The Advocate-Messenger from Danville, Kentucky • Page 13

THE KENTUCKY ADVOCATE, Danville, Kentucky, Sunday, April 19, 1987 13 Simpson a 3-sport standout all 66 games Garrard has had since his freshman year. "Really, baseball has just always been my favorite and it always will be." His first three years at Garrard he played in the infield when he wasn't pitching so Hurt could keep his bat and glove in the lineup. This year he's moved to the outfield. "I've liked playing the outfield," said the senior. "You can do more things." Pitching, however, is the "thing" Simpson still does best. The hard-throwing Simpson struck out 12 Burgin batters to open a game last week. He finished with 17 strikeouts and allowed only one hit. "Doug's main strength is his velocity," said Hurt. "That makes his other pitches all work. If his curve and drop are on it makes it tough on hitters to get ready. "He's become smarter on the mound and is mixing his pitches up better. He has really made great strides since he started as a freshman." He gave up most of his free time last summer to play American Legion baseball in Richmond. He feels it was time well spent. "They had invited me the year before but I couldn't," said Simpson. "I knew I would learn a lot about pitching and playing with the team did help me." Playing college baseball has been Simpson's dream since he started throwing a ball years ago. Still, he never seriously considered playing only baseball at Garrard to enhance his college chances. He felt an obligation to play basketball and football and despite the frequent losses has no second thoughts about his decision. "Maybe it would have been easier at times to have just played baseball," said Simpson. "We had some long years but I always knew that a lot of people were counting on me because of who I was and what I had done. 'I couldn't let those people down. 1 just had to reach down inside myself and find the will to play all three sports. Now. looking back I realize I would really have regretted it if I hadn't played basketball and football along with baseball I have good memories of all three sports." been good to me," said Simpson. "The guys I have played with have always tried hard and that's all anyone can ask. "All my coaches stressed having a team effort and I always tried to follow that advice. We haven't been as successful as I would have liked but I've enjoyed my career." Next year Simpson should be surrounded by quality players. He is being recruited by several college baseball coaches and Hurt has no doubts that his star player will sign a baseball scholarship. "He has a good arm in football and probably could play some small college football," said Hurt. "He "could-probably also play a second guard for a small college basketball team. "But if you take a look at what he has the chance to be the most successful at it would have to be baseball. That's where his heart is, too." Simpson grew up playing baseball and it still ranks as his favorite sport. He laughed and said, "Football is too rough and basketball has too much running," said Simpson, who has played in (Continued from Page 9.) Lions won their only district baseball championship. "A lot of people play on teams that have more overall talent around them," said Hurt. "That helps some players appear to be better than they really are. Doug didn't have that luxury very often." "Doug always did the best he could no matter what," said Steve Sullivan, Simpson's football coach in 1985 and 1986. "He never complained and played with pain. He's a unique young man." Simpson had to play for three different basketball coaches and two football mentors. Simpson, however, has no complaints with his teammates or coaches. "Naturally anybody would rather play with a lot of talented players but Garrard County has Doug Simpson has been a leader on Garrard's basketball, baseball and football teams for the last three years. Staff Photo by Larry Vaught i Ori the road il 2 wmmsmm Ji Patrick new pro New Danville Country Club golf professional Stephen Patrick has already began his duties at the local club. Patrick spent the last two years as a teaching professional at the Calumet Country Club in Homewood, 111., in the Chicago area. He served in some other positions prior to the Calumet Club. The 28-year-old golf pro graduated from Ferris State College in central Michigan with a bachelor of science degree in marketing in 1983. He was also a part of the professional golf management program at the college, which is a four-and-a-half year program. This is Patrick's first head professional position and he is excited about the challenge of his new job. "I see this job as a big challenge for me and I am definitely excited about my new position," said the new Danville Country Club pro. "This area is new to me but I like it already. I have just been here a little over two weeks and we haven't had much good weather during that time. Hopefully, this will improve fairly soon. "One of my first prioritoes will be to reorganize or revamp the pro shop which I have already started doing. I hope to give the shop a new look while bringing in good merchandise and offering it for a fair price. I also hope to have a good teaching program here." Partick emphasizes that established tournaments such as the J.E. Butler Memorial for men, Tee Cup for ladies and the Pat McNamaraDruther's Invitational for youngsters will continue and become even better. "I will also offer some different kinds of tourney events for the membership," noted Patrick. "We recently had something different in connection with the Masters Tournament. We hope to do quite a few fun things that will create interest and excitement among our members. "I am just beginning to get to know some of the people here. I am still feeling my way around and hopefully in a few more weeks I'll have myself better established. Coming into a new situation like this is not easy at first. Lincoln wins STANFORD Chris Caldwell shot a two-over par 37 Friday to lead Lincoln County to an impressive 156-196 victory over Washington County at Dix River Country Club. Todd Douglas added a 39 for Lincoln while Todd Faulkner and Charlie Lewis both shot 40. Shelby Reed had a 42 for Lincoln while Bryan Pence shot 52 and Jimmy Burton 57. The win improved Lincoln's record to 2-0. Four years ago, Phil Fister was on the road to possible heart trouble. Like too many busy executives, he was out of shape and physically inactive. Now he's on the road to fitness. And better health habits. He's one of the many business people turned on by the excitement and fun of the Corporate Cup a healthy competition between businesses in the Louisville area. Started to promote fitness, healthier lifestyles and camaraderie among businesses, the Corporate Cup has put hundreds of men and women like Phil Fister on the road to better health. We're proud of our sponsorship of the Corporate Cup and salute all those people who have participated over the years. We hope many others will be inspired by their example to get back on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Powder and Putt By Thelma C. Jones The ladies of Danville Country Club will open their 1987 golfing season with a luncheon meeting on Tuesday. Lunch will be served at 12 noon with a meeting to follow. Please sign the sheet for reseva-tions in the pro shop. Our Ladies Day play will start April 28. We invite all interested golfers of the club to join us. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky is proud to co-sponsor the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon with tJjf Carirr-9ioumil nit I Blue Cross and Blue Shield nf Kenturk Ir Remstered Marks Blue 0s Blue nit 4 A