Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 Release Date: January 6, 2025

Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), KSR Hour 2 delves deep into the latest happenings in Kentucky sports, providing insightful analysis, engaging discussions, and lively interactions with listeners.

1. Opening Remarks and Weather Update ([01:36] - [02:16])

Matt Jones kicks off Hour 2 by addressing a weather-related situation affecting local sports venues. A caller informs the crew that a Ford dealership in Louisville has been closed since 9/11, highlighting ongoing impacts of extreme weather conditions. The hosts discuss the persistent snowfall and its implications for local businesses and scheduling.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Lemond: "I think the snow is gonna stop, but then the temperature just drops the next couple days."
[01:57]

2. Hal McCoy Segment: From Unknown to Local Legend ([03:04] - [08:07])

A significant portion of the episode centers around Hal McCoy, a seasoned writer for the Dayton newspaper who has covered the Cincinnati Reds for over 50 years. Initially unfamiliar with McCoy, Matt Jones shares a transformative moment when McCoy himself called into the show, leading to an enriching conversation about his legacy, including creating the term "Big Red Machine."

Key Highlights:

• Discovery of Hal McCoy: Matt admits his initial unfamiliarity with McCoy, later appreciating his dedication despite personal challenges, such as a stroke and blindness since 2004.
• Listener Interaction: A listener named Billy reveals he was listening from his car, prompting an impromptu and heartfelt exchange.
• Appreciation: The crew expresses admiration for McCoy's enduring commitment to sports journalism.

Notable Quote:

Matt Jones: "He created the term big red machine. I never knew where that came from."
[05:23]

3. Critique of Cal Perry’s Post-Game Strategy ([08:07] - [12:17])

The discussion shifts to Cal Perry, a local basketball coach criticized for poor game preparation, particularly against top-ranked teams like Tennessee. The hosts dissect Perry's lack of a shoot-around before games, drawing parallels to past mistakes and questioning his commitment.

Key Points:

• Lack of Preparation: Perry's decision to skip shoot-arounds is deemed "coaching malpractice" by Ryan Lemond.
• Previous Incidents: Matt references a similar oversight two years prior during the SEC tournament in Tampa.
• Team Performance: Despite the lack of preparation, the team managed to score impressively in both halves, highlighting underlying talent but questioning strategic planning.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Lemond: "That's coaching malpractice. That's just not doing your job."
[10:38]

4. Listener Discussions and Viewer Feedback ([12:19] - [27:56])

Multiple callers share their experiences and opinions on various aspects of Kentucky sports:

• Deanna’s Insight on Crowd Energy ([12:21] - [13:35]): Deanna, a first-time caller, discusses how crowd energy influences team performance, highlighting discrepancies in TV audio quality versus live experiences.

  Notable Quote:

  Deanna: "I think the way ESPN does their microphones… You could hear it more [on CBS]."
  [13:35]

• Randy’s Feedback on OVW Rumble Wrestling Event ([27:56] - [28:04]): Randy praises the recent OVW Rumble held at KS Bar, emphasizing the electric atmosphere and the participation of wrestling legends alongside Shannon The Dude.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemond: "He's so gracious, too. He makes conversation with you while you're trying to get his autograph. That just don't make him."
  [34:14]

• Curtis’ Experience at the Game ([33:04] - [34:14]): Curtis shares his excitement from attending a recent game, meeting Travis Ford, and receiving an autograph, underscoring the community's strong support for the team.

5. Governors and Their Signature Jackets ([15:55] - [25:00])

A humorous yet critical segment emerges as Matt Jones and Shannon The Dude discuss the trend of governors wearing jackets emblazoned with their names and titles during games.

Key Points:

• Visual Critique: Matt questions the necessity of governors displaying their names and titles so prominently, comparing it to high school Letterman jackets.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones: "Why are you putting your name on your jacket? All right, so Ron DeSantis jacket, if you look at the game... Why are you doing that?"
  [16:24]

• Comparison to Others: The hosts contrast this trend with national figures like Joe Biden and George Bush, who do not wear such personalized attire, suggesting it feels unnecessary and superficial for governors.

6. Upcoming Games and Season Outlook ([28:04] - [37:22])

The crew shifts focus to the upcoming basketball season, discussing key games, team strategies, and expectations:

• Game Schedule Overview: Matt outlines Kentucky's schedule, highlighting significant matchups against Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Auburn.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones: "One of them is Arkansas with Cal and then one of them is South Carolina, which isn't quite the same but still cool."
  [28:04]

• Importance of Key Wins: Emphasis is placed on the necessity of winning crucial games, especially against teams like Georgia and Mississippi State, to maintain competitiveness in the conference.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemond: "Mississippi State's physical, like, that's a losable game."
  [30:31]

• Team Preparation and Coaching: The hosts praise the team's preparation under Coach Mark Pope, noting innovative practices and the team's adaptability, while also discussing recent player performances and commitments.

7. OVW Rumble Wrestling Event Recap ([27:06] - [35:19])

Matt and the crew reflect on the recent OVW Rumble wrestling event held at KS Bar, highlighting its success and the participation of former WWE legends.

Key Highlights:

• Event Success: The event featured impressive matches and concluded with three wrestling legends in the ring, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones: "They put on a heck of a show. And Ryan. It ended in the ring with two former WWE legends and Shannon the Dude."
  [27:22]

• Audience Engagement: Listeners express their enjoyment and appreciation for the high-energy event, with shout-outs to specific matches and participant interactions.

8. Historical Insights and Local Lore ([37:22] - [42:17])

The discussion veers into local history and intriguing anecdotes:

• Cockfighting in Kentucky: Kelly, a caller, recounts a major cockfighting raid from 2005 where over 500 individuals were arrested simultaneously, sparking a conversation about the prevalence and cultural implications of cockfighting in the state.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones: "I've learned a lot over the years from this show… how much cockfighting is going on. It's the one thing, Shannon."
  [41:18]

• Montgomery County Raid: The hosts dissect the logistics and implications of the 2005 raid, questioning how such a large-scale operation could be managed within the county’s facilities.

9. Final Remarks and Upcoming Promotions ([42:17] - [43:27])

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts touch on upcoming events and promotions:

• Netflix’s Monday Night RAW Launch ([25:00] - [26:57]): The crew discusses the transition of WWE RAW to Netflix, speculating on its impact on viewership and accessibility.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones: "They’re bringing apparently everyone back tonight. Are you gonna watch?"
  [25:08]

• Future Show Highlights: Teasers for upcoming shows include giveaways from Country Road Spirits during semifinal games, encouraging listener participation and engagement.

10. Closing Thoughts and Safety Wishes ([43:18] - End)

In the final moments, Matt and Ryan extend their well-wishes to listeners, emphasizing safety amidst ongoing weather challenges and celebrating recent team victories.

Notable Quote:

Matt Jones: "Cats beat Florida. It's been an awesome weekend. See you tomorrow. It's Kentucky sports."
[43:27]

Conclusion: KSR Hour 2 offered a comprehensive exploration of Kentucky's sports landscape, blending historical insights, current events, and vibrant listener interactions. From celebrating local legends like Hal McCoy to critiquing coaching strategies and engaging in light-hearted banter about governors' attire, the episode provided a well-rounded and entertaining experience for sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.