| South Oldham Lady Dragons give Coach Tucker a surprise celebration of his 300 wins on 9-23-09! |
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| September 23rd began as an overcast rainy day that looked as if it would be that way all day long. But as evening approached the rain cleared and the skies revealed a pleasant ending to daylight with a cloudy sunset bathed in reddish orange colors. Perfect timing indeed for the double header at South Oldham field featuring first the boys varsity team against Spencer County followed by the Lady Dragon Varsity vs their Lady Bear counterparts. The boys set a nice tone for the evening with a solid 7-0 shutout win in their game and now the festivities were about to begin. |
| No doubt Coach Tucker must have sensed something was unusual about this evening as he leaned upon the fence watching the end of the boys game. It's not often that soccer games draw the South Oldham Band, cheerleaders, a hot air balloon, and a significant number of former players and parents joining those of the 2009 Lady Dragon contingent. In what was as well planned an event as I've seen in a while, Coach was surprised with an official pregame celebration recognizing his 300 WINS accomplishment that took place against Oldham County on August 22nd in the SON Tournament. |
| Lots of dignitaries were on hand to show their appreciation of Coach Cy's dedication to the sport of soccer and his love for his players over the years both of which are integral parts in not only winning 300 games but leaving a lasting impact on each of the Lady Dragon players that were privileged to be a part of his program. There were players and parents present from teams dating back into the 1990's when Tucker started building the reputation of one of the State's supreme soccer programs as evidenced by six State Championships and domination of their regional play over the years. As the boys left the field after their contest, the stadium announcer directed everyone's attention to the field and summoned Coach Tucker to join others gathering there. |
| Players held signs displaying "Winningest Coach" and "We Have Tuckers #300". The band played, the cheerleaders cheered, and the hot air balloon was inflated to serve as the background for the event. Athletic Director Mitch Irvin, Principal Dorenda Neihof, and Oldham County Board of Education Superintendant Paul Upchurch served as the official academic representatives for the occasion. Fourth District US Congressman Geoff Davis penned a letter that was read by Field Representative McKenzie Combs and Oldham County Judge Executive Duane Murner declared the day "Coach Cy Tucker Day" in Oldham County. Former Lady Dragon player and Miss Kentucky Soccer Nikki Armento read a letter from former goalie Laurie Franklin. Coach Cy's daughter Ally, who also played goalie for her Dad, read a moving tribute to her Coach and father. Members from the current South Oldham team presented Pete Canuel, longtime assistant varsity coach and JV head coach with a token of their appreciation for his influence on the South Oldham program. And then they honored Coach Tucker with a plaque & the 300th Win Game Ball in recognition of all that he has accomplished over his career. |
| Finally it was Coach Tucker's time to man the microphone. Coach expressed his surprise and gratitude for the celebration and the recognition and then proceeded to hug and thank all of the players past and present for their part in the program. It was a night to remember for everyone and to top it all off, the 2009 Lady Dragons shutout Spencer County 4-0.... |
| for more pictures on page 2 |
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