april 7, 2014

posted in: photography | 0

What day is it?” asked Pooh.
It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day,” said Pooh.

No.9? (instagram)
No.9? (instagram)

Every year on the night of the NCAA Men’s Basketball championship game I think of Jim Brown. To say we had a blast would be an understatement. Every single day with him was a hoot. When UK won their 6th title in 1996, I was living with Jim. Angie Bliss and Bruce McCain were staying with us that week. Jim’s BFF Keith Ingram was also watching the game with us. The final buzzer sounded and we all piled into my black Chevy pickup. Angie and I cruised down Main Street with the boys in the back hollering and waving like teenagers. Well, except Bruce. Bruce is far too cool for all that, but he totally enjoyed the experience just the same. We next headed to the intersection of Woodland and Euclid. Back then, that’s where the students congregated. The paper ran a great photo of that intersection from that night. They even made it into a poster. I always look for us in the crowd. I’ve never found us yet. Jim died the next year. Pitino left UK. Keith remarked, “I just don’t know if I can take losing Jim and Rick Pitino in the same year!” Gallows humor is really a blessing. In the 18 years since that spectacular night, none of the teams have been as exciting as this team of Freshmen playing tonight. I’m pretty sure Jim would agree. I’ll give at least one holler for Jim tonight, maybe two if the game is close.

Related Images:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *