1939 ... The old saying, "Cutting Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face," was never more truly demonstrated than by action of schools in this district voting to hold next week's 1939 District Basketball Tournament at the HBI gymnasium, when they could have the Hazard High School Gym on Baker Hill for the asking. "Feuds" are an old mountain custom and it seems we must even carry it to the basketball court. County and city athletic representatives ought to meet each other half way and patch up their differences, real or imaginary. Because of the "feud" coaches players and fans will have to: 1. Wade a muddy field to get to the H.B.I. gymnasium. 2. Stand up to watch the games. 3. Choke from clouds of dust and dirt. 4. Freeze if the weather is cold. 5. Get wet from a leaky roof or see the players endangered by a wet floor. 6. Strain their eyes from inadequate lighting. What do you think?
Friday, February 20
District Tournament At H.B.I. Instead of H.H.S.
1939 ... The old saying, "Cutting Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face," was never more truly demonstrated than by action of schools in this district voting to hold next week's 1939 District Basketball Tournament at the HBI gymnasium, when they could have the Hazard High School Gym on Baker Hill for the asking. "Feuds" are an old mountain custom and it seems we must even carry it to the basketball court. County and city athletic representatives ought to meet each other half way and patch up their differences, real or imaginary. Because of the "feud" coaches players and fans will have to: 1. Wade a muddy field to get to the H.B.I. gymnasium. 2. Stand up to watch the games. 3. Choke from clouds of dust and dirt. 4. Freeze if the weather is cold. 5. Get wet from a leaky roof or see the players endangered by a wet floor. 6. Strain their eyes from inadequate lighting. What do you think?
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wow seems some ppl never learn, city/county still fighting in 2009
ReplyDeleteThe county - city thing goes way back, long before Memorial Gym was ever built. Compared to the other facilities at the time, the old "Cracker box" gym at Hazard High School on Baker Hill was considered the best facility around for Perry, Leslie, Knott, and surrounding counties. But compared to newer facilities that are now available, it was a fire trap. And thankfully the structure never collapsed with the massive crowds standing along the top during games. And if a player shot a basketball at a particular spot in that gym, the ball would hit the ceiling. The county schools voted for the district to be played at H.B.I. which was probably more about not giving Hazard home court advantage rather than who had the best gym.
ReplyDeleteAs we get ready to play the 2009 district tournament, I think it is important for us to know the history of what happened in past years. Seems sad that most don't know and a lot don't care. I think H.B.I. was closed by 1939 but their gym was still sometimes used. Maybe the county schools were just looking for a more neutral location like when Kentucky and Indiana play at Freedom Hall. Maybe H.B.I. gym was our Freedom Hall.
ReplyDeleteleaky roof, wading in the mud, who cares about neutral, better safety and comfort first, nah, it was the fued.....
ReplyDelete