Sept. 2, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fullback John Conner and linebacker Micah Johnson participated in parts of practice on Wednesday morning, but it is still not certain if either will play in the season opener vs. Miami, Coach Rich Brooks said.
Conner (sprained ankle) and Johnson (sprained foot) will be re-evaluated on Thursday. Brooks said that Johnson might be developing an issue with plantar fasciitis.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats worked out for two hours on the Tim Couch Practice Fields and Brooks was asked about the importance of opening the game well.
“I think it’s important for both teams to get off to a good start,” Brooks said. “That’s important usually every week, but certainly the first game of the season it becomes a little more important to play well early and make some things happen.”
The Wildcats take on the RedHawks Saturday at noon at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Sweetland Coached for Kentucky, Miami: An interesting historical note to this game is that Edwin Regur Sweetland was the head coach at UK in 1909-10 and 1912, sandwiched around the 1911 season in which he coached Miami.
Sweetland posted season records of 9-1, 7-2 and 7-2 while guiding the Wildcats. Miami went 2-4-2 in 1911 with Sweetland at the helm. The teams played each other twice during those years; ironically, Sweetland lost on both occasions. Kentucky won 12-0 in 1911 and Miami won 13-8 in 1912. (Thanks to UK fan Harry Smith for reminding us of this note.)
Note to Fans, Media – Arrive Early: Because of the traffic congestion expected around Paul Brown Stadium, fans and media and advised to arrive early for Saturday’s noon kickoff vs. Miami.
Parking lots open Saturday at 8 a.m. and stadium gates open at 10 a.m.
Tickets Available: Tickets are available for the opener vs. Miami in Paul Brown Stadium. UK is sold out in lower- and club-level seats but has upper-deck seating available at a cost of $35 each.
Fans interested in lower-level seating may contact the Miami ticket office at 1-866-MUHAWKS. (Ask for section 152 if you want to sit next to Kentucky fans.) Those tickets are $45 each.
All seats in Paul Brown Stadium are chairbacks.
