Sportsplex Miners

July 27, 2010

By Randy Thompson of WKCB Radio


The Knott County Sportsplex Miners Youth Basketball team is participating in the YBOA National Tournament in Kissimmee Florida this week.  The Miners lost their first game Monday to the Georgia Prospects.  The team consists of players from Knott, Perry and Letcher counties. The warm-up jersyes are gathering some attention with the slogan "Got Electricity?  Thank a coal miner!!!" on the the back.  Team members are being asked nearly everywhere they go what that means and the significance.  The coal mining industry is under attack in Washington DC threatening the jobs of thousands in East Ky. including families of these young team members, so they are becoming young ambassadors for the coal industry, in particular, mountain top development, through the game of basketball.  They hope to bring attention to the importance of the coal industry and coal's importance to America as a vital energy resource.  By putting this message before thousands of people unfamiliar with that importance or the whole story about mountain top development, the team is beginning to spread the word in a small way...in the mean time while spreading the word, they are having the times of their lives.  they wish to thank those that have made the trip possible and they are proud to represent the Knott County Ky. Sportsplex as well as the mining families of East Ky.

Team members include Coach Happy Mobelini, Sam Robinson, Matthew Thompson, Mac Hall, Dustin Slone, Collier Mobelini, Josh Hollan, Tyler Triplett, Cody Arnett, Matthew Collins, Jaylen Olinger, Greg Champion