I've cast my ballot for the 2011 Kentucky Sportsman of the Year.

Any athlete, coach or sports administrator at any level is eligible for the award, if he or she plays for a team in Kentucky, is from Kentucky, or played for a college in Kentucky.

Horses that were born in the state are eligible. So are horse owners who are from Kentucky or who own farms in the state. Jockeys and trainers who compete regularly at tracks in the commonwealth are also eligible.

Former Wildcat John Wall won the award in 2010.

In February, the annual winner will be announced at a dinner sponsored by the Bluegrass Sports Commission, the first time it's been done this way.

Last week, my ballot arrived in my email box.  After looking at a list of nominees, I kept coming back to one name: John Calipari.

Despite losing six games on the road in the SEC, Cal's Cats became one of, if not THE best, teams in the country.  Calipari led the Big Blue to its first Final Four since 1998.

It has to be one of Cal's best coaching jobs.  In the process, he made Josh Harrellson and DeAndre Liggins NBA players.

Here's a look at my Top 10:

 1. Calipari

 2. Kenneth Faried - led Morehead to an upset win over Louisville in the NCAA Tournament.  Arguably the greatest player to play at MSU.

 3. Kelly Wells - led Pikeville University to the school's first NAIA National Championship.  Was named the NAIA National Coach of the Year.

 4. Victoria Dunlap - capped off one of the greatest careers at UK by winning SEC Player of the Year, was named an All-American and was selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft.

 5. Danny Trevathan - was again a force on defense for the Wildcats.  Was selected a second-team All-American after leading the SEC in tackles.

 6. Russ Cochran - former UK golfer won the British Senior Open and had 10 Top 10 finishes on The Champions Tour.

 7. Julian Leparoux - won both spring and fall meets titles at both Keeneland and Churchill Downs, a rare feat.

 8. Josh Harrellson - became a force inside for the Wildcats after calling out his coach on social media.  Helped lead the Cats to the Final Four. 

 9. Scotty Davenport - coached Bellarmine to the school's first NCAA D-II National Championship and was named the National Coach of the Year.

10. Randall Cobb - after one of the greatest careers in UK history, was drafted by the Packers and quickly became a weapon for the defending Super Bowl champions, scoring spectacular touchdowns in his first game as a pro.

Those are the highlights... Stay tuned.