Mountain Tennis Circuit . Both are still active . Living in a family of teachers ; Clifford completed his secondary teaching degree and had a successful US , AP History career at Somerset High School . Naturally , he was the perfect choice for head tennis coach . They had a great tenure of playing in the Kentucky High School Tennis State Tournament , always finishing in the top five .
Cumberland Stave Softball Team originated in the mid-seventies . They were named for the Randall Sawmill in Eubank . I cannot tell you the excitement that spilled over through town when Cumberland Stave played Southern Tire at The Hole .
There were so many great teams , hot , steamy , summer nights , and Coach Taylor and Cathy ’ s concession stand . Believe me , all the wives and girlfriends showed up along with the locals . This was the best of small town America .
One of Clifford ’ s friends and faithful visitors said , “ I know there will be softball in Heaven .” Oh , I hope , I hope so .
How could these experiences not put you on the path to youth community sports ? Yes , we had Monica and Greg , but we loved all your children and made our home , their home . Clifford willingly served on the YBL Board and coached several teams . Somerset Little League was a love as well , serving several years on the board and active with the All Stars .
Clifford never stopped playing sports .
His tennis success carried over to Greg both achieving countless wins , state and southern rankings . Monica ’ s athleticism showed up in cheerleading for SHS . Yes , that is a sport . Our family loved sports so our comings and goings ; and doings were never fancy . They just involved some sort of ball . Moving back to Somerset in 2012 and landing on Fairway Lane has been a gift .
Clifford honed his golf skills and gradually started playing competitively . What he loved even more were the grounds and what he could do to keep them lush and pristine . He served as president creating a community within Somerset Country Club . He loved the Club , the course and certainly the members . I ’ d be remiss if I didn ’ t mention Doug Stogsdill , chief groundskeeper . I still miss
24 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky September 2022