August 2002 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (8-31-02) Cats hire 2 to athletics staff; women's soccer beats IU    The University of Kentucky hired a pair of employees yesterday for the Athletics Association, continuing to fill out the staff of new Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart.      Football Time right for 'Cats to believe    It was exactly the wrong time last season when the University of Kentucky football team played rival Louisville, but this year it might actually be just the right time. If Morriss lives up to Holtz Test, let him stay   The Holtz Test is simple: You study the schedule of the team you're evaluating, imagine Holtz is the head coach and project what the record would be if he were calling plays and blitzes. Cats' Grigsby packing more punch    At some point after last season, reality hit Otis Grigsby like a punch to the jaw. 10    Here's a list of 10 things the Cats must do in order to have a chance, sprinkled with comments from Guy Morriss: "Look at all the games between the two teams to this point," Morriss said. "Most of them have been decided by turnovers." Bagging the biggest prey    When it comes to sacking the quarterback, size matters. Take it from Louisville defensive end Dewayne White, the nation's most proficient sack artist the last two seasons. His 27 sacks in that span usually consisted of outmuscling or outthinking an equally out-sized offensive lineman, then perhaps tossing aside a supporting backfield blocker before zeroing in on the panicky fawn playing quarterback.      Basketball UK dismisses Parker for violation    Jason Parker, who was attempting to come back from two serious knee injuries, has been dismissed from the University of Kentucky basketball team for violation of athletic department policy Parker kicked off team    Sophomore center Jason Parker was dismissed from the University of Kentucky men's basketball team yesterday for violating departmental policy, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced last night.      Volleyball Volleyball Cats Earn First Win of Season with 3-0 Drubbing of Fairfield    The University of Kentucky volleyball team won its first match of the 2002 season with a 3-0 sweep of Fairfield in its final match at the Hofstra Asics Invitational. The Wildcats move to 1-2 on the season after weekend losses to Hofstra and Texas Tech. Kentucky Volleyball Falls to Texas Tech, 3-0    The University of Kentucky volleyball team dropped its second consecutive match of the season to Texas Tech, 3-0, at the Hofstra Asics Invitational in Hempstead, N.Y., on Saturday, Aug. 31. (8-30-02)      Football 10 reasons Wildcats could beat Cards    For a University of Kentucky football fan, this is the best time of the season. Leffew knows UK will test Cards' line    If Travis Leffew was Kentucky's defensive coordinator, he knows what he would do against Louisville's offense Sunday. Kentucky at Louisville    When: 6 p.m. Series: UK leads 9-5 Last season: Louisville won 36-10 TV: ESPN2 Radio: WLAP-AM 630; WBUL-FM 98.1 Got game? PlayStation offers virtual outcomes. Plus, details if you go and places to watch the action. Custody battle might be closer than you think    He's 9 years old now. Yet, he hasn't spent a single night with his Lexington family since he was 6. Six! These joint custody arrangements can get so messy. Wildcats healthy, hyped up to hit    As far as injuries, Guy Morriss accomplished his mission during fall camp. Sophomore cornerback Warren Wilson was lost the first week to a knee injury, but other than that the Cats will be in good health for Sunday's 6 p.m. kickoff with 17th-ranked Louisville at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Cats' ailing corners say bring it on    The Wildcats go into Sunday's showdown with injured cornerbacks on both sides of the field. Wildcats are weary of Cardinals QB Ragone    University of Kentucky defensive coordinator John Goodner knows in order for his unit to have success in Sunday's season opener against Louisville that it must put pressure on quarterback Dave Ragone; he just hopes he doesn't have to use the "TCU approach,'' in order to do it.      Basketball Parker Dismissed From Men's Hoops    Redshirt sophomore Jason Parker has been dismissed from the Kentucky men's basketball team for violating departmental policy, University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart announced Friday. Neither Barnhart nor men's basketball coach Tubby Smith would disclose the nature of the policy that was violated due to privacy issues. Cats open against Arizona St.    Pairings announced yesterday for the 2002 Maui Invitational, scheduled for Nov. 25-27 in Hawaii. All times EST: First round Monday, Nov. 25 UK Faces Arizona State in Maui    Cats Could Play Indiana Twice Next Season UK, Indiana may play twice    The Maui Invitational bracket has been released and the University of Kentucky basketball team will have a chance to play Indiana for the first of at least two matchups this season in the tournament finals. (8-29-02)      Football Begley ready to start for Wildcats    Taylor Begley is ready to start for Kentucky Sunday at Louisville. Cats know defensive line is key    Even if Louisville didn't have an inexperienced offensive line, Jeremy Caudill says Kentucky's defensive front would be playing with the same mindset. SEC Players on Pre-Season Watch Lists    Derek Abney, Dewayne Robertson, Glenn Pakulak, Artose Pinner, Chase Harp, Jared Lorenzen and Antonio Hall represent the Cats in the lists for the nation's best players for their positions The Lorenzen Project    A ton of pressure rests on the shoulders of quarterback Jared Lorenzen this year. Check out the special section previewing the Wildcats in '02 with commentary by John Clay and Mark Story. Small details part of UK's big change    Phone the UK athletics office this week and this is your greeting: "Kentucky Athletics. Go Cats, beat the Cards." It's new. It's different. It's a small thing, one of those attention-to-detail things. It's a Mitch thing. Freshmen ready to go for Wildcats    In Guy Morriss's ideal world, his entire 2001 freshman class would either be in Lexington or watching in the stands when Kentucky faces off with Louisville at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on Sunday night. Momma's boy is all grown up    Jared Lorenzen fought homesickness so badly during his first year at the University of Kentucky that his mother wasn't sure he'd stay. Wildcats' offense in sync    The difference between how well the offensive players on the University of Kentucky football team have a grasp on offensive coordinator Brent Pease's system heading into this season compared with last was summed up in an archery analogy that UK head coach Guy Morriss conveyed to his players following Wednesday's practice. Wildcats search for reliable kicker    University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss may have to get out the flashlights to determine who the team's kicker will be for Sunday's season opener against Louisville. None of the three players battling for the position have yet to emerge as a favorite. U of L's ‘no-respect' theme an overused number    Poor Louisville. Two straight Conference USA championships and still no respect, not in Ken-tucky and not in the national picture.      Volleyball Volleyball Cats Travel to Hofstra for Season Opener    |    Hofstra Asics Invitational Notes The University of Kentucky will open its 26th season of volleyball when it travels to Hempstead, N.Y. on Friday, Aug. 30, for the Hofstra Asics Invitational. Kentucky will face host Hofstra, Texas Tech and Fairfield. It marks the first of three tournaments to open the season, including the Cats' own Kentucky Conference Challenge in Lexington, Sept. 13-14. (8-28-02)      Football UK Football Notebook    Wildcats on the National Award Watch Lists Smith says Kentucky no underdog    Kentucky will go into Sunday's game at No. 18 Louisville as a decided underdog 'Us against the world' not Morriss' style    Few people think the University of Kentucky can beat the University of Louisville. In most college football circles, UK gets no respect. And the Wildcats will go into Sunday's 6 p.m. game as a definitive underdog. Pressure is on UK tackles    The key to success for the the University of Kentucky football team's offense in Sunday's season opener with Louisville may rest less with the powerful left arm of junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen than with the two powerful arms of offensive tackles Antonio Hall and Matt Huff. (8-27-02) Barnhart brings in 2 for UK staff    New University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart has added two familiar faces to his staff. Greg Byrne, the athletics fund-raiser at Oregon State, and Rick Thompson, the general manager of Beaver Sports Properties in Corvallis, Ore., were hired Monday by Barnhart, the former Oregon State athletics director.      Football No 'jive' talking from Cats about Louisville    Don't look for any derogatory talk from University of Kentucky players about Louisville. Fans big winners in qb duel    Just because it's football, it doesn't mean that Jared Lorenzen and Dave Ragone can't go one-on-one: Lorenzen: 26-2 as starting high school QB (one state title). Kentucky at Louisville    When: 6 p.m. Sunday Last season: Louisville won 36-10 Series: UK leads 9-5 TV: ESPN2 Radio: WLAP-AM 630; WBUL-FM 98.1 Tickets: Sold out Cats leave chirping to Cardinals    Game week during the Louisville-Kentucky football series usually means you'll hear plenty of jaws flapping. Whether it's one team crying about a lack of respect or one coach stating that the other team "lives to beat them," there's hardly a shortage of good quotes that emerge from the UK-U of L hype. Louisville plays the respect card Cards say they don't get respect    Many saw heart-warming achievement as the team from Louisville, Valley Sports, won the Little League World Series. U of L quarterback Dave Ragone saw bile-producing irritation. Pre-Louisville hype toned down this year    There was chattering from both sides before last year's Kentucky-Louisville football game, but University of Kentucky coach Guy Morriss likes it better the way it is this year - quieter. (8-26-02) Byrne, Thompson Join UKAA Staff    Greg Byrne, the athletics fundraiser at Oregon State, and Rick Thompson, the general manager of Beaver Sports Properties in Corvallis, Ore., have joined Mitch Barnhart's staff at the University of Kentucky, the new athletics director announced Monday      Football IN SEARCH OF PROOF    Jeremy Caudill had just squatted a team-high 700 pounds. The big defensive tackle from Prestonsburg was looking for more, but in stepped strength coach Marc Hill. To hit or not to hit, that is the question    The subject is hitting. The debate is on the practice fields of the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky football teams, where there have been conflicting schools of thought as to how much contact is enough as the rivals prepare for their season opener at 6 p.m. Sunday at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Kentucky Football Press Conference Quotes    Coach Morriss and some Kentucky players met with the media at Commonwealth Stadium for the first weekly press conference. Read about their thoughts on the upcoming Louisville game.      Volleyball Volleyball Cats Look Strong in Blue/White Scrimmage    The University of Kentucky volleyball team gave fans a first look at the 2002 squad with its annual Blue/White scrimmage on Sunday, Aug. 25. While all players traded spots on both teams, the Blue squad took the 4-0 win. The match served as UK's only public performance before opening the season on Friday, Aug. 30 at the Hofstra Asics Invitational in Hempstead, N.Y. (8-25-02)      Football Trio tries to gain foothold at kicker    This is the last in a series of eight stories looking at UK position by position. Anybody with bright ideas on choosing a place-kicker at the University of Kentucky, please forward them to special teams coach Mark Nelson. Scouting the Special Teams    Coach: Mark Nelson is in his second season as UK's special teams coach. Nelson doesn't have an extensive kicking background, but he did a respectable job with the unit last season. Perhaps most impressive was the job he did masking deficiencies in UK's return coverage unit last season: The Cats didn't give up a touchdown on a punt or kickoff return despite operating with less-talented players. 40 things that will and will not happen in UK football    Help arrives for UK secondary, then leaves    Joe Spurlin packed his bags and left California in July with his mind set on playing football for Kentucky in 2002. A 6-foot-2, 215-pound hard-hitting safety from Bakersfield (Calif.) College, Spurlin saw an opportunity to make a dent in the Wildcats' thin secondary. Cats trying different focus this year- UK    Guy Morriss says he won't bring a University of Louisville helmet to practice, load the bus with a red and white casket or de-feather a Cardinal before next Sunday's big game. UK cited other cases in bowl appeal    The University of Kentucky based its appeal of a one-year bowl ban on cases at Texas Tech, Mississippi, California and Howard, according to documents obtained through an open-records request by The Courier-Journal.      Basketball Richardson learning to cope without Hogs    The first summer of his retirement (exile? self-immolation?) finds Nolan Richardson: a) Still "irked" about how eagerly Arkansas accepted his emotional post-defeat offer, delivered in Rupp Arena late last season, to resign if the school would pay out his contract.   (8-24-02)      Football UK Football Fans' Day Photos    Fans streamed into Commonwealth Stadium for the annual UK Football Fans' Day. The fans were treated to a 30 minute scrimmage by the Cats followed by an autograph session by the team UK charts 3 place-kickers to decide who gets the job    Taylor Begley is confident that if the University of Kentucky's opener on Sept. 1 against Louisville comes down to a field goal, the Wildcats' place-kicker will come through. ever ready    Nobody really knows what 2002 has in store for Shane Boyd, not even Boyd himself. This time last year, he was using two-a-days to try to win the starting quarterback job at the University of Kentucky, a job he would ultimately win before the season's second game. Scouting the quarterbacks    Coach: Brent Pease is in his second year as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Kentucky. Considering he followed Hal Mumme and his much-talked about "Air Raid" offense, Pease may have been the most scrutinized member of Guy Morriss's first staff. Easygoing off the field, Pease is a fierce competitor between the lines with a low tolerance for sloppy play. It took some players awhile to get used to Pease's intense coaching methods, but they eventually developed a genuine respect for his... Lorenzen builds on '01 finish    Jared Lorenzen can't bring himself to watch the film of last year's game against Louisville anymore, because the sight of his performance reminds him of how close it was to the beginning of the end for him as quarterback for the University of Kentucky football team.      Volleyball UK Volleyball Previews Season with Blue/White Scrimmage    The University of Kentucky volleyball team will provide fans with a preview of the 2002 squad when it takes to the floor for the annual Blue/White scrimmage on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum. The event is free and open to the public (8-23-02)      Football UK Football Notebook: Quotes from the Kickoff Luncheon    A capacity crowd of more than 500 people was on hand for the annual Kentucky Football Kickoff Luncheon held Friday in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington. The featured speakers included the new UK Director of Athletics, Mitch Barnhart, along with quarterback Jared Lorenzen, defensive end Otis Grigsby, and Coach Guy Morriss. better reception    Harold Jackson could often be seen shaking his head in his first season as the Kentucky receivers coach. Jackson would fire a ball out of the throwing machine and watch it either a) ricochet off wideouts' hands or b) sail over their heads before they could find it. Coaches: Harold Jackson is in his second year coaching wideouts at...    Coaches: Harold Jackson is in his second year coaching wideouts at UK. Jackson caught more than 10,000 yards worth of passes in his NFL career, and his expertise rubbed off on UK receivers last season. He took a group plagued by drops and the inability to make plays and turned them into a productive unit. Fans, media barred from practice week before U of L game    UK football practices will be closed to fans and the media next week as the team prepares for the Sept. 1 season opener against Louisville, UK Coach Guy Morriss announced yesterday. Snoring only controversy among UK quarterbacks    Jared Lorenzen and Shane Boyd play a little game when they room together on road trips. The winner is the one who falls asleep first. The loser has to listen to the other guy snore. UK secondary tries to better woeful record    Senior cornerback Derrick Tatum is blunt about why University of Kentucky defensive backs will improve from being the third-worst pass defense among NCAA Division I-A teams last season. (8-22-02)      Football UK Football Notebook: Lane Ready for the Challenge    How will senior inside linebacker Ronnie Riley recover from his season-ending knee injury of a year ago? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by onlookers at University of Kentucky football practices. While most of the attention is focused on Riley, fellow senior linebacker Morris Lane is preparing quietly for his first full season as a starter for the Cats Removing the label    This is the fifth of eight articles examining UK football by position. Artose Pinner has been typecast his entire career at Kentucky. Scouting the running backs    Coach: Gerald Carr is in his first season at UK after coaching quarterbacks at Indiana last season. It didn't take Carr long to earn the respect of head coach Guy Morriss, who promoted him to assistant head coach just two months after hiring him. Carr is a hands-on coach who preaches precision and repetition; he helped coach IU quarterback Antwaan Randle El to first-team All-America honors last season. Plenty of targets for UK passer    Derek Abney shakes his head when he watches tape of the University of Kentucky's game last year against Louisville. UK cornerback doubtful    The University of Kentucky's cornerback positions remain murky because of injuries, one of which has starter Derrick Tatum questionable for the Sept. 1 opener against Louisville. UK's offensive line grew up last season    University of Kentucky junior center Nick Seitze wants to make junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen pay for his performance on the field this season.      Basketball Six ranked foes on UK schedule    The 2002-03 Kentucky women's basketball team will play 10 opponents that advanced to post-season play last March, including six teams that were ranked in the Top 25. (8-21-02)      Football UK has skill, unity up front but not depth    Finding out where the University of Kentucky's offensive linemen eat is easy. Locate the buffet restaurant with the ''Out of business'' sign in the window. UK hurting at cornerback    The University of Kentucky football team was without its top five cornerbacks for Tuesday afternoon's practice. UK punter more Butkus than Guy    He looks more like a linebacker than a punter, and if he had his druthers Glenn Pakulak would rather be a linebacker than a punter. But it's his strong left leg that may wind up being his ticket to playing in the NFL.      Basketball UK Women's Basketball Announces 2002-03 Schedule 2002-03 Schedule | Printable Schedule (PDF) The Kentucky women's basketball team opens its 2002-03 schedule with 10 opponents that advanced to post-season play last March, including six teams ranked in the Top 25, University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart announced Wednesday. In addition to its 14-game Southeastern Conference slate, other highlights on the Wildcats' schedule includes regular-season tournaments in Seattle and Hawaii and non-conference matchups with Western Kentucky, Cincinnati and Louisville (8-20-02)      Football Kentucky Football Notebook: Looking to Fill Kicker's Shoes    While many fans have been talking about the departure of All-American defensive end Dennis Johnson and which player will step up and fill his shoes, special teams coordinator Mark Nelson has been thinking about another player's shoes that need filling, kicker Seth Hanson. A team workout and numerous giveaways including a Grand Prize trip for two to an away football game highlight the annual UK Football Fans' Day on Sat. Aug. 24 at Commonwealth Stadium from humble beginnings    This is the third of eight articles examining UK football by position. Trey Mielsch remembers his first fall camp as a Kentucky Wildcat all too well Coaches: Tom Adams joins head coach Guy Morriss as the only holdovers from Hal Mumme's staff    Coaches: Tom Adams joins head coach Guy Morriss as the only holdovers from Hal Mumme's staff. Adams is in his sixth year at UK and third year working with the tackles. UK, Pinner off and running    University of Kentucky tailback Artose Pinner doesn't ask for much. All he wants is 1,400 yards rushing, 1,700 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. UK enjoys depth at linebacker    It's not too often in football that a position can lose its starters to graduation one season and actually be in better shape the next without it being a negative reflection on the players who left. (8-19-02)      Football Kentucky Football Notebook: Wildcats Worth the Weight    Results have been posted for the Wildcats' preseason lifting tests and the results are encouraging, according to Coach Guy Morriss. "The weeks before fall camp are extremely important and the kids put a lot of energy into their lifting," Morriss said. Looking the part    When it came to putting together a group of linebackers last season, UK defensive coordinator John Goodner was often forced to operate with smoke and mirrors. SCOUTING THE LINEBACKERS    Coach: John Goodner is in his second year as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Goodner is old school, something you'd expect from somone with deep Oklahoma and Texas football roots. Goodner is in his late 50s with a bad knee but he coaches with the energy and exuberance of an 18-year-old freshman. He's a hands-on guy whose T-shirt is usually drenched at the end of practice and he demands the same kind of effort from his players. Goodner almost always accepts the blame for the team's poor... Wildcats' Robertson has dreams    There's a handwritten message Dewayne Robertson keeps in his locker. ''Everyday I work out, I'm getting closer to my mom's dreams.'' It's the first thing he sees when he arrives for practice, and it's the thought he takes with him to the field. Lorenzen impresses in first scrimmage    Junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen threw the ball well in a controlled scrimmage the University of Kentucky football team held Saturday at the Nutter Training Facility in Lexington, Ky.      Basketball Waller Joins UK Athletic Training Staff    Pam Waller, formerly the assistant athletic trainer at the University of Houston, joins the Kentucky athletic training staff and will work primarily with the UK women's basketball program. Her secondary responsibilities are men's and women's golf and rifle. She replaces Amy Marlin, who left the staff in July.      Baseball Brock Selected to Summer League All-SEC Squad    Caleb Brock, a senior catcher on the University of Kentucky baseball team, was named to the SouthEastern Baseball Summer All-Southeastern Conference Team, as released by SEBaseball.com Monday   (8-18-02)      Football Playing for Wildcats real kick for Begley    Not a day goes by that Taylor Begley doesn't think about what playing in his first game at the University of Kentucky might be like Tatum ready to help    All Derrick Tatum wants to do for the Kentucky defense this year is make plays Keys to a better season    While it's impossible to accurately predict what might happen for the University of Kentucky football team this season, it's not impossible to speculate on things that could happen or things that could make the season better. Walk-on experience suits former area players    Being a walk-on is not the most glamorous way to get on a football team. Pease says quarterback needs help for offense to be productive    Knowing who the No. 1 quarterback will be when the season opens should help the University of Kentucky offense. For UK, success is a simple as ABC    They each have a different favorite route, but they have the same goal every time they catch a pass -- score a touchdown. Louisville really will be key to season    It's as certain as death and taxes -- the talk of how the annual clash with Louisville will serve as the defining game of the University of Kentucky's football season. Opponents predict that Kentucky's defense will be better    Two running backs who didn't have any problems finding holes in the Kentucky defense last year think the Wildcats will be better this year. Harp's demeanor makes him special    His teammates and coaches use words that one might not consider complimentary when they describe Chase Harp. Bigger Grigsby ready for a bigger role    After his football career ends, Otis Grigsby hopes to become a graduate student in architecture. Freshmen know this will be Pinner's year    They were two of the biggest stars in Kentucky high school football last fall, but neither Arliss Beach of Ashland or Monquantae Gibson of Moore would be heartbroken if they don't play this season. Moving to offensive line gave Seitze a chance to play    Convincing Nick Seitze that he needed to switch from defense to offense was not a hard sell Robertson confident past studying will pay off this year    He came to the University of Kentucky with a big-time reputation and the physical skills to be a dominant player. Football suits Pakulak    Giving up soccer in high school turned out to be the best move Kentucky punter Glenn Pakulak ever made.   Offensive line at heart of Cats' hopes    Keith Chatelain stands 6-foot-5, weighs 300 pounds, with a baby face, a penchant for using the word sir, and, oh yeah, a Mohawk. And not just any Mohawk, sort of a Mohawk with racing stripes. New coach putting out fires in UK secondary    This is the first of eight articles examining UK football by position. Wesley McGriff says he isn't a big numbers guy. That's a good thing, because if he was, he probably would have taken off running and screaming when Guy Morriss approached him about replacing Rick Smith as UK's secondary coach this season. Lorenzen sharp in scrimmage    Guy Morriss's troops officially made it over the hump of the first week of two-a-days with a 50-play scrimmage in front of about 300 fans at Nutter Field yesterday. Morriss dealt tough hand, but he'll play    If Guy Morriss has proved anything as the head football coach at the University of Kentucky, it's that he has incredible lung capacity. Riley back in body, spirit to give UK lift    Ronnie Riley didn't have to come back to the University of Kentucky to play football this season. He had his bachelor's degree in information systems. He faced months upon months of rehabilitation for his injured knee. And after all, what's the motivation to return to a team that went 2-9? Lorenzen looks sharp, feels 'good, really good'    Jared Lorenzen completed 8 of 9 passes yesterday in the University of Kentucky's first full-gear scrimmage of training camp.      Basketball Frustrated WKU coach: 'People won't play us'    Western Kentucky is among the teams playing in the BracketBuster event next season. Now if ESPN can come up with a Fairness Guides The Bracket event, WKU Coach Dennis Felton's joy will know no bounds (8-17-02) Barnhart should keep UK's tough alcohol policy    There are many things new director Mitch Barnhart should change about UK athletics. Here is one thing he shouldn't: the school's alcohol and drug policy.      Football Kentucky Football Notebook    Quarterback Jared Lorenzen threw the ball very well, completing eight of nine passes, in a controlled scrimmage Saturday afternoon at the Nutter Training Facility. Clad in full pads for the first time this season, the Wildcats scrimmaged during the second hour of the day's two-hour workout. The first-team offense and defense looked good against their second-team counterparts. Bernard latest find in UK's junior-college mine    One of the big pluses that came with the University of Kentucky's signing of junior-college wideout Chris Bernard was the fact that he would be able to graduate in December, take part in spring practice and make an immediate impact in the fall. Cats' unit working to gain respect    Derrick Tatum took a page out of Mr. T's book when asked about his prediction for this season. Wildcats' receivers grown up    University of Kentucky wide receivers coach Harold Jackson is glad the first perception of his players last season didn't leave a last impression. Coaches on the hot seat includes UK's Morriss    In 1970, coach Paul ''Bear'' Bryant's Alabama Crimson Tide finished a disappointing 6-5-1. (8-16-02)      Football Knee injury ends cornerback Wilson's year    For months Guy Morriss has talked about how his biggest concern for his second University of Kentucky football team was staying healthy. Kentucky Football Notebook    Kentucky held its fifth consecutive day of two-a-day practices on Friday with a pair of two-hour workouts at the Nutter Training Facility. The team will not practice Saturday morning in order to give the team some rest New bulk worth the weight for Grigsby    When Otis Grigsby first reported to Lexington back in 1999, he was a skinny 215-pounder who was scared of the weight room. Grigsby had his eye on playing linebacker, something he couldn't do if he bulked up too much. 2002 Wildcat Football Roster SEC football capsules    Capsule previews of Southeastern Conference teams, in predicted order of finish: Bulked-up Grigsby anchors UK D-line    Even though the University of Kentucky defensive line must make up for the loss of first team All-Southeastern Conference selection Dennis Johnson, defensive coordinator John Goodner expects the defensive line to be a team strength thanks to the improved condition of senior end Otis Grigsby and the improved health of last year's three main defensive tackles. (8-15-02)      Football Hall's injury scares Morriss    Any doubts Guy Morriss had about what approach he should take to preseason practice went away quickly. Morriss running two-a-days with lighter touch    No. 1 on Guy Morriss's agenda during his first fall camp last year was to make his team tougher. He put the Wildcats through a series of lengthy and grueling workouts during two-a-days. "Picking up the tempo," was Morriss's description of his new practice style. Barnhart to visit NCAA to appeal ban    Several UK officials, including new athletics director Mitch Barnhart, will travel to Indianapolis on Saturday to make their case to the NCAA to reverse a bowl ban on the school's football team. Wildcats need reliable backup for Pinner at RB    Guy Morriss knows he can rely on senior tailback Artose Pinner to carry the bulk of the rushing load for the University of Kentucky football team this season. But the unanswered question in the backfield is who can provide some backup.      Basketball Former Wildcat Greats Available for Autographs    Many former University of Kentucky men's basketball legends will participate in two autograph sessions this weekend to benefit the UK Basketball Museum. Greats such as Cliff Hagan, Wallace "Wah-Wah" Jones, Adrian Smith and Mike Casey will participate in a meet-and-greet and an autograph session. (8-14-02)      Football Harp solo: UK tight end job is his    Quietly the University of Kentucky boasted one of the top tight end combinations in the Southeastern Conference last season. Derek Smith, the more celebrated member of the duo, caught 30 passes while Chase Harp hauled in 22. The 52 total receptions from the position were the most in the SEC. Kentucky Football Notebook    After missing the last three weeks of spring practice because of a high ankle sprain, wide receiver Chris Bernard has looked good during the first three days of fall drills. "My ankle is 100 percent," Bernard said. "I need to work on little things. I haven't played football since early April, so some things are a little foreign to me. But I'm getting my form back quickly." Freshman Reid wants to play like Johnson    It's no accident that Kareem Reid is wearing No. 56 at the University of Kentucky. Anderson happily back at old job    Chad Anderson sometimes looked around the convenience store where he worked in Canton, Ohio, and wondered, ''What in the world am I doing here?'' He reported for work at 5:30 a.m. and often sat with glazed eyes as late-night partygoers stopped by in search of munchies. Moeller grad set to start    At 24 years of age, Mike Kamphake is among the oldest players on the University of Kentucky football team, and his knees feel even older, particularly his right one. Meade's Myers living out dream at UK    As a kid growing up, Kurt Myers was a University of Kentucky football fan. (8-13-02)      Football Morriss wants high-tempo practices    Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss is closely watching not only how well his team is practicing, but how the Cats are practicing. Kentucky Football Notebook    The Kentucky football team held its second day of team practice with a pair of two-hour workouts Tuesday at the Nutter Training Facility. The team will be dressed in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts until Thursday, when full pads can be used. Six Wildcats make the preseason All-America watch list. a dominant game face    For Dewayne Robertson, the mission for 2002 is simple. "To come out and dominate college football," the junior defensive tackle said matter-of-factly at Media Day last week. "Coach (Tim) Thompson (Robertson's high school coach at Melrose) used to tell me that in order to succeed on the college level, you have to dominate at the high school level. And now I feel like in order for me to go on to the NFL and become a great player, I need to come out and dominate at the college level." Bonner faces long climb up roster    Dusty Bonner doesn't have time to daydream, let alone do his laundry. To handle the laundry problem, Bonner arrived at the Falcons training camp at Furman University with a suitcase and laundry hamper full of clothes. He left his reveries behind. 'Year of jelling' sweetens UK practice    There's a new way to distinguish the players at a University of Kentucky football practice.      Volleyball SEC-TV Picks Up Kentucky-Mississippi State Volleyball Match    The University of Kentucky volleyball match against Mississippi State originally scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3 in Lexington, Ky., has been moved to Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. after Fox Sports Net South selected the event for live television coverage. To accommodate television, UK's original Friday match against Ole Miss has been moved to Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m   (8-12-02)      Football Lorenzen still heavy, but he's in shape    Junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen may not be at the weight Guy Morriss would like him to be, but that's not an issue anymore with the University of Kentucky coach. 'Cats hope to turn near-wins into wins    Last season was a case of so close, yet so far away for the University of Kentucky football team, but second-year coach Guy Morriss is hoping better depth and more experience in the offensive and defensive systems will turn those close losses into wins this season Kentucky Football Notebook    The Kentucky football team held its first practice of fall camp with a two-hour workout Monday morning at the Nutter Training Facility. The team will work out in helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts until Thursday, when NCAA regulations allow full pads and full contact Rankings show UK's problem    For all those hoping Kentucky can somehow be better than expected this season, take another look at The Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. Riley remains an optimist    Dressing for Media Day ordinarily would not excite a fifth-year senior, especially one who has played in two bowl games. Lorenzen's new top priority- fatherhood    Last year at this time, Jared Lorenzen was preparing for his second season at the University of Kentucky, awaiting a battle for the starting quarterback job from Shane Boyd. Running back a thin spot for Cats    Artose Pinner thinks he can rush for at least 1,000 yards this season for the Kentucky Wildcats.      Basketball High-profile road games on UK's schedule    University of Kentucky basketball fans won't get to see the Wildcats play some of their highest profile games in Rupp Arena next season. (8-11-02)      Football Roughing this kicker easier said than done    How many punters out there like to hit people? "Just because you kick the ball," Glenn Pakulak said yesterday, "doesn't mean you can't tackle." Bowl-banned UK relishes 'sleeper' role    Coaches tend to look at Media Day as a drag, something UK Coach Guy Morriss admitted during his news conference yesterday morning that started off the Wildcats' festivities. Burnett finds more room on O-line    Nick Seitze looks at roommate Daniel Burnett and sees a lot of himself: a guy stuck on an overcrowded defensive line that could end up making an impact on the other side of the ball. Lorenzen's weight no big issue for Wildcats    A huge weight has been lifted off Jared Lorenzen's psyche. Morriss hopes special teams a bit more special    Guy Morriss often found himself rubbing his forehead when he watched his special teams last season. The AP Top 25    Pre-season college football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, 2001 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and 2001 final ranking:      Basketball Blue but not bitter: Moats, DeBoer understand firing    Maybe they showed remarkable skill to roll with the punches. Maybe they realize that to lash out would not look good to future employers. Lexington Select League attracts collegians    Antwain Barbour will have no trouble making the transition to point guard, and Kelenna Azubuike can score on anybody. That's the word from Chris Carter. (8-10-02)      Basketball Kentucky to open season in Hawaii    A trip to Hawaii, two games in Louisville and home dates against Michigan State and Notre Dame highlight the University of Kentucky's 2002-03 basketball schedule. The Wildcats' annual clash with the University of Louisville, scheduled for Dec. 28 in Freedom Hall, will tip off at noon and will be televised by ESPN.  'Cats open season in Hawaii    The University of Kentucky will play North Carolin a, Michigan State and archrivals Indiana and Louisville during its 100th season of men's basketball.      Football 6 UK walk-ons get scholarships    University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss has awarded full scholarships to six walk-on players, the school announced yesterday. Media Day Quotes    The University of Kentucky football team met with the media for the annual Media Day Saturday morning at Commonwealth Stadium. Read quotes from Coach Morriss and various offensive and defensive players. Top OL recruit's season may not be lost    Key incoming University of Kentucky offensive line recruit Yancey Reynold s may not be lost for the entire season after all. (8-09-02) Barnhart likely will make more changes    It didn't take long for Mitch Barnhart to show whether he would make changes in the University of Kentucky athletics director.      Football Kentucky Football Notebook    All of the Wildcat returning players reported as expected on Friday. The returnees checked into the dorms, were fitted for equipment, and had physical examinations and orientation meetings. Meanwhile, the newcomers who reported earlier in the week went through academic orientation on Friday. Fate brings Mills Brothers together as Cats    Bennie and Lamar Mills remember the good old days, when they lined up next to each other at Archbishop Rummel High in Slidell, La. UK's new athletics chief fires 2 aides    New University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart made good on his promise to revamp the department yesterday when he announced the firing of two longtime senior staffers. 8 accused of equipment theft    University of Kentucky Police early yesterday morning arrested eight people who were allegedly in the middle of stealing UK football equipment from Commonwealth Stadium.      Basketball Wildcats Face Nation's Elite in 100th Season    2002-03 Schedule | Printable Schedule    Tradition-rich Kentucky will open its 100th year of men's college basketball at the Maui Invitational in November, facing such talent as national runner-up Indiana, Utah, Gonzaga and Virginia. UK releases basketball schedule    The University of Kentucky was scheduled to release its 2002-03 men's basketball schedule through its official website, www.ukathletics.com, at noon today. (8-08-02) Barnhart Begins UKAA Reorganization    Five new positions will be added and two have been eliminated as University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart begins the first phase of reorganizing the Athletics Association.      Football Recruit hopes to stand tall at UK     Don't worry about Lamar Mills being overwhelmed by any obstacles facing the University of Kentucky football team. Kentucky Football Notebook    While the newcomers continue to workout, observers at the Nutter Training Facility have noticed freshman Kareem Reid, who, with his No. 56 jersey and butterfly neck collar, resembles a recently-departed defensive end that wore the same number. blue and green    Guy Morriss says it will take a few more practices for him and his coaching staff to start figuring out how many of his newcomers can contribute this fall. Conference conundrum: Is SEC or Big 12 best?    The season has not yet started, but the debate has left the tee. SEC vs. Big 12. Big 12 vs. SEC. Back off, Big Ten. Pack up the Pac-10. Big East bragging rights end with the national champions. Conference USA? As Johnny Mac would say, "You can't be serious." Numbers are a problem at UK    If you don't think numbers are going to be a big problem for the University of Kentucky football team, then count the freshman scholarship players that reported Tuesday.      Basketball Wildcats Set to Release 2003 Basketball Schedule Friday    The University of Kentucky men's basketball program will unveil its 2002-03 schedule through www.ukathletics.com on Friday, Aug. 9 at noon ET. Fans can get their first look at the schedule for UK's 100th year of basketball. (8-07-02)      Football Kentucky Football Notebook    Newcomers have first practice Kentucky Football Newcomers Report    Twenty-four officially reported to practice Tuesday Driver's seat with Cats awarded early    This time last week, Randy Driver was making plans on how he was going to spend his fall. Then the phone rang. It was UK Coach Guy Morriss, who informed Driver that there had been a change of plans. Kentucky newcomers    Twenty-four newcomers -- 13 scholarship freshmen, nine walk-ons and two scholarship transfers -- officially reported to campus yesterday: UK freshmen friends, rivals    Freshman running backs Arliss Beach and Monquantae Gibson came to the University of Kentucky as friends. They know it won't be long until they're rivals. Wildcats can make their year in opener    The University of Kentucky football program has a sideline seat for bowl eligibility this season. Nobody outside the UK locker room is predicting great things in the Southeastern Conference.      Basketball Tubby can't allow this NBA talk to continue    You are the University of Kentucky basketball coach, and the rumors about you and National Basketball Association jobs will not disappear.   (8-06-02)      Football Kentucky Football Newcomers Report    Twenty-four Kentucky newcomers (13 scholarship freshmen, nine new walk-ons and two new scholarship transfers) officially reported to campus on Tuesday for orientation activities, including checking into dormitories, being fitted for equipment, physicals, and compliance meetings. Alum gets shot at UK again    It was just a few years ago that Howard Schnellenberger had hoped to end his distinguished coaching career at the University of Kentucky, but he'll have to settle instead for coaching one last time against his alma mater. UK the frontrunner in Woodson derby    Even before Andre Woodson of North Hardin High School was one of the hottest commodities among college football quarterbacks, the University of Kentucky had an eye on him. (8-05-02)      Football UK's Riley back from 2001 injury    A few months ago the hurdles that linebacker Ronnie Riley needed to clear to come back to the University of Kentucky football team following reconstructive knee surgery seemed so insurmountable that he considered not coming back at all. Now, Riley has just one hurdle left to clear and has hopes of picking up right where he left off when he got hurt in last year's season opener against Louisville. Football Tickets Now On Sale    Season and individual game tickets went on sale at 9 am this morning. Tickets for all games except for Louisville are still available at the Memorial Coliseum box office, online, or by calling the ticket office. Wildcats can make their year in opener    The University of Kentucky football program has a sideline seat for bowl eligibility this season. Nobody outside the UK locker room is predicting great things in the Southeastern Conference. Cards can no longer play 'dogs' vs. Cats    The Governor's Cup, the gold bowl on top of the traveling trophy for the annual University of Louisville-University of Kentucky football game, is tilting unmistakably to the left. (8-04-02) Barnhart already busy as UK's new AD    With the dust barely settled on Southeastern Conference football media days, new University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart learned yesterday that the dust never settles on basketball season in the Bluegrass State.      Football UK 'the game of the year' for Cardinals    At least John L. Smith makes no pretense about what the season-opening game with Kentucky means to Louisville. Abney enjoys SEC trip   Some players might not want to give up a summer day to attend the Southeastern Conference Football Media Days. Riley back in stride after knee surgery    Ronnie Riley should have this SEC Media Days thing down to a science, as he represented Kentucky in Birmingham this week for the second year in a row. Cats hope to maintain offensive progress    For the first five games of last season, the University of Kentucky football team looked like one searching to find itself offensively. UK's Riley eager to play again    Wth just one snap, one awkward move for his right knee, and the season Ronnie Riley had prepared a lifetime for was over. Will Spurrier's exit signal a change for SEC offenses-    Will the exit of Steve Spurrier from the Southeastern Conference signal changing offensive times in the Southeastern Conference?      Basketball Former Wildcats camp out with big men    This month marks the silver anniversary of the gold standard for big man improvement. Coaching giant Pete Newell will conduct his 25th Big Man Camp on Aug. 12-16. Such notables as Bill Walton, Ralph Sampson, James Worthy, Scottie Pippen and Shaquille O'Neal honed their skills in the camp. (8-03-02)      Football UK coach talks up showdown vs. U of L    University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss knows exactly where his team needs to improve the most to compete with archrival Louisville. Wildcats to hit less in practice        The University of Kentucky football team won't be hitting as hard this season as it did last - at least in practice. (8-02-02)      Football Pressure builds on Morriss    Guy Morriss is a man with a plan and a vision for turning around the University of Kentucky football. He just hopes to have the time to fully implement that plan. Hefty QB in tip-top shape    University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss hasn't had the success he would like in getting hefty junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen to lose weight, so he's trying a new approach. Governor's Cup Press Conference Quotes    UK Head Coach Guy Morriss and U of L Head Coach John L. Smith met with the media on Friday afternoon and the University Golf Club outside of Lexington to discuss the upcoming UK/UL game. Read Coach Morriss' quotes here. Smith, Morriss talk up UK-U of L showdown    Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss knows exactly where his squad needs to improve the most to compete with archrival Louisville. Morriss preps for 'football AD'    Welcome to the audition. "In every profession today," said wise, old (and a little weird) Mississippi State Coach Jackie Sherrill yesterday, "the word is survival." Coach ranks receiver Abney among SEC's best    Kentucky Coach Guy Morriss must have spent many Saturday mornings watching cartoons. When asked about star receiver Derek Abney at yesterday's Southeastern Conference Media Days, the first thing that came to Morriss's mind was Bugs Bunny episodes. Cats avoid cellar in media poll    Kentucky obviously showed enough in its 2-9 campaign last fall to keep the voters at Southeastern Conference Media Days from picking them last in the SEC as they did a year ago. Wilson wants to show UK it made a mistake    His team feels it has a chance to win the Southeastern Conference Western Division, but the game George Wilson can't wait to play will be Oct. 19 at Kentucky. Morriss excited about AD's impact    Any doubts about what impact new athletics director Mitch Barnhart might have on the University of Kentucky football program were put to rest here Thursday.      Basketball UK's Smith reportedly a Nuggets candidate    University of Kentucky men's basketball coach Tubby Smith has emerged as a potential candidate for the Denver Nuggets' job, according to two newspaper reports yesterday. Utah Jazz assistant Phil Johnson became the third coach to remove his name from the Nuggets' list on Wednesday. Of the four original finalists, only Dallas assistant Del Harris remains. (8-01-02)      Football Pakulak Selected To The Pre-Season All-SEC First-Team    Glenn Pakulak, an First-team All-SEC and Third-team All-America selection last year, was the lone Wildcat selected to the 2002 Pre-Season All-SEC Team, as voted by attendees at SEC Football Media Day in Birmingham, Ala. Voters also selected Kentucky to finish in fifth place in the SEC-East, ahead of Vanderbilt Wildcat fans can relate to Florida coach's situation    See if this scenario sounds familiar to you.           Our Privacy statement can be read here...   Disclaimer:  This site solely owned by WildcatZone.Com and is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Kentucky, the Southeastern Conference, or the NCAA copyright (c) 1997-2006, WildcatZone.Com (except where otherwise indicated)