Mark My Words

Mark My Words: Tales of Brandon Webb, O.J. Mayo, and other Sports Legends of Northeastern Kentucky has been in print less than three weeks, and author Mark Maynard s outstanding book has already sold more than 200 copies! I am proud of this book. It promotes our region s athletes, but it also reminds us of the important role that athletics play in our society and in our educational systems. By the time Mark began writing his columns in the 1970s, comprehensive high schools had emerged and high school athletics had become an integral part of our system of public education. Each fall, football became the prime focus for school athletics, just as basketball captured the community in the winter months and baseball ushered in the spring. As you read Mark Maynard s essays, you will be reminded that each sport was a major ritual occasion that involved whole communities, as well as the entire student body. As such these games became a centerpiece of regional culture. When the local team was having a bad season, an uneasiness settled over the entire community. When the local teams were winning, the entire community was caught up in the excitement. Every morning, thousands of devotees read Mark s columns in The Independent to follow the progress of their teams. Mark My Words is a wonderful trip down memory lane for many regional sports fans who will find some of their favorite memories captured in the 85 short essays in this well-written book. A personal name index and dozens of period photographs further enhance this book which is a must have for the personal library of local sports enthusiasts.