Billy Reed
1998
Native of Mount Sterling; graduate of Transylvania University. Started sports writing career in 1959 for the Lexington Herald-Leader; left in 1966 to join sports staff of the Courier-Journal. Worked for Sports Illustrated in 1968 but returned to Kentucky in 1972 as a special projects reporter for the Courier-Journal. Won National Headliner Award and Sigma Delta Chi Award for stories written by him and Jim Bolus about fixed races and problems in the thoroughbred racing industry. Became general columnist for the Courier-Journal in 1974; was named sports editor in 1977. Rejoined the Herald-Leader in 1987 as sports columnist and became senior writer for Sports Illustrated in 1990. Named Kentucky Sports Writer of the Year eight times, won two Eclipse Awards and a National Headliner Award for consistently outstanding sports column in 1982, and numerous other national awards. Author of six books. Received Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service awards from Transylvania University. Past-president, National Turf Writers Association.