Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Lady Cat volleyball team started the 2022 season with a win last night in a three-set sweep on the road against the Muhlenberg County Lady Mustangs.

Expectations are up this year for the Lady Cats as the team is led by a large group of seniors, most of which have been teammates since their 7th grade year. Edmonson County volleyball has not seen a winning season since 2017 when they won the District 12 Championship. Since then, they have yet to notch double digits in the win column during a season and their best year during that period was 2020--the COVID year--when they finished 9-9.

New Head Coach Caitlin Caudill may not have years of experience under her belt as a head coach, but neither has any other previous volleyball coach at ECHS during the past decade. However, what Caudill has is the experience of a winner. She holds multiple records as a former Lady Cat basketball star--most notably in scoring. She finished her high school career as the all-time leading scorer in girls' basketball at ECHS with 2,564 points. Not only basketball, but she also excelled in softball and volleyball, and played under respected and successful coaches like Mike McClintic and Kevin Jackson.

During her senior year, (2017) she was a teammate to those on this year's senior squad when they were starting as 7th graders. She began relationships then that now seem much more meaningful. She was thrown to the wolves last year when she was named interim head coach after the head coach and assistant coaches resigned mid-season. With the help of ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams and ECHS Athletic Director Brad Johnson, she got the team through the remainder of the season, going winless in their final 8 games. While she didn't earn anything officially in the W column, she had earned the respect of her players, parents, and school.

For the first time in her professional coaching career, she officially has a winning record of 1-0 and it's something she plans to build as the season progresses, and build it on a team-based atmosphere.

"This team plays as one," she said. "We are a big family and that is what I have pushed so hard for all preseason is to be one unit and one family. We always cheer each other on when we do something good and we always pick each other up if we make a mistake."

With their 6 preseason games and certainly last night, fans could see a contrast in the way some things were done. Digs, movement, communication, execution, and the rapport the girls had with each other were all noticed. One of the biggest contrasts from the last couple seasons was Edmonson's composure when Muhlenberg began to put together runs. It was by far the biggest factor in the Lady Cats' doom in the past several seasons. If they got down 5-6 points or more, you could mark it down...things were headed south, but last night the girls fought through several runs from the Lady Mustangs, showing maturity and resilience that many would say is at least a partial result of a different culture on the court and in the locker room from the coaching staff.

New assistant coach Christine Barrett, a former Division I college volleyball player, has also earned the respect from Lady Cat players, and the combination of Caudill, Barrett, and Kaytlin Hyde, another teammate of Caudill's and some of this year's seniors, seems to have improved the morale of the team as a whole.

Edmonson County held off runs from the Lady Mustangs in all three sets last night, winning the first set 25-19, the second 25-20, and the final set 25-22. This was also accomplished without a senior starter, Raven Cast, who was out for illness.

Senior Kaylee Lindsey finished the game with 9 kills, 6 blocks, and 13 digs. Senior Whitney Davis had 4 kills and 17 digs, and senior Alyssa Doyle had 4 kills, 4 blocks, 12 digs, and one ace. Junior Madison Bullock led the team in assists with 9 and junior Alivia Mabery finished with 8.

"I am so proud of the way my girls played last night," said Coach Caudill. "I told them in the locker room before the game that this is the moment they have been working for since February, go out there play your game and give me 110% and we will walk away satisfied with the results. That is what happened and I could not be more proud. My seniors came out strong and ready, and led the rest of the team to our first win of the season."

ECHS should find themselves in a good spot to be competitive for another district title, barring injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, but Coach Caudill said there's more to volleyball than the win and loss column.

"My main objective is greater than volleyball, it’s to teach these girls to keep their fighting spirit and to never give up even when things aren’t going your way."

It's obviously very early and no one knows what the season holds, but 1-0 is a positive start.

Edmonson County will travel to Hart County tonight for JV/V match beginning at 5:30PM.

ECHS boys soccer fell last night to Barren County 10-0 and is currently 0-3 on the season. ECHS girls soccer is 0-2 so far on the season. ECHS golf and cross country are also underway and Wildcat Football is scheduled to officially begin this Friday at Grayson County at 7PM.

Darren Doyle, story:
The ECHS boys basketball team is accepting items and donations to send to eastern Kentucky to help the families that are dealing with flood devastation.

"We will send a truck up to the donation center this Wednesday, August 3rd," said Head Coach Brad Johnson.

Drop off will be Sunday night, July 31st at the EC 5/6 Center gym (side door) from 6:30-9PM, and Tuesday night, August 2nd, 6:30-9PM for anyone that wishes to donate.

Primary needs are bottled water and non-perishable food items.

"Anyone that wishes to make a monetary donation, we will make sure it gets to the appropriate place," Coach Johnson said. "Anyone wishing to donate that can’t deliver, just contact an ECHS boys player, parent, or coach and we will pick up."

The Edmonson County Girls Soccer Team is holding a second round of tryouts. It is open to all girls in grades 9-12.  Even if you have never played soccer before, you can learn and be a part of the newly formed soccer program at the varsity level.

Dates: Monday, July 25 - Friday, July 29
Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Place: Chalybeate Springs Sports Complex

For more information, call Coach Greg Hudson at 1-270-991-3578.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
One local man is preparing his trip to Monroe, Louisiana on Monday to compete in the NHPA World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament, where he will go against some of the best in the nation.

The preliminaries will begin on Monday and the championship will be held on July 23rd. The top 16 in each division will advance into tournament play where the top prize is over $4000. There, Ben Webb will compete against some of the biggest names in the sport that include Alan Francis from Ohio, a 26-time champion, as well as Dan Watson, Gary Bearpaw, and Gale Green.

Webb has a current world ranking of #3 and is hoping to increase interest in the Edmonson County Horseshoe Pitching Association league play that begins on Tuesday, July 12th at 6PM.

"It's only $5 to play for the whole 10-week season," he said. "Everyone has their own divisions and it's a handicapped league to make it fair for everyone. 18 and under are free and if you don't have any horseshoes we can provide you some."

Webb is a two-time state champion in the Jr. Boys division from 2013 and 2014 and currently serves as the Junior Director for the NHPA. In addition to Webb, another local also saw success in state competition. Ronnie Meredith won three state junior titles in '90, '91, and '92. Meredith also holds records for the highest junior boys' state game.

The league director is Robert Taylor, who has been involved in the ECHPA since 2007.

The horseshoe complex at Chalybeate Park is the location of the league, and the facility has hosted multiple sanctioned events over the years.

For more information on the local league, you can contact Ben at 270-597-7459 or visit the group's Facebook Page for more.

Edmonson Voice Sports:
It's been 25 years since "Bub's Babes" won the A.S.A. Kentucky State 16 & Under in Glasgow, a team made up of nine players from Edmonson County.

Local business woman Joanna Johnson Forbes, who was a member of the team, said the team was started around 1994 by Coach Bub Brent, from Cave City. In addition to Forbes, the '97 slow-pitch team players from Edmonson County were: Coach Jeff Barbee, Coach Rick Keith, Briton LeSieur Elmore, Jennifer Slaughter Gravil, Sasha Lynn Jaggers, Crystal Leann Wolfe, Barbara Jo Barbee Tuck, Brittany Keith Mabrey, Lacy Booth, and Jenny Rae Barbee Rector.

After winning the state title, the Babes went on to Orlando, Florida to compete in the World National ASA Tournament, where they would eventually place 10th in the entire nation.

"Coach Bub has passed away since, but we loved him so much!" said Forbes. "What an honor it was to be a Babe."

Forbes said the team was made up of players from both Edmonson County and Cave City and their home field was at Caverna.

Edmonson Voice Sports:
​The Edmonson County High School Bass Fishing Team continues its growing success as two team members recently finished second overall out of 25 boats at a Rough River Lake Tournament.

Cooper Richardson and Jake Coy took the second place honors with their total haul of 6.14lbs on June 18th.

​Coach Jeremy Hodges discussed the team’s success on Saturday.

“Every weigh-in this season has been really exciting to watch,” he said. “Our team has placed in the top 5 in 3 different tournaments, and the camaraderie of the student anglers on our team is on full display when Edmonson County goes to the scales. There’s absolutely no jealousy about who catches bigger fish. Just fist bumps all around when one of our boats place high enough to win a trophy. It really is a whole TEAM effort. We’d also like to thank Grayson County High School’s fishing team and Coach Curtis Decker for inviting us to fish their open tournaments. Our kids have a ball competing against the Cougars, and they’ve made us feel really welcome at their tournaments.”

Coy and Richardson also placed third in the tournament on June 11th, which were the first trophies for ECHS this year.

UPDATE: Soccer Camp has been rescheduled due to extreme heat in the forecast for this upcoming week. The new dates are now July 14th and 15th from 5pm to 8pm.


​Sign up for the 2022 ECHS Wildcat Youth Soccer Camp by printing this page and mailing to the address below or by dropping off at the listed address. You can also download the form at the bottom of the page.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County High School 8th grader Brayden Johnson has advanced to the Region 3 Tennis Semi finals after defeating Owensboro Catholic’s Matthew Hyland: 6-1, 6-0.

He has qualified to be one of the top four competitors in the region, which qualifies him for state competition.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Nine members of the Edmonson County Wildcat and Lady Cat tennis team competed in the region tournament last night, two of which have advanced to the quarter finals, 8th grader Brayden Johnson and junior Kaylee Lindsey.

Johnson defeated Apollo's Maddox Tucker with a 6-0, 6-0 win. Lindsey defeated Ohio County's Skyla Ross with a 6-2, 6-2 win. Both students earned a bye in the first round of their matches, and they will both play in the quarter finals of the 3rd region tournament tonight in Owensboro.

"I am very proud of Cooper, Ethan, Madison Atkins, Madison Bullock, Sierra, Chaney, and Sydney. They played their last match of the season at region tonight," said Head Coach Jodi Johnson. "Congratulations to Brayden and Kaylee for their big wins tonight and for making it to the quarter finals."

Edmonson Voice Sports:
The Edmonson County Wildcat and Lady Cat Tennis Team is preparing for Monday's regional tournament at Moreland Park in Owensboro.

Edmonson County 8th grader Brayden Johnson, earned the overall boys' 3 seed in the upcoming tournament.

In addition, several others players qualified to compete at the regional level, which include the following:

• Kaylee Lindsey & Madison Bullock will participate in girls' singles.
• Madison Atkins/Sierra Decker in girls' doubles.
• Chaney Browning/Sydney Hennion in girls' doubles.
• Cooper Clark/Ethan Edwards in boys' doubles.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The Edmonson County Wildcats are the District 12 Champions for the second year in a row after shutting out the Whitesville-Trinity Raiders tonight 9-0 at Wildcat Field.

The Cats were led by senior Gavyn Minyard, who not only dominated on the mound, but was also 3-3 at the plate with 3 RBIs, along with a homerun and two doubles. Minyard pitched the complete game shutout, giving up no runs, no walks, while he struck out 7. Head Coach Michael Meredith discussed Minyard's performance.

"Gavyn was absolutely dominant on the mound tonight," he said. "When he's pitching like that and allowing only a few base runners the whole night, we know we're going to be in a good position to win."

It was early offense again tonight as Minyard doubled in the first inning. After a flyout, junior Andrew Talley blasted his second homerun in as many games and the Cats were on the board, 2-0.

Other than one hit batsman, Minyard cruised throughout the night. The Raiders committed 7 errors and the Cats made them pay. Edmonson County put up 11 hits for the second night in a row.

"This was a total team effort from all our players," Coach Meredith said. "We had kids diving for balls, bunting, taking pitches, whatever was needed to get this win. All the credit goes to these kids for the work they've put in. We lost 9 seniors from last year and we knew we'd have to rebuild. But our kids have played their hearts out. They've bought in to what we as coaches wanted to do. Our assistant coaches are guys with excellent baseball knowledge and they've done a phenomenal job. They're not just 'yes-men,' they challenge me at times when they see something I don't. I know people probably were down on us when we lost the first couple games of the season, but I knew we could compete. When we beat Hancock County in the middle of the season, I knew we could compete with good teams."

Talley was 2-4 on the night along with Hunter Wilson. Michael Mills went 2-3, Cole Saling was 1-3, and Daren Alexander went 1-4.

"Our kids played a lot of small-ball this year, too," said Coach Meredith. "Sometimes it's not very exciting to bunt or steal, but our kids have done what we've asked them to do all year. They've worked their behinds off, that's for sure."

Meredith also credited the boosters for their hard work.

"They've worked and worked to raise money to get us new uniforms, we've been able to make some field improvements, and I can't say enough about them. They've been great."

Minyard has been amongst the top hitters in the state throughout the season, being number one for a short amount of time. He is currently number 4 on the state list for batting average, at .597.

"I knew he was always in the top 4 or 5 it seemed like, but I know I wouldn't trade him for any other batter in the state," said Meredith. "He's put the work in all year long. He's the one you see putting an extra 30 minutes in the cage or working at it on his own time."

Edmonson County is now 17-12 on the season and will play in the upcoming region tournament with a schedule to be announced.

Edmonson County's Lady Cat softball team fell 3-1 at Butler County tonight in the first round of the district tournament. They end their season with a record of 11-16.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Wildcat offense showed up early in the first game of the District 12 Tournament, against the Grayson County Cougars in a 12-2, run-ruled win, hosted at Wildcat Field. Edmonson County set the tone early, as they put up 5 runs in the first inning, fueled by a three-run bomb by junior Andrew Talley.

In addition to Talley, senior Cole Saling started with a lead off single, followed by an off-the-wall double by senior Gavyn Minyard. The offense continued with a single by junior Daren Alexander, a double by sophomore John Michael Meredith, a single by senior Clay Clemmons, and another single in the same inning by Saling. The Wildcats brought 11 batters to the plate in the first.

"We came out really focused," said Head Coach Michael Meredith. "When you come out like we did last night, it makes a difference. We were as focused as we've been all year."

On the mound for the Cats, eighth-grader Hunter Wilson gave up only two runs on 7 hits while striking out 5 and walking none.

"Hunter controlled the game from the mound," said Coach Meredith. "Yes, he gave up 7 hits, but he didn't walk anybody and he stayed in control. We had some errors, but I guess you could say they came at good times because they didn't seem to hurt us."

Meredith said last night was the real pressure game, not necessarily the championship game tonight, where the Cats have a chance to win back-to-back district titles. They will face Whitesville-Trinity, who upset Butler County last night, 8-5.

"Winning last night lets a little pressure off. Not because tonight will be easy, but winning last night allows us to go to the region. We know we still have more baseball to play. We're going to try to go out there tonight with nothing to lose. We've got some guys that have experience in these big-game situations, and if we can be as focused as we were last night, we can compete. Trinity always plays well in the district tournament. Them beating Butler County last night was no fluke. They're a tough out and they'll be ready to play. We have to show up focused and ready to beat them."

Edmonson County has defeated Trinity 15-1 and 8-4 in their two previous match ups this season.

Talley led the Cats on the offense, going 4-4 with 7 RBIs. Meredith was 2-3, Sailing was 2-4, while Minyard was 1-2, Alexander went 1-3, and Clemmons was 1-4.

Edmonson County will face Trinity tonight at home for the 2022 District 12 Championship at 6PM.

The Lady Cat softball team will play in the first round tonight against Butler County in the girls' district tournament, which will be hosted at Butler County.

Madison Doyle, story and photo:
Former Wildcat Baseball Head Coach Bo West was honored before tonight's game against Caverna at Wildcat Field. He was gifted a special bat by the Wildcat Boosters as he was recognized for his years of hard work as a coach for the baseball program.

West started his coaching career at Edmonson County in 2009 as an assistant, but took on the role of head coach in 2010 where he remained until 2021. Coach West had a record of 162 wins and 159 losses during his career, securing two district runner-up titles, and also the first district title (2021) for the Wildcat since 1988.

Wildcat Baseball Booster President Stewart Lich said "Coach Bo poured hundreds of hours of work into the Wildcat Baseball program over the years. It was an easy decision to honor his legacy at the last regular game this season. We all want to thank him and his wife Meredith for everything they have done on and off the field over the years."

Coach West expressed his gratitude for the players, their parents, and the community. "I truly miss all those past and present kids, and I appreciate their hard work," he said. "I have so many relationships I have made here over the years that will last a lifetime, and I am eternally grateful for that. Thank you to all my former players, current players, and their parents for treating me so well over the years. I love you all."

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Four seniors were honored tonight after the Lady Cat softball team defeated Caverna at home 10-0, which were Hallie Cassady, Taylor Minyard, Alexa Henderson, and Skylar Hawks.

The Lady Cats are scheduled to take on Glasgow tomorrow at home at 5:30 pm.

Madison Doyle story and photos:
Last night three Wildcat baseball seniors were honored before last their match-up against Hart County, which were Clay Clemmons, Cole Saling, and Gavyn Minyard.

The Wildcats fell to the Raiders, 18-14.

Edmonson County is now 13-10 on the season and is scheduled to take on Caverna on Monday night for the final home game of the year at Wildcat Field.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Two Edmonson County athletes are among the best in the state, one of which sits atop the list for batting average.

Senior Gavyn Minyard, a pitcher and infielder for the Edmonson County Wildcats is currently the state leader for batting average in the 2022 season with an astounding .619.

In addition, he is also on the list for number of hits this season, ranked #18 with a total of 39 base hits with 69 at-bats.

Minyard also leads the Wildcats in several team categories in addition to average, with 9 total extra-base hits, (3 HR, 2 triples, 4 doubles), RBIs (28) and stolen bases (14).

Lady Cat senior Alexa Henderson is currently #11 in the state for season homeruns with 9. She surpassed Paige Carnes' record of 12 career homeruns (2014) earlier this season and is currently the school leader with a total number of 18 for her high school career. It's also important to note that she has accomplished this in only a season-and-a-half.

With one more HR, she will also hold the record for most homeruns in a single season, exclusively. She is currently tied with Carnes who hit 9 in 2013, according to available school records.

She is only the third Lady Cat in school history to hit two homeruns in the same game, and has achieved this multiple times. In addition, she is also one of five players in team history to achieve a grand slam.

Yes, you read that correctly--the Wildcats defeated Caverna last night 26-0 in three innings.

The Colonels were simply out-matched by the Cats last night as Caverna struggled on both offense and defense. The Wildcats put up 14 hits and only one error while Caverna managed only 2 hits while committing 3 errors.

Caverna's pitcher earned 6 hit batsmen, 7 multiple wild pitches, and 10 walks. When he was throwing strikes, the Wildcats made him pay.

Edmonson County put up 7 extra base hits, including triples from Hunter Wilson and Gavyn Minyard, and doubles from also Wilson, Minyard, and Andrew Talley, Cole Baxter, and John Michael Meredith.

Edmonson County is 13-9 on the season and is scheduled to take on Hart County on Thursday, which will be senior night for the Wildcats.

Lady Cats 1, Metcalfe 4

The Lady Cats fell to Metcalfe County last night as Edmonson County failed to get the bats going, accomplishing only 3 base hits for the game.

Julie Norris pitched the complete game, giving up 3 earned runs on 9 hits. She struck out 6 and walked 3.

The Lady Cats are now 8-13 on the season and are scheduled to take on Hart County at home on Friday. The WildcatsLive crew has planned to stream the game live on the Edmonson Voice.