When senior Payton Govan joined the Silver Grove volleyball team, the Big Trains were coming off a winless season. In her first two years, Silver Grove won four matches. Since then, they have won 53 in three seasons.
"Payton Govan has a lot to do with that, not only because she is a very good player, but also because she's an outstanding leader," said coach Wes Murray.
"She is one of the best all-around people we've had on the team since I got here four years ago."
Silver Grove's ascension from an also-ran to a competitive small-school program has coincided with Govan's play and Murray's guidance. The Big Trains (18-14) had their season ended in the 39th District tournament semifinals, which kept them from achieving their goals of eclipsing last season's record win total of 21 and making the regional tournament.
Govan, a powerful outside hitter, never played in a regional tournament.
"It's sad," Govan said. "But I had a good time playing volleyball."
She has some college options. Govan, Silver Grove's all-time leader in kills, aces and games won, has drawn interest from two in-state college programs, including Midway. If she does not get a volleyball scholarship, she is prepared to attend Eastern Kentucky University and study criminal justice and possibly join the National Guard.
"I want to be a crime scene investigator," Govan said. "If I can't play volleyball, that's what I want to do."
Govan has been involved in school improvement projects and service projects while taking college classes.
"You hate to see a kid like that go," Murray said. "But I know she'll do well."
KRING DECISION: Conner multi-sport standout Ellery Kring said she is bypassing her senior basketball season. Kring, an all-district goalkeeper, just completed the soccer season. This would have marked her return to the basketball court after she missed all of last season with an injury. Kring, a slick fielding shortstop with some pop in her bat, is hoping to attract some college attention while playing softball.
TOWLES COURTED: Not only did Highlands senior quarterback Patrick Towles complete all but one pass and account for nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns in the first half of Friday's 77-0 Class 4A district win over Holmes, he also was named to Highlands' homecoming court.
"It was a fun night," said Towles.
TURNER ON THE RUN: Conner cross country runner Ben Turner is a favorite to win the boys' individual championship at this month's regional meet. He has earned victories at two of the most important events of the fall at the Scott Classic and the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Championships.
Turner, who is 5 feet 6, said he has one of the shortest strides in the area. Turner's winning time of 17:20 at Tuesday's NKAC Division I meet was almost 20 seconds faster than runner-up Brady Baker of Cooper.
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