Playing for the team
Accomplished trumpeter sounds offPARK HILLS, Ky-High school football is exciting, because the outcome is always unknown. During the first round of the 2011 KHSAA playoffs, Friday, Nov. 4, the Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (5-6) were matched up against the high powered offense of the Walton-Verona Bearcats (8-3). The Juggs shut the Cats out 13-0. Not expected.
Saturday, in Park Hills, Ky, the Covington Catholic Colonels hosted the Rowan County Vikings. While the game's outcome was not necessarily unexpected, there was a fan in the visiting section with a trumpet. Not expected.
Covington Holmes High School Alum, Greg Wing, would play numerous songs during certain moments of Rowan County's offensive series: first downs, critical third downs, or at the change of possession, Wing played the school fight song, the "Charge Call" and other melodies to hype up the crowd and team.
"He's about as good as there is when it comes to playing the trumpet," said Rowan County Head Coach Kyle Singleton. "I mean the guy has played in Vegas."
"We have been very fortunate [and] spent 21 years in Las Vegas," Wing admitted. "I don't mean to braggadocios, but I play with the very best in the business."
Not just the best, instead he has played with legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Luciano Pavarotti. Wing is now an associate professor of music at Morehead State University which is in Rowan County. That is sort of the reason you can find him at away games cheering on the high school.
"The band doesn't come out on away games," said Wing. "Since I'm going to come to the games anyway, I'm going to bring my trumpet and show support."
The Rowan County Vikings senior quarterback is fond of the accomplished trumpeter.
"The guy playing the trumpet in the stands is my dad," said Quarterback Adam Wing with a proud grin. "He's just energetic. He's goofy. He's one that [says], 'Let's fire it up today. Let's have a good day today.'"
Adam's dad plays for the passion of it and to encourage the players. Howevere, Greg was noticed by Covington Catholic's radio announcers in the press box.
"The one thing that I really like: is the Rowan County fan that brought the trumpet. That's been very cool," said the radio show host.
According to Adam, getting noticed for the right reasons is what is father teaches him.
"He's telling me to always stay humble, lead by example and be a leader," said Adam. "So my dad, he's one of the biggest people in my life that I look for inspiration [and] leadership. So I get it all from my dad."
Playing the trumpet at the games combines two of Greg's passions: the trumpet and his son Adam.
"He thrives on it," said Greg. "He says, 'Dad, when we hear you play, it fires us up."