ASHLAND — Greg Estep had not been to a Tomcat Reunion until Sunday.

Now that he’s been once, he hopes to make it an annual tradition.

“This is so great,” he said. “I hope they keep it going. Seeing all these old Tomcats, it brings back a lot of memories.”

Estep, who graduated in 1975, was a two-year starting quarterback for Ashland. His son, Chris, who graduated in 1997, started four seasons.

“A couple of them saw my name and said they remembered me. Then they’d say ‘Your Chris’s dad, too, aren’t you?’ I told them that’s what I want you to remember. Either Chris or Heather (his daughter starred for the Kittens). That’s a whole lot better than me.”

It’s been a tough year for Greg Estep, who has been battling cancer. He has found comfort in his graduating class and a caring community, who has offered support, prayer and well-wishes as he keeps on fighting.

Nicknamed “Mad Dog” in school, Estep’s gutty play at quarterback led the Tomcats to a 6-3-1 season in 1974. His favorite memory from that season came in a 14-13 victory over Ironton when he connected with Rick Sang for a 10-yard touchdown and then again to Sang for the two-point conversion that was the difference in the game.

“When they brought the play to the huddle I thought, ‘Did he call that right? We’re going to throw the ball?’’’ Estep said. “They said yes, it was the play we put in last week. I remember letting that pass go. I kept saying ‘Get there, baby, just get there! Just get it so Sang can get his hands on it.’’’

The rare victory at Ironton wouldn’t be repeated until 1990’s state championship team defeated the Tigers at Tanks Memorial Stadium.

Sunday’s reunion was about storytelling for many of the Tomcats who gathered at the Elks Country picnic grounds. The get-together has been a staple for the past decade when Lafe Walter organized the first meeting.

There were about a dozen players at the first reunion, but it has grown each year. There were about 80 who showed up on Sunday to share a meal and talk Tomcat sports.

Walter looks forward to it every fall and many gave him thanks and backslaps for having the idea to start the reunion.

Football coach Leon Hart addressed the crowd briefly and talked to them about carrying on the proud tradition that has been put before them.

“This community is special,” he said. “You’re talking about football players from the 1930s to today who are gathered here. I’d be willing to bet you couldn’t go to Highlands and find something like this. Maybe they have it, I don’t know. But this is special.”

Hart makes sure he has current Tomcat players at the reunions so they can drink in some of the Tomcat tonic. Sam Hunter, Cody Withrow, Slater Swift and Chris Prichard were there Sunday.

And Hart doesn’t miss a chance to attend the reunion either, taking time away from breaking down film in preparation for the next game.

“I always enjoy seeing this group and seeing their closeness,” he said. “It’s not just guys who played together on the same teams. There’s a thread that runs through all of them. It’s all part of that Tomcat tradition.”

Hart said the legacy of families makes the tradition live. “We’ve got kids with so much family history,” he said. “They’re talking to them about being Tomcats from the time they’re toddlers. They’re reminded how good their uncle was, or their grandfather or father was. It’s a great tradition.”

Some of that was on display, including the Estep quarterback connection with father and son. Another was Rupert “Doc” Rice and his son Randy, who traveled to the reunion from Lexington where they live now. Jackie, Doc’s wife, also made the trip and seemed to enjoy it as much as the guys.

Doc was a star on the 1942 state champions and 30 years later Randy played on the 1972 state runners-up, who lost to Tates Creek 16-7 in the last game ever played on the University of Kentucky’s Stoll Field.

“Too bad we had to lose that one,” he said. “Dad has told me so many stories about his playing days. I love hearing them.”

Doc told one about running back Spener Heaton, a blocking back in the single-wing who complained about not scoring touchdowns. In a game against Newport, they ran to the left side and Heaton carried for five TDs. “We didn’t hear any more complaining from him,” he said. “It was a Tomcat record.”

Many others have become regulars at the reunion, like Ken Bocard (1958 quarterback and 1960 grad) from Lexington and Larry Lee Hart (1958 graduate) from Louisville.

Some friendly rivals showed up, too. Former Catlettsburg great and longtime Russell basketball coach Marvin Meredith came to the reunion with Carl Tolliver.

“I think this is a great thing, I really do,” Meredith said. “The tales always get a little bigger. My 608 (basketball coaching) wins may get up to 1,000 if I keep coming here enough.”

Those that come for the two-hour picnic leave feeling a little better about where they came from.

“This is what Ashland sports is all about,” Estep said. “It’ll never go away. Few have the tradition we’ve got.”

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.