FIRST CATS: AMAZING ORIGINS OF THE UK SPORTS TRADITION

Kentucky basketball fans will probably disagree on the team's level of success this year and prospects for success next year. But no one will disagree about the importance of UK's sports program to Kentuckians. It's one of the most popular topics of conversation across the state.

For "Big Blue" fans everywhere, I am pleased to recommend a fine new book, "First Cats: Amazing Origins of the UK Sports Tradition" by Tom Stephens, the editor of "Kentucky Ancestors," the genealogical publication of the Kentucky Historical Society.

The experience of researching and writing "First Cats" was "a true education that makes the devotion I feel for my alma mater greater than ever," said Stephens.

Because he is a lifelong student of history-in addition to a blue-bleeding Kentucky fan-friends and acquaintances were always asking Tom Stephens questions about UK sports. When did UK start playing basketball? What are the words to the fight song? Why are the school's colors blue and white?

In 2003, as the Wildcats were celebrating their first century of playing basketball, Stephens began fifteen months of research and writing that culminated in "First Cats," a fan's book that tells stories in an upbeat readable style. Not a comprehensive history of UK sports, "First Cats" allows Kentucky fans to answer those frequently asked questions and explore the interesting-and often amazing-origins of the school's sports traditions.

The first UK basketball game barely rated a mention in the local newspapers and nobody even bothered to record who coached the team, if it had a coach at all. But from those events rose an athletic program that has captured the imagination of Kentuckians and-at times-the nation and the world.

Most Kentucky fans recognize names like Adolph Rupp, Kyle Macy, and Dan Issel, but how many are familiar with Arthur McQuiston Miller, Edwin Regur Sweetland, Florence Graham Offutt Stout, and Wilbur Hackett Jr.--all important figures in UK's sports history.

The twenty chapters include "The Immortals of 1898," and "Kentucky's Forrest Gump: Joel White Guyn." Also profiled are James "Turkey" Park, Adolph Rupp, Richard Stoll, Derek Abney, and Ashland's Clyde Johnson.

Clyde Elmer Johnson began his football career as a left tackle for the Ashland High School Tomcats and played on the 1934 Ashland team that went 10-1.

Johnson arrived at UK in 1939 and played for line coach Bernie Shivley. Big and fast, the 6-foot 6-inch mild-mannered giant became Kentucky's first All-American football player and played his best against the toughest opponents.

"First Cats" and many other books about sports in Kentucky and Appalachia are available at the Jesse Stuart Foundation Bookstore, 1645 Winchester Avenue in downtown Ashland.

For more information, call (606)326-1667 or visit our website: JSFBOOKS.COM.