Harmon tells how football field got its name ‘The Rock’
“Earl Hutchinson was the coach. Every day after practice, he’d make us pick up a bucket of rocks and take them off the field.” –Brock Harmon, SCHS Class of 1982 football player
BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Sheldon Clark High School Class of 1982 gathered on the field during halftime of the Cardinals game Friday, where Martin County’s first varsity football team played in the Fall of 1981. They came for a 40-year tailgate reunion and to honor their class and football players, including the late Martin County Judge/Executive Victor Slone.
Slone’s family members joined the class on the field as they presented Slone’s wife, Marlena, with a framed Kentucky Colonel commission which was bestowed on Slone by Gov. Andy Beshear. The commission is the highest honor by Kentucky’s governor in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state and nation.
Slone’s father, Archie Slone, was in attendance and reminisced about his son.
“This county was his whole heart,” Archie said. “There wasn’t another judge that loved it like he did. To Victor, it wasn’t about him. It was about Martin County, the people, wanting to see growth. He worked his tail off, and I hope his legacy continues.”
Victor’s sons, Jarrod and Cody, have already begun to carry on his legacy. Cody is a school teacher and newly elected county magistrate; Jarrod is a tourism board director and longtime fire department member.
“Once coal started declining, people lost hope,” Jarrod said. “Dad had a long-term vision. He identified and pursued an alternative for our economy. He wanted to diversify, which is why he started talking about adventure tourism 15 years ago. It took a bit to gain traction, but people now see it could benefit them.”
Jarrod continued, “We lost our dad — our brain if you will. He was Mr. Fix-it in every sense of the word. He was the one we went to, but the best days for Martin County lie ahead. The one thing Dad left us with was hope.”
Marlena Slone fittingly received the frame in Victor’s honor. She was the other half that made them whole. She spoke of Victor as she played with their grandson, Hudson.
“He was a loving husband and father. He always worked hard to improve the lives of our family,” she said. “He did the same for the county. Victor wanted improvements for our children to be raised here. His tenure as judge was short-lived, but we’re thankful that his dream came true.”
After the game, Cody, an assistant football coach, talked about his father receiving the highest honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
“It’s special,” Cody said. “He did so much for me as a person. A big part of the reason we’re on this field is because of Dad. . . .I’m glad we could honor and remember him here tonight.”
Classmates Brock Harmon and Lisa Crum Kirk spoke on behalf of the Class of 1982 that was behind the idea of commemorating Slone’s honor.
“Victor has worked so hard and tirelessly,” Harmon said. “He’s very deserving of this award.”
Kirk thought it “very befitting since he couldn’t celebrate our 40 years with us. His credentials made it easy for the governor to make him forever a Colonel.”
A few of Slone’s teammates made their way over and shed light on why the field is called “The Rock.”
“Earl Hutchinson was the coach,” said Harmon. “Every day after practice, he’d make us pick up a bucket of rocks and take them off the field.”
For Harmon, being back at The Rock “feels good.”
“It takes us a lot longer to get out there now, and it’s a nicer turf, but it’s nice seeing this facility,” he said.
Chris Maynard and Ricky Alley played with Slone on that newly established football team in Fall 1981.
When asked if they had any behind-the-scenes stories of Slone, Maynard replied, “I can’t give my buddy up.”
Slone’s teammates forever have his back.
Harmon thinks the Slones will continue to do great things and the Class of 1982 has a lot of faith in them.
“Earl [Hutchison] thought the world of Victor and thought he was the best kicker in the world,” his teammates joked. “He told him, ‘Thank God you can kick because you can’t do nothing else.’”
To Slone’s classmates, friends and family, the late judge/executive and Kentucky Colonel will be remembered as being good at many things.