Families were very much in evidence Friday when two highly respected alumni of Russellville High School were inducted into the RHS Athletic Hall of
Fame, supported by the Russellville Alumni Club. Both Stacie Gamble and Larry Duffey had the support of great families while they were playing for
Russellville teams.
One of the most difficult things I ever had to do involved Larry Duffey. The late Stumpy Baker and I went into his hotel room in New York City in the
spring of 1970 to tell him that his beloved mother, Chester Mason Duffey, had just died of a heart attack. Larry was one of the toughest guys I’ve ever
known. To watch him cry and moan in agony broke my heart.
Stumpy, who had been his football coach for four years, arranged for a flight home for him the next day while his classmates remained on their senior
trip. I’m sure that Chester, who was my family’s neighbor, had worked hard to see that Larry had the proper funding to go on that trip.
Friday, Larry’s wife Brenda, son Chris, daughter Meca and three of his grandchildren accepted his induction plaque. Larry Duffey died much too young
almost 10 years ago. I was among those who had a mixture of sad and happy memories as we thought of the Duffey family.
Larry would be proud of those grandchildren who live in Russellville. His granddaughter, Terricka Quarles, was a multi-sport standout for the Lady
Panthers, played college volleyball and is now head coach of the RHS volleyball team and assistant coach of the middle school girls basketball team.
His grandson D.J. Quarles is a senior three-sport star for the Panthers who had one of the greatest seasons ever for an RHS quarterback this fall, and
another grandson, Desmond Quarles, played in the Little League World Series in 2009.
Stacie Gamble
is also from one of Logan County’s most respected families. She was accompanied Friday by her parents, Clarence and Marie Gamble. He is a retired
administrator in the Russellville School System and is now a deputy sheriff. Marie is a counselor who has helped many people straighten out their
lives. Both of them have served on countless boards and community enhancement activities.
Her brothers, Clarence Jr. and Taylor, are alumni of the University of Louisville and are professionals in that city. Stacey is principal of a large
school in the Jefferson County Public Schools.
Stacie signed to play for Coach Paul Sanderford at Western Kentucky University before the start of her senior season at RHS. She played in three NCAA
Tournaments and one NIT and had the honor of serving as captain of the Lady Toppers two seasons.
Her coach during her days as a Lady Panther, Bob Matthews, presented her Hall of Fame plaque.
Here’s what appears on their Hall of Fame plaque.
Stacie Gamble
Led the Lady Panthers to the best season in their modern history, 1992-93… Averaged 18.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists for Coach Bob Matthews’ team
that went 26-6, won their first-ever district championship, reached state Class A Classic semifinals, and finished as regional runner-up… Named
all-district, all-region, all-state, all-Class A region, and All Class A state tournament… Hit winning free throws in 43-41 win over Clinton County
in Class A regional finals… Scored 17 in state Classic quarterfinals…Scored 18 in district finals win over Logan County… Hit winning free throws in
42-41 win over Edmonson County at region and 24 in 58-40 regional semifinals win over Warren Central… Scored 33 points in a regular season game… As
a sophomore, scored 20 against Clinton as Lady Panthers won first Class A region… Scored 2,284 points in her career and was named all-district four
times and all-region twice… Named to the Kentucky All-Star teams after senior season… Signed to play for WKU before senior season… Ran anchor leg
on regional champion 4X400 track team
Larry Duffey
Led Panthers to a district championship as co-captain of team whose season ended in the most famous tie in school history, a scoreless game in
regional finals at Tompkinsville in 1969… Named second team all-state and to the Overall All-Western Kentucky Conference Team as an offensive
guard… Second team All-Stater as a junior… All-SKY three years and All-WKC twice… Named to Dream Team of the Sixties by the News-Democrat… Signed
to play for Western Kentucky University while at RHS… Member of 1966 RHS state finalist team… Played for Coach Stumpy Baker all four years… Key
member of Coach Larry Reeder’s baseball Panthers as the catcher