late...but I'm on board!"

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Health Insurance Agent  who is horse crazy. She points out, "Now the Govenor of Maryland can spout all he wants that The Woodlawn Cup is "the most coveted" trophy in horse racing. However, we all know the Kentucky Derby trophy is. Kentucky sports.....always superior!

Shelby Valley HS Elisha Justice Headed for Gator Country

Kentucky Basketball Player Makes Cut

Shelby Valley standout, Elisha Justice is getting alot of Kentucky sports buzz this season. Justice is invited to the University of Florida "Elite Camp" this summer according to Shelby Valley HS Coach Jason Booher. The six foot guard, a junior this year has also been invited by John Pelphry to the Arkansas Razorbacks "Elite Camp."

As a sophomore, Justice lead Shelby Valley High School (Pike County KY) in scoring averaging 14 points a game and 4 steals and deflections. He is on pace to set a school record in steals. Justice was the first freshman player named MVP for the fifteenth region tournament. So Shelby Valley, things are looking up!

Elisha Justice is one of two Kentuckians invited to the University of Florida Gators "Elite Camp." Congratulations to Elisha!

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Author Charlie Pinson does Kentucky Sportscasting for local high school and college sports. The Shelby Valley HS "Blue Crew" is currently featured on his Kentucky Insurance Agency's television commercial. Visit www.pinsoninsurance.comfor Kentucky Insurance Quotes and information.

Kentucky Sports Mop Up Louisville KY Basketball, Preakness Horse Racing, and CBA East Ky Miners

Louisville KY Cards Basketball

Rick Pitino, head coach for Louisville KY Cardinals Basketball, recently announced co-captains for the 2008-2009 Cards season. Senior forward Terrance Williams and Senior guard Andre' McGee will slide into the slot left vacant by departing senior David Padgett.

T-Will, Terrance Williams, begins his senior year at U of L, ranked #48 the school's career scoring records. He has 1,102 points to his credit.

Looking to Louisville KY Cardinals Women's Basketball, we are disappointed to note that Yuliya Tokova will not be returning to the court for her senior year. What a huge disappointment! Tokova has had some serious injuries, and apparently her ongoing herniated disc problems will keep her from the hardwoods.

Horse racing saddling up for Preakness Stakes

If all goes as planned, Big Brown will have shipped from Louisville KY's Churchill Downs Wednesday. Gayego appears to be the only other horse from the Kentucky Derby to opt in for the Preakness. Much to my chagrin, Big Brown ran away with the roses at the Kentucky Derby. Gayego, had a lackluster Derby performance.

I failed to mark down my source, but I was reading that equine experts are particularly impressed with Big Brown's heart. It seems the crowd favorite has a large heart, perhaps even bigger than the greatest of all horses, Big Red, Secretariat. We look forward to Saturday's festivities, broadcast on NBC Sports beginning at 4:30.

East Kentucky Miners CBA
Basketball Pikeville KY

Josh Pace, is making the move to the NBA. In a press release from Pikeville KY's East Kentucky Miners, they note that Pace is working out with the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat, and the Indiana Pacers. (Pace-Pacers now that would be funny!)

Two of Pikeville's players were recently named to the Top 20 Minor Players in the CBA. Pace, who was leading scorer in the CBA's 2007-08 season, ranked fourth. James Jackson, nicknamed "Boo", was ranked eleventh.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Insurance Agent  who enjoys most Kentucky sports. Her husband, also a Kentucky insurance agent, is a Kentucky sportscaster for radio and television.

Kentucky Speedway Kentucky Car Racing

Drive Smart! Smart driving habits encouraged through event at Kentucky Speedway

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Opening day at the Kentucky Speedway includes a reminder to motorists to drive smart, wear a seat belt and follow the rules of the road. Sponsored by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, The Drive Smart! Buckle Up Kentucky 150 race will be held May 10 at 8 p.m. and marks the beginning of a three-week information and enforcement campaign, known as Click It or Ticket, encouraging seat belt usage across the state.

Despite a wealth of data showing that seat belts save lives – and also despite implementation of a primary seat belt law – Kentucky remains at the bottom nationally in seat belt usage rates, at 67 percent. The annual enforcement campaign, which begins May 19, will attempt to change that as officers buckle down on those not buckled up.

“It’s always a pleasure to partner with the Kentucky Speedway,” KYTC’s Highway Safety Programs Director Boyd Sigler said. “They’ve been a huge supporter in our efforts to increase awareness for our highway safety initiatives.”

Checkpoints will be conducted throughout Kentucky during the mobilization. Those not buckled up will receive a citation. But people who are wearing a seat belt will receive a different kind of ticket – a “Click It FOR Tickets” voucher. Those who are following the rules of the road can register to win one set of twelve tickets to the Kentucky Speedway. Two sets of tickets will be available to the NASCAR Nationwide Series on June 14, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on July 19, and the IndyCar Series on Aug. 9.

Seventy-two percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were involved in a fatal crash in 2006, but who were buckled up, survived. When worn correctly, seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.

“The majority of those who still don’t use their seat belts are men 18 to 34,” Sigler said. “Many of those people are also race fans. So, this race is a great opportunity for us to reach a very specific audience. But, Click It or Ticket is not about writing tickets. It’s about saving lives.”

Sponsorship of the race includes promotion of the race as the Buckle Up Kentucky 150, signage at the Speedway, ads in the program, and inclusion on race day.

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Joyce Pinson, Kentucky Insurance Agent, drove by the Kentucky Speedway this weekend, located near her old stomping ground in Gallatin County near Sparta. The track was decorated for the summer race season, and sparkled in the Kentucky sunlight. It was not so long ago, she was climbing trees and setting tobacco at her Aunt's home near Sparta KY. Get Kentucky Car Insurance

Kentucky Sports Wrap-up Lexington, Pikeville and Ashland

Lexington KY UK Wildcat
Recruiters On the Prowl

UK Wildcat Coach, Billy Gillispie, said Saturday that Guard Derrick Jasper will probably transfer. Details came out that Jasper is homesick for his native Compton California. Jasper averaged 4.2 points, and 5.5 rebounds per game as a UK sophomore last season; after recovering from knee surgery. Jasper saw much of playing time with the Wildcats, and was a starting point guard for most of his two year Kentucky career. Getting hurt last season, a Compton California paper reported Jasper wanted to be closer to home, where his family could see him play more often. Jasper had really picked up his game this year; and the vacancy leaves Gillispie with another slot to fill.

Rumors are floating that the big freshman, Morakinyo Williams, is also asking for release from his scholarship. With two players "biting the dust" so to speak, Coach Billy Gillispie will be making some dust of his own on the recruiting trail.

Pikeville KY Sports Editor "Moving on Up"

In other news, a couple of staffing changes over at the Pikeville KY Appalachian News Express.  Former sports director, Jerry Boggs, will be moving up to editor. Randy White will take over the sports director's chair. Both good friends of mine, I wish them all the best.

O.J. Mayo looking at then NBA

O.J. Mayo back in the news again. Mayo, supposedly received cash and benefits from a promoter after leaving high school in West Virginia. O.J. Mayo, a name most Kentucky sports fan have heard of, has been all over the eastern United Stats playing basketball. He began playing in Kentucky at Rose Hill Christian Academy. From there he went to Ohio, then returned to his native West Virginia to finish out his high school career. Mayo then went on to USC. After one year, he is going pro.

No big surprise there. There was a one-year stipulation that Mayo had to fulfill in his effort to be recruited by the NBA. Allot of colleges did not recruit Mayo, as it was known he was a "one year" and out. Apparently, Mayo has declared himself for the 2008 NBA draft.

Mayo was at one time a teammate of Patrick Patterson. O.J.Mayo began playing ball as a sixth grader for Rose Hill Christian Academy in Ashland KY. Since seventh graders can play varsity sports in the state of Kentucky, he began his varsity career dwarfing many older athletes' performance records.

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Author Charlie Pinson enjoys a variety of Kentucky sports. He attended a Kite Flying contest in Owenton KY this weekend, but is adamant kite flying is not a Kentucky sport. Charlie is a Kentucky Car Insurance  and Kentucky Health Insurance Agent and a Kentucky Sportscaster.

DanceSport..National Craze strengthens Athletes Case

Kentucky Sportscaster and Insurance Agent supports Olympic inclusion

When Progressive Insurance spokesman, John O'Hurley, relaunched his career through Dancing with the Stars ballroom dancers across America cheered. Not because of John O'Hurley per Se, but because finally there were verifiable statistics that ballroom dancing could generate loyal television viewership.

DanceSport has been trying unsuccessfully for several years to get ballroom dancing included in the Olympics lineup. Part of the resistance has been a lack of proof that ballroom had viewer appeal. With the continuing popularity of "Dancing With the Stars" that resistance has been largely squelched.

Now, the Olympic Committee is struggling with the fact that as competitors, men and women would be competing against each other. Most dance athletes have been doing that for years. What is the big deal?

Read more about Dance Sport and the Olympic Movement

Why is that Kentucky Sportscaster shouting at Dance athletes?

A big sports fan, and of course a sports announcer, Charlie Pinson often shouts at the TV during Kentucky sporting events. "Go Big Blue!" "Come on Pitino!" "Hey Ref, do you need new glasses?" are often exclaimed. But during the weeks of Dance with the Stars you'll hear "You missed a step!" "Wow! Did you see that move?" "Len Goodman, cut the kids some slack!" It's Kentucky sports fan ship on a new level. But, we are not just "armchair quarterbacks." OH NO!

Charlie and I define ourselves as "social" dancers. We enjoy the foxtrot and the East Coast Swing. The closest we have come to competition dancing is the annual YMCA dance contest, which we won a few years back. We'll never make the Olympics, but we can dream...can't we?

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Twinkle Toes Charlie Pinson

Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky insurance agent, with a passion for ballroom dancing.  The Pinsons have been ballrooming for about six years, and worn out several pairs of shoes in the process.

Antwaun Molden Eastern Kentucky Colonel going to Houston Texas

Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond KY finally has an alumni going to the pros. It's been four years! We are excited for the Colonels!

Colonel standout, Antwaun Molden is headed for the Houston Texans. A Cleveland Ohio native, Molden played under Coach Ted Ginn, Sr. Ted Ginn's son is of course Miami Dolphins player Ted Ginn, Jr.

Molden is a cornerback, and I don't mind telling you I had to ask Charlie what that means. Apparently cornerbacks are pass defenders. Oftentimes there is a three man set, with a safety and two cornerbacks. Now you could use a four man defense, with two corners and two safeties. Or, if you want to get really fancy a coach could choose a "nickel package" which is three corners and two safeties. Well alrightie then! This Kentucky sports fan learned something new today!

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Joyce Pinson can remember returning from work to find Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team players asleep on Charlie's apartment floor. Ahh, the carefree days of college! We well remember Mike Ray, Coach Roy Kidd, and "The Cabin on the Hill." Get Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes

Jon Hood UK Wildcats Basketball Recruiting

Billy Gillispie on the recruiting trail again, as he picks up the 6'7" Madisonville, KY Junior Jon Hood. A great player for the Maroons, Hood came into his own last summer with his AAU Team. Hood is the second player from the Class of 2009 to sign with Coach Gillespie. (The second player being G.J. Viterano a guard from McKinley, Texas.)

Madisonville, is the hometown of UK Wildcat "great" Travis Ford. Ford, had a tremendous career at Kentucky, and is of course a Division 1 coach. We all know what an asset Ford was to the UK team; and we expect great things from Hood.

Hood averaged 23.8 points per game; 8.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists for the Madisonville North Hopkins High School  last season. He broke his wrist attempting a dunk in the district tournament. The injury prevented him from playing in the regional. However, from all reports Hood has made a full recovery.

Hood turns seventeen this weekend. This Friday, instead of playing in a tournament, Jon will be taking his date to prom. Sounds like he has his head on straight;Kentucky sports are not the only thing in life that matters!

Coach Gillispie, one of the best recruiters in the nation, already has seventeen players signed up, during his first year here at Kentucky. Hopefully Billy G will get us back on the path. Go Big Blue!

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Charlie Pinson  is a University of Kentucky alumni. As "The Voice of the Pikeville College Bears," Pinson was in the press box for Billy G's first game in Lexington KY's Rupp Arena. Pinson is a Kentucky insurance agent and Kentucky sportscaster. Click for Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes

Green Bay gets Murray State's Rod Harper

It's a good day at Murray State. Rod Harper went as a free agent to Green Bay Packers. We hate to see him go. But on the other hand, Pikeville KY media darling Kayla Lowe, is packing her bags bound for Murray State's women's basketball team.

Harper joins Louisville Cards Bohm and Giacomini in Rookie Class

Harper, who mistakenly was listed as a junior on the Murray State Racer Roster slipped by the national recruiters. However, the receiver is Wisconsin bound.

The Kentucky sports connections continue at Green Bay with University of Louisville seniors, Brohm and Giacomini in the rookie class. Louisville alumi, Jason Spitz, is already on the Green Bay team.

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Joyce Pinson, Kentucky Insurance agent, often accompanies her husband Charlie to Kentucky sports events. Charlie and Joyce visited Lambeau Field home of the Green Bay Packers last year during a Humana Health Insurance training meeting. Get Kentucky health insurance quotes

Brian Bohm University of Louisville KY Quarterback heads to Lambeau Field

Louisville Cardinal boys make good with Green Bay Packers

With over 10,000 yards to his credit during his career as a University of Louisville Cardinal, it's no surprise Brian Brohm was a second round draft pick for the mighty Green Bay Packers. What makes the story interesting, is fellow Cardinal Breno Giacomini went to the Packers in the fifth round. The icing on the cake for Kentucky sports fans, is that Brohm and Giacomini are joining Louisville alumni, Jason Spitz at Green Bay. How cool is that?

See Full Story at www.packers.com

Now boys, a word of advice. Folks in Wisconsin are more than "fan-actics"; they are just plain crazy. Charlie and I visited Lambeau Field last spring as part of our Humana Health Insurance training. Upon touring the stadium, we learned the Packer fans voted to keep the hard metal stadium seating rather than replace it with more comfortable accommodations. They would rather freeze their tushies on icy cold metal seats than give up the history and atmosphere that makes Lambeau Field one of football's most sacred sites. Go figure.

I don't know what Vince Lombardi would say about that, but I wish the Louisville alums well. However, if you are thinking "Packers" the best advise I can offer is PACK your long johns. You are going to need them!

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Author Joyce Pinson, Kentucky Health Insurance Agent,  was duly impressed with Lambeau Field. The imposing statue of Vince Lombardi was truly inspirational. However, she thinks Wisconsin cheese heads who wallow in mounds of snow to see a football game "just ain't right." Get Kentucky Health Insurance Quotes

UK Wildcats NFL Football :The Lucky Seven

Who is going Where?
Farewell to Senior Wildcats!

• Eric Scott and Raphael Little going to the Tennesse Titans.


• Linebacker, Wesley Woodyard, signed with Denver Broncos.


• Andre Woodson heading for the Big Apple with the New York Giants.


• Jacob Tamme, kicking up his heels with the Indianapolis Colts.


• Kennan Burton to the St. Louis Rams.


• Stevie Johnson hoofing it to the Buffalo Bills.

What a great class coming out of the 2007 record breaking season for Big Blue football! Kentucky scored the most points in UK history. It was an exciting season for Kentucky sports fans, the University of Kentucky Wildcat team, and UK coaching staff!

So what about the future?

It will be a tough recruiting job for Coach Rich Brooks, having lost seven outstanding players. The NFL players leave gaps at starting quarterback, two wide receivers,and starting tailback.

How it will play out depends as much on the returning players, as the newly recruited ones. See you in Lexington KY for 2008 Kentucky Wildcat Football media day!

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Author Charlie Pinson is "The Voice of Pikeville College Bears" on WPRG-TV 5 Intermountain Cable and Gearheart Communications. He loves sitting in the press box at Commonwealth Stadium filming game highlights. His real job is being a Kentucky independent insurance agent.

Kentucky Derby..Sad End to Eight Belles

I had hoped today would be a day when Charlie and I would exchange banter about my Derby picks. After all, I am the horse racing enthusiast and my pick "Monba" finished last. On the other hand, Charlie picked "Big Brown" going with the crowd favorite. On any normal post derby day, we would be laughing...and he would be giving me a really hard time. But not this year.

Louisville has embodied Dickens famous quote "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" during this years Derby Festival and Kentucky Derby. In a cruel twist of fate, the Delta Queen won the golden antlers in the Great Steamboat Race but may be unfairly retired if Congress has it's way. Larry Jones saw victory at The Oaks, then must have felt sheer agony when second place Derby Star, Eight Belles had to be put down. Both ladies won their battles, but seem to have lost the war.

To Larry Jones et al, I extend my deepest condolences for the loss of a filly who captured our imagination and fancy. To the supporters to keep the Delta Queen afloat, continue to fight for exemptions. Like Yogi Berra opined, "It ain't over, til it's over."

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent. She wishes Big Brown well at the Preakness.

Churchill Charlie Pinson Playing the Field Kentucky Derby 2008

Reviewing the Field

It's been a "tough turf" for me this week, trying to pick a winning Derby trifecta. Do I go with my heart, or do I go with analyzing the record? Do I just say "Oh hey, that jockey wears pretty silks" or do I take my old Animal Sciences professor's opinion..."Horse conformation is everything." This year is just tough!"

I like Nick Zito and Anak Nakal. Jockey Rafael Berjarno made his reputation at Cincinnati's River Downs. Anak Nakal, is owned by Four Roses, and "Roses" are always lucky at Derby. Right?

Nick also has Cool Coal Man, and living here in the Kentucky Coalfields I have to take that into account. Breeder Will Farrish, who also has Court Vision in the lineup, is the guy that hosts the Queen of England when she comes in for the races. He ought to know a little something about horses. Right?

Then there's Todd Pletcher and Monba. Lots of good pedigree there, including Breeder Alice Headly Chandler whose daddy founded Keeneland. Monda was the first to cross the finish at Keeneland's Toyota Bluegrass Stakes.

Fellow Northern Kentucky native, Mike Battaglia, has Big Brown at the 3-1 favorite this morning. Charlie, who has never sports casted a Kentucky Horse Race, says he goes with the favorite. Big Brown placed first in the Florida Derby, and Kent Desmormeaux is a good jockey. But alas! Big Brown is in the 20th post position. If my math is right, it's been 79 years since a horse won from that position.

Colonel John and the Winstar Farms team looks pretty good. I've always liked jockey Edgar Prado, who is mounted on Adrrino.

My heart says go with the red and white silks of Eight Belles. Larry Jones from down in Hoptown looks like a good old Kentucky boy who knows his stuff. Eight Belles placed first in the Oaklawn Park Fantasy.

Enough Already! Here's my picks

As a pencil pushing, number crunching Kentucky Insurance agent, I am going with Todd Pletcher and Monba for the win. Second, is Eight Belles and Larry Jones. As much as I like Nick Zito, I am counting him out and putting Big Brown in number three.Win, Place, and Show...there you have it.

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Author Joyce Pinson is in the middle of moving, and is not focused of this year's Kentucky Derby. Her Derby picks are solely for her own amusement, and not to be taken as an expert's opinion. This year, no matter who wins, it will be enough to know the greatest Kentucky Sports tradition is alive and well.

Is Steam Boat Races A Kentucky Sport? God Save the Delta Queen!

Belle of Louisville vs Delta Queen

Is Steamboat Racing a Kentucky Sport? I think so. If you chase a little white ball around a cow pasture with holes in it....it's characterized as the grand game of golf. If you walk across a balance beam, like it was a beam in a tobacco barn, we call it gymnastics. If cars are racing at Kentucky Speedway, well they put signs up saying "Welcome Sports Fans." Okay then, steamboatin' is a sport!

Charlie, as a Kentucky sportscaster, tries very hard to take the high road when it comes to being on the air and being a fan. The exception of course being our local college. You cannot be "The Voice of Pikeville College Bears" and not be a fan.

Well, I'm not a sportscaster and every once in the while I am admittedly biased.Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved the grand lady, Delta Queen. To watch her afloat on the Ohio River, is to see a graceful swan sail by with the finesse of a dancer. Her historic architecture and design are breathtaking. And OH! The calliope echoing off the little hills along the river. How uplifting and joyous! I am passionate about the Delta Queen, and have blogged about it on our Kentucky Insurance blog.

Who is the winner?

And so, as the Louisville Belle, the Cincinnati Belle, and the Delta Queen got into position crowds at the wharf, at Louisville Waterworks, and along the race route awaited the historic race. The Belle, having a 22-19 record over the Queen was favored. However, with the life of the Delta Queen in question, surely she was the sentimental favorite.

We in eastern Kentucky, surely appreciate the importance of shipping coal. However, yesterday, a coal barge got in the way and the Louisville Belle made the turn early, presumably for safety reasons. Nevertheless, the Delta Queen prevailed. I know as she sailed back to Cincinnati, with the Golden Antlers proudly displayed...that the folks that cherish her were sadly happy.

This year's race was particularly poignant, as it may be the Delta Queen's last. Congress, in it's infinite wisdom, has failed to give the historic vessel an exemption to continue. The government fears the wooden ship will catch fire and put the passengers and crew in peril. Now I won't tell you what I think about all that, but if you live on a Lexington horse farm...you might have some of it on your shoes!

Check out these stories

• Lexington KY Herald Leader


• Louisville KY Courier Journal


• Editorial Maysville KY Ledger Independent

Kentucky Sports Tradition

Preserve the Kentucky Sports tradition of Steam Boat Racing, a significant event leading up to the Kentucky Derby. I urge you to contact your congressman, representatives and governors get a reprieve for the Delta Queen.

Check out Save the Delta Queen Grassroots Movement

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Joyce Pinson, a Kentucky Insurance agent, makes no apologies for loving the Delta Queen more than the Louisville Belle. But make no mistake, the dueling national historic landmarks are close to her heart. May the two ladies live to race another day!