ROH 040-Kestner-Lyons

ROH 040-Kestner-Lyons

Rick Kestner

As a first-team All-Southeastern Conference offensive end in 1964 and 1965, Rick Kestner was one of the most prolific pass catchers in Wildcat history with 82 receptions in his career. His 42 catches in 1964 set a school record and his best game came the same year with nine catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns as Kentucky upset top ranked Mississippi, 27-21, in Jackson. The 185 receiving yards was the most ever in a game for a Wildcat until 1998. Kestner was placed on the Academic All-SEC team in 1964.

Dicky Lyons

Known as one of the greatest punt and kickoff return aces in Southeastern Conference history, Dicky Lyons lettered three years as a running back, flanker and kick returner at UK. He was named first-team All-SEC as a junior and senior and earned second-team all-league honors as a sophomore. Lyons was the first player in SEC history with 1,000 yards rushing, 1,000 yards in punt returns and 1,000 yards in kickoff returns. He held the SEC record for most return yardage in a game when he racked up 235 yards in punt and kickoff returns against LSU in 1967. Lyon’s career punt return average of 15.4 yards per return ranks as one of the best in school history and SEC annals. He has been ranked so highly among the leaders in several other statistical categories at Kentucky and the SEC that he was named to Kentucky’s All-Time Team by the Lexington Herald-Leader. He would go on to play for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

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