Come Back , Spring

March, in like a lion, out like a lamb? Hardly, I don't remember exactly what the first of the month was like, but you can describe these last days as an arctic seal, wet and cold. The amazing early Spring we were experiencing became suddenly and unexpectedly hijacked just when it was supposed to really be nice. Oh well, guess you could say the weather outside is good for something indoors, say like watching basketball?!!

So, yes, I have been watching some of the NCAA Tournament. We actually listened to the Princeton/Kentucky game on the radio as we drove home from Florida. I could only imagine the final shot made by Brandon Knight, it was an amazing thing for him to be capable of such basketball heroics, after such a shooting drought the rest of the game. The West Virgina game was such sweet revenge after the Mountaineers ended UK's last season, what seemed to be prematurely. As for the Ohio State game and the North Carolina game, let's just say, I no longer have any fingernails. Go Big Blue!!!

How does your bracket look? I had Kentucky and UConn meeting in the semi-final on our side of the bracket. I also had UK playing BYU in the final. I'm afraid Florida did not allow that to happen. It was fun watching Jimmer make his thirty some points each game.

After a twelve year drought of not going to the final four, who would have thunk that thirteen would be the magic number for returning. It brings back wonderful memories and feelings of being part of the last week of the college basketball season again. After the nineties, we pretty much felt like we were entitled to a spot of the last four standing. Guess we learned that nothing is a given, even for Kentucky.

I hate to hear so much hype about John Calipari and his vacated wins at UMass and Memphis. I don't think a college coach can be aware of everything that goes on in a student athletes life any more than a parent can be aware of everything that goes on in their college aged child's life. No matter how hard you try to be on top of things, sometimes temptations creep in and the best coaching/parenting skills are nullified by bad choices made by young charges. We can only hope and pray that the young men who wear the Kentucky name on their jerseys are cognizant that their every action is being carefully scrutinized.

God does work in mysterious ways. I was saddened, earlier in the year, when Enes Kanter was not allowed to play on Kentucky's team. He became a student assistant coach instead. Good ole Josh Harrelson soaked up as much of the young Turks' basketball skills and athletic moves as he possibly could during their time together. Between an unbelievable attitude change, amazingly hard work and a super talented example in Enes, Josh has become a real force to be reckoned with. I like the reason that Brandon Knight gave when reporters asked his opinion of Harrelson's transformation. He said, "Maybe it was God". I think he was right.

Today they are talking about opening day of the baseball season. It always brings back memories of Bill Keightly, Mr. Wildcat, for me. He passed away after UK's basketball season ended, maybe three years ago, during his annual trip to see his beloved Cincinnati Reds play their opening game. He has been and will continue to be terribly missed by the entire Big Blue Nation. I hope Mr. Wildcat is enjoying all of this hoopla from above.

And tomorrow is April Fool's Day. That means that today is also the anniversary of another dark day in UK Basketball history. Seems we suffered a loss to some team named Duke on March 31, 1992. Has it really been that many years ago?

Well, I'm gonna try to get my priorities in order and remember that we are still in the Lenten season. The weeks ahead should remind us of what our wonderful savior did for us all. Enjoy this special season and whatever sport God has placed on your heart to enjoy as well. Go Big Blue!!! luv, Susan