C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!!!

            The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865 by John Bowman as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, but the tradition that now engulfs seven months of many Kentuckian’s lives didn’t begin until 1910. This is the year that Kentucky basketball was born.

            The University of Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most storied teams in college sports. UK is the most winningest team in all of college basketball, not just in all-time wins, but also in all-time winning percentage with an all-time record of 2088-649 (.763%). Ready for some more records? According to the Kentucky Athletics web page, UK has played in a record 52 NCAA tournaments, a record 155 NCAA tournament games, a record 43 NCAA Sweet-16 appearances, a record 34 Elite-8 appearances, and is the only school to win multiple NCAA and NIT titles.

The team isn’t the only exceptional thing about Kentucky, the fans are just as unique. UK fans are possibly the most devoted and loyal of any fan in the country and are constantly noted for their traveling with the team to fill up opponent arenas or tournament sites. Long-time fan, Freda Lawson, encapsulated the true passion of a Wildcat fan when she said, “They’re the lifeblood of the state. We rise and fall with them and it’s probably the strongest common thread amongst Kentuckians.” Ain’t it true, Freda, ain’t it true.