Cannon ready to fire away for UK scores

By Lindsay Hendrix
Staff Writer

"This thing's known wherever you go. We get way too much publicity," said Jerry Kohls, faithful shooter of seven years. Contrary to this modest view, many fans of both UK and Highlands High School in Ft. Thomas believe that the group deserves the attention.

The men shooting the UK blue and white cannon at all home football games have earned a special place on the sidelines, and in the hearts of football followers.

This coterie, comprising six men from Ft. Thomas, Ky., radiates enthusiasm. Adorned in matching outfits of khaki pants and UK blue shirts and hats, the men pay close attention to the game, watching for cannon-worthy plays, like touchdowns and field goals. They definitely don't take their job lightly.

Although new this year to UK's spirit-promoting techniques, the tradition has been pumping up fans of Highlands High School for nearly half a century now.

Bill Johnson, who has had the job for ten years, said the best part is the excitement for the kids.

"You can see it in their faces when we shoot it," he said.

And apparently it means quite a bit to the community of Ft. Thomas as well.

Charlie Kemplin, a four-year member of the group, owns a convenience store and gas station about a block from Highlands. He said customers come in regularly and tell him how neat they think it is.

The original logo, a gift from the athletic boosters in 1951, reads "Highlands Football-Winning Tradition" is changed for UK games.

When Rodney Stiles, UK's director of athletic services, called and asked the group to loan their cannon and their time for this year's Louisville game, the men answered with an overwhelming yes.

The fans' response to the explosion that rang out after UK scored prompted an extended invitation.

The group, all avid UK fans, immediately agreed.

After doing their duty on Fridays for their Ft. Thomas team, the men truck over an hour and a half to Lexington on every Saturday UK plays at home.

They pay all expenses out of pocket, and in return, they get to watch the game from the field.

Definitely better than front row.

"They treat us great," said first-year member Jerry Reynolds about the UK officials. "They let us go anywhere we want."

Reynolds is not a stranger to football. His son is offensive tackle Rob Reynolds, #71, who began his athletic career at Highlands as well.

An older son, Jerry Reynolds Jr., plays the same position in the NFL for the New York Giants.

Since the job has excellent benefits, one might think it nearly impossible to join the group.

Not so.

After noticing that the cannon team has a great place to watch the game, Jerry Kohls simply asked how a person gets on the team. It wasn't long before someone quit, and the position was his.

But judging by the faithful attitudes of the current group, it doesn't look like any of these guys will be giving up their positions any time soon.