Kennedy’s Korner – September 7

Written by Eric Howard, Statewide Manager, Kennedy's Fan Shop
Written by Eric Howard, Statewide Manager, Kennedy’s Fan Shop

Racers, Wildcats win season openers

The Murray State football team gave Mitch Stewart an easy victory in his inaugural game as the Racers’ head football coach. The Racers defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 52-12 this past Thursday at Roy Stewart Stadium. The Racers will next travel to DeKalb, IL to take on Northern Illinois University. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m.

The University of Kentucky also won their season opener the past Saturday. The Wildcats opened the new Commonwealth Stadium against the Ragin’ Cajuns of UL Lafayette. The pregame festivities included a concert featuring UK women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell and Lexington-bred duo Sundy Best.

On the field, fans were treated to many highlight-reel plays and some unexpected drama. After busting out to a 33-10 lead, UL Lafayette tied the game back up in the fourth quarter to the surprise of the 60,000-plus Wildcat fans in attendance. The Wildcats managed to hold off the Ragin’ Cajuns in the end with a 40-33 victory.

Kentucky will next head to South Carolina to take on the 1-0 Gamecocks. South Carolina defeated North Carolina 17-13 in their season opener. The Wildcats and Gamecocks will kickoff at 6 p.m. CST, and the game will be televised on the SEC Network.

UK/UNC Alumni Game

Two of the three winningest programs in college basketball are set to battle it out this Sunday at Rupp Arena in a post-collegiate format. Current and former professionals of Kentucky will take on a roster full of former and current UNC professionals in a game arranged by John Calipari to raise money for charity.

Although NBA rules prohibit the use of the player’s names in advertisements or media releases, the game is confirmed to have a star-studded lineup of current and former NBA players including many NBA All-Stars.

The game will take place at 4:30 p.m. CST, and tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Wildcats add two walk-ons

The 2015-16 Kentucky basketball roster finally seems to be complete with the recent addition of walk-ons Jonny David and Dillon Pulliam.

David, a native of John Calipari’s home state of Pennsylvania, is a 6-2 guard known for his three-point shooting. Pulliam, a Kentucky native, played last season at Transylvania University. The incoming sophomore will have to redshirt this season before suiting up for the Wildcats in the 2016-17 season.

The Wildcats lost walk-ons Sam Malone, Brian Long, and Tod Lanter to graduation last season. The two newcomers join E.J Floreal as Kentucky’s trio of walk-ons.