He thinks U of L versus UK is the hottest rivalry in college sports, that Louisville desperately needs an NBA team, and he’s a proud alum of Murray State University – whose basketball team has been surprisingly ranked as high as 9th in the country, this season. Kendrick Haskins has strong beliefs about sports. Not surprising to learn that WAVE-3’s sports’ reporter and weekend anchor can still admit to being a “kid at heart.” And kids love games, right?
“I grew up loving the Cowboys,” Haskins said. “Drew Pearson was my favorite player. In basketball it was Magic Johnson and the Lakers.”
Haskins has had favorite teams and players throughout his life. One constant – the Cowboys are still his favorite pro football team. Haskins’ favorite players – Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders, Ken Griffey Jr., Shaquille O’Neil – have changed over time.
Haskins loves covering what he considers, the top rivalry in college sports: Louisville versus Kentucky.
“It is by far, the hottest rivalry, just for the simple fact, that no matter whatsport they play – softball, football, baseball, volleyball or swimming – it’s a huge deal. Who cares when Duke plays North Carolina in football? Who cares when Ohio State plays Michigan in basketball? But the UK – U of L rivalry goes across the board. The passion of the fans for their teams is rabid and can’t be matched by anyone.”
Haskins also strongly believes that Louisville needs an NBA franchise. He thinks at some point in the foreseeable future, Louisville will make this “dream” a reality.
“Eventually, a forward-thinking person will step up and help a person in leadership realize the benefits of having a pro team in this city,” Haskins said. “When you think of it, every time your team is on national TV, or is mentioned on ESPN, that’s a small commercial for Louisville. Who know much about Oklahoma City before the Thunder got there? Now you think Kevin Durant.”
Haskins was born on Aug. 11, 1975 to Mattie and Milton Haskins. He has a brother, Milton Jr., and two sisters – Rhonda and Rhoda. He said they had a strong faith growing up, being in church every Sunday at First Baptist of Jeffersontown. Haskins said he went to Sunday school and sang in the choir.
Educationally, Haskins attended Watterson, and Audubon Elementary Schools, and ended up at Fern Creek High School.
“I am still friends with a lot of people I went to high school with,” said Haskins.
An admitted “bean pole” during his teen years, Haskins veered away from playing school sports – though he did play some in church leagues. Not able to play, Haskins covered sports for the school newspaper his senior year – and his future direction was cast.
After graduating from Fern Creek High in 1993, Haskins enrolled at Murray State University. He would major in “Electronic Journalism,” which he loved, and was the university TV station’s sports anchor from 1996 to 1998.
“It’s a great school to learn broadcasting,” Haskins said. “You get hands-on training almost as soon as you get there.”
