Tag: news

‘Voice of the Lions’ Gary Kidwell dies at 82; icon in Lewis County

By DENNIS K. BROWN, The Lewis County Herald

For more than 50 years, Gary Kidwell, The Old Right Hander, was the voice and the record-keeper of Lewis County athletics. He hosted the Saturday Morning Sports Program on WKKS and wrote the Sports Corner column in The Lewis County Herald, a weekly tradition that connected generations of readers to the achievements of our student-athletes and kept local sports in front of our community.

Kidwell, 82, passed away at Vanceburg Hills nursing facility after a long journey with dementia.

Gary’s impact on Lewis County reached far beyond a microphone or a byline. Over seven decades, he served as a player, coach, teacher, athletic director, umpire, commissioner, and as a tireless supporter of young people in this county and across northeastern Kentucky.

Gary Kidwell was an icon in Lewis County, serving the school system and community for decades. (Photo by Dennis K. Brown, Lewis County Herald)

“Our region has lost a media icon, the Lewis County Lions have lost their biggest fan and best coach, and I have lost a childhood hero as a basketball girl in a neighboring county,” Said State Senator Robin Webb.

“Alice coached the Lewis girls when I played at East,” Webb adds. “They have been mentors, and friends since. I love the Kidwell family and send them love and prayers for comfort.”

Gary Roger Kidwell grew up in the Charters community, played for the Lions in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and later returned home to Lewis County after an early coaching and teaching stint at Millersburg Military Institute.

Beginning in the mid-1960s, Gary taught and coached at Lewis County High School, serving as head basketball coach, head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and later athletic director for nearly two decades.

His baseball teams won hundreds of games, a 10th Region championship and a state quarterfinal appearance in 1977, as well as multiple district titles and an Eastern Kentucky Conference championship.

Lewis County Yearbook Photo of Coach Gary Kidwell.

His basketball teams brought home three straight 62nd District championships in the late 1970s and helped restore pride in Lions basketball. He was instrumental in reviving the football program and helping build up Little League baseball in Lewis County.

After stepping away from the bench, Gary found new ways to serve the sports he loved. He became a respected baseball and softball umpire, working district, regional, and state tournaments and earning recognition as Kentucky High School Umpire of the Year.

He later served as Commissioner of the Eastern Kentucky Conference and as a member of the KHSAA Board of Control, helping guide high school athletics well beyond our county lines.

Gary’s lifetime of work earned him induction into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Lewis County High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and honors from his alma mater, Morehead State University.

Those plaques and certificates tell part of the story, but they do not fully capture the late nights, long bus rides, and countless hours he invested in our kids and in this community.

For many in Lewis County, though, the most familiar part of Gary’s legacy was his work behind the microphone and in these pages. Since the mid-1970s, he served as sports editor of The Herald, writing his weekly column, covering games, and keeping alive the memories of decades of Lions athletics.

Each Saturday morning, listeners tuned in to WKKS to hear him talk with coaches and players, swap stories, share scores, and shine a spotlight on local student-athletes.

Gary Kidwell during a timeout in his coaching days.

LCHS Principal Jack Lykins said, “For younger people Gary Kidwell is known as the guy on the radio every Saturday morning. For the majority of us, we know him as coach, athletic director, voice of the Lions, friend and ambassador. No matter where you went in the state, if you told someone you were from Lewis County you always got this response: ‘How is Coach Kidwell doing?’ Those in my generation will always call him ‘Coach.’”

I first knew Gary as a student in the 1970s. Like so many others, I watched and learned from him long before I ever worked with him. Later, as an owner and manager of WKKS and publisher of The Herald, I had the privilege of working beside him for many years.

I learned that Gary never stopped working for the kids of Lewis County. If there was a Lions game being played, he wanted to know the score, who played well, and how their efforts could be recognized.

He had an acute sense of humor and must have known thousands of jokes and one-liners. We shared many long road trips, and we passed the time with sports talk and an endless trading of jokes. One particular trip to cover a game in Indianapolis stands out, several hours each direction of jokes, stories, and more jokes. And he still had more in reserve.

George Plummer, longtime family friend, shared, “I am sad to learn that my friend, the old right hander, Gary Kidwell, has rounded third and headed for home. I always enjoyed all the jokes he could tell. He has attended more ballgames than anyone I can think of. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Mike Edington, close friend and longtime media assistant, said, “Gary was a great friend who has given me many good times going to different sports events. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who has given me so many good memories.”

Chris Perry, a friend and longtime supporter of West Carter athletics, said, “Our region has truly lost another icon. When you thought of Lewis County basketball, you thought of Gary Kidwell. He poured his heart into coaching the Lions, and when his time on the bench ended, he carried that passion straight to the radio table. He gave himself not only to his own community but to the entire region. I truly enjoyed every conversation we shared. My heart breaks for his wonderful wife, Alice, and their family. There’s comfort in knowing he’s now reunited with Merle.”

Tammy Underwood Alburg, former standout basketball player and coach, reflected on Kidwell’s impact: “I wonder if he ever knew that his own impact went far beyond the edges of the court. He touched my life in so many positive and profound ways—offering wisdom, mentorship, friendship, and laughter. Coach Kidwell really and truly is the poster child for one of a kind. Thank you for the positive impact you had on my life, Coach. Tell Merle I said hi.”

Jimmy Lykins, who was coached by Kidwell and later served as LCHS athletic director said, “He was an ambassador for the youth and Lewis County Athletics wherever he went across the state of Kentucky. He will be remembered for his love of athletics and the ability to connect with people wherever he went. He will leave a huge hole in the hearts of Lewis Countians.”

Local leaders also recognized the magnitude of the loss.
Judge Executive George Sparks said, “Lewis County lost a true champion for our young people with the passing of Gary Kidwell. For decades, Gary poured his heart into our schools and our community. Generations of student-athletes knew that if they worked hard and represented Lewis County with pride, Gary would be there to tell their story. We are grateful for his lifetime of service and the example he set.”

Gary had a way of making people feel seen. He celebrated the big wins and the quiet, everyday efforts—the role players, the bench, the coaches, the clock keepers, and the folks who swept the gym floor. He encouraged young people to work hard, represent Lewis County well, and carry themselves with pride.

He loved his family deeply. Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice Kidwell, and by two daughters, Stacy Kidwell of Morehead and Tai Kidwell Hieneman of Flatwoods. He was preceded in death by their son, Gary Merle Kidwell, who passed away on July 18, 2023.

For all his awards and honors, Gary remained grounded in the place he called home, living just across the highway from Lewis County High Schoo, the Home of the Lions. He often said he was blessed to spend his life doing what he loved—coaching, teaching, umpiring, broadcasting, and writing about sports—and to do it right here in Lewis County.

He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped giving back to the community that supported him.

“I will always remember Gary as a person who loved Lewis County sports,” said Bill Tom Stone. “He spent years coaching young kids and spreading the word about Lewis County sports everywhere he went. His impact on our community is greater than most will ever realize.”

Lewis County has lost an icon, a teacher, a coach, a broadcaster, and a friend. We have also lost a man who believed, week after week and season after season, that our young people and our community were worth showing up for.

“Gary Kidwell was a Lewis County icon,” said Pastor Tom Cox. “He will be remembered most for his contributions to sports, but he was equally successful as a family man, a valuable church member and a positive influence in his community.”

On behalf of The Lewis County Herald and WKKS, we are honored to have worked beside and along with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his former players, his colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Vanceburg Christian Church with Pastor Tom Cox Jr. officiating. A fellowship dinner will follow prior to traveling to the burial service at Mound Cemetery in Piketon, Ohio. Visitation will be at the church after 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg.

Obituary for Gary Kidwell, 1943-2025

Gary Roger Kidwell, 82, of Vanceburg, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Vanceburg Hills, following a long battle with dementia.

A lifelong Lewis Countian, he was born September 20, 1943, at Stricklett, a son of the late Marcus E. (Shirley) Kidwell and Thelma Sapp (Jess) Gulley.

After graduating from Lewis County High School in 1961, Gary pursued a career in education at Morehead State University, earning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Rank I degrees. While at MSU, Gary met and married his wife of 61 years, Alice Nelson Kidwell, on September 6, 1964.

Gary began his teaching and coaching career at Millersburg Military Institute in 1965. In 1967, he was given the opportunity to return to his home in Lewis County and continue his career, where he would serve the students and athletes of Lewis County Schools for 50 years.

During his time with the Lewis County Schools, “Coach” served in numerous roles. He started out teaching and coaching basketball and baseball and was integral in reviving the football program at LCHS. He later served as athletic director for many years, representing Lewis County on numerous state and national boards. Many Lewis County alumni remember him as the comical driver’s education teacher as he fearlessly taught many young students and members of the community to drive.

Anyone who knew Coach knew his passion for all things sports. He loved his Lewis County Lions, Kentucky Wildcats, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and Morehead State Eagles. His dedicated following of his favorite teams led to his long-time interest in sports media. This afforded him countless opportunities to attend and cover games on local, state, and national stages. He was honored to have the chance to cover his Wildcats in bowl games, SEC and NCAA tournaments, the Reds in the World Series, and the MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

But he was most proud of his local media efforts that he used as a platform to promote local student athletes. Gary hosted a weekly sports radio show, “Saturday Morning Sports,” and wrote a weekly sports column in The Lewis County Herald, “Kidwell’s Korner,” and was the “Voice of the Lions” on WKKS Radio for more than 50 years.

If you attended a Sweet Sixteen basketball tournament in the last 60 years, you were sure to see Gary in attendance sharing stories, jokes, and memories with long-time friends from across the state.

Through his many years of service to the sports world, Gary was honored to receive several cherished awards, including induction into five halls of fame: KHSAA–Dawahares Hall of Fame, KABC Court of Honor, NHSCA Hall of Fame, Morehead State University Alumni Hall of Fame, and Lewis County High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also named KHSADA Athletic Director of the Year in 1995 and was a top-5 finalist for National Athletic Director of the Year. Gary also enjoyed umpiring softball, advancing to call multiple state championships. A highlight of Gary’s summer for many years was umpiring at the Mike Borders Beagle Classic. He also spent 26 years as commissioner of the Eastern Kentucky Conference.

Aside from sports, Gary’s greatest loves were his children and grandchildren. You could often find him cheering them on from the sidelines, no matter the sport or activity. He was always proud of their accomplishments and never shy to brag on them to others. He always loved the annual Kidwell family vacations and was guaranteed to provide plenty of content for hilarious stories for years to come.

He was the king of one-liners, always cracking a joke and lighting up a room with laughter. Even into his last months, he was attempting to deliver his famous punchlines with a smile on his face.

Gary was of Christian faith and was a devoted member of Vanceburg Christian Church, serving as a deacon for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Alice Nelson Kidwell; two daughters, Stacy Anne Kidwell of Morehead and Tai Kidwell Hieneman (Keith) of Flatwoods; one daughter-in-law, Mandy Kidwell of Flatwoods; six grandchildren, Carson Kidwell, Kate Kidwell, Alex Kidwell, Selah Kidwell, Claire Hieneman, and Jack Hieneman; two brothers, Barry Gulley (Cindy) of Whiteburg, Georgia, and Mark Kidwell (Monica) of Pensacola, Florida; four sisters, Tonia Berry (Charles) and Ginger Miller (Gary) of Flemingsburg, Dana Hammonds (David) of Hebron, and Tara Reed (Brian) of Lexington; and his uncle Kenneth Sapp, who was like a brother to him.

In addition to his parents, he was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved son, Gary “Merle” Kidwell, and his grandparents, Hanson and Maggie Sapp and Ashel and Rosa Kidwell.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Vanceburg Christian Church with Pastor Tom Cox Jr. officiating. A fellowship dinner will follow the service at the church prior to traveling to the burial service at Mound Cemetery in Piketon, Ohio. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg.

As Gary said and wrote for many years, “This is the old right-hander saying, ‘Have a good week in sports!’”

Condolences may be sent at www.gaydosfh.com.

Steve Dodd, NAIA Hall of Fame coach and former Tomcat standout, left big impact

Steve Dodd, a former Ashland Tomcat basketball standout and a respected high school and college coach, passed away Monday from injuries sustained in an automobile accident last month. He was 70.

Dodd starred for the Tomcats from 1971–73, serving as a key reserve on the 1972 team that was ranked No. 1 in the state but was upset by Russell, 80–75, in the 16th Region championship. Fittingly, 34 years later in 2006, Dodd guided Russell to its first regional title since that very season.

During his six years as the Red Devils’ head coach from 2002–08, Dodd compiled a 98–84 record and reached at least the 16th Region semifinals in five of those seasons before resigning.

Steve Dodd was a former Ashland Tomcat basketball standout and Hall of Fame NAIA coach.

A 1973 Ashland graduate, Dodd went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Lipscomb University, where he was also a standout player. It’s also where he met Kay, his wife of 48 years. They had a son and daughter.

Soon after graduating, he began his coaching journey as an assistant at Battleground Academy in Franklin, Tenn.—the start of a nearly 50-year coaching career. Dodd’s coaching stops included Alderson Broaddus University, Oklahoma Christian University, Bethel College, and Lindsey Wilson College, where he led the program from 1998–2002 and enjoyed great success. His contributions to the sport earned him induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame.

After his time at Russell, Dodd took over at Hillwood High School in Nashville, leading the Hilltoppers from 2008–19, and most recently coached at Dickson County High School in Dickson, Tenn.

Dodd’s passion for the game went far beyond wins and losses. He was known for shaping young men both on and off the court—a fact reflected in the many heartfelt tributes shared by former players and colleagues Tuesday.

Todd Parsley, who served as Dodd’s assistant coach at Russell, told sportswriter William Adams of the Ashland Daily Independent that coaching alongside him was a privilege.

“I don’t think people knew how much he cared about his players,” Parsley said. “He had kids that would run through walls for him because I just saw the personal side of coach. When kids were having trouble with their home life, he was there helping them. He was far greater than just wins and losses.”

Dodd’s brother, Gary, said coaching was Steve’s lifelong calling.
“He had 11 fractured ribs, four fractured vertebrae, and a bad concussion, but when he heard that, it was like, ‘I can pursue this, I can do that,’” Gary said. “He wanted to get back out there at age 70 and have another shot at trying to do that, even for the interim.”

As a player, Dodd was known for his toughness and scoring ability, averaging 15.8 points per game as a senior. That year, Ashland fell to Boyd County twice—first in the 64th District finals, 77–73, and again in the regional championship, 73–64, despite Dodd’s 21- and 22-point efforts. It was the first time Boyd County had beaten Ashland in basketball.

Dodd finished his Tomcat career with 669 points, including a career-high 27 against Fairview.

From his days wearing Ashland’s maroon and white to his decades molding athletes across the country, Steve Dodd left a lasting mark on basketball—and on everyone he coached.

JAWS was born in Ashland’s win over top-ranked Defenders in second week of 1975 season

Ashland learned a lot about itself – and how a JAWS nickname might just stick – in the second week of the 1975 season.

Of all the regular-season games that season, none carried more weight than a battle with Bryan Station in Putnam Stadium. It was the season opener for the Defenders, who boasted of having more pure speed than any team in Kentucky and the writers and broadcasters who voted in the Associated Press poll agreed they were the team to beat. Bryan Station was ranked No. 1 in Class AAAA, the largest classification and the same one where Ashland was placed.

Ashland had a game against under its belt against Johnson Central, a 47-14 victory when they rushed for 523 yards rushing on 39 attempts – an astounding 13.4 per carry average. The Tomcats scored the first four times they touched the ball and had the town buzzing about the potential. The defense surrendered 3-8 yards rushing, although substitutes played much of the second half.

Players nor coaches were publicly talking about the JAWS name for the defense. Not yet anyway. The players knew it was being considered, and liked the idea, but coach Herb Conley wasn’t sure it was a great idea given how nicknames can backfire. But after the showing against Bryan Station, even had admitted it had some merit.

These weren’t Baby Sharks. They were man-eaters.

The Defenders had 15 players who ran the 40 in 4.8 or less – an enormous number of skilled running backs and receivers. Conley said the reports he had on them was they had “speed to burn” and that there are three good teams in Lexington and they are all in Bryan Station – the first, second and third teams. That may have been some “coach-speak” but it was clear this team was born to run.

Ashland’s team speed was good but it wasn’t in that neighborhood.

But Putnam Stadium became a shark tank for the Defenders, who lost three fumbles and was tackled in its own backfield for minus yardage 16 times. Bryan Station rushed for only 103 yards in 41 attempts and was held to a scant five yards in the first quarter. They passed for 114 yards but it wasn’t enough in what turned out to be a 22-12 defeat.

Rick Sang with Ashland coach Herb Conley, left, and assistant Bill Tom Ross.

Ashland’s offense was good enough and the defense provided some points, too, getting a safety in the first quarter when Gary Thomas made a tackle in the end zone. The first fumble recovery set up the first Tomcat touchdown and an 8-0 lead that stood up as the halftime score. Jeff Slone took it in from four yards out, running behind a hole opened up by Terry Bell and Casey Jones on Ashland’s big offensive line.

But the play that was the backbreaker for the Defenders came early in the third quarter.

Thomas gathered in a punt at the Ashland 43, headed left and slipped a handoff to Rick Sang who, after some shifty moves to shake a couple of tacklers, scooted 57 yards for a touchdown. A bone-chilling block from Chuck Anderson in front of the Ashland sideline was what many remember. Bryan Station’s Eddie Coles was moving in on Sang at midfield but when he reached the Ashland 43, Anderson clocked him, sending his helmet flying in the air and leaving him motionless. Coles never saw Anderson coming. Video shows Anderson was a noseguard, wrestled with the Defenders center, and then he sprinted downfield to see if he could make a block, and boy did he ever. It also left Sang all alone at that end of the field. Kevin Ward’s extra point made it 15-0 with 10:16 to play in the third quarter.

Conley said at the time he thought Anderson had literally knocked his head off. “I thought he had killed him,” he said. “I mean it, I thought that was his head (and not his helmet).”

At the time, Ashland referred to hard tackles or blocks as “Bad Cat,” an award that went to the player making the big hit. Conley said of the block, “If I’ve ever seen a Bad Cat at Putnam Stadium, that was it. He nailed that man.”

It was a stunning play and further fueled the idea that this JAWS nickname was going to stick around.

Jeff Slone was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Tomcats.

The Tomcats’ last touchdown came near the end of the third quarter with Thomas zipping 27 yards behind a huge hole on the left side. Ward’s kick made it 22-0. That touchdown was set up on a 5-yard run from Jeff Slone on fourth-and-three at the Defenders 32. Slone, behind a thunderous block from Bell, found a hole and got the first down to the 27. Thomas took it from there.

After the game, Defenders coach Terry Clark told Conley that Bell “was definitely All-State” after he dominated line play in the game. Anderson’s play at linebacker and Sang’s overall play were also lauded by Conley.

Ashland, which played only 16 players, began to tire in the fourth quarter and Bryan Station took advantage, scoring a pair of touchdowns to set the final margin.

The victory propelled the Tomcats to 2-0 and they moved to No. 1 in the Class AAAA poll the next week and that’s where they remained throughout the regular season where they finished 11-0 on the way to the 14-1 season.

While Ashland’s 43-0 victory over Boyd County in the last game of the regular season clinched the district championship and was more important than the Bryan Station victory in a lot of ways, still ranks behind the win in Week 2. That was the night the Defenders came to town and found out the JAWS defense was no joke. It sent a message statewide, too, that Ashland was for real and could challenge for the Class AAAA crown.

Darryl Smith will be remembered for all the right reasons

The news that Darryl Smith had died while taking his morning walk on Monday was hard to process. He was a former Ashland Tomcat two-sport standout about the time I was trying to figure out this sportswriting business. I’ve written numerous stories about him through the years when he was an athlete, a coach and a highly successful college basketball referee. I always considered him a friend.

Darryl Smith during the 2019 CP-1 Hall of Fame induction in Ashland’s Central Park.

He was an outstanding athlete in baseball and basketball and an even better person. He came from good stock, and one of the best Tomcat families in history. The late John and Rhoda Smith had five sons – David, Doug, Darryl, Daniel and Deron – and the Ashland community benefitted from having this fine family in the area for reasons far beyond sports. People like the Smiths were building blocks of great communities.

Darryl was a crafty left-handed pitcher, and he turned around at the plate and batted righthanded. He was good at both. He also was on back-to-back 16th Region basketball championship teams in coach Paul Patterson’s first two seasons as head coach.

But baseball was where it was for Smith, who went to Cumberland College to pitch.

After college, Smith signed on to coach Mike Tussey’s inaugural Stan Musial team in 1982 and played every summer through 1986 where he was a dominating pitcher and first base with a powerful bat.

Smith delivers his speech at the CP-1 Hall of Fame in 2019.

He hung up playing for coaching as he became a mentor for baseball players in Boyd County when he coached Catlettsburg Post 224’s Legion team, including winning a state championship in 1988.

For all that, Darryl Smith was an easy choice as one of the 101 people to be inducted into the CP-1 Hall of Fame. He was in the 2019 class. I remember calling him to tell him the news and he was so excited and honored. It was something he never expected and appreciated so much. Darryl would join his younger brother, Daniel, in the CP-1 Hall of Fame.

He was living in Jacksonville, Fla., and I asked him if attending the August ceremony would be a problem and he said, absolutely not, he would be there. Smith came that sunny afternoon and so did his parents. They were so proud of him and the rest of his athletic siblings.

Of course, travel wasn’t a problem for Smith. He was used to that after more than a decade of being a college basketball referee and, naturally, a good one. He rose through those ranks rather quickly and that was no surprise to anyone who knew him.

Jody Hamilton, a former teammate on the Tomcats, called him a great teammate. Jody also had superlatives about the Smith family, which was all about the Tomcats.

“Darryl was much like his dad. Never panicked, calm with strong presence,” Hamilton said.

The entire infield of the 1976 Tomcats baseball team – Smith (pitcher), Herb Wamsley (catcher), Mark Swift (second base), Greg Jackson (third base), Don Allen (shortstop) and Hamilton (first base) – are in the CP-1 Hall of Fame along with their coach, Frank Sloan. They were regional champions.

Teammates like these all raved about the competitiveness and quiet confidence that was a part of Smith’s DNA as an athlete. He was a winner who played the game the right way.

Darryl Smith, back row second from left, along with the other inductees in the 2019 CP-1 Hall of Fame.

Smith was a role player for Patterson because that’s what everyone did for the coach who never lost a game to a 16th Region opponent in his four seasons. During his senior year, he was surrounded with great talent – Jeff Kovach, Jim Harkins, Mark and Greg Swift, Dale Dummitt, Don Allen and others. That 1977 team went 30-2 and reached the state semifinals before losing to Louisville Valley in Freedom Hall.

Smith had several games in double figures and led the Tomcats twice with 14 against Ironton in a hard-fought win and 18 on Senior Night against Montgomery County. But he was mostly in there for rebounds, screening and defense. That was the Patterson way.

Darryl Smith with Colin Porter, a former Tomcat star and current Liberty University senior guard.

As a college basketball referee, he would often cross paths with players who had ties to the 16th Region. He 2010, he was officiating a game where Paul Patterson was coaching at Taylor University. Scott Gill, a former Russell High star and son Ashland grad David Gill, was playing for Taylor. He posed for a photo with them afterward.

Last Thanksgiving, he met former Tomcat point guard Colin Porter and his mother, Hilary, in the lobby of the hotel where Liberty University was playing. Darryl, who was officiating the tournament Liberty was participating in, was always affable.

Darryl Smith, who graduated from Ashland In 1977, will be remembered for a long time for how he carried himself as an athlete, a coach and in life. His death leaves a void for his family and friends that is hard to fill. He is gone far too soon.