Football Recollections

ON THANKSGIVING, our family had a tradition which lasted only a few years but left a lasting impression on this Kentucky boy.

- Vic Clevenger

I grew up in eastern Kentucky across the river from West Virginia and about an hour away from the famed Hatfield-McCoy family disagreement. My grandfather would always say, “Kentucky is home of fast horses and beautiful women.” But if you know anything about Kentucky, the people from the Bluegrass State enjoy good bourbon, love Loretta Lynn (she’s also from KY) and revere the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

When I was a baby, bourbon was rubbed on infants’ gums to numb teething pain and help them—and their parents—get a good night’s sleep. Kentucky also has the historic Bourbon Trail where tourists come from all around the world to see where this nectar is born. Then throw in bluegrass music along with the Country Music Highway, and you can see why we love Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Dwight Yoakam and