E.A. Couch, one of Knott County’s most well-known sports figures, passed away a few weeks ago at age 75.
Mr. Couch will be remembered in his hometown as an outstanding member of the Carr Creek 1956 state champion basketball team, as a Wildcat playing for Adolph Rupp at U.K. – but most of all, as a fine person and beloved friend.
Emery Allen “E.A.” Couch died Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at his home. He was born February 10, 1937, in Knott County, Kentucky to the late James Monroe Couch and Bertha Reedy Couch. He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Fields Couch, his sister-in-law, Guylene Madden Couch, and two brothers-in-law Charles Pigman and James Harold “Jim” Calhoun. He was a member of 1st Baptist Church of Paintsville, Kentucky.
A four year starter on the Carr Creek Indians first five, E.A. was high-point man his sophomore, junior, and senior years, often playing for little more than one half during many of his games because his team was far ahead. He averaged twenty four points per game his senior year (often matched by transfer student Bobby Shepherd) and, for four years, led his team in rebounds in many games. During an interview with Cawood Ledford in 1956, E.A. stated that he hit 93% of attempted free throws.
E.A. Couch was captain of the 1956 Carr Creek High School State Championship Basketball Team. He, Corky Withrow, and Kelly Coleman were chosen on the American All-South Team in 1956. Eight Carr Creek High School ball players have been selected by the press and coaches on the all-tournament team in the yearly Kentucky high school state tournament. They are the following:
On the 1928 team: Ben Adams, Shelby Stamper, Zelda Hale, and Gillis Madden;
On the 1948 team: Don Miller and Bill Morton
On the 1956 team: Bobby Shepherd and E.A. Couch. (In 1987, E.A.’s son Joey…
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