Hottest Gym In Northern Kentucky

Whew - Went to my daughters' volleyball matches last night at Beechwood. Nothing like being in a crackerbox gym with no air conditioning and temperatures hovering around 100 degrees! I actually saw people melting in their seats before my very eyes...well, not exactly but it was brutal to say the least.

Being the macho guy that I am, I found a spot near a large fan in the corner and stood in the entryway that had an ever-so-slight breeze for about three hours. Tired legs, but no major sweat stains at least.

So I got to thinking - in between fainting spells - what is the hottest gym in Northern Kentucky? I heard several folks talking about that and Highlands and Notre Dame were mentioned most frequently. I'd have to agree those rank high, I've been to both places more than once on a hot night, but to me nothing tops Beechwood.

I'd like to hear some feedback. Thoughts? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

Cory Farris Conversation

Ran into Boone County senior Cory Farris last night at a volleyball game. He is featured on the cover of the fall issue of Hacks Sports along with several other athletes. If the past two years is any indication - he has rushed for over 3,300 yards - Cory has a good shot at finishing second on the Rebels' all-time rushing list. That would be an impressive feat considering the backs who have come through that school, which is a running back factory. If he has a monster season he could make a run at Shawn Alexander's record.

Cory, who is going to play baseball at U.K., hasn't played much football this summer because of his comittment to his Midland Redskins baseball team that ended up winning the Connie Mack World Series a couple of weeks ago. He made the all-tournament team.

Any hoo, we talked for a few minutes and I asked him how football was coming along and he said he was kind of rusty but would be ready to go for the season. I laughed and said, "yeah, it looks like you're rusty all right." He just laughed. By the way, last week, he rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in a scrimmage against Beechwood...in the first half! That's scary good in my book, not rusty.

Highlands tops in state girls' soccer poll

The Highlands girls' soccer team is ranked No. 1 in this week's Kentucky state coaches' poll, which was released Monday. The Bluebirds had a 2-0-1 record with 15 first-place votes.

Notre Dame (3-0) was third with two first place votes. Newport Central Catholic (1-0-1) is in sixth place and is the only other area team in the top 10.

Hacks Fab 5 Preseason Football Poll

Polls are fun to put together. They are definitely not an exact science. You take the information that is available, apply what knowledge you have and then basically take an educated guess on who will do what on the playing field.

So...here are a few items to consider with the Hacks Fab 5 preseason football poll just released. St. Xavier and Colerain are clearly the top two teams among the big schools. No surprise there. They are getting national recognition as top 25 teams in the country. I think Lakota West and La Salle are sneaky good but overshadowed in power leagues. I'm not sure about Elder at this point, but I think this could be their best year since the early 2000s when they won back-to-back state titles.

There are a bunch of really good small-school teams in Cincinnati. Turpin is strong and experienced, but expect a big year from Edgewood who will push for the top spot before year's end. Kings and Indian Hill look really solid on paper. Winton Woods is really more like a DI program competing in DII, and will always be strong.

Year in and out Highlands is one of the best teams in NKY. This year, unlike the past couple, they seem to be heads and shoulders above the rest. But it's early. I think Dixie Heights may surprise a few people. Boone County and Ryle are the cream of the crop in Class 6A, as is Beechwood in Class 1A.

The debate begins now. Post your comments, and we'll see where things end up in late October.