Open Letter of Thanks From Hall of Distinguished Alumni Inductee Keith Madison

Keith Madison speaks at his induction of the 2024 Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni ceremony.

photo: Madison Doyle

The following open letter was submitted to the Edmonson Voice by newly inducted Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni member Coach Keith Madison:

Here is what I wanted to say, but didn’t have the presence of mind to say,  at the Edmonson County Distinguished Alumni Banquet:

“We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there.”-Pascal Mercier

There were other things I wanted to say, as well, about the influence coaches like David Webb (Little League) and Kay Don VanMeter (High School) have had on me. I mentioned my parents, grandparents, church and family, but I didn’t not mention my friends and the athletes who paved the way, Lin Meredith, Anthony Browning, Steve Meredith, Stan Alexander, Ricky “Pickle” Vincent, my brother and many others. Also, many gifted teachers and administrators who exercised much compassion and grace.

I wanted to tell the story about a group of boys from Brownsville, Steep Hollow and Lindseyville having fun in the old Alexander barn in Steep Hollow. In the large loft in the barn two basketball goals were erected, perhaps 9’ high because of height limitations. Some of the friends remembered include Stan and Carlton Alexander, John Lindsey, Billy Hightower, Tommy Houchin and Richard “Big R” Minton. There were bruises, sprained ankles and many great shots and dunks. We all were inspired by the great Christmas tournament the University of Kentucky used to host, the U.K.I.T. Since the barn was located In Steep Hollow, we had our own Invitational Tournament and the logo painted on the loft floor, the S.H.I......

The memories and the influences from my years in Edmonson County will always be an important part of me.

Thanks, again, to Amanda Coates Lich, Melinda Campbell, Jonathan Williams, Johnny Webb, Johnny Pete Vincent, Scottie Woodcock, Jeanne Patton, Jerry Patton and many others for making last night memorable and special. Of course, having my mother, brother, sister and wife there made it even better. Thanks to all!

--Keith Madison