'Chasing the Cats' Book Signing To Be Held in Middlesboro on Saturday

A Kentucky author will hold the first of several book signings during the March Madness this weekend in Middlesboro.

Middlesboro’s Jamie H. Vaught will sign his new 256-page paperback, titled Chasing the Cats: A Kentucky Basketball Journey, at the Middlesboro-Bell County Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10:00 a.m to 12 noon.

The book is being published this week. Acclaim Press, a publishing company based in Missouri, will personally deliver copies of the book Thursday afternoon in Middlesboro, just in time for the book signing.

After writing four books about UK hoops during the 1990s and 2000s, this is Vaught’s first book in 16 years.

Like his previous books, the new volume features interesting profiles of individuals -- mostly former players and student managers -- who have strong ties with the Wildcat men’s program. Coach John Calipari, broadcaster Dick Vitale and LSU coaching legend Dale Brown are featured, as well.

Wrote Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network and ESPN on the back cover of the book, “This is an absolutely wonderful book and a must read for any Kentucky fan. Jamie Vaught displays in Chasing the Cats a brilliant insight to UK basketball and a beautiful writing style sure to please basketball fans everywhere. I don’t remember a book I have enjoyed more. Just a rich and riveting read.”

Like Finebaum, UK personalities Mike Pratt and Matt Jones also wrote blurbs for the book.

A longtime credentialed sports columnist in Kentucky, Vaught is also a professor at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in Middlesboro where he has taught since 1991.

For more details about the book signing, you can call the Middlesboro library at 606-248-4812 or call director Jeanna Cornett at 606-896-0622.