July 11, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 10, 2007 East Kentucky Miners to hold free agent camps Aug. 4-5 PIKEVILLE, KY. - East Kentucky's professional basketball franchise is quickly taking shape. The East Kentucky Miners will hold their inaugural free agent camps Aug. 4-5 at the Pikeville College Gym. The early registration fee for either of the professional basketball free agent camps is $75. Early registration is being held through July 26. The registration fee is $100 for those who register from July 27-Aug. 3. Registration is $125 for those who register on the day of either free agent camp. Acceptable forms of payment are money order and cash. Money orders should be sent for the early registration. Cash or money order will be the only acceptable form of payment. No checks will be accepted during any of the registration period. Money orders should be made payable to Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc. Aug. 4 and 5 will feature two separate free agent camps. Players who wish to register for both camps may do so. Early registration is $150 for both camps and $225 at the door. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. each morning. Each camp will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Both sessions will feature a break that will run from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch will not be provided as part of the break. The one-day free agent camps are invitation-only to the general public. Media members who contact East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley will be permitted to attend either or both of the sessions. Keathley is looking forward to the upcoming free agent camps. "This is the perfect opportunity for players from Eastern Kentucky who have always believed in their abilities and had aspirations of playing on the pro level to come out and compete for one of our 18 roster spots for training camp," said Keathley. "We really want to give Eastern Kentucky as well as the state the first opportunity to make this team. By having our free agent camps right here in Pikeville, Ky., this will give all the local talent a chance to be a part of this franchise." All players should send a resume with their registration form. Players should also bring a second copy of their resume to the free agent camp. Game video - if available - is also encouraged. Payment and application materials should be sent to East Kentucky Miners Basketball, LLC., c/o Coach Kevin Keathley, 237 2nd Street Pikeville, Ky. 41501. EAST KENTUCKY MINERS FREE AGENT CAMPS Dates: Aug. 4-5 Location: Pikeville College Gym, Pikeville, Ky. Registration $75 (Early registration due by July 26) $100 (From July 27-Aug. 3) $125 (Day of Free Agent Camp) Both Camps: $150 (Early registration); $225 (At the door) Dates/Times Aug. 4 (Registration begins at 8 a.m.) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Break from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m./No lunch provided.) Aug. 5 (Registration begins at 8 a.m.) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Break from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m./No lunch provided.) Acceptable forms of payments: Money Orders/Cash Early registration-Money Orders Day of camp-Cash/Money Orders (No Checks) Make money orders payable to: Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc. Send payment to East Kentucky Miners Basketball, LLC, c/o Coach Kevin Keathley 237 2nd Street Pikeville, Ky. 41501 Lodging: Holiday Inn Express, Pikeville Landmark Inn, Pikeville (Lodging not provided.) Airports: Lexington, Ky. (Bluegrass Airport) Charleston, W.Va. (Yeager Airport) Louisville, Ky. (Louisville International Airport)
July 13, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 13, 2007 Miners front office, coach visit youth basketball camp PIKEVILLE, KY. – Members of the East Kentucky Miners professional basketball organization visited a youth basketball camp being held at Adams Middle School in Prestonsburg, Ky., Thursday afternoon. NFL veteran Jay Fiedler and South Florida entrepreneur Demetrius Ford, co-founders of Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc., owners of the East Kentucky Miners, made an appearance at the camp. Miners Coach Kevin Keathley, President and General Manager Rob Blackwell and Jennifer Lopez, VP of Community Relations, joined the team’s owners during the appearance. Fiedler and Keathley each spoke to the campers in attendance. "This is one of the reasons that I wanted to come back and coach the Miners,” said Keathley. “Being able to go out in the community and give children a positive message is personally rewarding." Fiedler and Keathley both stressed hard work and the importance of setting goals during the visit. "Going out to events like this and speaking does promote Miners basketball, but that's really just icing on the cake,” Keathley commented. “I don't go out to these events for that purpose. Instead, I go out and speak to kids because I want to make a difference in Eastern Kentucky." The young basketball players in attendance at the camp soaked up what Fiedler and Keathley were saying. "The kids at the camp couldn't have been more respectful to both Jay and myself,” Keathley confided. “All of them have a bright future ahead of them. To be able to surprise the campers with Jay Fiedler was an added bonus. Anytime you can get a person like Jay Fiedler to speak about what it took for him to be successful can only give the youth a little more inspiration to work that much harder to achieve their goals in life." The Miners are committed to staying involved in communities throughout Eastern Kentucky and surrounding areas. Excitement is building for the East Kentucky Miners’ press conference set for July 19 at the East Kentucky Expo Center. The press conference is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public as fans are invited to attend the event. Tickets for the East Kentucky pro basketball team’s debut season will go on sale following the press conference. ONLINE: www.ekminers.com
July 14, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 14, 2007 Miners coach to appear on Kenny and Kenny Sports Show Plus PIKEVILLE, KY. - Basketball fans throughout Kentucky and parts of surrounding states will soon have the opportunity to catch East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley on the Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus, a popular syndicated one-hour radio program co-hosted by Kenny Rice and Kenny "Sky" Walker. The Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus, which airs on radio stations across Kentucky, will include an interview with Keathley on its program next week. Rice reports on horse racing and Olympic boxing for NBC. He's covered the Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup and Olympic Equestrian Trials. Rice is a college football and basketball play-by-play announcer for HDNet. He has reported for ESPN since 1982, covering football, basketball, baseball, boxing and horse racing. Currently, Rice calls the action for the very successful IFL (International Fight League). Walker is one of the top players in the University of Kentucky men's basketball program's history, scoring 2,080 in his four-year stint with the Wildcats. The second all-time leading scorer in UK history, Walker earned All-American honors twice (1985, 1986). He was the first round draft pick (fifth overall) of the New York Knicks in 1986. Living up to his "Sky" nickname, Walker won the NBA's coveted Slam Dunk title during the 1989 season. Keathley welcomes the opportunity to be a guest on the Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus. "I feel very grateful that Kenny Rice and Kenny "Sky" Walker are giving myself and the Miners organization a chance to reach their fan base," said Keathley. "I encourage all of the Commonwealth to check out the Kenny and Kenny show. It should be a lot of fun." Keathley and Rice are both Floyd County, Ky. natives. Previous Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus guests have included basketball legends John Wooden, Patrick Ewing and Louis Dampier. Others Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus alumni include Major League Baseball Hall of Fame players Johnny Bench and Reggie Jackson. A list of stations carrying the Sports Show Plus is available online at www.sportsshowplus.com. Before the newest edition of the Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus airs, fans will have the chance to meet Keathley and other members of the East Kentucky Miners organization. Most stations will broadcast the Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus program that includes the segment with Keathley on Saturday, July 21 or Sunday, July 22. The Miners will hold a highly-anticipated press conference in their hometown of Pikeville on Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. inside the East Kentucky Expo Center. The press conference is open to the public. Tickets for Miners home games will go on sale at the conclusion of the press conference. ONLINE: www.ekminers.com www.sportsshowplus.com
July 18, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 17, 2007 Keathley joins Prince on Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus PIKEVILLE, KY. - East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley joins former University of Kentucky standout and NBA World Champion Tayshaun Prince on this week's edition of Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus, a one-hour syndicated radio program that airs on stations throughout Kentucky. The upcoming show will air on many radio stations around the state July 20-22. Prince, who starred at the University of Kentucky, remains one of the leading players for the NBA's Detroit Pistons. He was a key member of Detroit's 2004 NBA title team. "I have a great amount of respect for Tayshaun Prince," Keathley commented Tuesday afternoon after taping his segment on the syndicated radio program. "Tayshaun is one of the greatest University of Kentucky basketball players of all-time. When thinking of Tayshaun, I fondly remember Kentucky's game against North Carolina in 2001 and the tremendous effort he gave, hitting five consecutive three-pointers and scoring 31 points." During his appearance on the popular Kenny and Kenny show, Keathley fielded questions from co-hosts Kenny Rice and Kenny "Sky" Walker, two longtime Kentucky sports figures. The East Kentucky Miners mentor and the co-hosts discussed Kentucky's newest professional sports franchise and the CBA (Continental Basketball Association). "It was a lot of fun talking East Kentucky Miners Basketball with Kenny Rice and Kenny "Sky" Walker," Keathley added. The East Kentucky Miners will begin play in the CBA later this year. Headquartered in Pikeville, the East Kentucky professional basketball franchise continues to gain fans, building a strong fanbase to go along with its stout foundation. For more information on the Kenny & Kenny Sports Show Plus, including the participating stations and air dates for this week's show featuring the East Kentucky Miners coach, visit www.sportsshowplus.com.
July 18, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 17, 2007 East Kentucky Miners website launched PIKEVILLE, KY. - Fans of the East Kentucky Miners can now find the professional basketball team online at its official Internet home. The official website of the East Kentucky Miners, www.ekminers.com, has been launched. By visiting the site, fans can access current and past press releases in addition to obtaining other in-depth information. While various portions of the website remain under construction, www.ekminers.com continues to be updated daily. When construction is complete, the official East Kentucky Miners website will allow those visiting the site the opportunity to obtain vast information about the expansion CBA team. "Our website will be the best place to get the latest info on Miners Basketball as well as all of our off-court activities," said East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley. "It's first class and I encourage all basketball fans to bookmark the site as one of the places they visit on a daily basis." The East Kentucky Miners, an expansion team in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), value fans and their support. In addition to game coverage, the East Kentucky team's website will feature the latest information concerning upcoming events such as team appearances, youth basketball camps and community outings. "I'm very pleased with the layout of www.ekminers.com and think fans will appreciate the effort we have put into it," Keathley added. The entire Miners organization has made a commitment to being involved in communities throughout East Kentucky. Having a strong presence in Pikeville and other East Kentucky communities is a top priority for the professional basketball organization. Ticket, sponsor and contact information along with dance team details are among the other features currently in the process of being updated on the recently-launched East Kentucky Miners site. The Store portion of the East Kentucky Miners website will be fully-functional at a later date. Once up and running, the Store portion will allow Miners fans the opportunity to view and purchase team merchandise. During the upcoming 2007-08 season, in addition to team news, fans visiting the East Kentucky Miners website will be able to view CBA standings and access league news, including updates on other teams.
July 21, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 20, 2007 Miners hold debut press conference; season tickets go on sale PIKEVILLE, KY. - Professional basketball arrived in Pikeville and all of Eastern Kentucky on an official note Thursday, July 19 when the East Kentucky Miners met media and fans during a press conference at the East Kentucky Expo Center. The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) expansion team will play its home games at the East Kentucky Expo Center during the 2007-08 season, its debut campaign. Excitement for the team's inaugural first season continues to build as numerous fans turned out for the 7:30 p.m. press conference. Expo Center General Manager Steve St. John opened the press conference by welcoming the team to Pikeville and Eastern Kentucky. During the event, Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford awarded members of the Miners organization with a proclamation, commemorating the team's arrival in Pikeville. Jay Fiedler and Demetrius Ford, co-founders of Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group, Inc., owners of the East Kentucky Miners, also accepted a Key to the City from Pikeville City Manager Donovan Blackburn. Pikeville Mayor Frank Justice was present at the event, joining many local dignitaries in welcoming the CBA expansion team. "This is your team," Fiedler told the press conference crowd, which included members of the media and diehard basketball fans. "Like the miners of this region, we are digging deep. We are going to dig deep to get the support of everyone in the region. We want everyone to come out and take ownership of this franchise." Ford shared Fiedler's enthusiasm in front of the East Kentucky contingent. "“We know that we are going to get fans here, but what we really need is support," said Ford. "If you're a business owner, buy some tickets for your employees and get them out here. If you're charitable, buy some tickets for the youth at the YMCA and get them out here. Tell your friends to come out and support the Miners." East Kentucky Miners President and General Manager Rob Blackwell followed Fiedler and Ford at the podium, touting the East Kentucky basketball franchise's opportunity for growth. Blackwell, who has enjoyed significant success in athletics and business, also invited those in attendance to support the team and help it grow. "As an organization, we are committed to being here," said Blackwell, a former CBA player. "We want to get out in the community and the surrounding area and get everyone involved." Miners Coach Kevin Keathley, an Eastern Kentucky native, promoted an exciting up-and-down the floor brand of basketball. Keathley promised quality players both on and off the court as well. "We're going to play an exciting brand of basketball, I can guarantee you that," said Keathley. "Hold me to it. The bottom line is that we're going to get up and down the floor. These guys we bring in are going to be good players and good citizens." Representing the Continental Basketball Association were President and CEO of CBA Properties Ricardo Richardson and Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Truax. Both Richardson and Truax also spoke during the press conference. Ford, during his time at the podium, recognized Nolan Baynes, President of Converge Entertainment. Converge Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group, and the exclusive entertainment partner of the CBA. Miners season tickets were available for purchase at the Expo Center beginning late Thursday evening. Southeast Telephone President Darrell Maynard took advantage of the early opportunity to acquire Miners season tickets. Maynard made history for the franchise and himself, becoming the first person to purchase season tickets. For his monumental purchase, Maynard was recognized on a couple of different occasions during the press conference. Season tickets remain on sale and may be ordered by calling the East Kentucky Expo Center (606-444-5500). The Miners will hold their inaugural free agent camps Aug. 4-5 at the Pikeville College Gym. ONLINE: www.ekminers.com www.triseg.com www.cbahoopsonline.com www.eastkyexpo.com
July 24, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 24, 2007 Early registration deadline nears for Miners free agent camps PIKEVILLE, KY. – The early registration deadline is nearing for the East Kentucky Miners free agent camps scheduled for Aug. 4-5 at the Pikeville College Gym. The early registration fee for either of the professional basketball free agent camps is $75. Early registration is being held through Thursday, July 26. The registration fee is $100 for those who register from July 27-Aug. 3. Registration is $125 for those who register on the day of either free agent camp. Acceptable forms of payment are money order and cash. Money orders should be sent for the early registration. Cash or money order will be the only acceptable form of payment. No checks will be accepted during any of the registration period. Money orders should be made payable to Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc. Aug. 4 and 5 will feature two separate free agent camps. Players may register for both camps. Early registration is $150 for both camps and $225 at the door. "The early registration period is a good time to get your application materials in as well as reserve your spot for the event," said Miners Coach Kevin Keathley. "The free-agent camp is shaping up nicely. We have players representing all of the major colleges throughout the state registered to attend. The University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University are represented already through the early registration we've had. The event is for all those who are looking for the opportunity to further their basketball careers. Whether you have or have never played professionally, this is your opportunity to see if you have the ability to play on the CBA level.” For those who choose to register the day of the camp, registration will begin at 8 a.m. each morning. Each camp will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Both sessions will feature a break that will run from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch will not be provided as part of the break. The one-day free agent camps are invitation-only to the general public. Media members who contact the Miners public relations department will be permitted to attend either or both of the sessions. All players should send a resume with their registration form. Players should also bring a second copy of their resume to the free agent camp. Game video - if available - is also encouraged. Payment and application materials should be sent to East Kentucky Miners Basketball, LLC., c/o Coach Kevin Keathley, 237 2nd Street Pikeville, Ky. 41501.
July 26, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 26, 2007 Keathley promotes exciting brand of basketball PIKEVILLE, KY. - East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley won't shy away from pushing the basketball up the floor in the upcoming season or any other time. Keathley's coaching history proves he's enjoyed significant success while executing offensively in a system that puts a high number of points up on the scoreboard. In 2002 as an assistant coach on the men’s basketball staff at Saint Catharine College, Keathley was a part of a team that averaged 95.6 points per game. After Saint Catharine, Keathley turned out high-scoring teams in the professional ranks with both the Louisville Eagles (UPBL) and Kentucky Colonels (ABA). "As a basketball coach, I have had the opportunity to work under some very good offensive-minded coaches," said Keathley. "My foundation is built on a style of play that gives players the opportunity to exploit their defenders’ weaknesses. Anytime you have a team that feels confident in having the ability to make plays out of its offensive system it makes for a very secure-minded basketball team as a whole.” The Keathley-coached Kentucky Colonels set an ABA single-game record for scoring with 165 points. "I've tried to take a little bit from each coach that I've worked with over the years," said Keathley. "I've also taken from legendary coaches such as the ‘Baron of the Bluegrass’ Coach Adolph Rupp, and legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden." Keathley believes in his offensive philosophy. "My offensive philosophy is based on putting players in a situation to succeed," Keathley added. "I try not to handcuff a team from showcasing its basketball talents." The Miners coach has been able to implement an explosive offensive attack at each of his stops. "Whether it has been at Saint Catharine or with the Louisville Eagles and Kentucky Colonels, we have been one of the top scoring teams on our level," Keathley commented. "I think the fans will find Miners basketball to be the most exciting brand of basketball in the state of Kentucky. I know that Eastern Kentuckians will continue to travel to Lexington for basketball. But hopefully, once the word spreads, Lexington will travel to Pikeville for basketball." Getting players who can execute in his system has become a top priority for the Miners mentor. "The main objective for me at the moment is to go out and recruit and sign players that fit the type of system that I run," said Keathley. "I'm working hard on finding players that can play multiple positions. The more versatile the players the more potent the offense in most cases." The Miners have free agent camp sessions scheduled for Aug. 4-5 at the Pikeville College Gym. Looking ahead to the 2007-08 season, the Miners' inaugural campaign in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), fans are in for a strong offensive showing each time the East Kentucky expansion team hits the hardwood.
July 31, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Contact: Steve LeMaster, Director of Public Relations Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 Email: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 30, 2007 East Kentucky Miners to host first-ever free agent camp Aug. 4 PIKEVILLE, KY. - Professional basketball has made its arrival in Eastern Kentucky. The East Kentucky Miners will hold their inaugural free agent camp on Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Pikeville College Gym. The registration fee is $100 for those who register now through Friday, Aug. 3. Registration is $125 for those who register on the day of the free agent camp. Acceptable forms of payment are money order and cash. Money orders should be sent for the early registration. Cash or money order will be the only acceptable form of payment. No checks will be accepted during any of the registration period. Money orders should be made payable to Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc. Originally, separate free agent camps were scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5. The majority of individuals who registered to perform for the Miners, however, signed up for the Saturday session. The two sessions were combined into one free agent camp to held on Saturday, Aug. 4 due to the fact that few players were registered for the Sunday event. "The East Kentucky Miners organization is giving every local player an opportunity to workout and compete against other players from throughout the state for one of our 18 training camp roster spots," said East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley. "We have several colleges from around the state that will be represented in this camp." Former University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University men's basketball players have registered for the free agent camp. Pikeville College is also represented in the free agent camp's registration thus far. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday morning. The camp will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The session will feature a break that will run from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch will not be provided as part of the break. The one-day free agent camp is invitation-only to the general public. Only media members who contact the Miners organization before Saturday, Aug. 4 will be permitted to attend. "This is the chance for a player to give it a shot and see if he has the ability to play at the professional level," Keathley confided. All players should send a resume along with their registration form. Players should also bring a second copy of their resume to the free agent camp. Game video - if available - is also encouraged. Payment and application materials should be sent to East Kentucky Miners Basketball, LLC., c/o Coach Kevin Keathley, 237 2nd Street Pikeville, Ky. 41501. The Miners will begin play in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) during the 2007-08 season. Online: www.ekminers.com
July 31, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Contact: Steve LeMaster, Director of Public Relations Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 Email: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 30, 2007 Fans invited to visit Miners booth at East Kentucky Fair PIKEVILLE, KY. - Visitors to this year's East Kentucky Fair will have the opportunity to learn more about the East Kentucky Miners, an expansion team in the tradition-rich CBA (Continental Basketball Association). The Miners will have a booth set up at this year's East Kentucky Fair. The latest edition of the East Kentucky Fair will run Thursday-Saturday (Aug. 2-4) with the Miners booth remaining open throughout each day. The East Kentucky Fair is held annually at Thunder Ridge Racing and Entertainment Complex in Prestonsburg, When visiting the Miners booth, individuals and groups will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets for the 2007-08 campaign. Various season ticket packages featuring different payment options exist and will be offered during the fair. The booth will also offer for sale official East Kentucky Miners merchandise, including T-shirts and hats. Former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler, who with Demetrius Ford co-founded Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group Inc., owner of the East Kentucky Miners, will be present to meet fair-goers. Fiedler will also be available to sign autographs. During his time in the NFL, Fiedler completed 1,717 passes for 11,844 yards and 69 touchdowns. In 2001, Fiedler started 16 regular-season games for the Miami Dolphins, passing for 3,290 yards and 20 touchdowns. East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley will also be available to meet and greet fans during the East Kentucky Fair. In 2006, Pro Basketball News (www.probasketballnews.com) named Keathley, a Floyd County native, one of the top 10 young coaches in America. He earned an ABA coach of the year award in 2005. The entire East Kentucky Miners organization is working diligently in preparation for the team's debut season. Keathley will conduct the Miners' first free agent camp on Saturday (Aug. 4) at the Pikeville College Gym. The East Kentucky Fair came to life through the hard work of officials and others in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties. Big Sandy Area Development District (Big Sandy ADD) is also instrumental in the organization of the annual East Kentucky Fair. Operating times for this year's East Kentucky Fair are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. each day. More information on the East Kentucky Fair is available online at www.eastkentuckyfair.com.
August 2, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Contact: Steve LeMaster, Director of Public Relations Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 Email: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 30, 2007 Fans invited to visit Miners booth at East Kentucky Fair PIKEVILLE, KY. - Visitors to this year's East Kentucky Fair will have the opportunity to learn more about the East Kentucky Miners, an expansion team in the tradition-rich CBA (Continental Basketball Association). The Miners will have a booth set up at this year's East Kentucky Fair. The latest edition of the East Kentucky Fair will run Thursday-Saturday (Aug. 2-4) with the Miners booth remaining open throughout each day. The East Kentucky Fair is held annually at Thunder Ridge Racing and Entertainment Complex in Prestonsburg, When visiting the Miners booth, individuals and groups will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets for the 2007-08 campaign. Various season ticket packages featuring different payment options exist and will be offered during the fair. The booth will also offer for sale official East Kentucky Miners merchandise, including T-shirts and hats. Former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler, who with Demetrius Ford co-founded Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group Inc., owner of the East Kentucky Miners, will be present to meet fair-goers. Fiedler will also be available to sign autographs. During his time in the NFL, Fiedler completed 1,717 passes for 11,844 yards and 69 touchdowns. In 2001, Fiedler started 16 regular-season games for the Miami Dolphins, passing for 3,290 yards and 20 touchdowns. East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley will also be available to meet and greet fans during the East Kentucky Fair. In 2006, Pro Basketball News (www.probasketballnews.com) named Keathley, a Floyd County native, one of the top 10 young coaches in America. He earned an ABA coach of the year award in 2005. The entire East Kentucky Miners organization is working diligently in preparation for the team's debut season. Keathley will conduct the Miners' first free agent camp on Saturday (Aug. 4) at the Pikeville College Gym. The East Kentucky Fair came to life through the hard work of officials and others in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties. Big Sandy Area Development District (Big Sandy ADD) is also instrumental in the organization of the annual East Kentucky Fair. Operating times for this year's East Kentucky Fair are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. each day. More information on the East Kentucky Fair is available online at www.eastkentuckyfair.com.
August 3, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Contact: Steve LeMaster, Director of Public Relations Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 Email: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUG. 2, 2007 Miners to open season in Pittsburgh East Kentucky will host Xplosion in home debut PIKEVILLE, KY. - Eastern Kentucky basketball fans can now start circling numerous dates on their calendars. The Continental Basketball Association (CBA), the world's oldest professional basketball league, has released the schedule for its 62nd season. The East Kentucky Miners, which are headed into their first season in the historic CBA, will tip off the 2007-08 season on the road in Pittsburgh on Friday, Nov. 16 versus the Xplosion. Tip-off for the season-opener is set for 7:05 p.m. "November 16 is the columniation of all of the hard work through the summer and fall," said East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley. "We can establish a rivalry with Pittsburgh early on, playing on the road in the season-opener." Miners fans can be a part of history when the team plays its second game of the debut season. After traveling to Pittsburgh, East Kentucky will return home for its season-opener on Sunday, Nov. 18 against the Xplosion. "That's the time when we get to take the floor and perform in front of all of our fans," Keathley said, commenting on the home opener for the East Kentucky professional basketball team. "It's a chance to set the tone and make our home arena an intimidating place to play." In another intriguing early-season matchup, Rio Grande Valley (Texas) will visit East Kentucky on Monday, Nov. 26. Steve Tucker guides Rio Grande Valley as its head coach. The newest member of the CBA, Rio Grande Valley featured Keathley as an assistant coach before he returned home to Eastern Kentucky. "We've got the Texas team, Rio Grande Valley, coming in on Monday, Nov. 26, and that will definitely be exciting," said Keathley. "There's a lot of history between myself and Rio Grande Valley Coach Steve Tucker." The 10-team CBA is divided into two conferences. The American Conference features Albany, Atlanta, Minot, East Kentucky and Pittsburgh. The National Conference consists of Butte, Great Falls, Oklahoma, Rio Grande Valley and Yakama. The CBA will play a total of 240 regular-season games. The 16-week regular-season will conclude on Sunday, March 9. The CBA Playoffs are scheduled to get underway on Wednesday, March 12. The Miners will host 24 games inside the East Kentucky Expo Center in their first-ever season. In a 48-game schedule split evenly, East Kentucky will be on the road for 24 matchups. The Miners organization has several home game promotions in the works for the debut season. EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 2007-08 SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 16 at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 Pittsburgh, 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 at Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 at Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at Minot, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 at Minot, 7:05 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26 Rio Grande Valley, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 Butte, 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 Butte, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 Atlanta, 7:05 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Albany, 7:35 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at Albany, 7:35 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 Minot, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 Minot, 4:05 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17 Albany, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19 Albany, 7:05 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 Pittsburgh, 4:05 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 at Atlanta, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 at Atlanta, 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at Butte, 6:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4 at Butte, 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 Yakama, 4:05 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 Yakama, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9 Rio Grande Valley, 7:05 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at Rio Grande Valley, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at Rio Grande Valley, 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 CBA All-Star Game at Yakama, 7:35 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 at Yakama, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Yakama, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 Albany, 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 Albany, 7:05 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 Great Falls, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 Great Falls, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb.. 9 Minot, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 Minot, 4:05 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Great Falls, 6:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 at Great Falls, 6:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 at Albany, 7:35 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 at Atlanta, 3:05 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 at Atlanta, 3:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 Oklahoma, 7:05 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29 Oklahoma, 7:05 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 2 Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 6 at Minot, 7:05 p.m.
August 6, 200719 yr EAST KENTUCKY MINERS 237 2ND STREET PIKEVILLE, KY. 41501 Contact: Steve LeMaster, Director of Public Relations Phone: (606) 437-9715 Fax: (606) 437-9725 Email: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUG. 5, 2007 Miners hold inaugural free agent camp Former UK, UofL, WKU, EKU players among participants PIKEVILLE, KY. - Aspiring professional basketball players from as far away as Texas journeyed to Eastern Kentucky on Saturday for a highly-anticipated free agent camp. The East Kentucky Miners, an expansion team in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), held their inaugural free agent camp at the Pikeville College Gym. Twenty-one different players took part in the free agent camp, performing in front of East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley and other members of the Miners organization. Among the participants were former NCAA Division I players from Kentucky, Louisville, Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky. "A lot of times, you never know what you'll get with a camp," Keathley commented at the end of the camp's second and final session. "With this camp, the talent was consistent. There were seven to 10 quality players. With the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University and Eastern Kentucky University represented, you know you are getting a quality talent pool." The camp was split into two sessions. In the evening session, four teams scrimmaged. Several local players, including Pikeville College and Alice Lloyd College products, competed in hopes of catching the attention of the East Kentucky head coach. "On the local side, Pikeville College and Alice Lloyd College representatives held their own," Keathley said. Former University of Louisville standout Bryant Northern, and Brandon Stockton, a former Kentucky Mr. Basketball who played for the University of Kentucky, were among the 21 participants. Northern played for Keathley as a member of the ABA's Kentucky Colonels. "Bryant Northern is much more mature as a leader on the floor and he's stronger," Keathley said. "He's the type of player who would work well within my system. Brandon Stockton shot the ball extremely well and enjoyed some success when penetrating through the lane." Prior to the free agent camp, Keathley remained busy looking for players for the first edition of East Kentucky Miners. "This free agent camp just adds to the talent pool we've been assembling," Keathley added. "There were several players who took part in the camp that really impressed me." According to Keathley, another free agent camp could be held in late-September or early-October. The following is a list of individuals who participated in the East Kentucky Miners' first-ever free agent camp held Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Pikeville College Gym. No. Player College Pro Experience 9 Ramon Taylor Eastern Illinois IBL, ABA, Mexico 5 Brandon Stockton Kentucky ABA 41 Butch Jointer Western Kentucky 3 John White Eastern Kentucky 8 Robert Smith Coppin St./Idaho St. 80 Ben Valentine Pikeville 21 Tory Robertson Evansville 12 Bryant Northern Louisville/NKU KIBA, KBDL, ABA 7 Neil Rasnake Western Carolina WBA 14 Tim Gray Spaulding ABA, Portugal 13 Mike Newsome N/A 17 Willie Richard Jarvis Christian 60 Danny Rice Southwestern 18 Micah Oden Alice Lloyd/Pikeville 19 Jarvis Bogar Jarvis Christian 20 Eugene Green Indiana Wesleyan 40 Justin Chaffins Alice Lloyd 10 Ernest Jones Florida State USBL, ABA 42 Jeremy Daniels Alice Lloyd 2 Daniel Price Pikeville 4 Mark King Pikeville ABA
August 11, 200719 yr FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUG. 9, 2007 Keathley shares coaching ties with CBA's newest team, head coach PIKEVILLE, KY. - One thing for certain: the 2007-08 season will be a campaign of firsts for the East Kentucky Miners. More than one heated rivalry is bound to develop. An expansion team in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), East Kentucky is under the guidance of head coach Kevin Keathley. During the upcoming season, Keathley will coach against the rest of the tradition-rich CBA, a professional basketball league that now includes former NBA standout player Kenny Anderson as head coach of the Atlanta Krunk. Paul Woolpert, who has guided the Yakima Sun Kings to back-to-back CBA championships, is considered to be the CBA coaching dean. However, the one matchup the Miners mentor is looking most forward to during the debut season is a Nov. 26 home game versus the Rio Grande Valley Silverados of Texas, the newest CBA team. The matchup will feature Keathley facing his previous team. Keathley worked with the Silverados as an assistant coach before accepting the head coaching position with the Miners. Developing an early rivalry versus Pittsburgh - the first opponent both home and away - is a given for the Miners. Due to Keathley's coaching history, Rio Grande Valley also turns into a natural rival for the East Kentucky team. The early-season East Kentucky-Rio Grande Valley game has intrigue written all over it. Coaching veteran Steve Tucker is the Rio Grande Valley head coach. Keathley and Tucker have a long history together. The two basketball coaches worked together nearly nine years ago in the college ranks. Tucker was the head coach while Keathley was a young assistant coach entering his second year in the profession. “I had the privilege to work for one of the very best coaches in the profession at a very young age and as a result was able to learn a great deal from him," Keathley said, referring to Tucker. "He was as organized and detailed as any coach with whom I've ever worked.” Keathley and Tucker share a passion for the game. “Coach (Tucker) brings passion and intensity to every single minute of the day," Keathley commented. "He wants to be the very best and expects no less from those around him.” After a successful college campaign together, Keathley and Tucker went their separate ways. But the two always kept in touch on a regular basis. The next time they would be on the same basketball floor would be as opponents. The situation shaped up on the pro level in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with Keathley as head coach of the Kentucky Colonels and Tucker as head coach of the Texas Tycoons. “The irony of that game is that it was my first game as head coach of the Kentucky Colonels and the opponent was Coach Tucker," Keathley recalled. "Of all the places for us to be coaching and all the times for it to be my first game; it was definitely on edge that night. We were able to pull out the win in that one. Coach (Tucker) still jokes with me that I had home-cooking on the floor that night." Keathley welcomes the challenge of taking on a fellow head coach that he's worked under. "I’m looking forward to November 26," Keathley added. "I know Coach (Tucker) will have his guys ready to play and he'll be coming in to beat me as bad as he can. I’m going to do the same, but once the game's over, we will give each other a hug around the neck and root one another on during the rest of the season. I’m very thankful to Coach (Tucker) for his guidance on basketball and his friendship off of the floor. He’s an outstanding coach.”
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