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All content by Emily Patton

An editor’s goodbye in 21 inches

Emily Patton
May 4, 2012
A screen shot from NBC's television show, The Firm, which is based on Josh Grisham's 1991 novel. Actor Josh Lucas is wearing a WKU Hilltoppers t-shirt.

Actor Josh Lucas represents WKU on The Firm

Emily Patton
February 29, 2012
Sandy and Don Drake, founders of the Lee Eric Drake Foundation, sit at the piano where their late son Lee Eric Drake, who took his own life in 2005, would create music as an outlet. Eric Drake had his own key to the sanctuary and his own routine of entering through the baptismal pool and over the glass divider.

Family, friends of WKU graduate build foundation after son’s suicide

Emily Patton
September 30, 2011
Big Red pauses for a moment of silence before WKU's football game against Navy on Sept. 10. Big Red has been part of the Capital One Mascot Challenge eight out of the last 10 years, even if its unknown what exactly Big Red is.

Mascot gives WKU national recognition

Emily Patton
September 20, 2011
Matt Davis, who was born with spina bifida, is the coordinator of Student Disability Services and a frequent competitor in marathons, including the 2011 Boston Marathon wheelchair race, where he recently placed 21st overall. Davis started competing when he was an undergrad after receiving inspiration and support from Huda Melky, who was then an Affirmative Action/ADA compliance officer.

Wheels of fortune: Student Disabilities coordinator races wheelchair internationally

Emily Patton
May 3, 2011
Interdisciplinary studies instructor Cort Basham ran in his second Boston Marathon this year with a time of 3:08.33. It was his seventh career marathon. “I never want to feel good when I’m done, because that means I left something out in that specific race,” he said.

WKU instructor completes second Boston Marathon

Emily Patton
April 26, 2011
Red team wide receiver Neil Wilson and white team defensive back Kareem Peterson dive and miss a pass Saturday afternoon at the Red and White spring game in Houchens-Smith Stadium. The team white team won, 27-11.

Forward motion: Spring game a stepping stone for Tops

Emily Patton
April 19, 2011
White team wide receiver Rico Brown and running back Avery Habbitt celebrate after scoring Saturday afternoon at the Red and White spring game in Houchens-Stadium. White team won 27-11.

Chilly spring game brings victory for white team

Emily Patton
April 17, 2011

Taggart sets lofty goal for spring game

Emily Patton
April 15, 2011

WKU separates teams on Thursday in preparation for spring game

Emily Patton
April 15, 2011
Freshman quarterback Brandon Doughty looks for a receiver to throw to during WKU's first spring practice. Head Coach Willie Taggart said Doughty and junior Kawaun Jakes have created strong competition at quarterback throughout the spring.

Notes: QBs step up for Taggart in last week of spring practice

Emily Patton
April 13, 2011
(Top) Senior Maggie Wilder is no longer playing soccer for WKU, but she is currently an assistant coach of the SKY soccer club in Bowling Green and plans to continue playing soccer in graduate school. Wilder missed an entire season because of an ACL injury that took nine months to heal. (Bottom) Junior Tiffany Elmore, middle hitter for WKU’s volleyball team, is three months into recovering from a torn ACL and is limited in her activities but still makes a point to attend practices. “I like to know what’s going on — being there and helping wherever I can,” she said.

Torn Dreams: Three WKU athletes make long recovery from ACL injuries

Emily Patton
April 12, 2011
Senior running back Bobby Rainey runs drills during a WKU practice earlier this spring. Rainey participated in Saturday's scrimmage, rushing for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Notes: Taggart ‘disappointed’ in offense during second scrimmage

Emily Patton
April 9, 2011

Toppers fueling competition with spring game draft

Emily Patton
April 8, 2011
Head Coach Willie Taggart runs down the field at spring practice last Wednesday. Taggart was critical of the offensive line Tuesday, saying the defense got the better of them.

Notes: Taggart talks O-line, spring game draft, Downing’s passing

Emily Patton
April 6, 2011
Sophomore wide receiver Courtney Dalcourt (15) stretches with his teammates after practice on Friday. Dalcourt missed the past two seasons with knee injuries and switched from quarterback to wide receiver last year under Head Coach Willie Taggart.

Catching Up: Toppers deal with turnover at wide receiver

Emily Patton
April 5, 2011
WKU football players run a play at a practice last Wednesday. The Toppers held their first scrimmage Saturday, running through situational plays.

Offense responds in WKU’s first situational scrimmage

Emily Patton
April 2, 2011
WKU football players line up for a play during practice at Houchens-Smith Stadium earlier this spring. The Toppers will host their annual spring game Saturday at 5 p.m.

Notes: Defense gets the best of offense at Friday’s practice

Emily Patton
April 2, 2011
Sophomore defensive back Arius Wright practices at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Wednesday. Wright started at cornerback with then-freshman Tyree Robinson for the first time against South Florida last season, and the two went on to start a majority of WKU’s remaining games.

Young leaders in secondary building trust as sophomores

Emily Patton
April 1, 2011
New WKU offensive coordinator Zach Azzanni talks to players before running drills during WKU’s spring football practice last Friday afternoon at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Tops getting on board with OC Azzanni’s new style

Emily Patton
March 29, 2011
WKU players run drills during spring practice last Friday at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Head Coach Willie Taggart said the defense was the better unit during the first week of the spring, but that the offense impressed Monday.

Offense shows up for Taggart at the start of week two

Emily Patton
March 29, 2011
Head Coach Willie Taggart laughs with junior defensive back Kareem Peterson during a water break at WKU's spring practice Friday afternoon at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Tops’ toughness pleases Taggart on first day of full contact

Emily Patton
March 27, 2011
Junior quarterback Kawaun Jakes runs a play during spring practice drills on Friday afternoon at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Jakes enters spring ball as WKU's No. 1 quarterback.

WKU offense still progressing through three spring practices

Emily Patton
March 26, 2011
Sophomore wide receiver Jamarielle Brown (right) shares a moment with sophomore tight end Jim Murphree and other teammates during a water break in the Toppers' Monday afternoon spring practice.

Smoother sailing for Tops in year two under Taggart

Emily Patton
March 25, 2011
WKU freshman infielder Kelsie Mattox catches the ball for the out as Belmont's senior pitcher Julie Harmon slides into first base during the second game of the doubleheader. The Lady Tops won the second game, 9-1.

Lady Tops win two against Belmont, extend series win streak

Emily Patton
March 23, 2011
Defensive specialist Kelly Potts, a fifth-year senior, redshirted in volleyball her freshman year and played the next four. Potts will graduate with a marketing degree in May, but her volleyball career ended in December. "There are goods and bads about not playing volleyball anymore, but I have more free time," Potts said.

Former WKU student athletes deal with life after sports

Emily Patton
March 22, 2011
Jnuior running back Bobby Rainey (yellow) runs drills with his teammates during the team's spring practice on Monday afternoon. Rainey wears a yellow jersey to denote that he cannot be tackled.

WKU football opens spring practice; roster includes several changes

Emily Patton
March 22, 2011
Freshman linebacker Matt Smith delivers food in Red Zone Thursday afternoon. Smith, a Bowling Green resident, said he and other WKU football players were helping " to get to know the students, and so the students can get to know us."

Notes: Taggart talks Rainey, QBs, spring game as practices near

Emily Patton
March 17, 2011

Former WKU coach Harbaugh returns ‘home’

Emily Patton
February 22, 2011
Junior outfielder Kes Carter embraces a fan after the game against Bowling Green State on Saturday at Nick Denes Field. WKU won 8-7. DANNY GUY/Herald

Baseball returns at right time for WKU athletics

Emily Patton
February 22, 2011
Freshman setter Melanie Stutsman sets the ball at the net during WKU's game against Belmont this past season. Stutsman was named a "Rising Star" of the freshman class by Collegiate Volleyball Update on Friday.

Volleyball’s Stutsman named CVU Rising Star

Emily Patton
February 19, 2011
WKU Head coach Willie Taggart (left) and new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry discuss the past and the future of WKU football in a press conference Friday. The announcement officially introduced Guidry as the Toppers' new DC.

Guidry brings big personality to new job

Emily Patton
February 8, 2011
WKU Head coach Willie Taggart (left) and new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry discuss the past and the future of WKU football in a press conference Friday. The announcement officially introduced Guidry as the Toppers' new DC.

New WKU defensive coordinator Guidry says he’s in it for ‘long haul’

Emily Patton
February 5, 2011
WKU-Manatee County

Taggart introduces Florida recruits to the family

Emily Patton
February 4, 2011
President Gary Ransdell mingles with Head Coach Willie Taggart and Carol and Denny Wedge of Bowling Green during the National Signing Day party held in the Topper Club on Wednesday evening.

WKU signs Sun Belt’s No. 1 recruiting class

Emily Patton
February 4, 2011
WKU lands No. 1 recruiting class in Sun Belt for second straight year

WKU lands No. 1 recruiting class in Sun Belt for second straight year

Emily Patton
February 3, 2011

Extra Questions with softball coach Tyra Perry

Emily Patton
December 10, 2010
From left, defensive specialist Kelly Potts, Head Coach Travis Hudson and outside hitter Jordyn Skinner speak at a press conference after their 3-0 loss to Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Lady Toppers end season with a first-round loss to Cincinnati

Emily Patton
December 7, 2010
From left, defensive specialist Kelly Potts, Head Coach Travis Hudson and outside hitter Jordyn Skinner speak at a press conference after their 3-0 loss to Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Cincinnati sweeps WKU in first round of NCAA tournament

Emily Patton
December 4, 2010
Sophomore outside hitter Jordyn Skinner hits against Cincinnati players (from left) Stephanie Niemer and Becca Refenes during the Lady Toppers' home volleyball game against the Cincinnati Bearcats Oct. 19 in Diddle Arena. WKU lost 1-3.

Lady Tops hope to get first win at NCAA tournament

Emily Patton
December 3, 2010
Head Coach Travis Hudson breaks the Lady Toppers’ huddle following a timeout late in WKU’s home volleyball game against Cincinnati in Diddle Arena on Oct. 19. WKU lost 1-3.

Hudson measures career by more than on-court success

Emily Patton
December 3, 2010
Seniors Tiffany Elmore and Emily Teegarden celebrate the announcement of the Lady Toppers' at-large bid the NCAA tournament at Double Dogs restaurant Sunday afternoon. WKU will play its first game in Champaign, Ill., against the University of Cincinnati on Friday.

Living at-large: Lady Toppers make NCAA field despite loss in Sun Belt tournament

Emily Patton
November 30, 2010
The Lady Toppers find out on Sunday whether they'll be included in this year's NCAA tournament. After a loss in the championship match of the Sun Belt tournament, they're looking for an at-large bid.

Lady Toppers prepare for tournament selection show with ‘sleepless’ break

Emily Patton
November 28, 2010
Sophomore Jordyn Skinner wipes away tears after losing 3-1 to Middle Tennessee State in the final round of the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Championship in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Saturday night, November 20, 2010.

WKU falls in four games to MTSU, finishes runner-up in Sun Belt

Emily Patton
November 21, 2010
The Lady Toppers mourn their 3-1 loss to Middle Tennessee in the championship round of the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Tournament Saturday night, Nov. 20, 2010.

BLOG: WKU volleyball loses 3-1 to MTSU in championship

Emily Patton
November 21, 2010
The Lady Toppers shut out Florida International 3-0 during the semi-final round of the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Championship in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Friday evening, November 19, 2010.

Lady Toppers defeat FIU, will play for Sun Belt title

Emily Patton
November 20, 2010
Follow along with the Herald's coverage of WKU's second-round Sun Belt tournament matchup with Florida International. Beat writer Emily Patton is in Murfreesboro for the match, which begins at 5 p.m. CT.

BLOG: WKU volleyball defeats FIU, moves to championship match

Emily Patton
November 19, 2010
Junior middle hitter Lindsay Williams spikes against Louisiana-Lafayette during the Sun Belt Conference tournament Thursday at MTSU. WKU beat Louisiana-Lafayette 3-0.

Lady Toppers face expected, dangerous FIU in second round

Emily Patton
November 19, 2010
WKU players celebrate after scoring against Louisiana-Lafayette during the Sun Belt tournament on Thursday at MTSU. WKU beat Louisiana-Lafayette 3-0.

WKU sweeps Lafayette, will face FIU Friday

Emily Patton
November 18, 2010
The WKU volleyball team kicks off the Sun Belt Conference Tournament against Louisiana-Lafayette at noon today. Follow along with the Herald's coverage live from Alumni Memorial Gym on Middle Tennessee's campus.

BLOG: WKU volleyball sweeps Lafayette

Emily Patton
November 18, 2010

Four Lady Toppers honored by Sun Belt

Emily Patton
November 18, 2010

Volleyball team signs Indiana-native Boyan

Emily Patton
November 17, 2010
Sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Rogers digs for the ball to keep it in play during WKU's game against MTSU on Friday. WKU lost the match 3-0.

Forward thinking: Loss to MTSU turns WKU’s attention to tournament

Emily Patton
November 16, 2010
Senior outside hitter Emily Teegarden struggles to hold back tears following WKU's match against MTSU. The loss was Teegarden's final home match.

MTSU ruins Senior Night for Lady Toppers, wins in three sets

Emily Patton
November 13, 2010
WKU volleyball coach Travis Hudson only has five upperclassmen on his roster, but he said this year's team is anything but inexperienced.

BLOG: WKU vs. MTSU (7 p.m. CT)

Emily Patton
November 12, 2010
Senior outside hitter Emily Teegarden's final season has transformed into a success from where it started in September. “I realized that I was just thinking about it too much instead of going out and doing what I always do,” she said.

Teegarden overcoming shaky start; Lady Tops channeling Rocky

Emily Patton
November 12, 2010
WKU volleyball coach Travis Hudson has tabbed it the "clash of the titans." The Lady Toppers host WKU on Friday night with the Sun Belt Conference's regular-season title on the line.

WKU hosts ‘clash of the titans’ against MTSU

Emily Patton
November 12, 2010

Lady Toppers face must-win situation for No. 1 seed hopes

Emily Patton
November 5, 2010

Lady Toppers pass first-game test

Emily Patton
November 2, 2010
The Lady Toppers celebrate the winning point in their 3-0 sweep against Louisiana-Monroe Saturday in Diddle Arena. WKU has won its last six Sun Belt Conference matches.

Lady Toppers still looking to improve as season winds down

Emily Patton
October 29, 2010
Junior middle hitter Tiffany Elmore jumps for a block at the net during the Lady Toppers' 3-0 win against Louisiana-Monroe at home in Diddle Arena Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010.

Plan of attack: WKU treating current matches like it’s conference time

Emily Patton
October 26, 2010
Junior middle hitter Tiffany Elmore attacks during the third game of the Lady Toppers' 3-0 win against Louisiana-Monroe in Diddle Arena Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010.

Lady Toppers’ win gives freshmen chance to shine

Emily Patton
October 24, 2010
Junior Tiffany Elmore (left) and senior Emily Teegarden (right) post a block during the game of WKU's 3-0 sweep against Louisiana-Lafayette on Friday, Oct. 22.

WKU notches 20th win against Louisiana-Lafayette

Emily Patton
October 23, 2010
The 1952 Hilltoppers

Former bowl team still close after 58 years

Emily Patton
October 22, 2010
WKU volleyball coach Travis Hudson has tabbed it the "clash of the titans." The Lady Toppers host WKU on Friday night with the Sun Belt Conference's regular-season title on the line.

Sophomore Skinner shining as ‘most valuable player’

Emily Patton
October 22, 2010
A dejected Emily Teegarden reacts to WKU's 1-3 loss against Cincinnati at home in Diddle Arena, Tuesday, October 19, 2010. The Lady Toppers won the first set but then dropped three straight in their second home defeat of the season.

Lady Toppers drop ‘if’ match to No. 23 Cincinnati

Emily Patton
October 20, 2010

Lady Toppers start looking ahead to last games

Emily Patton
October 19, 2010

WKU volleyball notches second Florida sweep

Emily Patton
October 18, 2010

Hudson cancels practice, allows players time at home

Emily Patton
October 15, 2010
Volleyball team searching for normalcy after incident

Volleyball team searching for normalcy after incident

Emily Patton
October 12, 2010

WKU Volleyball team sweeps Troy, still in ‘state of shock’

Emily Patton
October 9, 2010

Hudson, WKU survive moment ‘way bigger than volleyball’ after bus driver has heart attack, dies

Emily Patton
October 8, 2010
The Lady Toppers huddle before Saturday's game against Florida International at Diddle Arena. WKU swept the Panthers to stay perfect in Sun Belt Conference play.

Hudson’s vote looking legitimate

Emily Patton
October 5, 2010
RYAN STONE/HERALD Bowling Green sophomore Lucas Somers recently returned to WKU’s cross country team after recovering from cancer in January. Somers was diagnosed with stage-three testicular cancer last October.

Somers back with cross country team after season-long fight

Emily Patton
October 5, 2010
WKU remained perfect in Sun Belt Conference play on Saturday with a 3-0 win over defending conference champ Florida International. The Lady Toppers next travel to Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, a match that pits the Sun Belt's only two remaining undefeated teams.

WKU sweeps another against FIU, peeks ahead to MTSU

Emily Patton
October 3, 2010
Junior outside hitter Lindsay Williams spikes the ball during Friday's match against Florida Atlantic at Diddle Arena. WKU beat, FAU 3-0.

WKU sweeps FAU, maintains undefeated Sun Belt record

Emily Patton
October 2, 2010
Lauren Stuckel

Stuckel dismissed from WKU volleyball team for ‘team violations’

Emily Patton
October 2, 2010
“I like creating something people like,” said junior Lindsay Williams of St. Charles, Ill., a middle hitter for the Lady Toppers, who frequently makes food for her teammates. “I like to make something people enjoy to eat.”

Williams brings Lady Toppers together with cooking

Emily Patton
October 1, 2010
Hudson's Hillraisers, the WKU volleyball student section, has been a fixture at home matches since the 2009 season. It's now made up of more than 50 members. "We try to make the atmosphere like football or basketball games where there are signs, and everyone is painted up," said John Alexander, a Glasgow junior.

Students raising hill at volleyball games

Emily Patton
October 1, 2010

Strong serving fuels WKU’s perfect Sun Belt start

Emily Patton
September 28, 2010
Freshman setter Melanie Stutsman sets the ball at the net during WKU's game against Belmont this past season. Stutsman was named a "Rising Star" of the freshman class by Collegiate Volleyball Update on Friday.

Trial by fire: WKU freshman Stutsman settling in as starter

Emily Patton
September 24, 2010
Junior middle hitter Tiffany Elmore spikes against Belmont's Maggie Johnson and Allison McCoy during Tuesday's match. WKU beat Belmont, 3-0.

Skinner stands out in WKU’s win over Belmont

Emily Patton
September 22, 2010

WKU volleyball team embracing ‘target’ role

Emily Patton
September 21, 2010
Paula Davids

Extra questions with Paula Davids: ‘Big Red’s Mom’

Emily Patton
September 17, 2010

Former starter Stuckel alleviating WKU’s service-error woes

Emily Patton
September 17, 2010
Junior middle hitter Tiffany Elmore celebrates with her teammates after they scored against the University of Central Arkansas in the first set of their match in Diddle Arena during the WKU Tournament on Saturday night. The Toppers defeated the Sugar Bears in three sets. CHRIS FRYER/HERALD

Elmore’s enthusiasm contagious for surging WKU volleyball team

Emily Patton
September 14, 2010
Sophomore Sarah Rogers digs a ball during the third set of the Lady Toppers' match against Central Arkansas in the WKU Tournament at Diddle Arena on Saturday evening. WKU won the match in the first three sets. CHRIS FRYER/HERALD

Rogers’ defense fuels WKU to win over Central Arkansas

Emily Patton
September 12, 2010

Lady Toppers notch second victory in tournament against Tennessee Tech

Emily Patton
September 11, 2010
The Lady Toppers rally around senior Emily Teegarden on Friday. WKU split two matches, losing to Virginia Tech in five sets before knocking off then-undefeated Missouri in four.

WKU volleyball bounces back with win against No. 27 Missouri

Emily Patton
September 11, 2010
Despite a two-game rally, The Lady Toppers couldn't hold on against Virginia Tech on Friday afternoon.

WKU volleyball loses five-set match to Virginia Tech in home opener

Emily Patton
September 10, 2010
Senior Kelly Potts and sister, freshman Ashley Potts, are both defensive specialists and starters for the WKU volleyball team.

Sisters stay close as unlikely starters for WKU volleyball

Emily Patton
September 10, 2010

WKU volleyball’s defense keeps team believing

Emily Patton
September 7, 2010

WKU volleyball relying on youth

Emily Patton
September 3, 2010

WKU Volleyball Earns Second Victory on Road

Emily Patton
September 1, 2010

WKU volleyball’s Skinner shines as game-time decision

Emily Patton
August 31, 2010

Skinner plays, but WKU volleyball team still drops season opener to Purdue

Emily Patton
August 30, 2010

Youthful WKU volleyball team hits the road for season-opening Mortar Board Premier

Emily Patton
August 30, 2010

WKU volleyball team looks to repeat 2009’s success with tough 2010 schedule

Emily Patton
August 30, 2010
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