Congratulations to eight outstanding student-athletes at Harlan County High School on receiving Triple Threat Awards from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
The HCHS students will be recognized at the school honors day scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th, Athletic Director Eugene Farmer said.
Receiving the awards are:
Aliya Burkhart, Football, Track-Outdoor and Wrestling;
Sam Carr, Football, Track-outdoor and Wrestling;
Caden Craig, Cross Country, Soccer and Track-Outdoor;
Lauren Lewis, Basketball, Cross Country and Track-Outdoor;
Elijah Moore, Cross Country, Tennis and Track-Outdoor;
Gracie Roberts, Cross Country, Track-Outdoor, and Wrestling;
Jaycee Simpson, Basketball, Cross Country and Track-Outdoor;
Riley Witt, Archery, Cross Country, Tennis, and Track-Outdoor.
Farmer says competing in three sports at the varsity level is “both challenging and rewarding.” He complimented each student for their drive and determination to be a part of at least three sports. He noted that Witt actually participates in four sports.
"Any student-athlete who earns the KHSAA Triple Threat Award is certainly versatile and skilled. These student-athletes have shown a great devotion to Harlan County High School and our entire athletic program. Not only participating, but also excelling in each sport is definitely worth recognizing and we appreciate the KHSAA for honor such a special group of student-athletes," said Farmer.
According to the KHSAA, the awards are an effort to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture.
Commissioner Julian Tackett’s office launched the “Triple Threat Award” program in May of 2018 to recognize those students who participate in high school athletics year-round.
To be considered for the award, the student must compete be on the varsity roster of a sport or sport-activity for a team in each of the three sports seasons.
For this award, the fall sports are Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, and Volleyball; Winter sports are Basketball, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Dance, Esports 1st half, Swimming and Diving, and Wrestling and Spring Sports are Archery, Baseball, Bass Fishing, Esports 2nd half, Softball, Tennis, and Track and Field.
The awards are based solely on each member school’s rosters that were submitted through the KHSAA’s online system, as that is the only permitted determinant for athletic eligibility (including team eligibility).
Tackett said the KHSAA staff and Board of Control are proud to issue these awards and look forward to continuing the program in the future to emphasize the values of participation and the now-documented likely negative aspects of sports specialization.