Happy New Year!

How will you ring in the New Year? Jayhawk fans I'm sure will be settling early for the Insight Bowl...you know games started today at 11 a.m. Kim and I have friends coming in (welcome Jimbo and Stacy). And we are actually going to a Jayhawk watch party...thanks for the invite Jordan's. Now it's a guarentee we won't be wearing crimson and blue; but I am looking forward to watching Todd Reesing play once again; I think he's amazing. Then it's on to the Clay Center Country Club's New Year party.

Everyone; have a great time; let's bring in 2009 in style...Be Safe!!

Rocky Downing

A Friday Night WIth Family????????

Well the ice has put a halt on all activities around the KCLY Community...I hope I know what to do with myself. The Road Trip show we do on Friday night was going to be at Clifton/Clyde high school with Joe Woodyard--that's cancelled. The (4-1) Clay Center Tiger girls and boys were headed to Wamego--that's cancelled. The #1 ranked Clay Center Tiger wrestlers were at home against Wamego--that's cancelled...are you getting the picture?
Soooooo; how about all of us use the time that would have been spent traveling, cheering, playing, coaching and broadcasting at home with the family...hibernating!

Stay Warm and have a great day.
Rocky Downing

Sparkling Snow

I can tell you now I'm not a big fan of winter (I mean give me 95 and humid every day...seriously); but on the way to work this morning it was a very 'calm' look and feel with the snow shining in the headlights and streetlights...it had a very pure feeling to it.
SNAP--then I stepped out into the 4 DEGREE weather and all the calm was out the door.

Be careful out in this stuff...let's all enjoy it's beauty (?) from inside with your favorite cuddler!

Have a great day.
Rocky Downing

Friday!!!!!

I just thought I should remind you it's Friday...have a great weekend!!!

Rocky Downing

Congrats to the Phenom!

Nicole Ohlde; a.k.a. the Phenom; has just been named to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2009! Along with four coaches named to this year's list; Edward Kriwiel of Wichita; Tamra Strano a longtime coach at Leavenworth; Leslie Davis of Sedan and Layton Kaiser of Hays she will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a sporting event sometime in the second semester. Nicole who started her career as a freshman at Clay Center was truly Phenomenal on the basketball court; the volleyball court and in track and field. Her 'smile' while playing may be as legendary as her playing abilities. Of course the success for the Lady Tigers was then continued at Kansas State as a Big 12 Player of the year and still today in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx. I was very honored and priviledged to have been asked by her family to be one to write a letter of recognition for this selection; which I believe is well deserved. Congrats Nicole...The Phenom!

Rocky Downing

The Bill a the 'The Bill'

As everybody expected the rumors played out and Gary Patterson is the new head coach at Kansas State University...uh; well--wait a minute; what I mean is WELCOME BACK COACH BILL SNYDER! The wild ride we had talked about earlier has now settled a bit...although all the parking lot analysts will be breaking down this decision for quite some time. So are you one proclaiming a welcome to Coach Snyder with great vigor...or with a hint of skepticism...or maybe you think this is just downright wrong. Personally I was excited about the possibility for Patterson making his way back 'home'. But I have to say after hearing and seeing Bill Snyder back in position; I truly am getting more excited by the minute. The doubts are understandable...age, being away from the game to name a couple that are brought up immediately.
The things that are exciting to me:
-a coach that 'knows' how to win in the Big 12
-the task to deal with now is not even in the same ballpark as when he came in '88; they are miles ahead of where they were then
-the connections he has; don't you think the staff he puts together will be exciting!
-It Is COACH SNYDER...I just don't believe he will allow this not to be a successful move

Is this the right move? Well that is the 250,000 dollar question now isn't it.
As Coach Snyder would say when asked about a recruiting class and how good it is; "Ask me in four years"; we too will have to be patient and find the answers down the road.
I for one though am excited about the road we are on.

If I don't get the chance HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Rocky Downing

So What Do You Think?

It has been a crazy couple of weeks for Kansas State Wildcat fans hasn't it? The buzz may have settled a bit; but it certainly hasn't gone away with the rumors swirling around Ron Prince leaving KSU and who's coming in. Won't you just be glad when it's done...maybe after this weekend and the two week grace period and the end of the regular season we can all move forward.
Can you believe today (11/17) is opening day for basketball and wrestling practice in Kansas high schools? It's always amazing how quick the seasons go by.
You know there are two schools that KCLY follows that won't start basketball practice---CONGRATULATIONS to the Hanover Wildcats and Clifton/Clyde Eagles; they will both play this coming Saturday for a state championship. Hanover will kick off at 11 a.m.; the Eagles will kick off at 2:45. Listen for the call from Joe Woodyard live from Newton on KCLY!

Rocky Downing

The Aint's

Hey Everyone,
I have the opportunity to work with Donna Sullivan at the Riley Countian and every other week she gives me a chance to talk sports and we kind of cover just about anything and everything. I thought you might like to look at this week's editorial called 'The Aint's'.
We'll talk soon...

The Aint’s

Does the term “The Ain’ts” conjure up visions of a little black and gold? Maybe it’s Archie Manning trying to survive sack after sack or perhaps it brings visions of Mike Ditka in fake ‘dreads’ while supporting Ricky Williams (what in the world was he thinking?). For those who have been a fan of the NFL since the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s I’m sure you can remember the trials and tribulations of this franchise. I can still remember vividly what looked like a stadium full of ‘Unknown Comics’ at New Orleans games with their favorite brown paper bags over their heads.
Well…sadly the brown paper bags are making their way down One Arrowhead Drive into the stadium that has not seen times like this before. Sure; the years of Bill Kenney may have been a bit thin; although he did make the Pro Bowl in ’83; but they are nothing like what Chiefs fans are experiencing right now. Now understand every Sunday; the Chiefs red comes out and it will continue; but as someone who has experienced Arrowhead at some of its highest times (by the way I can’t believe there could be any better atmosphere in all of sports); this is a very-very low moment. And there doesn’t appear to much relief in the near future…my Kingdom for a playoff run!
Since the Aint’s are taken; do we have other options?
The LEAFS…because we’re getting blown away
The THIEFS…because their stealing our passion
The GRIEFS...that should be self explanatory
Enjoy Your Sports Day.
Rocky Downing

HELLOOOOOO

For some reason I have Jerry Seinfeld saying out the side of his mouth, "Helloooooooo". Seinfeld fans will have no problem coming up with Jerry's tough decision to say' "Helloooooo" or continue dating his latest interest...but I digress.
So; have you voted on the KCLY Hot 5? Last week Frosted Flakes won out over Lucky Charms for the top cereal across the KCLY Community. This week you can help decide the top 5 movies that make you cry. You don't have to leave your name; I would like to know what town you're responding from; so no one has to know who is crying over what movies. But we all have them; is it Ole Yeller; Bambi; Brian's Song; Field of Dreams?...well (sniff) enough about that (sniff-sniff) I don't want you to start welling up thinking about them. Anyway; you can vote at kclyradio.com.
Have a Great Day.
Rocky Downing

A Football Friday

Wow; what a night in Clay Center last evening; KCLY had the chance to have the Lady Tigers and Abilene Cowgirls showdown on the volleyball court. Abilene pulled away in the first match and won in two games; but in the second match...a different story. The second game was an epic match up; there were ten ties in that game alone; Abilene finally pulled it out 29-27. The third game though belonged to Clay Center; it was truly a terrific game to be a part of as a fan, broadcaster, coach and player...great show!
It's now Senior Night for the Tiger football, cross country, tennis and golf teams along with the members of the CCCHS band. It will be an emotional time for our household; Zach will be suiting up for what could be his last game at Otto Unruh Stadium under those Football Friday Night Lights...truly hard to believe this is happening tonight; wasn't I just coaching Z-Dogg and his classmates in 8th grade football---like--yesterday? Time does apparently travel as fast as our own parents told us...
Have a Great Day.
Rocky Downing

Clay Center Tiger Volleyball

It won't be long and KCLY will be headed into the Tiger's Den for volleyball on senior night. Tonight the Lady Tigers take on the Abilene Cowgirls in the final home appearance of the year. In fact I just spoke with coach Robert Moran a few minutes ago to get pre-game ready. He's been really pleased with how this team has performed this year. He also said Abilene has been a young team that has really gotten better on the year. The winner tonight will have sole possesion of second place in the NCKL behind Concordia. The post season is just about here...believe it or not. What a gorgeous day for the 4A Regional Golf Tournament that was hosted at the Clay Center Country Club; I had a chance to stop in for a while and watch. By the way I must brag; my neice from Bennington, Rebecca Downing, qualified for the State Tournament in 3-2-1A! Enjoy the rest of your afternoon...it's 'Almost' FRIDAY!!

Rocky Downing

You've Been SNOOKERED

It's been a while since we've sat down and talked hasn't it? Well; here's my vow to you-and you-and you over there; I will not be such a stranger from here on out. So how many of you have ever been 'snookered'? How many have heard that term used? My Dad was considered a pretty darn good Snooker player back in the day in Warsaw, MO. The other night we were watching a game and that phrase was used by an announcer in a football game. They've really 'snookered' themselves. A couple of people in the room were in the dark on this term. Snooker is a billiards (pool) game played on a table with no pockets; a bunch of red pool balls and one cue ball. The idea is to be able to use the rails (make bank shots) and to 'snooker' your opponent. To 'snooker' someone is to not leave them a shot; corner them; put them in jail if you will. Anyway; a fun game if you know it; but don't play my Dad in it...it could be a costly game!
Don't snooker yourself today; keep all your options open.

Rocky Downing

What's Happening

A big week coming up; a 7th Grade 'B' Team volleyball match up starts it off this afternoon (Tuesday). There is more Bengal Volleyball on Thursday...the home opener even. Amira was even outside yesterday after practice working on her serves. There's a Football Friday moving in quickly for Zach and all of us at Marysville and the Wildcats are back to a Saturday schedule and at home...I'm really trying to keep the faith with this team. Clay Center has it's annual Piotique celebration...the parade starts at two by the way. On Sunday; KCLY's all-star golf team: Kyle Bauer, Duane Toews, Flip Kasper an I will tee it up at the pubic golf course. It's our second venture into what is now an annual fund raiser for the Clay County Wrestling Club. We may not have the best score...but there's a good chance we'll battle for most fun.
Speaking of fun; Kim and I actually had the opportunity to sit down for a meal with friends this past Saturday and then settle in for a movie...those chances just don't happen often enough. Hey have you checked out the new 'look' of kclyradio.com? Go see what all is happening.
Later in the week; we'll talk 'snooker' and my Dad's connection.
Rocky Downing

The Vinyl Years

Do you like music? Do you like mindless details and info about music? Well; I think I have a place you may want to hang out every once in a while. Phil 'Flip' Kasper and I host a show Monday-Friday nights called the Vinyl Years. At 6 p.m. it's 60's music; at 7 p.m. it's 70's music and at 8...you guessed it; it's 80's music. Combined between the two of us we have amassed a great amount of useless knowledge; so we decided to put it to use and pass it along to anyone who will listen. Actually it's been really cool to have some positive reaction to it. We have a blast doing it; I mean getting paid to hang out with a good buddy and talk all kinds of music...is this a great country or what?
On another note; it's a big week again for our household. Amira has her first volleyball game! Our 7th grade Bengal takes the floor Thursday! And how about this for a Road Trip; the Clay Center Tiger football team travels to Great Bend Friday night. By the way; the Road Trip on KCLY is at Washington County this Friday; everything starts on the air at 6 p.m.
Whoa; where did the time go...I hear a weather intro playing--gotta run.
Rocky Downing

Football Friday Approaches

This is always a huge week for all of us at the radio station. It's the first Football Friday! Now some of us got a taste of the first football on a steamy Saturday afternoon in Manhattan...a great Tailgate with really good football from the Cats; a great start. But there's something about that first Football Friday. It's been a weird move toward this game; for the first time in many years I am not coaching Middle School Bengal Football; and although I have had my fair share of withdrawals the past few weeks and am really wondering what game day tomorrow will be like with no game to prepare for...the chance to be with my family and even get a little extra golf in has proven invaluable.
Now; onto the first Football Friday of the year. As exciting as it is each year; it takes on a whole new feel this year with a senior in our home; a senior who by the way is one of the team's captains and will start at cornerback and wide receiver (hey a Dad's gotta brag on such an awesome kid).
The KCLY Grid Iron Gang; Randy 'Chet' Carlson and Phil 'Flip' Kasper will join me in the booth to call the games. I'm really ready to fire off that first, "Touchdown Tigers--Touchdown Clay Center Tigers!"
Wherever your games lead you this weekend; have fun and be safe...and yell loud!!
Rocky Downing

Welcome To Wildcat Saturday

If you close your eyes for just a moment...sit back and drift away ever so slightly...you can smell the burgers, brats and other delectables of fine tailgating cuisine. Yes my friends it is tailgate season. Have you made your plans yet? Although tonight (Thursday) is the official start of college football season; for us the "Official Start" is this Saturday night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. There is something about pulling down Kimball or Denison and seeing the flags flying proudly, the smoke rising, the clang of washer games and the blaring of steros that can overwhelm you. Are you ready for some football!!

The Tailgate Season begins...hopefully the football lives up to the pregame.