He returned home to be an English teacher at his alma mater, Hall High School, and in 1951 was announcing high school basketball and football games for radio station WHLN in Harlan. Two years later, he joined Lexington radio station WLEX and began calling games for the University of Kentucky. After moving to Louisville in 1956, he continued his affiliation with UK athletics and remained behind the microphone until his retirement following the 1991-92 basketball season. One hallmark of the broadcasting career of Cawood Ledford was his independence. If the Wildcats weren't playing up to expectations, the radio audience would be the first to know.
Sports are the greatest drama in the world because because no one knows what's going to happen.
And it's your job to paint a word picture for the thousands who would love to be there but can't. Cawood Ledford's broadcasting track followed the amazing arc of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He was the radio voice for 17 NCAA Final Fours, including UK's 1958 and 1978 championship seasons. In 1987, he was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. UK fans can look to the rafters of Rupp Arena in Lexington and see Cawood Ledford's name on a team jersey.