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Author
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Topic: 5 Years Later: Remembering Bill Keightley
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eleem
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Member # 884
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posted 03-31-2013 10:37 PM
It’s about to get a little dusty in here after watching that video…)
Five years ago, a man was lost. Perhaps more importantly though, a life was celebrated. Bill Keightley, affectionately known as “Mr. Wildcat,” was the common thread for so many generations of Kentucky basketball players, coaches, and fans. While the players came and went, and the head coaching position changed hands, Keightley was always there. Bill Keightley was the constant in the ever-changing world of a major college basketball program.
In a way, Bill Keightley represented all of us. Keightley had his responsibilities; and to be certain, they were abundant and important to the day-to-day functioning of the program. At his core though, Keightley was a fan. His passion and devotion to the program was unwavering. It didn’t matter which player was wearing the jersey, or which coach was drawing up the plays. If Kentucky was sprawled across the chest, Keightley’s love and support was given.
Kentucky basketball has been defined by success over time. A few names have managed to become as synonymous with Kentucky basketball as the wins and championships. Rupp. Cawood. Keightley. When you think about it, the fact that an equipment manager has managed to become a name engraved within the history of the most storied college basketball program in the country, is quite incredible.
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Posts: 13248 | From: flatwoods,ky. | Registered: Oct 2000
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Bama Cat
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Member # 153
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posted 03-31-2013 10:52 PM
AMEN!!!
Posts: 14457 | From: berea, ky, usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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CatFanInYankeeville
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Member # 2025
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posted 04-01-2013 10:21 AM
Mr Wildcat had more love for the UK basketball program than any person ever has. He must have been a great man to earn the love and respect of so many different generations of players. Wish I could have met him, I'm sure he would have been able to tell some great stories.
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“Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian!” Henry Ford
Posts: 5563 | From: Eddyville at heart, Chicago in life | Registered: Mar 2003
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catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 04-01-2013 10:26 AM
He is a true Kentucky legend....
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http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186366 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
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ukcatfannfl
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Member # 1425
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posted 04-01-2013 11:22 AM
I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him many times as my Uncle John was a good friend of his - poker buddy - and whenever I was in town he would take me over to his office to talk. When I would see him at the SEC tourney he always remembered my name and would make a point to come over and chit chat for a few mins.
I have many stories about how much he enjoyed being with us fans - a true gentleman always!
Miss him a lot!
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ukcatfannfl
Posts: 8775 | From: Inverness, FL | Registered: Jun 2001
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rlt4uk
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Member # 3194
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posted 04-01-2013 09:35 PM
I was at A Kentucky- Auburn game when Tubby was the coach, the Game was over and I was waiting for the coaches and players to come out so I could get their autographs ( i got all of them by the way) Mr. Keightley came out I spoke to him ask if I could get A picture he gladily posed with me, he was wearing A UK lapel pin on his suit I said what A cool pin he took it of his jacket and gave it to me. I still have it it's one of my most treasured UK possessions I have. What a Great man.
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Bleeding Blue in south Alabama. Kentucky born, Kentucky bred,I'll be kentucky until i'm dead!
Posts: 10331 | From: enterprise, al 36330 | Registered: Sep 2010
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