My First Trip to Highlands

[gchs_uk9]

I just wanted to thank all of the good people I met in Fort Thomas last night. I had been past the school before, but had never been to a game at Highlands before the 5A semifinal game with Lincoln County.

 

1. I absolutely loved the ambience, the set up, the tradition that just seemed to ooze from everywhere around the place. Its getting rarer, especially in my area, to find stadiums that have as much character as the one at Highlands. In an era of consolidation and larger suburban schools, Highlands stands out from those. While the turf wasn't traditional and the team was unbelievable, it almost seemed like a night in the early 1960s watching a football game.

 

2. Everyone I met was nice. I sat behind four gentlemen who had played on the 1960/61 state championship teams and they were very pleasant. While I was hoping Lincoln County would win, I had no real rooting interest. The fellows I met were very complimentary and spoke highly of Lincoln County and their players, even as the game was getting out of hand.

 

3. The cannon. I knew it would be loud, but WOW! It looked like a war scene when the cannon shot and I swear it looked as though it was firing directly at me. I definitely flinched the first time, but after so many Bluebird scores, I was comfortable by halftime!

 

Thanks to everyone in Fort Thomas for all they have done. Its a wonderful place and a wonderful program. I can't wait to make a return visit!

[Henry521]

Thank you for your very nice post. As a Highlands fan I must say that I was very impressed with the great fan following that Lincoln has. I received a phone call around 4:30 that said the Lincoln county fans had arrived and they were infront of the school tailgating. It's this kind of fan support that makes a program successful. Congratulations to your players on a successful season. Getting to the semi's is never an easy road and is something to be very proud of. To the Lincoln player's, your community is very very proud of you and it shows.:thumb:

[Mr.Network]

In an era of consolidation and larger suburban schools, Highlands stands out from those. While the turf wasn't traditional and the team was unbelievable, it almost seemed like a night in the early 1960s watching a football game.

 

When we started talking about the Death Valley Bowl, I had the idea for a "Rivalry Bowl" or a "Throw Back Bowl". My idea was to have Lincoln County play Garrard County at Stanford High School's old stadium. the field is still in place behind the Fort Logan Alternative High School. I thought it would be neat to have Lincoln County wear a Stanford High School influenced jersey and to have Garrard County do the same with a Lancaster High School influenced jersey.

 

Nobody liked my idea because the facilites (seating, parking, locker rooms, etc.) would be insufficient. I said "so what", they were insufficient back then and everybody seemed to survive it.

 

At Stanford, the L&N train tracks ran right behind the South endzone. I used to hope for touchdown while the train was running by so they would kick the ball into the train. I always wanted the ball to land on the top of a coal car and keep on riding down the rail.

 

Lincoln County's "new" stadium is 33 years old now but it is a huge improvement over what we had at Stanford HS. Nonetheless, I miss the character of those kinds of close-quarter stadiums.

[leatherneck]

I just wanted to thank all of the good people I met in Fort Thomas last night. I had been past the school before, but had never been to a game at Highlands before the 5A semifinal game with Lincoln County.

 

1. I absolutely loved the ambience, the set up, the tradition that just seemed to ooze from everywhere around the place. Its getting rarer, especially in my area, to find stadiums that have as much character as the one at Highlands. In an era of consolidation and larger suburban schools, Highlands stands out from those. While the turf wasn't traditional and the team was unbelievable, it almost seemed like a night in the early 1960s watching a football game.

 

2. Everyone I met was nice. I sat behind four gentlemen who had played on the 1960/61 state championship teams and they were very pleasant. While I was hoping Lincoln County would win, I had no real rooting interest. The fellows I met were very complimentary and spoke highly of Lincoln County and their players, even as the game was getting out of hand.

 

3. The cannon. I knew it would be loud, but WOW! It looked like a war scene when the cannon shot and I swear it looked as though it was firing directly at me. I definitely flinched the first time, but after so many Bluebird scores, I was comfortable by halftime!

 

Thanks to everyone in Fort Thomas for all they have done. Its a wonderful place and a wonderful program. I can't wait to make a return visit!

 

Glad you enjoyed the trip and experience. Also glad, but not surprised, that you were treated cordially by us. Hope you come back soon. And I hope the rest of the Lincoln Co fans enjoyed their trip and found the accomodations acceptable, particularly the seating. The views from the seats are good and due to the closeness of the bleachers, you are very close to the action. Hope everyone made it home safely.

[knightsdad]

I'll echo the remarks made here. I've not been to a better football setting than at Highlands and I hope LexCath gets to visit there again next year even if we lose.

[NEERFAN]

I always try to make my way down to David Cecil for a playoff game, did so again last night. I have a question, how long has the cannon been on the old gym roof? I also loved the area on the NW side of the field with the overlook, that would have to be one of the best seats in the whole state if you ask me.

[Birdsfan]

Thanks to everyone in Fort Thomas for all they have done. Its a wonderful place and a wonderful program. I can't wait to make a return visit!

I'm just glad you found the place, with my lousy directions. How did you do with parking?

[gchs_uk9]

I'm just glad you found the place, with my lousy directions. How did you do with parking?

 

Got there early and parked on the street in front of the middle school. Perfect parking spot, easy to exit down toward the interstate. Your directions were extremely helpful!:thumb:

[Hamilton Joe]

Not a better place to watch a High School football game IMO.

[THUNDERBIRDS]

I always try to make my way down to David Cecil for a playoff game, did so again last night. I have a question, how long has the cannon been on the old gym roof? I also loved the area on the NW side of the field with the overlook, that would have to be one of the best seats in the whole state if you ask me.

 

The cannon was moved to the roof at the beginning of the playoffs because of the NW side of the field. They didn't want us spilling their shirley temples so we were banished from shooting it on their side of the field. There was really no other place to shoot the cannon off safely on the field so we decided to go vertical!!!! Hope it stays.

[NEERFAN]

That also has to be a bird's eye view from up in the heavens. I've been to HHS quite a few times and the cannon has gotten the best of me a few times. Last night I went to the boys room during a HHS posession, when I walked out I didn't glance at their field posession, sadly enough they kicked a FG without me knowing and the cannon about gave me a coronary.

[Birdsfan]

...sadly enough they kicked a FG without me knowing and the cannon about gave me a coronary.

That field goal was so funny! Everyone by us jumped when the cannon went off. And this was all Highlands fans--the ones that love to watch the visitors jump out of their seats. :lol: We got a taste of our own smoke with that one.

[Qryche11]

I always try to make my way down to David Cecil for a playoff game, did so again last night. I have a question, how long has the cannon been on the old gym roof? I also loved the area on the NW side of the field with the overlook, that would have to be one of the best seats in the whole state if you ask me.

 

Those seats in the NW side that overlook are awesome. I have had the opportunity to sit there twice in the last 3 weeks and when the ball is on the North side you get a great birdseye view and you can hear some major hitting going on. Not to mention they have standing heaters on the deck, an inside area with an awesome spread and great people in general to talk football with.

[Frank329]

3. The cannon. I knew it would be loud, but WOW! It looked like a war scene when the cannon shot and I swear it looked as though it was firing directly at me. I definitely flinched the first time, but after so many Bluebird scores, I was comfortable by halftime!

 

I have been going to Highlands games for many years too many to recount. I still flinch everytime the cannon goes off. It always manages to get me.

 

I am glad you enjoyed your trip to Highlands and hopefully you can enjoy many more. Friday nights in the Fall are great with the game, friends and Dixie Chili after the game.

[purple_eagles_416]

Frank329 that's an awful good looking Avatar you have there. Sure beats those old gold helmets I remember!!!!

 

You guys are going to have bring the Chili down to Louisville this week. I think I might have to come down for this one.