1 - University of Kentucky Athletics

On, On, U of K ...
The Official Fight Song
On, on, U of K, we are right
for the fight today,
Hold that ball and hit that line,
every Wildcat star will shine,
We’ll fight, fight, fight,
for the blue and white,
As we roll to that goal, varsity,
And we’ll kick, pass and run, ’til the battle is
won, And we’ll bring home the victory.
50,000 votes were cast.
Through the years, UK has had other official
live mascots with colorful names. Records indicate
that the first wild animal was given to the University
in 1921. Named “Tom,” this live Kentucky
wildcat died quickly from captivity and was
replaced by “TNT.” Other live mascots followed,
including “Whiskers,” “Hot Tamale” and
“Colonel,” only to pass on due to old age or being
turned loose in the mountains after they failed to
thrive in captivity.
The current cat was born in captivity and
donated by the Woods and Wetlands of Cadiz,
Ky. His life expectancy is 15-25 years.
Senior Day
Senior Day at Kentucky has become one of
the most celebrated ceremonies in college basketball.
Honoring the senior class, UK’s event is one
of the most elaborate and moving programs of its
kind. The pregame ceremony begins with player
introductions. Once they have all burst through
banners bearing their likenesses, their families join
them at center court. Then the state song, “My
Old Kentucky Home,” is sung as the home crowd
bids farewell.
UK Pep Band
With more than 80 members, the University
of Kentucky pep band is the largest in the
nation. Clad in their recognizable blue and white
outfits, the pep band is directed by George
Boulden. Performing at both home football and
basketball games, the pep band has been named
by Southern Living magazine as one of the “top
10 bands in the South.”
The Alumni Band, composed of former UK
band members, also is an important part of the
UK Hoops experience. The Alumni Band plays at
several UK Hoops games each year.
UK Dance Team
The UK Dance Team performs at halftime at
all home basketball and football games. In 2005,
it took home its first national championship at the
USA College Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., placing
first in jazz and third in hip-hop. In 2006, the
squad took home 2nd place at the USA Nationals
and finished third in 2007.
Trademark Swoosh
Only the best wear Nike.
Kentucky not only wears Nike, but is under an
all-school contract with the athletic apparel company.
In 1997, UK signed the popular contract
with the makers of the trademark swoosh. Thanks
to Nike’s extensive research and product development,
UK student-athletes stay on the cutting
edge of quality and style with all of their gear.
All 22 sports use Nike shoes and equipment,
and over the course of the contract, the Wildcats
will receive millions of dollars worth of clothing,
equipment and cash. The men’s basketball team
has been recognized by the apparel company as a
“Nike Elite” team.
While clothing adorned with “Kentucky”
was already popular throughout the nation,
thanks to Nike and its international marketing
reach, Kentucky’s blue and white can now be
found worldwide.
Scratch
Scratch joined the cheerleading squad in the
mid ’90s in conjunction with the UK Kids’ Club,
but today he has become almost as recognizable
as the Wildcat.
The lovable face of UK athletics recently garnered
national attention after being named to the
2003 Capital One Mascot All-America team, an
honor he earned again in 2004. Also in 2003,
Scratch finished 13th at the UCA College Mascot
National Championship.
7 • 2007-08 Women’s Basketball