About the Guest(s):
Paul Rogers is a well-known sports broadcaster in Kentucky, recognized for his long tenure as the radio play-by-play voice for University of Louisville (UofL) football and men's basketball. Born and raised in the eastern part of Jefferson County, Rogers combined his love for sports with his passion for talking at a young age. After studying broadcasting at the University of Kentucky (UK), he landed a job at WHAS TV and radio in Louisville right after college. Rogers worked under Kay Wood Ledford, the sports director at the time, who became his greatest influence in play-by-play broadcasting. He eventually became the play-by-play voice for UofL, despite having attended UK, and has been associated with the university for over 30 years. Apart from his sports broadcasting career, Rogers has also called races at Churchill Downs and is an avid golfer.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Kentucky Sports Memories, host Gary Fogle interviews Paul Rogers, the longtime sports broadcaster known for his work with UofL football and men's basketball. Rogers shares his journey into sports broadcasting, starting from his early passion for sports and talking. He discusses his time working under Kay Wood Ledford at WHAS TV and radio, highlighting Ledford's mentorship and influence on his play-by-play broadcasting skills. Rogers also reminisces about his experience calling the boys' Sweet 16 basketball games and shares memorable moments from those broadcasts. Despite having attended UK, Rogers explains how he became the play-by-play voice for UofL and his love for both schools. Additionally, he talks about his involvement in horse racing and golf.
Key Takeaways:
Paul Rogers developed his passion for sports broadcasting at a young age, combining his love for sports with his desire to talk about them.
Kay Wood Ledford, Rogers' boss at WHAS TV and radio, played a significant role in nurturing his broadcasting skills and becoming his greatest influence in play-by-play broadcasting.
Rogers called the boys' Sweet 16 basketball games for several years, including memorable moments like the Edmonton County championship game and Paul Andrews' half-court shot.
Despite attending the University of Kentucky, Rogers became the play-by-play voice for UofL sports and has been associated with the university for over 30 years.
In addition to his sports broadcasting career, Rogers has called races at Churchill Downs and is an avid golfer.
Notable Quotes:
"I just basically combined the love of sports with a love of talking... I think I'll talk about sports. I'll be a sportscaster. Voila. How easy is that?" - Paul Rogers
"He [Kay Wood Ledford] was there for guidance and for help, but he was just a terrific gentleman and just to this day, probably my greatest influence." - Paul Rogers
"I broadcast the Edmonton county championship game, which essentially saved the state tournament... So I had some memorable years and great memories of those days." - Paul Rogers
"I've been associated with Louisville for so long, they're my school, I guess you would say. So I really have no trouble being for both." - Paul Rogers
"I called 30 Kentucky Derbys from 1984 to 2013... I think I've called more derbies than anybody." - Paul Rogers
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