Welcome Big Blue Coach, John Calipari! "The Commonwealth's Coach"

Spring is in the air...there's a new wind blowing!

If you noticed our absence from this blog, well forgive us. Charlie's broken leg has not slowed him down much...but I have had more responsibilities shuttling him around and literally getting "the leg work" done here in our insurance office.

Get Kentucky Insurance

March Madness is usually one of my favorite times of year; but this year was just kinda flat. Shelby Valley Wildcats did well in the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen, but did not dominate. Billy G couldn't even deliver a trip to the NCAA. And Rick Pitino, one of my favorite coaches, couldn't get Louisville to the top spot either. Sigh. I grew up in Kentucky, and Kentucky is basketball country...just grim pickin' as of late.

Enter John Calipari. Hello...and OH be still my heart! A self described "gatherer", a well-known motivator, a philanthropist with a penchant for children's charities, and a record as a winning coach Calipari brings the class back to a tarnished Kentucky Wildcat legacy. When he acknowledged Bill Kightley's wife...and praised Kyle Macey's work ethic I could have just hugged his neck!

I believe that if you have discipline and work hard, and respect the people around you you create your opportunity to excel. Seems like that is what Coach Calipari is all about, too.

Welcome to the Big Blue Nation, Coach! You may not walk on water, but rest assured there's a Sea of Big Blue who is ready to let you try!

Lexington KY Insurance

Joyce Pinson, is a Kentucky insurance agent and Kentucky sports fan. An alumni of the University of Kentucky, she loves both football and basketball. Stay tuned for a Kentucky Derby update in her next post.

New Regulations announced for Churchill Downs

In today's electronic edition, Insurance Journal is reporting that Churchill Downs has enacted new guidelines to insure safer racing conditions. Among the changes; more stringent steroid testing and age restrictions.

Insurance Journal Article on Churchill Downs

These are in response to Larry Jones' filly, Eight Belles, who was put down following her ill-fated race at Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby. A premier racetrack, I commend Churchill for stepping up and taking a lead to insure better safety for both the horses and jockeys. However, let me point out that Larry Jones never faulted Churchill Downs turf as a determining factor in Eight Belles fatality.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

In other Kentucky Sports News

It is tourney time in the Mountains, and with Charlie in a wheelchair I have been forced to attend a few more high school basketball games than I would choose. Nevertheless, a team we can get excited about is Shelby Valley's Men's basketball. That team is on fire....and look out Sweet 16! Truly an exciting team to watch.

In girl's action, I have to say that Betsy Layne's Lady Bobcats made a good showing against Pike Central Lady Hawks. It's hard to explain, but as a dancer I look at movement on the floor a little different that most sports fans. Betsy Layne's players have a fluidity of motion that some how carries them through.

At the Pikeville Women's Club, the chatter this week was all about the Kentucky Wildcats. There is a feeling of impatience and restlessness about the team and the coach. Maybe we are a little slanted to our mountain boys, but John Phelphry is a class act and could probably be had for less money and much better public relations than our current coach. Just an opinion.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky insurance agent, with a penchant for Kentucky horse racing and basketball. She is married to   Charlie Pinson  a Kentucky sportscaster and Ky insurance agent.

UK Basketball Going North? Well at least to Northern Ky..

Hello, from my new throne...the big blue wheelchair. Yep, I was hanging a big screen TV in our new home and fell from a ladder. Leg is fractured; and let me tell you it hurts my pride more than my body!

The Louisville Courier Journal is reporting that Covington Holmes Bulldogs Ricarado Johnson and Elijah Pittman are being courted by Coach Billy G and the UK Basketball Wildcats. Bulldogs Coach David Henley must be excited about that!

The dynamic duo recently attended the Big Blue match-up against Vandy. If you don't know, Covington Holmes is the alma mater of UK Wildcat Dickie Beale. If Johnson and Pittman show the heart in playing that Beale did, well I hope Billy G will suit them up!

Pikeville College on a Roll...Go Bears!

Ask anyone and they'll be sure to tell you I am a Pikeville College Football nut. But they don't always mention, I am also a Pikeville College Basketball nut. After missing a few games due to my injury, it was a real treat to be back on the hardwoods at Pikeville's Gym. Congrats to both the men's and women's teams on their hard-fought victories this weekend.

Thanks also to SID Rick Bentley for the warm welcome back....and to Nathan Varney and The Pikeville Bears band for the accolades. You guys are the best!

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Charlie Pinson Insurance KY

Charlie Pinson is a Kentucky independent insurance agent and "The Voice of Pikeville College Bears." Get  Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes from Charlie and his staff.

Kentucky Wildcats and Secretariat You Gotta Love It!

Can you say "GO BIG RED" and still love the Wildcats?

You betcha! Hats off to Nike, the University of Kentucky, and Penny Chenery Secretariat's owner for combining the championship mystic of Kentucky basketball and Kentucky horse racing. Big Red, is of course the nickname for Triple Crown winner Secretariat.

Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Have you seen the new Kentucky Wildcats basketball uniforms? Trimmed down to a more form fitting silhouette (Thank you...you shouldn't play basketball in a billowing sack dress) the new uniforms boast a tone on tone checkerboard pattern in a nod to Secretariat's signature racing silks. Blue on blue for on the road, and white on white for home games at Rupp. At the waistband, the 8 square check is repeated at the "belt buckle" area with 7 squares filled in with championship years. The eighth left blank for our upcoming championship. Go Big Blue!

On the left shoulder is a small black band reading "Mr. Wildcat" a tribute to Bill Keightley. The K in Kentucky is also black, as a remembrance of the best bench warmer we have ever had! We miss you Bill!

KY Auto Insurance

Back at Derby time, former UK Coach Tubby Smith was quoted in several papers as being saddened as he and Bill Keightley used to attend the Derby together. I think maybe Bill is up there smiling, pleased we remember him...but that we also honor a Kentucky tradition and passion, horse racing.

So as we move forward into the new season of Kentucky Basketball, don't look at me cross-eyed if you see me shouting "Go Big Red." After all, Secretariat is my favorite equine and for my favorite basketball team to reference him just makes me swell with Kentucky pride.

Get KY Insurance Quotes

Joyce Pinson  is an alum of the University of Kentucky. She loves Kentucky Wildcat Basketball. She is a contributor to the Secretariat Bronze Fund statue that stands at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Looking ahead to Kentucky Wildcat Basketball

Outside the press box
with Kenny Walker

A big part of any Kentucky Sports weekend, is visiting with the Kentucky sports media from across the Commonwealth. This past weekend's Wildcat vs Cardinal battle at Louisville's Papa John Stadium was no exception.

Get Affordable Health Insurance KY

We got a few minutes to talk with former Kentucky basketball Wildcat, Kenny "Sky" Walker. Naturally, the conversation turned to this year's UK Wildcat Basketball program. Walker, a Kentucky Sports broadcaster, said he had set in on a recent practice. In Walker's opinion the new guards are looking sharp. He noted the guards looked more athletic than Derrick Jasper. Their shooting may need some work. On ball handling, they looked impressive and are well able to push the ball up and down the floor.

From all accounts, Coach Billy Gillespie seems to be recruiting alot of athletes as opposed to shooters. That sounds like there will be more running up and down the hardwoods than in previous years. That will give some help on the inside for Patrick Patterson, the incoming transfer.

Ahh fall...let the games begin!

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes
Charlie Pinson Insurance KY

Tuesday Top Stories Kentucky Sports

Sad day at Churchill Downs

Luke Kruytbosh, age 47, the announcer of the past ten Kentucky Derbies was found dead yesterday. Kruytbosh brought a great enthusiasm and passion to Horse Racing. In addition to Churchill Downs, the announcer was the voice for Ellis Park in Henderson Ky. Official reports have not been released; but it is believed Kruytbosh may have had coronary problems.

In other Horse Racing News

Taking their cue from the Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety commision, the Kentucky Racing commission voted to do away with "toe grabs" on horse shoes. This will make the front shoes less than 2 m thick. If I understand correctly, this safety measure will not go into effect until the Kentucky General Assembly makes it so.

Get Affordable Health Insurance KY

Blaming a slow economy, and the high cost of gasoline, Fasig-Tipton sales have been less than stellar.

University of Kentucky Wildcats Ups and Downs

Apparently, it's official. Derrick Jasper, is now a "former" UK Wildcat Basketball player. After sitting much of last season on the bench due to knee surgery, Derrick has transferred to UNLV. As a transfer, he will have to sit this season out.

Get Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes

Kevin Mitchell, an offensive lineman out of Georgia has committed to UK Wildcat Football. Pursued by many SEC schools including Mississippi State, and Auburn. Rumor has it that offers were made by Indiana and University of Louisville Cards as well. Mitchel runs the 40 yard dash in 4.95 seconds.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes from local Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent

Joyce Pinson dearly loves Kentucky Sports of all kind, including horse racing. A Kentucky insurance agent, Joyce is married to Kentucky sportscaster and fellow insurance agent, Charlie Pinson.

UK Basketball Museum Closed Lexington KY

Too few people; Too few Revenues

It was two years ago this very weekend, Fourth of July, that Charlie and I took our then five year old nephew to the UK Basketball museum, located in the same building as Rupp Arena.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

The museum was an excellent adventure. Jacob enjoyed the interactive exhibits; the basketball mannequins, and the fabulous fifties diner exhibit (Brookings Chili). Charlie liked the pictures of "his girl" Ashley Judd, and I got a kick out of the Valerie Still displays. The museum was very well thought out; and the displays sparked nostalgia and pride.

This past October, six year old Jacob, got to witness his first LIVE University of Kentucky Basketball Game in Rupp Arena. It was a banner day, Billy Gillispie's first UK game, Pikeville College Bears was the opponent, and Uncle Charlie was doing radio broadcasts from Rupp Arena rubbing elbows with the likes of UK legends Kenny Walker and Kyle Macey. Pikeville College had a pep rally before the game, and Jacob especially enjoyed his time with the Pikeville College cheerleaders!

When we got to Rupp, Jacob wanted to go back to the museum...but our time was short. I am so glad we did get in the first visit; and even though Jacob was only five when we made that trip...he still remembers it. He smiles sheepishly and shyly...then blurts out in ten decibels, "Go Big Blue!"

I am truly sorry the museum has closed. Charlie and I have visited several times, including a private party hosted by   Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance.  Rumors have it than some of the exhibits may be relocated. We sure hope so. To dream of the future; we must reflect on the past.

Get Lexington Ky Insurance Quotes

The first time I met Valerie Still, she was dribbling a basketball down the hall in our dorm, Blazer Hall. She was the only freshman in the dorm; but was allowed to live with us upperclassman, as Blazer then housed the UK Wildcat Women's Basketball team. (Hey VAL, remember me? The crazy blond sorority girl with the pink and green alligator skirt???) Click for Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Kentucky Player Joe Crawford is California Dreamin'

Kentucky Wildcat Alumni Second Round Pick by The Lakers

Get Affordable Kentucky Health Insurance

Wildcat Joe Crawford, may be going Hollywood. Well, at least as far as LA. The shooting guard was tapped in the second round by The Lakers. Hello Palm Trees and Hello Laker Girls!

The Detroit native played in the Guard position, for new Kentucky sports guru, Coach Billy Gillispie. Official statitics from the UK Athletics site indicate Crawford tied for ninth place in the SEC during the 2006-07 season.

We wish #32 all the best in his endeavors.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Charlie and Joyce Pinson are University of Kentucky alumni. The two met at UK, and have been happily married for over two decades. The Kentucky independent insurance agents  often travel with The Big Blue Nation to see the Cats play. Go Big Blue!

Kentucky vs Indiana High School All-Stars this weekend

Kentucky High School Basketball All-Stars considered Underdogs

Our kids are heading up to Indianapolis tonight, to do battle in the annual KY vs IN all-stars basketball game. On Sunday, they will battle at Louisville Gardens. Kentucky is being described as "the underdog" having a high loss ratio against the Hoosiers. Coach Tim Davis of Campbellsville High School, and Coach Sally Zimmerman of Shelby County remain optimistic by all accounts.

Tia Gibbs, from Butler, is Kentucky's Miss Basketball and one to watch on the floor. Fans may remember, she collided with another player during the Sweet 16...and suffered a hospitalizing concussion. Nevertheless, the determined competitor was awarded MVP for the tourney. Gibbs, has signed with the Lady Commodores of Vanderbilt.

Gibbs teammates will include Janea Howard of Owensboro and Monique Reed of Fern Creek who have both committed to the Louisville Cards. For a look at the rosters of both teams check out the Lexington Herald Leader Kentucky Sports story.

Darius Miller, Mason County star headed for University of Kentucky, will be leading the Kentucky Boys as the reigning Mr. Kentucky Basketball. Scotty Hopson, a 2008 McDonald's All Star player from Hopkinsville, can also be expected to contribute to the leadership of the Kentucky Team. Hopson, is headed for UT Vol country, to sport "The Big Orange."

The Kentucky vs. Indiana All-Star game is a fundraiser for the Lions Eye Foundation.

It is said that the Indiana All-Stars have a stronger sense of tradition and pride in participating in the All-Star games. It is said Indiana is basketball country. It's time to turn those sayings around, Kentucky is and forever will be the basketball capital of the good ol' USA. Go Kentucky!

Get Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes

Get Kentucky Health Insurance Online

Joyce Pinson is a huge fan of Kentucky basketball from elementary to the pros. Look for her on the sidelines at East Ky Miners game, on the camera deck at Pikeville College Bears games, and in the stands at UK Wildcats games. (She's the one wearing blue!) At Johns Creek Elementary games, you can spot her screaming wildly for her nephew, Jacob. Go Bearcats! Joyce is married to Charlie Pinson, Kentucky Sportscaster and Kentucky Insurance agent.

Big Blue Nation leads Basketball fans

UK Basketball Leads Nation in Attendance

According to UK Athletics

It should come to no surprise to UK fans that ours is the top attendance in the United States. Just pop into any game, if you can get a ticket, and you know you have arrived at Old home week. Everybody you ever knew is vying for a seat, or in line to get the latest UK attire.

UK Athletics reports that Big Blue generates a mass of 22,554 average attendance. North Carolina and Syracuse followed. BIG ORANGE was fourth, and our rivals in Louisville were fifth.

Personally, I hope our numbers continue to improve, and HEY LOUISVILLE! Let's get some more folks out......we can do better than North Carolina!

########

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

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.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes
from Charlie Pinson

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.

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.

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes
from Charlie Pinson Insurance KY

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?

Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes from
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.

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!

Got Kentucky Teen Drivers? Check out Kentucky Teen Insurance
Kentucky Auto Insurance

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