Somerset AD responds to Hines’ complaints about Correll Bowl

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August 29, 2007

By STEVE CORNELIUS, CJ Spoorts Editor The Commonwealth Journal Wed Aug 29, 2007, 11:09 PM EDT

Somerset — In response to Pulaski County Coach Johnny Hines’ comments about the annual Ray Correll Bowl, Somerset Athletic Director Bob Tucker specifically addressed several of Hines’ complaints.

The following letter, printed in its entirety, was written and signed by Somerset athletic director Bob Tucker:

“ Let me say that I consider Johnny Hines and his family to be friends of mine and my family. Yes, I was very upset with some of John’s comments. As a former coach, I can relate to some of the feelings Coach Hines may harbor.

However, some of the statements in your column were untrue and misleading. I would like to clarify these comments.

First, I expected Pulaski to come dressed! No, I did not allow Pulaski to go into Rockcastle’s locker room until the first game was completed. (I have never allowed two teams to share a locker area, if at all possible.) I believe every coach in our area knows we have only two dressing rooms at Clark Field. Southwestern came dressed to play and traveled a greater distance. Pulaski’s Fieldhouse is located less than a mile from Clark Field. I was never asked if Pulaski could dress in our facility.

Secondly, regarding the statement, “We were told our players would be fed,” — Rockcastle Athletic Director, Barry Noble, ordered pizza to feed his team. It was implied that Somerset fed Rockcastle’s team. This was not the case! Each school was responsible for feeding its football team.

Thirdly, regarding the statement, “Somerset seems to control who they play,” — Each school participating signs a two-year contract for the Correll Bowl. Yes, Somerset and Pulaski played in back-to-back years! This was done at the beginning of a two-year cycle. This was to prevent Danville and Southwestern from playing each other in two consecutive games in the same season. (If you remember, SWHS played Danville in the “Bob Allen Bowl” and would have played Danville again the very next week in the “Ray Correll Bowl”). This was the reason for the Somerset-Pulaski game being played in back-to-back years.

Fourthly, in regard to the statement, “Fans are expected to walk completely around the circumference of the track,” — We did install a new track. The Superintendent and Somerset School Board have installed a fence around the track and I have tried to let fans know that, once inside the track, there is no exit on the visitors side. Yes, when lightning was in the area I asked that the “metal” stands be emptied. This was a safety matter. I’m sorry if it was viewed as an inconvenience. However, it is my job to put safety matters first!

My only communication with John Hines during the week before the game was in reference to the fact that Pulaski’s new “away” jerseys had not come in. Could Pulaski wear the “home” jersey? This was agreed upon and graciously accepted by Jay Cobb. Somerset would wear the away jerseys.

I hope this clarifies some of the statements placed in yesterday’s column.

As was stated in your column, Johnny Hines was indeed an integral part of the 1978 Jumper football team. When that team is inducted into the Somerset Hall of Fame, Johnny will indeed be welcomed back. John is still a friend and colleague.

If we try and put the kids first, we all come out on top. I hope we continue to remember this and our community will reap the benefits.”

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