Photo by James Crisp, APBill Keightley, Long-Time Equipment manager for Kentucky Basketball, Died on Monday, March 31.  The lovable Kentuckian,  affectionately known to UK fans as “Mr. Wildcat” was 81 years old.He apparently died from internal bleeding that resulted from an undiagnosed tumor on his spine. Earlier in the day,  Mr. Wildcat had been at the Cincinnati Reds season opener.  On the way to the game, he fell while exiting a bus but those with him didn’t think he had been injured.When he arrived at University Hospital, it was discovered Keightley had a tumor on his spine.Bill Keightley had been involved with Kentucky basketball  since 1962 and has become one of our state’s most beloved iconic figures.

Head basketball coach Billy Gillispie said, “He influenced each of us on a daily basis, and he was a great example of someone who loved his University more than anything. Obviously, he’s in a better place, but the void he leaves for all of us, and especially his family, is going to be a difficult situation. Our hearts go out to his family and the millions of Wildcats fans who he loved so much.”

You’ll be sorely missed, Mr. Wildcat.

* The photo above is, of course, Bill Keightley and UK Coach Billy Gillispie.  It was taken during UK basketball’s Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007.  This was his 47th season with the program.  

I’m glad Coach Gillispie had an opportunity to get to know and love Mr. Keightley.  What better way for him to tap into what UK basketball really means?  I’m also glad Mr. Wildcat had an opportunity to meet Coach Gillispie - after all, he’ll be the next coach to take us to the Promise Land.  Then again… and again… and again….

….and Mr. Wildcat will be looking on from the greatest seat in the world, and smiling ear to ear.

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