Untitled Document

BIG BLUE FANS FOR

BASKETBALL

FAN MEMORIES AND KEEPSAKES

The Voice of the Wildcats for many years also served as the Eye of The Fan as he painted vivid mental images of the basketball actions of the beloved Kentucky Wildcats. Generations of Kentucky children learned about the history and lore of UK Basketball next to their dad, as he turned into Cawood's call of the game. Fan's in distant places would position their cars where ever they must to hear Cawood's voice over the static and competing Cuban channels. Family and friends audio taped the game broadcasts so their kin serving overseas could "see" the game, just like at home.

One of our great fans has captured that shared experience in a poem.

VOICE OF THE WILDCATS

I knew him from childhood by the light of the moon
As the voice of the Wildcats invaded my room.
The magic he'd bring to a boy dressed in blue
Was a dream in his heart that he could play too.

When I was away on some distant shore
In a far off country, during the Vietnam War.
I would listen to Cawood from a tape sent from home
And for a sweet moment, I was not alone.

And I'll never forget the last game he called
Was a heartbreaking moment, our progress had stalled.
A blanket of sadness crept over this fan
As I'd listen no more to this wonderful man.

The visions he conjured, are still in my mind
And i miss him today, as i write this line.
I remember his opener- word for word
Hello Everybody, This Is Cawood Ledford.

submitted by Vaughn Hall

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