Toby Durham retweeted
Willie Rodriguez has a sister who cannot speak.
Gabby is 19. She has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects girls. She cannot talk. She needs help with nearly everything from the moment she wakes up.
But there is one thing she does every single time, and their mother can tell you exactly what it is.
"She will look at Willie and just smile if he's in his uniform."
Saturday he wore that uniform in Norman, Oklahoma, and caught both of Kentucky's touchdowns.
Here is the whole thing.
There are eight people in that family. At home Willie helps Gabby eat. He takes her on walks. He helps her get ready for bed.
She cannot tell anybody what she is feeling. So they read her instead. A smile. A sound from the stands. That is the conversation.
She knows when the family is walking into a stadium. Sometimes you can hear her from the stands.
Their mother says Gabby has taught all of them things that cannot be taught any other way.
Now go back a generation.
Willie's father and his grandparents left Cuba and came to this country more than forty years ago.
He grew up in northern Kentucky and went to Covington Catholic. He used to speak Spanish.
"I used to be fluent when I was little. Kind of hard to keep it up."
Here is how his high school coach described him.
"He's a guy that doesn't say much but when he does something people are listening."
And here is what his coordinator at Kentucky, Will Stein, says he does with his free time.
"He's a frequent visitor to Golisano Children's at UK"
That is the children's hospital.
And here is Stein on him as a player.
"This guy is an elite player. I think he's got the ability to be one of the best tight ends in the country."
Now Saturday.
Number 15 Kentucky walked into Norman to play Oklahoma. In the first quarter Rodriguez caught a 2 yard touchdown and Kentucky led 7 to nothing.
Then Oklahoma took the lead.
With 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Kenny Minchey threw him a 12 yard touchdown and Kentucky went back in front 14 to 13.
It held. Kentucky won 21 to 13.
Now the honest part. Five catches for 38 yards is not a monster afternoon, and Kentucky's defense is most of the reason that scoreboard reads the way it does. Jordan Castell took an interception 41 yards the other way late to put it away.
But Kentucky's offense reached the end zone exactly twice in Norman all day.
The same guy caught both of them.
"My family inspires me to play with that chip on your shoulder."
He has been playing for her since high school. The uniform changed.
What she does when she sees it did not.
Toby Durham retweeted
It's 2:30 am. You can close this app and go to sleep or you can watch this video of Kenny Darby.
Toby Durham retweeted
We were #MadetoCreate
I am in awe of all that being a part of @KedcARTS and @KEDCGrants has done for me. I have grown so much and become a better person and teacher!
#KEDCgrantsmademedoit
Toby Durham retweeted
So excited to be here in St. Louis with @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants. We spent our free time enjoying the beautiful zoo and exploring Union Station this afternoon. Can’t wait to learn all about the arts and culture here!
Just got called the "3 Muskateachers" by @halleigh_d & @valthecraftygal lol 😂 Also, got to have my favorite dish Crawfish Etoufee 🦞with my NOLA Pals from @KEDCGrants @kedc_epic 🪅@wcc3_14 Chuck Clark @KyWriteRight
Got to play dulcimer with my love @valthecraftygal today at @KEDCGrants @kedc_epic Summer Conference
Toby Durham retweeted
🎥1988 Somerset vs Wayne County🎥
🗓️ November 4, 1988 — In the final game of the regular season, the Briar Jumpers take down district opponent Wayne County 20-13 to secure a district runner-up finish and 8-2 season!
Serving as the head coach for Wayne County in that game was none other than current Somerset assistant coach/legend, George Hatcher!
#Team82 // #HistoryAndTradition
Toby Durham retweeted
@MusicplayTV thank you for outstanding programs, games and lesson ideas that help facilitate student learning! We enjoyed performing several different patriotic songs at Veterans Day and Dashing Through the Show at Christmas!
Toby Durham retweeted
I have been trying to overcome my fears and anxieties this year. I have successfully been able to help my students perform in front of others.
I have also overcome great anxieties of my own and performed in front of others…and survived!
New year = new goal
@KedcARTS
Toby Durham retweeted
🏀VIP UK BBALL GIVEAWAY🎟️
I am giving away 2 UK LOWERS, 2 Wildcat Whiskey Club Passes, and a VIP Parking Passing Pass for the Bellarmine game on Tuesday. Just RT this post, follow me, and I will pick someone to receive an early Christmas present. #BBN 🎁 🏀🔵⚪️
Toby Durham retweeted
We are moving to Parent Square as our communication app for our teams Here are QR Codes to scan to join for the following teams and their respective seasons:
SMS Tennis - Fall
PCHS Swim - Winter
SWHS Swim - Winter
SWHS Tennis - Spring
Firday Night Lights and the 2025 🏈 season is right around the corner. Looking for officials to help cover games @ youth league, middle & high school levels. 1st meeting tonight via zoom. If you are interested just message & I can help @12thSports
Toby Durham retweeted
Just finished adding the final edits to my presentation for the upcoming @KEDC1 AI Conference in Lexington tomorrow.
Looking forward to sharing about how I have used @SunoMusic and seen it being used!
All of this inspiration came from my participation in
@KedcARTS @KEDCGrants
Toby Durham retweeted
If you had told me I would meet a robot when I first began teaching, I might have laughed. So here’s to a day full of all the dreams I may have had when watching the Jetsons as a child!
@KedcARTS @KEDCGrants @KEDC1
Toby Durham retweeted
I’m having the best time this week learning new Jean Ritchie songs with Molly McCormick and hanging with my not so baby girl! 💕
@KedcARTS @KEDCGrants



































