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La’Rod King ready to rule UK offense Wide receiver can lead, inspire teammates By Ethan Levine elevine@kykernel.com
It took one catch for Big Blue fans to learn what UK senior wide receiver La’Rod King brought to the table. It was not just any ordinary catch. This catch was with one hand in traffic in the end zone. It was in Athens, Ga., between the hedges against the Georgia Bulldogs. This catch helped UK secure an upset on the road in conference, propelling it to a bowl berth at the end of the year. This catch was the catch that launched King’s career. When he arrived at UK in fall 2009, King was a freakishly athletic yet relatively unknown freshman receiver from Radcliff, Ky. A 6-foot-4, 220-pound gazelle on the outside, King was a small fish in the big pond of Lexington. He was coming off a productive high-school career, starring at quarterback, wide receiver, safety and on special teams for North Hardin High School. And in the offseason he competed in the 4x400 relay and the high jump for the school’s track and field team. As a true freshman hidden behind the likes of Randall Cobb and Chris Matthews, a 6-foot-5 receiver with a similar skill set to King’s, he was forced to simply watch and learn. But in the Cats’ 11th game of that year, sitting at 55 on the bubble of postseason play and playing before 92,000 screaming Bulldog fans, King made the catch that launched him onto Big Blue Nation’s radar and propelled a productive career in the years to follow. “La’Rod King’s been a player in this program for a long time,” UK head coach Joker Phillips said. “He showed flashes from the time he walked on campus. He was a guy that made plays as a true freshman. On the road at Georgia ... he’s done it for a long time around here.” Entering his senior sea-
son, King now has amounted 86 catches for 1,218 yards and 13 touchdowns in his three-year career. Having played in 36 games, starting 18, King now ranks eighth in school history in receiving touchdowns and 19th in receiving yardage. And that’s with another year to go.
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“(King) showed flashes from the time he walked on campus. He was a guy that made plays as a true freshman.” JOKER PHILLIPS UK HEAD COACH
Last season, King caught seven touchdowns for the Cats. No one else on the team caught more than one. And when King is not scoring touchdowns on the field, he is in the Lexington community helping its residents score touchdowns of their own. King has spoken at local schools and the Fayette County Detention Center, donated his time to Read Across America and the “Be the Match” bone-marrow drive, and helped his fellow students with their heavy lifting on move-in day. It is that maturity and character that should help make 2012 King’s most explosive season in a blue and white uniform. While his work ethic and determination are rarely, if ever, brought into question, the leadership qualities he bestows upon the team’s younger receivers may be the biggest impact he makes this year. King is joined on the outside by a group of highly touted, but completely unproven wideouts, including senior E.J. Fields, sophomore Demarco Robinson and redshirt freshman Daryl Collins.
“La’Rod does a good job since he has proven himself and played on the field since his freshman year,” quarterback Maxwell Smith said. “He does a good job of leading them and getting them to do the right things and understand what they have to do.” It will have to be Robinson and Collins who come through if UK is to succeed in the spread out offense it displayed in its spring game in April. Robinson, a generous 5foot-9, 158-pound bullet, might be the quickest player on the team. Offensive coordinator Randy Sanders tried to work Robinson into the offense as a freshman through end-around hand-offs and bubble screens, hoping to get the speedy Robinson into open space. That goal failed, to say the least, likely due to UK’s lack of a threat down the field. Collins was expected to see time as a freshman with Robinson last season before tearing his ACL in August. Collins is an asset because of his speed, route running and exceptional hands, and quickly could become the deep threat UK has been searching for. With King and Collins on the outside, Sanders might just find that open field for Robinson in the slot. “Those guys, they’ve come a long way and they’re going to be great,” King said. “They worked so hard in the offseason it’s a great thing.” Fields, a 6-foot-1, 200pound specimen, could also represent a deep threat on the outside. With freakishly fast speed and an above-average wingspan, there are few balls this guy won’t get to. But Fields has had problems with drops in the past, and if those issues continue, expect him back on the bench, where he has spent the majority of his career. Throw tight end Tyler Robinson (19 career receptions, 124 yards, two touchdowns in two seasons) into the mix, along with backup
PHOTO BY TESSA LIGHTY | STAFF
La’Rod King, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior, caught seven touchdowns last season on a team where no one else caught more than one. He ranks eighth in school history in receiving touchdowns. Anthony Kendrick (six catches, 45 yards) and UK might have a deep stable of passcatching options. Robinson had an enormous spring game, catching five balls and owning the middle of the field, and Kendrick brings plenty of athleticism to the table as well. “We (the tight ends) showed in the spring game,”
No. 1 UK great: Sonny Collins Cats’ all-time leading rusher reflects on simpler times, hard work on team By Cody Porter cporter@kykernel.com
It wasn’t all roses, sunshine and pretty Kentucky women for UK’s idyllic and zealous star running back Sonny Collins. Discovering his path back home took some self exploration after a record-setting career turned devastating with implications of his involvment in a local murder. Before hitting that bump in the road, though, the Madisonville, Ky., native found his direction with knowledge of local ties to Lexington. Football head coach John Ray didn’t know it yet, but the program’s soon-to-be exemplary of excellence came to UK because of former baskeball great Frank Ramsey.. If not for him, a Cat from two decades later, Moe Williams. would have UK records for most rushing yards and touchdowns in a career. Reflection of a UK icon Having known Ramsey was able to find success at UK and as a professional athlete “was a reflection in knowing that I had the opportunity to attend the University of Kentucky as well,” Collins said. He said he understood the Cats weren’t a football powerhouse, but it was an opportunity for him to be a part of something that could work its way toward winning an SEC or national championship. “I felt like it was the best thing for me to do even though I did have schools from all around the country (inquiring). From the No. 1 team at the top, the No. 1 school in the nation, USC (University of Southern California), Ohio State, all of them,” he said.
“They were knocking on my door consistently, and coach Bear Bryant from the University of Alabama definitely wanted me to come to Alabama.” While Collins said it was gratifying and an honor to have those schools showing interest, “when Kentucky came knocking on my door, I really didn’t think twice about it.” Perfect days His enthusiasm for 1972 couldn’t be understated. For Collins, his freshman season at UK, simply put, was “a great year.”
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I knew I had taken on something that was another level in my life, in this sport.” SONNY COLLINS 1972-75 UK running back
When discussing that season he echoed those sentiments on numerous occasions. The fans, student body, faculty and team — everyone just seemed to be on the right page, Collins said. “Every day seemed like sunshine and hearing birds and you know, it was just perfect days, perfect days.” In his lone season playing under Ray, Collins led the team in carries and rushing yards while splitting time with veterans Gary Knutson and Doug Kotar. “It was a great memory for me from the very beginning of 1972,”
Tyler Robinson said. “The tight ends had a bunch of catches. So we’re hoping that’s going to be something to look forward to in the future. We haven’t really been productive the past two years, so we’re going to hope that this year is a little different for us. We’ve been working hard for it.” But it all starts and ends
with King. His play on the field, and his leadership off it, might determine the success of UK’s entire offense, should it be centered around the pass. A big year by UK’s top returning senior, and productive years from his fellow wideouts, could vault a team predicted to win three or four games into postseason discussion.
No. 1: UK’s 1950 champions Team won Sugar Bowl; was only one in history to get national title By Ethan Levine elevine@kykernel.com
Collins said. Having grown up not far from the university and loving the area, Collins said his desire to contribute to the program “reflected in my accomplishments as an athlete.” His fondness for the program had him already familiar with the magnitude of what he was getting into, but it was when fans from afar began to contact him, that he truly realized what he was a part of. “I remember receiving letters at that time from people from all around the country,” he said. “I recall letters I received from military people that were stationed in Europe and over in the Asian countries. I thought that was interesting.” Knowing that the fans cared enough to try to correspond with the then 19 year old motivated him, he said. “I knew I had taken on something that was another level in my life, in this sport,” Collins said. “I knew I had to prepare for it mentally, physically and emotionally.” Knowing that UK wasn’t a powerhouse, Collins said he volunteered himself to be a recruiter to Coach Ray. Before Collins could help, Ray left the program after a slew of sub-.500 seasons and the reigns were handed over to Fran Curci, a one-time quarterback with a track record full of victoSee COLLINS on page 3
In Kentucky, championships are no myth: they are a reality. Last spring, the basketball team took home its eighth national title, more than any other basketball program in history except for one (John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins). The year before, UK’s rifle team earned its first national championship, laying claim to a piece of hardware in UK’s extensive trophy case. But in the more than 70year history of UK’s football program, the Cats have won just one national title. That championship came in 1950, where we find the top team on our list. The 1950 UK football team, under the direction of Paul “Bear” Bryant, was nearly perfect in all facets of the game. In 10 of 12 games UK held its opponent to seven points or less, five times posting a shutout. But the Cats could score points as well, topping 40 points five times on the year, including an 83-0 thumping of North Dakota. UK finished the regular season 10-1, with its only loss coming in Knoxville to the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers in the last week of the season.
UK saw its No. 3 ranking nationally drop to No. 7 but was lucky to receive an invitation to face No. 1 Oklahoma in the 1951 Sugar Bowl. The Cats avenged their loss to the Vols, defeating Oklahoma 13-7 and handing the Sooners their only loss of the season. UK finished the season 11-1, and despite being ranked seventh in the polls, was deemed co-national champions with the Sooners. But in 1991, a retroactive ranking would sit them atop the rest of the nation at No. 1. Bob Gain, a tackle from the team, would go on to receive All-America honors and the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman. Eight others would join Gain in the next year’s NFL draft. To this day, Bryant’s 1950 UK squad is the only in program history to be able to call itself a national champion. Aside from the ’76 team, it’s the only team in program history to so much as win the SEC. The accomplishments of the 1950 Cats go beyond anything that had ever been achieved before or would ever be achieved again by a UK football team, and that is why they conclude this week as the greatest team in the history of UK football.
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COLLINS Continued from page 2 ries while coaching in Florida. The same offer was then put on the table for Curci. “I did my part and it paid off,” Collins said. That payoff brought in Art Still, Derrick Ramsey and Jim Kovach, all of which ended careers at UK with their weight in awards. “We ended up with some really talented athletes and I knew we were going to be very special,” Collins said. “I’m telling you, they were phenomenal, those boys were phenomenal. They were way ahead of their time. If those guys were able to play today, they are just as good as the athletes that we have now. They were just that far ahead of their time.” And while he didn’t know how soon it would take them to develop, he said he was hoping it would turn over quickly so that he could be a part of it. Sonny being Sonny Before he could help them get their success, the 1973 season was made into Sonny Collins’ personal high-
light reel. In righting the ship for Curci’s inaugural season, Collins rushed for 1,213 yards, good enough to set UK’s record for most rushing yards in a season. Although he was provided help, Collins wanted to be — and was — a leader for the team. “Basically every day I was working out,” he said. “If I wasn’t in the weight room or running track with the track team, it was either because it was a holiday or I had an engagement to attend.” As he stated, there was a downfall to that attitude — academics, which resulted in him not graduating on time. “I didn’t take my studies as serious as I should have because I wasn’t very good at multitasking, if you will,” he said. “I did enough as a student to stay and continue to play the sport.” Collins’ focus on the sport is something he believes had he went elsewhere would have paid its dues via a Heisman Trophy Award. “There was no doubt if I had went to maybe, you know, a school like USC or Ohio State or Alabama, I would have won Heisman because of my work ethic,” he said.
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Over time the work ethic he displayed began to wear off on his teammates. In 1974 the Cats posted their first winning record in nine years. According to Collins, his teammates began to follow him to whatever type of workout he was attempting. “I worked so hard and so fierce all season till the game was easy,” Collins said. “And when the guys saw that concept of what I was doing, realized ‘that’s why he runs the ball like that and does this.’ I busted my ass in the offseason. I was in tip-top shape. I could run 25, 30 times straight.” Though he admitted it took some time to prove that concept to his teammates, “they thought ‘this is why Sonny is being Sonny.’ And it caught on pretty quickly for a few of those guys. Coming home “I miss home,” Collins said when asked about life now. After a short stint in the NFL, the 59-year-old eventually made his way to Fayetteville, Ga., just outside of Atlanta, where he was drafted. “Although I’m here in Georgia now, and I’ve been living here for a while now,
there’s not a day that goes by news. that I don’t think of my BlueAt the time he was highly grass roots,” he said. regarded enough around LexUntil recently, those roots ington that his fans and felwere severed as the result of low students “knew that I a 1975 kidnapping and mur- would never be involved in der investigation that Collins’ those kind of things.” name was involved with as “That was my energy, an alibi. the fact that my “I did community everything I was supportpossibly ing me,” he could to stay I worked so said. “There a w a y , ” wasn’t a hard and so fierce all place Collins said. I The in- season till the game couldn’t go vestigation is where I wassomething he was easy.” n’t welsaid “decomed with SONNY COLLINS opened arms. stroyed” him, 1972-75 UK RUNNING BACK partially beI would go cause his to a restauname was berant, ‘Hey ing tarnished on a national Sonny, how are you doing?’ scale. We would sit there and talk, “I think it was a shock to have supper, lunch, whatevthe university and the com- er. I was living the life of munity,” he said. “They Riley and I was protected.” didn’t know how to handle it Still, for Collins, who was as they should have. At the trying to bud into an NFL star time I just felt that more had for the Atlanta Falcons, the been done to tell (the media), questioning was beginning to that I had done nothing what- take a mental toll, something soever.” he says is the reason he didn’t When mentioned by the excel as a professional. two involved, former All“I’d get a call from the American tight end Elmore news media and they say, Stephens and assistant man- ‘Sonny you had a great game ager John Bishop, Collins’ against San Francisco.’ shining light within the com- ‘Thanks.’ ‘Won’t you tell me munity dimmed, as local and about that murder incident national media learned of the that happened in Lexington
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last year?’ “I’d say ‘oh, my God.” “I don’t know nothing about that. I wasn’t involved.” Collins now reflects on the incident, knowing had he been more mature, he would’ve handled it well enough that it might not have hurt his career in the NFL. Now rekindling his old flame with the blue and white, Collins makes his way to UK every now and then. Last season the program had “Sonny Collins Day” to honor the Cats’ all-time leading rusher. “It was no doubt one of the best highlights of my life because I had never forgotten how supportive the community was for me. It was a great therapy for me,” he said. “I think the ones that were during that time knew I gave my very best — my very, very best, and I wasn’t a bad person.” Another trip home is on deck, however. Collins said plans are in the works to attend the South Carolina game to honor Fran Curci. While in town, he hopes to use his motorcycle riding pastime as a chance to give back in raising money for the K Association with help from Harley-Davidson of Lexington.
The campaigns for 4 UK quarterbacks Morgan Newton is experienced leader
Smith earned position to start under center By Cody Porter cporter@kykernel.com
By Les Johns ljohns@kykernel.com
Smith
Newton
Senior quarterback Morgan Newton is the experienced, selfless leader the Cats need under center this season. Newton has played in 23 games as a Cat and has a winning record in his 17 games as a starter. He was abruptly thrust into action as a freshman in 2009, when starter Mike Hartline went down with a injury in the fifth game of the season, giving up his redshirt season as a result. Newton finished that season winning five of the last eight games, including an impressive road win against the Georgia Bulldogs. Newton was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team by the SEC for his efforts that year He embraced the secondstring role during his sophomore year in 2010 but stepped in to lead the Cats against Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl after Hartline was suspended from participating due to off-field indiscretions. Morgan played in 10 games in 2011, starting eight before going down with a shoulder injury late in the year. He postponed surgery on his shoulder until the season was complete in case the Cats needed him to finish out a game, which delayed his recovery. Morgan Newton has the most experience and is a selfless leader. With multiple options for the Cats at wide receiver and running back, the offense looks to have the weapons to compete. Newton should get the opportunity to utilize those weapons.
Months of anticipation, speculation, and oration by the UK football coaching staff was silenced Monday, Aug. 20. Like in the months that led to it, head coach Joker Phillips had a drawn-out announcement full of praise for potential quarterback starters senior Morgan Newton and
sophomore Maxwell Smith before letting it be known who his guy would be. Then with a handful of words, another position was up for debate. “Maxwell Smith, we feel, gives us the best chance to win at this point and he will be our starting quarterback versus Louisville,” he said. And those words hold true. Senior wide receiver La’Rod King even said the coaches made the right decision in selecting Smith as the starter. During the spring game, Smith and Phillips looked as if they were taking a page from former head coach Hal Mumme and quarterback Tim Couch, as the head coach allowed Smith to air it out from the shotgun position in a hurry-up offense. Now, that may have been against UK’s second-string defense, but nevertheless he succeeded in moving the ball. Once a full-fledged starter
last season, Smith took to the role, but was set back by an underachieving offensive line and receivers with a case of butterfingers. Additional experience and talent at those positions should allow Smith to progress even more under center. Phillips indicated during his first weekly press conference Monday that Smith has even progressed since that remarkable spring-game performance. “He’s been really efficient in how consistent he is, throwing strikes, which is putting the ball at eye level for receivers. I like the way he operates,” he said. “Again, he’s not going to be a guy that is going to beat you with his legs, we all know that. But he’s a guy that can beat you with his arm, he can beat you with his mind. He can see a blitz, change the protection to pick up the blitz, then hurt you with it.”
Patrick Towles has best potential in QB role By David Schuh dschuh@kykernel.com
UK head coach Joker Phillips made a difficult decision last week in naming sophomore Maxwell Smith the starting quarterback. Of the four candidates, Smith clearly has had the most recent success, but does that mean he is the right man for the job? No. Introducing, Patrick Towles. Towles is a 6-foot-5, 242pound true freshman quarterback from Highlands High School, the stomping ground of former UK great Jared Lorenzen. A three-time state champion, he capped off his highschool career by totaling 57 touchdowns and one interception in his senior season. NBC football analyst and Highlands volunteer coach Cris Collinsworth said Towles can do things that NFL players he’s watched can’t do. That’s high praise coming from a guy who watches NFL tape for a living. Let’s not pretend, however, that 4A high-school foot-
ball is on level with the SEC. But this debate is less about what Towles has proven and more about what Phillips has to prove. It’s no secret that Phillips is in the hot seat. The fans are restless, and without a significant change, he could be unemployed by Christmas. The only way to change that is to change the culture of the program, which starts with the decision to start Towles. Even if he struggles out of the gate, which he probably would, gaining experience now would give everyone hope that he could turn into the next great UK quarterback. The program has been descending ever
Towles
since Phillips took over. The fans need something telling them that is changing. Smith might be the best option against Louisville, but planning for the future needs to be the program’s top priority. Patrick Towles could save Phillips’ job and potentially take UK football to a place it rarely has been.
Jalen Whitlow’s receiver role likens him to Randall Cobb By Alex Forkner aforkner@kykernel.com
The question isn’t if Jalen Whitlow will see the field this season, but when? And at what position? The freshman from Prattville, Ala., split time between quarterback and wide receiver while leading his team to a 6A state title in his senior season. Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve heard of Randall Cobb, another athlete who led his high school to state championships using his arm and legs. After Whitlow’s commitment, the comparison wasn’t lost on Joker Phillips. “He is a Randall Cobbtype athlete. It’s hard to compare to with Randall Cobb, but that’s what Randall was when we got Whitlow him; we think he’s the type of player,” he said. And Phillips can see Whitlow filling the same type of role Cobb did when he electrified fans and frustrated opponents for three years. “A Wildcat-type quarterback, that was important for us to find, especially the way we played in the (Tennessee) game,” Phillips said. “Sometimes things happen, you have to get into different packages and I think when we can get an opportunity to add a package to our offense that’s great.” Whispers out of fall camp cast Whitlow as a force to be reckoned with, a mix of speed and agility who has factored into the quarterback competition more than most figured he would. A majority of the spotlight was directed toward a different true freshman, in-state product Patrick Towles, but Whitlow has made sure he isn’t standing in the shadows. “Sometimes Donte Rumph runs by him and thinks he’s tackled him and the play is over,” Phillips said. “You’ve seen the great quarterbacks that have the athleticism and ability to elude tacklers, get away from some of those tacklers.” Whitlow will see playing time this season, though, but maybe not as an every down quarterback. He’ll most likely be taking snaps in the Wildcat package and posing as a dual run/pass threat, but don’t be surprised if the coaching staff moves him to other spots on the field. Six-foot-two and 200 pounds, he would be formidable as a slot receiver, the same position Cobb played when not in the backfield. Randall Cobbs don’t come along often, so it may be unfair to hold Whitlow to such a high standard so early, but even if he is only a partial Randall Cobb, this team will need his athleticism to keep defenses on their toes.
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John Clay is a sports columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader. He graduated from UK in 1981, where he served as a columnist and sports editor for the Kentucky Kernel.
Cats need respect off the field too By John Clay Sept. 3, 1980 Kentucky Kernel Wildcat Football Preview
Cats need to earn respect on the field By John Clay
As the Kentucky football Wildcats slide into the fabulously wonderful 1980s, looking for joy, happiness and championships, one fact is becoming increasingly clear. Sooner or later, UK will have to come to grips with an image problem that has plagued the Kentucky program since 1975 It used to be that the Wildcats did not have a football image. Teams that win two or three games a season and spend the holidays at home instead of at bowls are usually not blessed with such things. But winning is Clay more of a possibility at UK than a faint hope these days. Even this year, there is reasonable hope that the Cats might make it to a bowl for the second time in five years. But the problem is off the field. It is the sum of the parts of other disruptions all revolving around discipline, pride and the basic principals of a university. There was the Elmore Stephens problem. There was the Sonny Collins problem. There was the dormitory problem. Last year, it was the theft problem — a motorcycle, athletic equipment and a stereo. Now there is the Pete Venable problem. The list could read on and on if one wanted to look deeper. These incidents have led the Wildcats to embarrassment, humiliation and shame. Football players represent a university wherever they go. But even in their own state they are the subjects of commonplace jokes and wisecracks. Of course, Fran Curci, UK’s football coach who is entering his eighth season as director of Wildcat fortunes, does not like to hear such talk. It takes the attention from what he considers his real task — that of winning. These days, coaches aren’t paid to be tutors, or teachers as much as they are paid to fill stadium and get bowl invitations. And there is no doubt Curci has done that. So Fran turns elsewhere. He has been known to make the press the guys in the black hats. He stays aloof from his players. He says that most of the time the player’s actions are beyond his control. This is not to say that Curci does not know that a problem exists. He knows the situation all too well. He must explain it every time he sits down with a potential recruit and the parents ask, “What is really going on up in Lexington?” One would think that by now he is growing weary of explaining and re-explaining. Or, as he did at press day, not discussing the problem at all. “They are suspended. Period,” he told one reporter when asked about the Venable and Greg Wimblerly suspensions on press day. Once, Curci tried to clear up the enigma. That was his famous televised press conference where Curci announced the suspension of the eight for dormitory violations after a grand jury had failed to indict them on rape charges. Unfortunately, to most observers, Curci came off as a bitter man trying to justify problems by turning the blame. Fran should not feel alone. College athletics in general, and football more recently, have felt the brunt of scandal and disturbance. Last year it was the New Mexico scandal. More recently there was the amazing Pac 10 probations. In this day and time it is almost unbelievable that half of an entire conference would be put on probation by its own peers. The mystery now is when will this all stop. The arrests, the problems, the corruption. Now that UK has achieved respectability on the field, can they do the same off the field as well.
Special to the Kentucky Kernel
Climbing into the way-back machine, 1980 seems a long time ago and growing longer. While there appears to be some similarities to oh so long ago, UK football has actually flipped the script. In the decline of the once shining Fran Curci Era, the Cats were respectable on the field, though on the Clay early cusp of a slide. The program’s real problem was the alarming frequency players appeared on the police blotter. It painted not only Curci and crew, but the entire university in a bad light. Joker Phillips’ Cats haven’t presented many off-the-field problems. Oh, there’s been a Ridge Wilson (booted from the team after a drug trafficking charge) here and a Marcus Caffey (presumed starter now academically ineligible) there. By and large, however, the Cats have received generally high citizenship marks. That’s less so with what’s happening on the field. Fran Curci’s 1980 hot seat turned into a pink slip in 1981 in part because he had lost control of his players. Joker Phillips is on the hot seat now, but the heat comes from the play of his players, the 5-7 record a season ago, a season which included a 51-point loss at South Carolina and a 30point loss at Vanderbilt. There’s another difference. Curci was a media nightmare, combative, surly and stubbornly uncooperative, especially when things were going bad. Phillips has been the opposite this fall camp, meeting with reporters each day after practice, often joking around, setting a steady example. Hopeful for a bowl year, Kentucky ended up a dreadful 3-8 in 1980 with a meager 1-5 mark in the SEC. Curci was allowed one more shot at a turnaround but another 3-8 record sent him packing. The headline back then was “Cats need respect off the field too.” The headline now would be “Cats need to earn respect on the field too.”
PHOTO BY MIKE WEAVER | STAFF
UK head coach Joker Phillips is in the hot seat, not because of the behavior of his players, but because of their play. 1980 STAFF FILE PHOTO
Fran Curci’s tenure as head coach was marred by the off-thefield behavior of his players in 1980.
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Stay-at-home students By Alex Forkner aforkner@kykernel.com
It’s a beautiful autumn evening in Lexington. The air is crisp as the sun sets behind Commonwealth Stadium. Football weather. The players are crowded in the tunnel, ready to take the field with shouts of bravado and arms toward the sky, one finger raised. Fireworks fly into the twilight, smoke swirling as the blue-clad warriors sprint towards midfield, eager to show they are right for the fight today. They scan the bleachers, but instead of seeing frenzied fans they see only cold metal and bare concrete. The thumping of a dope rap instrumental echoes sadly throughout the desolate stadium. This scenario may seem a bit apocalyptic, but it’s not completely farfetched. Season tickets sale for Kentucky football are drastically reduced this year. In a CatsIllustrated.com article published July 27, Ben Jones reported, “student season ticket sales for Kentucky football are down more than 50 percent compared to at the end of July 2011.” Why such a drop? Does the incoming freshman class hate football? Did beer prices rise? Or is the student body partaking in an informal protest against the current direction of Joker Phillips’ program? Student season ticket sales actually increased in Phillips’ first year as head coach, reaching 7,025 in 2010 compared to 6,274 in 2009, Rich Brooks’ last year. After four straight bowl trips, perhaps fans’ optimism was at an all-time high. But after Phillips’ first season resulted in a 6-7 record and an ugly loss to Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl, season ticket sales declined to 4,402, a decrease of roughly 37 percent. And after last season’s 5-7 finish and first missed bowl game since 2005, it seems fan interest continues
PHOTO BY QUIANNA LIGE | STAFF
Fans begin to clear out of Commonwealth Stadium in the second half of the game against Jacksonsville State last October. to wane and Joker has taken notice, making public pleas to the UK faithful urging them not to abandon ship. "These players come to UK because of you, the fans," he said, even getting emotional at times. “Get behind this team. It's your team. We're selling you, the fans. Don't do it for Joker Phillips. I don't care how you feel about Joker Phillips or the staff. Do it for these young men that have agreed to come here to represent you and agreed to represent you the right way.”
UK fans have always overachieved when it came to football, ranking in the top-25 in attendance 11 times since Commonwealth Stadium expanded in 1999, even though the teams were rarely top-25 caliber, but this season could see that ranking plummet. Maybe the reason for dragging sales is simply procrastination, as is the case for Jacob Cooper and Reece Hudson, both juniors majoring in mechanical engineering. Cooper figured there was no rush since there’s obviously no risk
of tickets selling out, but he hopes to be in the stands for every kickoff. “I’ve seen some predictions only giving us about 4 wins, so it’s a little shaky,” he said, “But I’ll try to be there (for every home game).” Hudson, who just hasn’t made it to the ticket office yet, described himself as “optimistic.” “I think we’ll beat Louisville on Sunday,” he said. “If we get a few good bounces then we could possibly make it to a bowl this year.” And despite all the negativity
swirling around UK football these days, there are still a few diehards out there. Will Rowe, a first-year law student, grew up in Lexington and has been attending games for years, and this season will be no different. “I’m hoping they do better than last year,” he said, “But I’m still looking forward to tailgating and watching the games.” In the end, there’s only one surefire way to move those unsold football tickets: tell people they’re for basketball games.
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Best- and worst-case scenarios for UK September @ Louisville
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September vs. Western Ky.
October vs. Miss. State
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Best Case (W 28-10)
Best Case (W 28-17)
The underdog Cats enter Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium better than most anticipate. The key to the game, which is slowing down the dual-threat Teddy Bridgewater, is done after the front seven manage to slow him. UK uses its slew of running backs to work its way toward a Governor’s Cup victory.
Easy or not, the Hilltoppers aren’t going to roll over for the Cats. Remember, “They supposed to be SEC.” In this scenario, expect UK to get a comfortable lead before WKU tries to scare the Cats late, before a dagger by the defense puts it away.
Being the one mildly successful SEC team the Cats take on and have had some fortune against, the Cats get to avenge last season’s loss. Senior running back CoShik Williams and junior back Raymond Sanders lead the Cats in scoring and help ease Maxwell Smith’s struggles against the Bulldogs secondary.
Worst Case (L 31-10)
Worst Case (W 17-14) Like last season, UK’s offense plays poor and the defense doesn’t look great against an already subordinate Hilltoppers offense. Although the game may seem to never be out of hand, the Cats tack on a late field goal to secure a victory.
Worst Case (L 24-20)
Best Case (W 21-17)
Fan’s hopes that might have been on the rise in recent weeks are once again diminished after UK falters against the Cards’ mass yardage producing offense. A young offensive line can’t contain Charlie Strong’s defense and the Cats’ skill positions are caught offguard, resulting in a poor performance.
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September @ Florida
Best Case (L 31-24)
The Gators, like last season, are going to underperform. There shouldn’t be any expectation for them to find consistency on offense, although that hasn’t mattered in the past. This time around UK is good enough to hang with the big boys. If not for the game being in Gainesville, there may have been a shot for another streak to end.
Worst Case (L 38-17) STAFF FILE PHOTO
UK head coach Joker Phillips and U of L head coach Charlie Strong shake hands after UK’s 23-16 win in 2010.
September vs. Kent State
Best Case (W 35-7)
8
With the running game already clicking, sophomore quarterback Maxwell Smith’s confidence with the younger receivers grows. Such youth as sophomore wide receiver Demarco Robinson and freshman wide receiver Daryl Collins provide Smith more threats in connecting for touchdowns. A questionable UK secondary gets an easier opponent to gain experience as the Cats move toward SEC play.
Worst Case (W 24-14) In what should be a cakewalk, the Cats struggle to produce on offense until late in the game. At that point, their running game helps them inch away from the competition for a 10-point victory.
Florida overachieves in finding a quarterback to fit coach Will Muschamp’s scheme. The Cats hang around for the first half, but as has been the case in the past, the Gators have the extra gear to put away a non-comparable team.
September vs. South Carolina
29
Best Case (W 27-21) Among the ranked teams on UK’s schedule, the Gamecocks are the only one you don’t know for sure what you will see. Head coach Steve Spurrier’s squad has the talent but often times brings out UK’s best. After getting blown out in South Carolina last season, the Cats look for improvement in grinding out a win over the Ol’ Ball Coach.
Worst Case (L 41-10)
Regardless of the scenario, the Bulldogs aren’t good enough to pull away from the Cats given some offensive question marks. Following a back-and-forth game, the Bulldogs’ defense holds the Cats after a mid-third-quarter touchdown put them in the lead.
October @ Arkansas
Best Case (W 38-21)
13
The Hogs start a gauntlet that the Cats aren’t good enough to overcome. Possibly the highest ranked team on the schedule, Arkansas has a high-volume offense that the UK secondary just won’t be able to slow. Arkansas’ defense isn’t one to scare any opponent, so the Cats should be able to tack on some scores throughout, but not at the same rate.
Worst Case (L 48-14) Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson puts some big-time numbers on the UK defense. Along with Knile Davis’ running game, the Hogs near 600 yards of total offense in staking their claim as the SEC’s top team.
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October vs. Georgia
Best Case (L 30-20)
The Bulldogs are the top team in the SEC East, but with home-field advantage, UK can keep up for part of the game before Georgia’s Aaron Murray begins to pick apart the Cats’ secondary through the air. Last season, Maxwell Smith found moderate success in a close defeat by Georgia. That success continues but isn’t enough to get the Cats within distance of an upset.
Worst Case (L 35-10)
Spurrier’s disdain for UK is well known. When provided the opportunity he mocks the Cats. Last season he didn’t hesiUK can’t handle the defense of the Bulldogs, who regain tate to run up the score. This time around he gets the last possession via turnovers. Murray, like in other teams, exposes laugh again. The Cats come out flat and the Gamecocks’ the UK secondary en route to an easy win over the Cats. highly ranked defense sets the tone in getting scores of its own to roll over the Cats once again.
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October @ Missouri
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November @ Samford
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Best Case (L 28-24)
Best Case (W 45-14)
The Tigers realize that life in the SEC is tough. Regardless of the team, they all have experience playing against each other. UK exchanges touchdowns with Mizzou before a late score helps propel the Tigers to an SEC victory.
UK’s best offensive performance of the season comes when it plays Samford. Maxwell Smith joins the 300-yard club and in doing so helps senior wide receiver La’Rod King go out in a blaze of glory for his final game in Commonwealth Stadium.
Worst Case (L 38-20) Missouri’s speedy offense fits right in with the SEC during their day of homecoming. UK has trouble throughout the game being able to slow the Tigers, which isn’t helped on offense with the rowdiness of the stadium’s environment. In what is a close game early, the Tigers get a touchdown before half to set the pace for the second half on their way to a conference win.
November vs. Vanderbilt
Best Case (W 24-14)
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November @ Tennessee
Best Case (W 20-17)
Worst Case (L 17-0) The Cats get by with what they need to pull out the win over a not quite so good team. Despite a lackluster production from the offense, the defense makes up with a returned fumble for a touchdown and shuts out the Bulldogs on senior day.
Head coach Derek Dooley has run his course at Tennessee. As the season winds down the train is derailing for the Vols, allowing the Cats to pounce to start a streak of their own. A Craig McIntosh field goal in the waning moments complements a Maxwell Smith connection earlier in the fourth quarter to get the win.
Worst Case (L 28-13) Quarterback Tyler Bray is good. Really good. The hype surrounding his anticipated draft position pans out and he lights up the questionable UK secondary. As a unit, Tennessee isn’t good enough to run away from the Cats, but it manages to keep a comfortable margin throughout the game and avenge last season’s loss.
3
STAFF FILE PHOTO
The UK football team celebrates after Tennessee misses a fieldgoal attempt in November 2010. UK broke a 26year losing streak to Tennessee last year and could be en route to a new winning streak if it wins this year.
Vandy is better, but the Cats are, too. So don’t expect a repeat of last season’s drudging. If all goes well for the Cats, the benefit of playing this season’s game at home will show through and the defense will be another squad to prove that Commodores quarterback Jordan Rodgers’ success last year was a fluke. A balanced effort on offense aids the team and the Cats win comfortably.
Worst Case (L 31-20) Rodgers mimics his older brother, Aaron, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, and uses his arm and legs to down the Cats. The defensive line finds itself unable to break the barrier of Vandy’s offensive line for most of the game, enabling Rodgers and his running backs to do the required damage to the Cats.
The Porter Perspective
CODY PORTER Kernel columnist
When all is said and done, and the best- and worst- case scenarios are thrown out the window, I expect another mediocre 4-8 season for the Cats. The product on the field will look better, but the strength of the schedule, which is ranked No. 8 by college football expert Phil Steele, is going to be overwhelming.
An early-season miss of beating Louisville will set the tone for other near misses. While the talent is growing, it isn’t quite there yet. Following above-average performances against Kent State and Western Kentucky, the Cats travel to Gainesville, where I see them hanging with the Gators, before their talent does a change of its own in pulling away for a late win. As has been the case in recent
years, the game against Florida sets the bar for a gauntlet the Cats can’t withstand in playing against South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia, all of whom I expect to win rather easily. A trip to Columbia, Mo., in late October could have played into the hands of the Cats if not for being so late in the season. By the latter portion of its schedule, the underrated Tigers should be clicking enough to prevent any SEC welcoming party to be thrown by UK during Missouri’s senior day.
Another flop in a loss to a rising Vanderbilt team leads the Cats into what should be an easy victory over Samford before traveling to Knoxville to attempt to start a streak. A streak that will begin on Nov. 24. At that time the Cats will meet a Tennessee team struggling with finding an identity and a fan base looking for an escape from yet another coach. With all the team’s hostility, UK is able to snatch the victory from the Vols and start a streak of its own.
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UK football coaching profiles Phillips’ staff brings experience and focus on recruiting
Randy Sanders Offensive Coordinator/ QB Coach alma mater: University of Tennessee (1984-1988) Coaching History: UK offensive coordinator (2009-present), UK QB coach (2006-08), Tennessee offensive coordinator (1999-2005), Tennessee assistant coach (1989-98). Bio: Randy Sanders spent 22 years playing and coaching at the University of Tennessee, where he won a national title in 1998 in his first game as offensive coordinator and coached such players as Peyton Manning and former UK assistant coach Tee Martin. He served as co-offensive coordinator with Joker Phillips in 2009 before taking the role of primary play caller in 2010.
Rick Minter Defensive coordinator alma mater: Henderson State (1974-1978) Coaching History: UK defensive coordinator (2011-present), Indiana State LB coach (2010), Marshall defensive coordinator (2008-09), Notre Dame defensive coordinator (2005-06), South Carolina defensive coordinator (2004), Cincinnati head coach (19942003), Notre Dame defensive coordinator (1992-93), Ball State defensive coordinator (1985-91), New Mexico State LB coach (1984), North Carolina State LB coach (198082), Louisiana Tech DE coach (1979). Bio: As head coach at Cincinnati, Rick Minter won more games than any previous coach in school history. In 1998, Minter hired Joker Phillips to be his DB coach. Minter came to UK in 2011, when he shared defensive coordinator duties with former assistant coach Steve Brown. stands at 11-14.
Mike Cassity Pat Washington Defensive Backs Coach Coach/Passing Game alma mater: University of Coordinator Kentucky (1971-1974) alma mater: Auburn (19821985) Coaching History: Marshall DB Coaching History: Southern Mississippi special teams coordinator/RB coach (2011), Southern Mississippi RB coach (2009-10), Mississippi State WR coach (2007-08), Kansas State WR coach (2006), Tennessee WR coach (1995-2005), Baylor RB coach (1994), Texas Christian QB coach (1993) Texas Christian WR coach (1992), Louisiana-Lafayette WR coach (1989-91). Bio: Pat Washington has 15 years of coaching experience in the SEC, including 11 years at Tennessee with UK offensive coordinator Randy Sanders. At UT, Washington coached six eventual firstround NFL draft picks. In his 25 years of coaching, Washington has coached in 18 bowl games. This is Washington’s first year at UK, taking over for Tee Martin who left for a job at Southern California in January.
coach (2009-11), Louisville defensive coordinator (200407), Illinois defensive coordinator (2001-03), Oklahoma State defensive coordinator (1999-2000), Baylor defensive coordinator/DB coach (1997-98), Wisconsin DB coach (1995-96), Cincinnati defensive coordinator/DB coach (1994), Georgia Tech defensive/DB coach (199293), East Carolina defensive coordinator/DB coach (199091), Northeast Louisiana defensive coordinator/DB coach (1989), Western Kentucky defensive coordinator/DB coach1983-88), Morehead State DB coach (1982), UK DB coach (1979-81). Bio: Mike Cassity was a twosport athlete at UK in football and wrestling. He started at safety his last two years on the field and placed third at the 1974 SEC wrestling meet. He has also coached more than 30 players who have had NFL careers.
David Turner Assistant Head Coach/ Defensive Line Coach alma mater: Davidson (1981-1985) Coaching History: UK Assistant head coach/defensive line coach (2010-present), Mississippi State defensive line coach (2007-09), Alabama DE coach (2006), Vanderbilt defensive line coach (200205), Minnesota DE coach (2001), Virginia DT/LB coach (1997-2000), North Carolina State DE/LB coach (1995-96), UK DE coach (1993-94), James Madison LB coach (1991-92), Indiana (Pa.) DL coach (1990). Bio: Turner is in his second coaching stint at UK, previously serving under Bill Curry on a staff that also included Joker Phillips. In his 26 years of coaching, Turner has spent 12 years at four SEC schools.
Greg Nord Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach alma mater: University of Kentucky (1974-1978) Coaching History: UK special teams coordinator/TE coach (2010-present), Louisville TE/RB/recruiting coordinator (1995-2009), Georgia Tech RB coach (1992-94), East Carolina RB coach (199091), UK RB coach (1982-89). Bio: During his playing days at UK, Greg Nord was a threeyear letterman while playing center, tight end and long snapper and a member of the 1976 SEC championship team. After graduating, Nord served as a part time assistant before being promoted by Jerry Claiborne. A Louisville native, Nord returned to his hometown to coach the Cardinals for 15 years before returning to his alma mater in 2009.
Joker Phillips - Head Coach Alma Mater: University of Kentucky (1982-1986)
Coaching History: UK Head Coach (2010-present), UK WR coach (2003-04) UK offensive coordinator/WR coach (2005-08), South Carolina WR coach (2002), Notre Dame WR coach (2001), Minnesota WR coach (1999-2000), Cincinnati DB coach (1998), Cincinnati WR coach (1997), UK WR coach (1991-96). Bio: Joker Phillips played wide receiver at UK and is fifth on the school’s all time receiving list with 75 catches for 935 yards and nine touchdowns. Phillips was named coach-in-waiting under Rich Brooks after proving himself as a recruiter and offensive coordinator. In his first two years at the helm his record stands at 11-14.
Mike Summers Offensive Line Coach/Running Game Coordinator alma mater: Georgetown College (1982-1986) Coaching History: UK offensive line coach (2010-present), Arkansas assistant head coach/OL coach (2008-09), Atlanta Falcons OL coach (2007), Louisville OL coach (2003-06), Ohio OL coach (200102), Oklahoma State TE coach (2000), University of the South (Sewanee) assistant head coach/offensive coordinator (1996-99), Oregon State assistant head coach/offensive coordinator (1991-95), Northern Illinois offensive coordinator (1985-90). Bio: Mike Summers is a Lexington native and began his career as a graduate assistant at UK in 1980. Summers played defensive back at Georgetown College.
Chuck Smith Linebackers Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator alma mater: University of Kentucky (1977-1980) Coaching History: UK LB coach (2005-present), Boyle County (Ky.) High School head coach (1992-2004), Campbellsville (Ky.) High School head coach (1988-91), Allen County (Ky.) High School head coach (1987), Mercer County (Ky.) High School assistant coach (1983-86). Bio: Chuck Smith was an all-state linebacker at Jeffersontown High School and a letterman at linebacker at UK. As head coach of Boyle County Smith coached the Rebels to five consecutive state titles and 47 straight wins, the second longest streak in Kentucky history. Smith has coached the SEC leading tackler three of the past five seasons.
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The Edge: UK vs. Louisville By Ethan Levine elevine@kykernel.com
The Edge is a weekly piece that runs every Friday before the weekly UK football game. It breaks down two key matchups between UK and its opponent, then gives an overall Edge to one side or the other. Louisville’s run game vs. UK’s defensive line A season ago Louisville’s offense ran for 181 yards against UK’s defense, compared to UK’s 35 against them. Should the forecast for Sunday come true, both teams can expect to be deal-
ing with some heavy rain and some sloppy conditions. If the rushing numbers in this year’s game look anything like last year’s, it might be tough for UK to keep up with the Cardinals offensively. That is why it is key for UK’s defensive front to shut down UL’s rushing attack, led by junior tailback Dominique Brown, who rushed for 91 yards against the Cats in last year’s meeting. Head coach Joker Phillips has called his veteran defensive line one of the biggest strengths of the team, led by defensive team captain senior Collins Ukwu. “It is important that those guys up front do set the tone, set the tempo,” Phillips said. “Be able to stop the run first, then be able to get pressure with just getting in some basic rush lanes.” Edge: UK. This defensive line is good, and it’s battle tested, too. Ukwu, Mister Cobble, Donte Rumph and
Taylor Wyndham (you may remember him as the guy who knocked out Tim Tebow in 2009) have a combined 10 previous years of experience at UK, and all four return from last year’s defense that recorded four sacks against the Cardinals. Add in sophomore Bud Dupree, who may switch between sticking his hand in the ground and playing standing up, and who is likely the team’s best pass rusher, and you have a front that is sure to brave any playing conditions. UK’s offensive line vs. Louisville’s varying blitzes The Cardinals pose a formidable test in the season opener for a team with three new starters on the offensive line. U of L Head coach Charlie Strong is notorious for his many different blitz looks dating back to his days as Urban Meyer’s defensive coordinator at Florida, and if UK tries to open up its offense like they did in the
spring game the pressure could be turned too high. Strong is not afraid to send the kitchen sink, and sophomore quarterback Maxwell Smith will have to make quick reads in the pocket. But if new starting left tackle Darrian Miller and right tackle Kevin Mitchell can buy Smith any extra time UK may have an opportunity to stretch the field in a way they never could in 2011. Morgan Newton threw 41 times for 255 yards and two touchdowns, easily UK’s most productive passing game of the season. If the line can do its part, the Cats should be able to repeat those numbers. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, it will be even more important for new left guard Zach West to help senior center Matt Smith and senior right guard Larry Warford to help UK establish the run against a tough UL front seven.
2012 football team could use ‘Bluegrass Miracle’ of its own Underdogs need big wins to regain fan support A Gatorade bath drenched UK football head coach Guy Morriss and fans stormed the field in the waning seconds of play to celebrate the monumental upset of the defending SEC Champion LSU Tigers. LES A lastJOHNS second, 74yard deflectKernel ed pass for a columnist LSU touchdown changed the mood in Commonwealth Stadium from celebratory to somber quicker than it took to remove the fans dangling from the goalposts. The 2002 Football Cats,
known on a national level merely for the “Bluegrass Miracle” loss to LSU, were fun to watch because they exceeded all expectations and surprised fans with their performance on the field. Probation-riddled and coming off a 2-9 record in 2001, the Cats faced low expectations and questions concerning the future of their coach. The team shrugged that off to defeat rivals Louisville and Indiana en route to a 7-5 record, gaining fan support as the season wore on and exceeding 60,000 fans in Commonwealth Stadium for five of their last six home games. The combination of the “Hefty Lefty” Jared Lorenzen (24 passing touchdowns) under center and running
back Artose Pinner (117 rushing yards per game) kept the Cats competitive, which is more than was expected going in to the season. Probation is not in the equation, but there are other parallels between the 2012 Cats and the 2002 Cats. Fan interest is on the decline, expectations are low and some publications place head coach Joker Phillips firmly on the coaching hot seat. In recent days, however, a quiet optimism appears to be rising from Cats’ training camp, almost as if they know a good secret but can’t tell anyone else yet. Phillips seems upbeat and practically jovial. Players are enthusiastic and maybe even a bit impatient for the start of the season. All the national prognosticators have the team slated to win just three or four games on its rugged 12game schedule. I think
somebody has forgotten to tell this team, however, that it is supposed to be bad this season. Could this season feature more parallels to 2002? Maybe the combination of sophomore quarterback Maxwell Smith and senior wide receiver La’Rod King will lead a significantly more productive offense in 2012. Maybe sophomore linebacker Bud Dupree and junior defensive tackle Mister Cobble will plug the massive holes left by the loss of departing seniors Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy. Maybe the Cats will win all of the games they will be favored to win, most of the tossup games and even a game or two in which they will be huge underdogs. Maybe these Cats will surprise everyone and see the fans come back in droves to rally behind their cause. Or maybe the wheels will fall off.
With SEC schedule in question, UK still needs Louisville game Rivalry only can be a motivator for UK players each year Recent expansion to the SEC with the addition of the Missouri Tigers and Texas A & M Aggies has left some coaches in the league questioning whether or not to expand to a nine-game conference slate. Given its CODY difficulty alPORTER ready, UK Kernel would have columnist few options as to who should be eliminated from its schedule. Among the teams included in that chatter is Louisville. Since it isn’t a guaranteed victory for UK, who in recent years hasn’t been finding success on the gridiron anyhow, many of the states’
talking heads think that is who should be removed. But why? The fact that UK hasn’t been having any good fortune in football isn’t reason enough to remove its archrival, who in fact has been rising through the ranks. Simply put, these two teams despise each other. That in itself is capable of helping the Cats play quality football against a top-25 foe. Don’t believe it? See the 2007 game. Stevie got loose. Although that team ended up pretty good, hindsight is 20/20. In early June the Cardinals allegedly put UK urinal cakes in their facility’s bathroom. Farfetched enough for you? While the Cats have shrugged off much of those type of acts, which include Twitter comments such as U of L wide receiver DeVante
Parker tweeting “Sept. 2, the game shouldn't even be close,” and replying to a Cats fan with, “Kentucky sucks, end of discussion,” some still hold the game in high regard. “A win means everything because that’s a heated rivalry,” said senior cornerback Martavius Neloms, who added he just doesn’t like the color red. Hanging in the UK locker room is a countdown clock; something senior defensive end Collins Ukwu said, “kind of gives you the jitters a little bit.” “It’s right around the corner, so I’m waiting for it. It’s been a while,” he said. Being Ukwu’s last game against the Cardinals, there is more of a meaning to playing in the game. He said since it is his last year, he will “do what I have to do to leave it all on the field.” “It’s different because it’s the first game and it’s the rivalry game,” Ukwu added. “It sets the level bar higher
because of those two qualities.” It’s the type of game that is few and far between, as indicated by Ukwu, and Cobble as well, who said he has been tracking the countdown clock for quite a while now. UK may not walk out of Louisville Sunday with Governor’s Cup in hand. But the idea of the game is sure to make the Cats better. Similarly, Florida’s rivalry with Florida State is another non-conference matchup that I’d be willing to guarantee would never be threatened. And those two teams are more often than not going to be competing for a high-profile bowl game. So, to whoever may read this in an SEC, UK or U of L office, the players, the fans, and even the Internet — this series needs to continue. Too much heart is poured into it 365 days a year. And again, urinal cakes! We’re talking about urinal cakes. That’s meaningful.
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Edge: Louisville. Strong and the Cardinals remember how UK aired it out against them last year, and despite coming away with a 24-17 victory they won’t let it happen again. Expect UL to bring the heat all afternoon whether it is sunny and 70 degrees or a monsoon. UK’s line is much healthier than it was last September, but it is just as inexperienced. Were this game later in the year the Edge may have leaned the other way, but for Sunday the Cardinals should have the advantage.
prove whether U of L’s preseason ranking in the AP poll was justified, but as of now they are a better football team than UK. Sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater can hurt you with his arm and his legs, and if the Cardinals want to spread their offense out against UK it should have a field day picking on the Cats’ vulnerable freshmen corners. Both teams should be able to provide plenty of pressure on defense, but Louisville’s athletes on offense are superior to UK’s, and in the end that is what will decide this one.
Game Edge: Louisville. The full regular season will
Final score: Louisville 20, UK 10.
time ut
HEALTH COLUMN
How to stay healthy on a budget >>
BARNHART’S BLUEPRINT
UK Athletics programs rise with increased focus and funding
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IDENTITY CRISIS
Wildcat statue needs a name — as long as it’s not “Fluffy”
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Senior Greg Spaulding competed in World Pizza Championship >> PAGE 8
PHOTO BY ALEX HOLT | STAFF
Now that’s Italian
kentucky kernel
31 01 Friday
Saturday
7days ut
inbrief weekend
UK men’s soccer vs. UNC Greensboro, 7:30 p.m. UK Soccer Complex, Alumni Drive. www.ukathletics.com. Buster’s Third Birthday Bash, featuring Fifth on the Floor. 9 p.m. Buster’s Billiards & Backroom, 899 Manchester St. Ages 18+. $5. www.bustersbb.com.
PHOTO BY BECCA CLEMONS | STAFF
The Wildcat statue was installed across from Memorial Coliseum in early April.
Contra Dance. 8-11 p.m. Dancing lesson at 7:30 p.m. ArtsPlace, 161 N. Mill St. $8 adults; $5 students/firsttimers. 859-552-5433. www.ltda.ws.
02 Sunday
Football: UK at Louisville. 3:30 p.m. www.ukathletics.com.
Mo Funny 4 Your Money, featuring Pierre Edwards, Spike Davis, Kenny Howell, Mike Estime and Jaylyn Bishop. 8 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. $19.50-$50. 859-257-4929. www.uky.edu/scfa.
03 Monday
05 Wednesday
Alumni Association contest lets students name statue
The Reverend Horton Heat. 9 p.m. Cosmic Charlie’s, 388 Woodland Ave. $10. www.cosmic-charlies.com. Comedy Caravan: Ryan Singer and Mike Gorrin. 8 p.m. Student Center Cats Den, 404 S. Limestone. Free. 859-257-2017.
PHOTO BY SCOTT HANNIGAN | STAFF
UK freshman Courtney Raetzman dribbles upfield in UK’s 2-1 win over Eastern Kentucky University on Aug. 24.
04 Tuesday
“Magic: The Gathering” tournament. Bring your deck and prepare to battle for the top spot at UK. Prizes for winners. 8 p.m. Student Center Cats Den, 404 S. Limestone. Free. 859-2572017.
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UK Theatre presents: New Works Now Festival. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 6-8. Fine Arts Building Guignol Theatre, 465 Rose St. $15 general admission; $10 with valid student ID. 859-2573297. www.uky.edu/finearts/theatre.
CORRECTIONS
An article in Thursday’s paper incorrectly stated which bowl the 1976 football team won. It won the Peach Bowl.
An article in Wednesday’s paper incorrectly stated why UK is considering demolishing two historical homes on campus. The university is doing so to expand the College of Law. Email bclemons@kykernel.com to report corrections.
Volunteer Fair. Learn about local organizations with volunteer opportunities for students. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Student Center Ballroom, 404 S. Limestone. 859-257-6870.
Thursday
The UK Alumni Association is giving students an opportunity to make history. “Don’t call me Fluffy” is an initiative to find the perfect name to represent the newest bronze member of the Big Blue family. Located at the Wildcat Alumni Plaza, across from the Memorial Coliseum, the Wildcat sculpture has been seen and talked about with no name. Students can suggest names for the Wildcat until Sept. 7 on www.ukalumni.net/ dontcallmefluffy. The statue was built in April and spent all summer nameless. The UK Alumni Association came up with a creative way to change that. Read a full story online.
Bingo Night. Have fun and meet other students! Prizes for winners. 7-9 p.m. Student Center Small Ballroom, 404 S. Limestone. 859-257-8868.
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08.31.12 | weekend timeout |3
Barnhart builds success in all sports LES JOHNS ljohns@kykernel.com “Why would I want a good volleyball team?” a former UK athletic director is remembered to have said. “It will just cost me more money.” Although the volleyball program eventually received the funding it sought, that statement is indicative of the mentality of many athletic programs — including UK — in the past. UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart’s increase in focus and funding of sports other than basketball and football in his 10 years at the helm has led the Cats to championshiplevel competitiveness across the entire slate of 22 varsity sports offered. “He has a tremendous motivation to have the kids in all 22 sports that the university offers to have that championship experience,” said UK rifle head coach Harry Mullins. “We all want to win, but he gives us the resources to continue to move forward.”
Barnhart’s blueprint
Barnhart has grown the athletic department at UK by communicating a vision, investing in facilities, focusing on regional recruiting, and securing and retaining top-level coaches. Barnhart established the “15x15x15” goal of reaching 15 championships and achieving a top-15 ranking in the Directors’ Cup by 2015. “The ‘15x15x15’ model he put in front of us a couple of years ago — everybody is expected to contribute to that,” Mullins said. “You can feel the excitement within the department with all the success.” Former UK men’s tennis head coach Dennis Emery, who coached under four different athletic directors during his tenure, said Barnhart’s impact has been dramatic. “Mitch expects to win. We didn’t used to be expected to win in these other sports,” Emery said. “He changed the culture within the entire
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STAFF FILE PHOTO
and recruiting for the student athletes,” Emery said. “Our assistant coaches (for tennis) used to be parttime, within a year or two Mitch made them full-time, which is what was needed to move the program forward.” He instructed the coaching staffs to focus their recruiting efforts to a 6mile radius around Lexington, including metropolitan areas such as St. Louis, Atlanta and Chicago. “We wanted to at least get in to a competitive environment, from a SEC perspective,” Barnhart said. “We need to at least be in the ballpark. We don’t have to be first, we just can’t be last. We have to give our coaches an opportunity to recruit.” One of Barnhart’s strengths, Emery said, is hiring quality coaches. “He has hired really good coaches,” Emery said. “He has a knack for finding good, up-and-coming coaches — like Craig Skinner (volleyball) and Matthew Mitchell (UK Hoops).” Barnhart hopes to retain top-flight coaches and has extended contracts and extended raises to several coaches recently, including baseball head coach Gary Henderson and Mitchell. “I want to make Kentucky a desti-
What the numbers mean
UK Hoops head coach Matthew Mitchell was hired by athletic director Mitch Barnhart in 2007, and his contract was extended recently. athletic department.” Despite a challenging economic environment, UK Athletics has found the resources to fund a new track and field complex ($12.7 million) set to open in the fall and a new softball complex ($7.4 million) that will open February and host the SEC Softball Tournament in May. The department also has recently upgraded video boards or scoreboards for soccer, swimming and diving, softball, tennis, volleyball and women’s basketball. “The great thing about Mitch is that the expansion of facilities has just been phenomenal,” said UK swim and diving head coach Gary Conelly, who also has coached for four athletic directors. “He has never pulled me aside and told me I was
spending too much money. Anything I have really needed to do has been covered.” Barnhart believes they have invested in a measured, intelligent manner in the non-revenue-generating programs. “We’ve been smart about how we budget, we’ve not been crazy,” Barnhart said. “All the programs have things that are important to them, but they haven’t been over-the-top. We’ve had steady growth in our programs, so we’re not putting ourselves at risk.” Barnhart said that he ensured that all the programs were fully funded from a scholarship perspective and staffed with the maximum allowable NCAA-level coaches. “He has made up his mind that he is going to put money in facilities
UK volleyball wins 13 2001 28 2012 0
5
10
15 20 25 30 35 40
UK baseball wins 17 2002 45 2012 0
10
20
50
40
30
UK Hoops wins 13 ‘01-’02 28 ‘11-’12 30
20
10
0
Budget for other sports 6.04 million ‘03-’04 12.1 million ‘12-’13 0
3
6
9
12
15
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nation where coaches want to come and stay. I don’t want them to come and then transition to other places,” Barnhart said about the coaching contracts. “We’re creating a destination for them and their families. We’re starting to put together a really good roster of coaches.”
Success stories
The Bernadette Mattox-led 200102 UK Hoops team finished 9-20 overall with a 1-13 record in the SEC. Last year, Mitchell led the Cats to 28-7, tying a program record for most wins in a season, winning the SEC regular season championship and making the NCAA Elite Eight for the second time in three years. Barnhart gives all the credit to Mitchell and his predecessor, Mickie DeMoss. “Matthew has amazing energy. He has done a great job of creating a different style of game in the SEC,” Barnhart said. “All the sudden here comes Matthew with this incredibly cool style that is going end-to-end, pressing you from the minute you get off the bus, fast-break and go as fast as we can for as long as we can. “Nobody likes to play us, and style of play is a huge factor in that. Our fans love it, and it is extremely fun to watch.” UK baseball was a combined 3970 in 2001 and 2002, the two seasons before Barnhart’s arrival as AD. In 2012, the Cats finished the season with a program-record 45 wins and sat atop the NCAA rankings for several weeks, before ultimately failing to survive the Gary, Ind., NCAA Tournament Regional. Barnhart credited the large group of returning players last season. Barnhart said the onus is on Henderson to back up last year’s success with another good year. “Last year was the first time where almost all of our pitching and all of our main kids returned,” Barnhart said. “What you had in that locker room was significantly different than what we had the previous two years.”
STAFF FILE PHOTO
Athletic director Mitch Barnhart watches a UK softball game. Other coaches have said Barnhart has focused on facilities and recruiting for lower-profile sports, which has contributed to the programs’ improvements. lished himself as one of the finer Barnhart said he got conflicting weight room. answers from NCAA officials regard- coaches in the country.” “Mitch saw how hard Eric was ing why the Cats were not able to working,” Emery said. “The confihost a regional. dence he gained led to what was cerOmnipresent Barnhart tainly the best senior year anyone in “Had we played in our ballpark, Barnhart is omnipresent, making I believe the results would have UK tennis history has had.” the rounds to hundreds of UK sportbeen remarkably different,” Barnhart Emery said the rest of the nation ing events yearly — including UK ri- is taking notice. said. “I take nothing away from the fle’s second-place finish in the 2009 teams we played up there, but I do “The progress we have made in NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, our spring sports is really quite a believe that when you win like we Texas. won, you deserve story from a NCAA that opportuniperspective,” Emery ty.” said. “Everybody noUK volleytices what we are doball posted I had never seen an athletic director from a ing and how we are four wins in on so strongBCS school travel to a rifle NCAA championship.” coming 2000 and 13 in ly in these sports.” HARRY MULLINS | UK rifle head coach 2001. 2012 Mullins said he saw Skinner’s was happy to have team go 28-6 Barnhart as his athletic “I had never seen an athletic diand reach its seventh straight NCAA director because he gives all the rector from a BCS school travel to a Tournament appearance. Barnhart sports the same care and attention that rifle NCAA championship,” Mullins gives 100 percent of the credit to UK he gives the more high-profile sports. said. “You can’t say enough about volleyball’s turnaround to Skinner. “We will see great things from that.” “Skinner is pretty meticulous in UK Athletics the next two years — Emery said Barnhart developed a his preparation, has ratcheted signifithings that will make the entire state close personal relationship with men’s proud, because of the commitment cantly our recruiting and made us a consistent force in college volleyball,” tennis standout Eric Quigley when and vision of Mitch Barnhart,” they regularly worked out in the same Mullins said. Barnhart said. “He has clearly estab-
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timeout features
Rolling Stones will play ’12 shows
PHOTO BY KALYN BRADFORD | STAFF
Students compete in a Texas Hold’em tournament in the Cats Den on Thursday.
LOS ANGELES — The Rolling Stones will play a small handful of shows in 2012 during the 50th anniversary year of the group’s founding, Billboard is reporting. The trade publication says Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts and company will do a pair of shows in London, and another double-header in Brooklyn in November, countering band members’ previous assertions that the band wouldn’t be hitting the road this year. But the group’s official website has no information about any such dates, and the Stones’ U.S. spokeswoman did not respond immediately to the Los Angeles Times’ request to confirm the report.
Horoscope
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To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 5 — Don’t worry about the end result; focus on the process right now. Your work is more interesting for the next several weeks. Compromise is required. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — You’re naturally attractive and inspiring. Don’t get involved in a controversy that you can’t resolve right now. Work takes on a spiritual nature. Accept encouragement. Fantasies abound. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Let passion come into full bloom. Your partner has the answer. Balance new work with old responsibilities. Use the energy for your own good. There’s no time for gossip. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Your creativity feeds your soul. Inject a good dose of imagination, and the result will speak for itself. Revel in the feeling. Notice the small details that you missed before. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 6 — You’re reaching a turning point in your education. Add a touch of your own personality to the project to increase its worth. Take a walk in nature for inspiration. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Turn outdated and broken junk into art, or sell it. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You
The London shows, Billboard says, will be at the O2 Arena, and the Brooklyn dates will be at the Barclays Center. The information is attributed to “a source,” which also said that Richard Branson and Australian promoter Paul Dainty will promote these shows, rather than Michael Cohl, who has been promoting the Stones’ tours for decades. Richards started to change his tune in July about the band not being ready to tour in 2012, telling the BBC: “There’s things in the works. Things are definitely happening. But when? I can’t say yet.”
MCT
can do what you set out to accomplish. Get help as needed. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — You can see from a new perspective. Make big changes. Follow your dream. Provide leadership. Conditions are really in your favor, but don’t take them for granted. Remember your manners. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Money is available now. Traveling on foot or riding a bicycle helps you make new friends while getting exercise. There’s no need to go crazy while shopping. Access patience. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Time to reinvent yourself and be surprised by the results. Investigate the improbable, and document your decisions well, but act from the heart. Invest in your business. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Find the perfect balance between work and play today. There are new opportunities for income, but don’t count your chickens yet. Your partner appreciates your effort. All ends well. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Don’t let doubts get in the way. Go the extra mile, with help from your friends. Fantasies abound (for better or worse). Invest cautiously, not impulsively. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Take action towards an achievable goal. Don’t trust the latest gossip. Settle on a positive attitude and score extra points. You’re very persuasive now.
timeout classifieds For Rent
For Rent
4, 5 & 6 bedroom houses on Kentucky Avenue & Kentucky Court, center of campus. W/D, dishwasher & 2 full baths. Email garymiel@aol.com. (859) 433-2692.
For Sale
1-9 Bedroom 1 Bedroom
1BR/1BA apartment across from Gatton College of Business, above Wildcat Textbooks. Available Sept. 1st. (859) 621-3128. Seeking one person for 1BR/1BA apartment in quiet UK Chevy Chase area. Living room, kitchen. All utilities paid. Call (859) 539 3306.
2 Bedroom
2 BR/1.5 BA luxury town home, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, W/D, private patio, close to campus. Pets allowed. For viewing call (859) 288-5601.
3 Bedroom
3 Bed/2.5 bath luxury town home, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, W/D, private patio, close to campus. Pets allowed. For viewing call (859) 288-5601. 3BR/2.5BA duplex, 623 Big Bear Lane. Near bus line. Garage, fenced-in yard, pets allowed, W/D hookup. $875. (859) 492-3980.
Attention
Curious about Catholicism? Holy Spirit Parish/The Newman Center, 320 Rose Lane. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4th. Contact Deacon Dennis Dever at (859) 396-3210 or ddever@cdlex.org. Studentpayouts.com. Paid survey takers needed in Lexington. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.
Great security! Great location! 1BR/1BA condo. $625/month, including all utilities. Close to UK, Central Baptist & St. Joe. Call Brad (859) 983-0434.
Foosball table for sale. Excellent condition. Heavy-duty commercial grade. Great for frat house, home or apartment. $250. Call (859) 351-4685. Kentucky NCAA Championship t-shirts, 3 for $20. At The Inkspot, behind Pizza Hut, across from Gatton Business School (859) 255-7030. Magnavox 52-inch big screen television. 5 feet tall. Excellent condition. $350 OBO. (859) 223-0055 or (859) 797-9224. Pair of UK basketball season tickets. Section 213, Row CC. Face value $1,612. (859) 433- 1057.
Help Wanted
$ Bartending $ $300/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided. 1- 800-965-6520, ext. 132. A PT pharmacy tech needed at Walmart in city of Nicholasville. No experience required. (859) 885-9490. Accounting intern needed. Must be detail oriented and able to work 3 hours daily, Monday through Friday. Please send resumes to julie@multi-specialty.org. deSha’s Restaurant & Bar, 101 N. Broadway, now hiring bussers, food runners, host/hostesses and experienced servers. Must be available to work some weekdays, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Call Lee Ann to set up interview. (859) 259-3771. Doctor’s office seeking outgoing and personable office assistant. Must be able to work all day Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday. Please send resumes to: julie@multi-specialty.org. Early Childhood/Education Majors : Tots Landing Learning Center is currently accepting applications for afternoon PT assistant teachers. Days/Hours are flexible. Contact (859) 263-7028.
FT/PT help needed at small animal veterinary clinic. Apply in person at 1073 S. Broadway. General retail and warehouse work needed. Several positions available. Close to campus, on Angliana Avenue. Flexible Hours. Visit www.teakcloseouts.com/ukjob for more information. Healthy occasional smokers needed for research studies. Researchers with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science are recruiting healthy non daily tobacco users between the ages of 21 25 to participate in ongoing behavioral studies. Qualified volunteers will be paid for their participation. Studies involve completion of up to 4 testing sessions that are run in a pleasant setting during daytime hours. Snacks, movies, video games and reading materials will be provided. To apply visit our website at: http://rrf.research.uky.edu. Healthy volunteers needed for behavioral studies. Researchers with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science are recruiting healthy volunteers ages 18-50 to participate in ongoing multiple research studies that evaluate the behavioral effects of prescribed FDA approved medications. Qualified volunteers will be paid for their participation. Studies involve completion of 1-47 testing sessions depending on studies for which you may qualify. Studies are run in a pleasant setting during daytime hours. Snacks, movies, video games and reading materials will be provided. To apply visit our website at: http://rrf.research.uky.edu. Hyatt Regency at Lexington Center hiring AM and PM servers, bartenders, cocktail servers, on-call banquet servers, bartenders and bell valets. EOE. Please apply online @ hospitalityonline.com. Idle Hour Country Club staffing full & part time positions. AM/PM, weekends & holidays required. Front desk receptionists, a la carte servers, banquet servers, bartenders. Competitive wages. Uniforms & meals provided. Apply in person Tues-Sun 1-5 p.m. Immediate interviews. No phone calls, please. 1815 Richmond Road, Lexington, Ky., 40502.
Immediate positions available for exceptional sales people with great attitudes and outgoing personalities! New apartment community is seeking part-time and full-time leasing agents for property being built near UK campus. Knowledge of UK required. Great salary, bonus incentives. Please apply online at https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1675751. Marketing and Design internship for a growing fair trade retail/wholesale company located in Lexington. Please send resume to info@luciasboutique.com.
PT Plasma center medical helper. No experience necessary. Flexible schedules but must be able to work weekends, until 10 p.m. weekdays, and during the school year and Holidays. Apply for Donor Support Technician at www.cslplasma.com and let chris.otto@cslplasma.com know you applied. PT retail help wanted. Retail experience needed. Apply in person at UK Bookstore, 106 Student Center Annex. Ramsey’s Diners hiring line cooks. Experience a plus, not required. Apply in person at 496 E. High St., Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are conducting studies concerning the effects of alcohol and are looking for Male & Female Social Drinkers 21-35 years of age. Volunteers paid to participate. Call 2575794.
Student teaching interns needed for 20122013 school year. $1,000 scholarship per semester worked for Education Majors. Working with middle school students. Contact Mandy Otis at motis@raceforeducation.org. The Cellar Bar & Grille is hiring hosts and servers. Please apply in person only at 3256 Lansdowne Drive. Value City Furniture has part-time warehouse and customer service positions available. Applicants must be available for some days, nights and weekends. Background check and drug test required. Please apply in person at 2321 Sir Barton Way in Hamburg Pavilion.
Parking
Parking spaces available, $295/semester or $550/year. 423 Aylesford Place. Check out Google maps to see amazing location! Call (859) 270-6860 anytime. Semester and yearly parking across from Gatton College of Business. Only 3 spaces left. (859) 621-3128.
Professional Services Monkey Joe’s Children’s Entertainment Center accepting applications. FT and PT. Fun, friendly environment. Flexible hours. Apply in person, 1850 Bryant Rd. Office assistant needed. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Apply at 860 South Broadway. Office assistant needed. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Apply at 860 South Broadway. PT caregiver for disabled female. Flexible hours. Background check and references required. (859) 519-0471.
HONDA REPAIR and service, Alpine Imports servicing Hondas in the Bluegrass since 1980. Next to Movies 10 on Codell Dr. (859) 269-4411.
Roommates Wanted Researchers at the University of Kentucky are looking for individuals 21–45 years of age who have received a DUI in the last 2 years to participate in a study looking at behavioral and mental performance. Participants are compensated for their time and participation is completely confidential. For more information, call 859-257-5794.
Seeking serious, non-smoking, male upperclassman roommate, for clean, extra-nice house on Southpoint. Quiet neighborhood. $400/month includes utilities, W/D. (270) 264-4380, (270) 313-7242.
Things To Do
Learn to swing dance with the HepCats! Good exercise, meet people! Classes start Sep. 10, Oct. 15, Nov. 19. 5-week class $35. www.Luv2SwingDance.com. (859) 420- 2426.
timeout diversions
08.31.12 | weekend timeout | 7
UK senior bakes up near-perfect pizza pies timeout features
Competed in world championship in Italy
member of the U.S. Pizza Team,” Spaulding said. “I came home and not Topped with an onion even two weeks later I was marmalade, Gorgonzola asked to go to Sydney, Auscheese, mozzarella, smoked tralia, to compete in the sausage and fresh rosemary, 2012 World Pizza Chalthe Campfire Pizza from lenge.” Puccini’s Smiling Teeth PizWhen it comes to makza won the best pizza in ing pizza, Spaulding said America — and it was made freshness is the key to makby a UK student. ing it perfect. Greg Spaulding, a “Freshness is the history senior, traveled most important aspect to Italy over the sumof making a good pizza mer to compete at the — if you can make BAKE-OFF World Pizza Champiyour own dough and onship. sauce, that’s the best Spaulding will compete in the 2012 Blue“It was kind of like way to make it great,” grass Pizza Bake-Off. With a small donation the Olympics,” he said. Spaulding said. “There Another key to to the Lexington Humane Society, the public were about 20 counmaking a great pizza is is able to taste and judge the pizzas made. tries represented to not overdo it, there.” Spaulding said. He said Where: Cheapside Park Pavilion He competed to keep it well balagainst 400 other chefs anced: don’t use too When: Sept. 11, 5:45 to 11:30 p.m. in the classic pizza dimuch cheese or topvision. pings. “It was amazing in The final tip Italy,” he said. “It was Spaulding gave was to my first time out of the In September 2011, make sure the toppings country, so it took some Spaulding not only won best blend well. mental preparation.” traditional pizza, but also “If you won’t eat the Before Italy, however, best overall pizza of the toppings on a plate together, Spaulding started at humble Bluegrass Bake-Off. don’t put them on the pizza beginnings. Because he won, he together,” he said. “It was kind of a fluke joined the U.S. Pizza Team Spaulding doesn’t have really, getting into making in Italy as a guest in May. a preference of what type of pizzas,” he said. “About 10 “After getting the high pizza he likes to make — years ago I started working score out of all the Ameri- he said the more unique the at Domino’s Pizza and fairly cans in the classic division, pizza is, the more fun it is quickly became assistant they made me a full-time to make. Kayla Pickrell kpickrell@kykernel.com
manager.” The Puccini’s owner would stop by Domino’s every day to grab pizza for construction workers. Spaulding eventually ended up moving over to Puccini’s as an employee. In 2010, he competed in the first annual Bluegrass Bake-Off and was awarded runner-up.
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However, he doesn’t have a favorite. “Asking me my favorite pizza is like asking me what my favorite band is. It changes day to day based on my mood,” he said. “It’s more about spreading the love of pizza.” PHOTO BY ALEX HOLT | STAFF
Greg Spaulding makes pizza at Puccini’s Smiling Teeth on Wednesday. He traveled to Italy this summer with the U.S. Pizza Team to compete in the World Pizza Championship.