Florence Kentucky Online

Boone County Flashback: Rebels run to Rupp 25 years ago

The 2009-10 high school basketball season marks the 25th anniversary of a historical basketball run by the Boone County Rebels. The 1984-85 Boone County basketball team was led by junior David Dinn and a talented roster who were returning from a successful season the year before. The team, coached by Jay Mulcahy, came into the season as an underdog to defend their 33rd District title and make it to the Sweet Sixteen in Rupp Arena.

The 1984-85 Rebels played well throughout the season. David Dinn's scoring and dunking made the team exciting to watch. Jeff Tierney also made a huge contribution to the team's success averaging 15 points a game and leading Northern Kentucky with 8 assists per game. As the season progressed, Boone County fans knew that something special was taking place. The Rebels cruised through their district championship games, defeating Dixie, Conner and Lloyd.

The Rebels would go on to defeat Beechwood in a low scoring game 47-35 to begin the regionals. A win over Campbell County in hostile territory 67-59 led to a regional finals matchup with Newport. The game against Newport would prove to be a classic. The score was 51-50 in Newport's favor with 8 seconds left on the game clock. Senior Jim Samuels was fouled and went to the line to try two crucial free throws. As the gym fell silent, Samuels hit the first to tie the game at 51-51. The second shot went in as well, handing the Rebels a 52-51 victory and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington at Rupp Arena.

All of Boone County High School and the city of Florence was caught up in the fever of the team's trip to Lexington and the Sweet Sixteen. Donning their "Slam Master Dinn" t-shirts, fans were anxious to make their way to Lexington to root on this historical Boone County team. The school and the city caught Boone County basketball fever and six pep buses rolled off the Boone County High School campus to carry the many fans to the game at Rupp Arena. Nearly 3500 Boone County fans made the trip to Lexington to see the Rebels take on Clay County in the opening round of the Sweet Sixteen. Clay County was a highly ranked opponent and proved to be too much for the Cinderella Rebels team. Playing a team that included the likes of future Kentucky Wildcats legend Richie Farmer, Boone County was knocked out in the first round 60-49. The team kept the game close all the way but the higher ranked Clay County team pulled away at the end of the game.

Despite the first round loss, this team went down in history as one of the most successful, beloved and memorable teams in the history of Boone County sports. It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 25 years since this magical run to the Sweet Sixteen. For those who were there to experience the excitement of that magical season, the memories will last a lifetime.

Get your hands on a piece of Boone County Basketball History

As the 1984-85 Boone County Rebels were preparing to take on Clay County in the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington, the school was going crazy with Rebel Spirit. Wearing your favorite Boone County shirt hit an all-time level of popularity during the team's historic season. To celebrate the team's trip to Lexington, the art department at Boone County created a t-shirt design to commemorate the team's success. The t-shirt featured star player David Dinn and used a take on a popular musical theme from the era to capture the spirit of the team and the school. The "Slam Master Dinn and the Furious Four Alive in '85" shirt could be seen all around the school. The shirts were printed right there in the art department at the school and proved to be a popular item from that spectacular season. Developed from the original piece of art used to create the original design back in 1985, the Florence Ky Online store has recreated this classic piece of Boone County sports history. A replica version of this classic t-shirt is now available at the Florence Ky Online store. You can travel back in time and celebrate the 25th anniversary of this great accomplishment by wearing this classic t-shirt celebrating a great moment in Boone County sports history.

Florence Ky Online is now on Twitter!

Keep up with all that is going on in the city of Florence by following Florence Ky Online on Twitter!

Florence People: Shaun Alexander

One of Florence Kentucky's most famous citizens is none other than former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander. Shaun Alexander Way is located just off Rt. 18 in Florence on the campus of Boone County High School and is named to honor the star running back who played football for the Boone County Rebels in the 1990's.

Shaun Alexander was one of the best running backs in Northern Kentucky sports history and was the best from a long tradition of great running backs at Boone County. Alexander was coached at Boone County High School by the legendary Owen Hauck, seen in this newspaper image from 1994.

In his junior season in 1993, Shaun Alexander rushed for 2,396 yards and 42 touchdowns as the Boone County Rebels football team played their way to the Kentucky state semifinals. In a game versus Campbell County during that season, Alexander rushed for seven touchdowns. In January of 1994, Shaun was listed in the "Faces in the Crowd" section of Sports Illustrated magazine.

In Alexander's senior season in 1994,  he rushed for 3,166 yards and a Kentucky state record 54 touchdowns. Alexander was named the state of Kentucky's Mr. Football. In three seasons for the Boone County Rebels, Shaun Alexander rushed for 6,657 yards and 110 touchdowns, which are all-time high school Top 10 records.

After graduating from Boone County High School, Shaun Alexander played at the University of Alabama where he stands as the Crimson Tide's all-time leading rusher with 3,565 yards in four seasons. He set Alabama Crimson Tide records with 727 rushing attempts, fifteen 100-yard games, 41 rushing touchdowns and 50 total touchdowns. When Shaun's career ended at Alabama, he held 15 school records and 3 SEC records.

After graduating from the University of Alabama, Alexander was drafted in the 2000 NFL Draft in the first round as the nineteenth overall pick. Shaun had a stellar nine year career with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2005, Shaun Alexander led the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL and took home the NFL's MVP Award. Shaun spent the 2008 season with the Washington Redskins.

Shaun Alexander Way is a great reminder to everyone in Florence of the exploits of one of its most famous residents.

Florence History: Boone County Basketball at Rupp Arena 1985

The 2009-10 high school basketball season marks the 25th anniversary of a historical basketball run by the Boone County Rebels. The 1984-85 Boone County basketball team was led by junior David Dinn and a talented roster who were returning from a successful season the year before. The team, coached by Jay Mulcahy, came into the season as an underdog to defend their 33rd District title and make it to the Sweet Sixteen in Rupp Arena.

The 1984-85 Rebels played well throughout the season. David Dinn's scoring and dunking made the team exciting to watch. Jeff Tierney also made a huge contribution to the team's success averaging 15 points a game and leading Northern Kentucky with 8 assists per game. As the season progressed, Boone County fans knew that something special was taking place. The Rebels cruised through their district championship games, defeating Dixie, Conner and Lloyd.

The Rebels would go on to defeat Beechwood in a low scoring game 47-35 to begin the regionals. A win over Campbell County in hostile territory 67-59 led to a regional finals matchup with Newport. The game against Newport would prove to be a classic. The score was 51-50 in Newport's favor with 8 seconds left on the game clock. Senior Jim Samuels was fouled and went to the line to try two crucial free throws. As the gym fell silent, Samuels hit the first to tie the game at 51-51. The second shot went in as well, handing the Rebels a 52-51 victory and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington at Rupp Arena.

All of Boone County High School and the city of Florence was caught up in the fever of the team's trip to Lexington and the Sweet Sixteen. Donning their "Slam Master Dinn" t-shirts, fans were anxious to make their way to Lexington to root on this historical Boone County team. The school and the city caught Boone County basketball fever and six pep buses rolled off the Boone County High School campus to carry the many fans to the game at Rupp Arena. Nearly 3500 Boone County fans made the trip to Lexington to see the Rebels take on Clay County in the opening round of the Sweet Sixteen. Clay County was a highly ranked opponent and proved to be too much for the Cinderella Rebels team. Playing a team that included the likes of future Kentucky Wildcats legend Richie Farmer, Boone County was knocked out in the first round 60-49. The team kept the game close all the way but the higher ranked Clay County team pulled away at the end of the game.

Despite the first round loss, this team went down in history as one of the most successful, beloved and memorable teams in the history of Boone County sports. It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 25 years since this magical run to the Sweet Sixteen. For those who were there to experience the excitement of that magical season, the memories will last a lifetime.

Get your hands on a piece of Boone County Basketball History

As the 1984-85 Boone County Rebels were preparing to take on Clay County in the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington, the school was going crazy with Rebel Spirit. Wearing your favorite Boone County shirt hit an all-time level of popularity during the team's historic season. To celebrate the team's trip to Lexington, the art department at Boone County created a t-shirt design to commemorate the team's success. The t-shirt featured star player David Dinn and used a take on a popular musical theme from the era to capture the spirit of the team and the school. The "Slam Master Dinn and the Furious Four Alive in '85" shirt could be seen all around the school. The shirts were printed right there in the art department at the school and proved to be a popular item from that spectacular season. Developed from the original piece of art used to create the original design back in 1985, the Florence Ky Online store has recreated this classic piece of Boone County sports history. A replica version of this classic t-shirt is now available at the Florence Ky Online store. You can travel back in time and celebrate the 25th anniversary of this great accomplishment by wearing this classic t-shirt celebrating a great moment in Boone County sports history.

Florence Ky Online is now on Twitter!

Keep up with all that is going on in the city of Florence by following Florence Ky Online on Twitter!

High School Football!

The High School football season is in full swing in Boone County. The Boone County Rebels, Ryle Raiders, Cooper Jaguars and Conner Cougars are all back on the field adding to their storied traditions or in the case of Cooper High School, creating a new history for the school. High School football fans in Florence and Boone County are passionate about their teams and support them with all their hearts.

The Florence Ky Online store has added some great items celebrating the four high schools in Boone County. From ladies shoes to t-shirts to sweatshirts, the Florence Ky Online store is your source for great high school football items. Stop by the store and pick up one of the new hooded sweatshirts to keep you warm as Fall rolls in on Friday night games. In addition to great high school gear, you will also find all kinds of great Florence themed merchandise that can be found nowhere else. Visit the Florence Ky Online store today!

Picture of the Day: Boone Links Golf Course

Today's Picture of the Day is the Boone Links Golf Course. The Boone Links golf course was once known as the Boone Aire Country Club. The course reopened in 1979 under its current name. In 1989, the Ridgeview third nine was added to the course. Convenienlty located in the Oakbrook community, Boone Links golf couse is a favrotie place for Boone County golfers to play. Boone Links is one of two great courses operated by Boone County. For more information on Boone Links Golf Course, visit their official website here.

Florence News: Jodie Meeks

Thursday night, the city of Florence was host to a Kentucky Wildcats basketball legend, Jodie Meeks. Meeks signed autographs and interacted with his fans at Sportsville in Florence near Boone County High School. Fans lined up in bunches to get a chance to meet this UK legend, grab a few autographs and have their picture made.

Jodie Meeks will go down as one of the all-time favorites for Wildcat fans. In his three seasons at Kentucky, Meeks captured the hearts of fans with some of the most amazing scoring performances in UK WIldcat history, including the top scoring night ever for the Wildcats, 54 points against Tennesseee. Meeks was a first team All-SEC player and second team All-American after his junior season at Kentucky.

Meeks was recently drafted by the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. Taken in the second round by Milwuakee at #41, the Bucks got themselves the steal of the NBA draft. There is no doubt that Jodie Meeks has the skills, talent and desire to make it big in the NBA. The Bucks are lucky to have landed such a great player so late in the draft.

For one night, our great city was lucky to be the host for one of the most popular Kentucky Wildcats players of all-time.

Today's Boone County News:

Boone County football team gets new uniform pants

Owen Hauck's coaching tree

Quote of the day from Conner football coach

Mom's day out program at Good Shepherd Lutheran

Paws for a Cause benefit in Florence August 23rd

School lured Hebron family to Kosovo

Locals win at AAU Junior Olympics

Kings overtake Freedom in 8th inning

North/South 100 at Florence Speedway

Cooper boys golf team off to strong start

Picture of the Day: Florence Freedom Baseball

Today's Picture of the Day is a ticket to a Florence Freedom baseball game at Champion Window Field in Florence. The Florence Freedom are in the midst of another great season of professional baseball in Florence and are celebrating their fifth anniversary in the city. If you have not had the chance to get your hands on one of these tickets and spend an evening at the ballpark, you need to do so.

The Florence Freedom provide really affordable and fun entertainment for the family. Champion Window Field is an outstanding facility and the baseball action is fun to watch. There are plenty of things to keep the kids interested and lots of great ballpark food to be eaten.

Each night at the games, you will also see many familiar faces from around town like Florence Mayor Diane Whalen and many others. You are sure to run into a few people you haven't seen in a while. So, get your ticket and head down to Champion Window Field and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Florence. For more information on the Florence Freedom, visit their official website.

Today's Boone County News:

Florence Freedom get first no-hitter

Freedom's Basham continues MVP streak

Sheriff offers citizens academy

Senior picnic tickets available

Touch-a-truck day August 1st

Walmart hosts CASA fundraiser

Historic home to be retreat

Florence News: 2nd Annual Guns vs. Hoses Charity Game

This Sunday, June 16th, there will be a great event at Champion Window Field right before the Florence Freedom take on the Kalamazoo Kings. The event is the 2nd Annual Guns vs. Hoses game. The game will feature members of the Florence Police Department taking on members of the Florence Fire Department in a charity game. The game is being played to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The Guns vs. Hoses game begins at 3:30 and the Florence Freedom will play right after the Guns vs. Hoses game and will be wearing specially designed jerseys that have the colors of the police and fire departments on each sleeve. The jerseys will be worn during the game and then auctioned off afterward to raise more money for the JDRF. Come out to the ballpark on Sunday to show your support for these folks who give so much back to our community and to help raise money for a worthy cause!

Today's Boone County News:

Free concert this Friday at Boone County Public Library

Kevin Stonerock portrays four river characters at Boone County Public Library

Movie night another step for Union

Boone County students named to MSU's Dean's List

Plants donated to Arboretum

Ryle High School on Newsweek list

Freedom return home June 12th

Quilts become Boone County Landmarks

Lego Town comes to Boone County Public Library

Dealership's last day a mix of emotion

Picture of the Day: Florence Freedom Baseball

Today's Picture of the Day is from the Florence Freedom vs. River City Rascals game on June 4, 2009. The image features a great view of Champion Window Field, with the sun setting on the city of Florence and the Florence Y'all Water Tower in the distance. The Freedom played the Rascals even in regulation but lost the game in the 10th inning. The image also gives you a good look at the new turf that was installed in Champion Window Field for the 2009 season.

The Florence Freedom are celebrating the fifth season of professional baseball in Florence. How many of us who grew up in Florence ever dreamed that the city would have a professional sports team to call its own? The Freedom are a great entertainment value and a big asset to the city of Florence.

Today's Boone County News:

Florence previews landscaping project

Chrysler dealer fights back

Freedom lose to River City in extra innings

Be seen on Florence Ky Online!

FlorenceKyOnline.com is a great way to promote your Florence or Boone County business. FlorenceKyOnline.com is dedicated to all that makes life in Florence and Boone County great and having your business featured here will let the readers of FlorenceKyOnlne.com know to support you and your commitment to the community. Get your logo on FlorenceKyOnline today! If you would like more information, please contact us via e-mail.

Picture of the Day: Florence Speedway

Today's Picture of the Day is the Florence Speedway on US 42. Many may not even realize that Florence has spectacular stock car racing every weekend right down the road in Union. Have you ever seen those big race haulers going down US 42 on Saturday afternoons? They are headed out to the Florence Speedway for Saturday night racing. The Speedway is a dirt track that features several divisions of stock car racing including dirt modifieds and late model stock cars. The action is fast, loud and furious at the track each weekend. The track also holds events for national racing series' throughout the year.

If you are looking for something different to do around Florence on your Saturday night, head down US 42 to the Florence Speedway! You can find more information on Florence Speedway here.

Today's Boone County News:

10th Annual Walk-a-thon at Florence Elementary

Freedom get win over Gateway Grizzlies

Vote for Boone County Sportsman of the Year

Ryle grad on All-Central Region Team

School notes from Boone County