Riley Out for the Season: Senior linebacker Ronnie Riley sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medical collateral ligament in his right knee during Saturday’s game vs. Louisville and is out for the season, Coach Guy Morriss announced today.
Riley will have reconstructive surgery in approximately two weeks. If all goes well, he is expected to participate in spring practice in April. Riley has not used a redshirt year. He should be able to receive a medical hardship and use his final year of eligibility during the 2002 season.
Defensive coordinator John Goodner said that he plans to start senior Mike Beirne in place of Riley, with senior Chris Gayton starting again at the other linebacker. Gayton is starting in place of senior Jamal White, who is serving a two-game suspension. Freshmen Anthony Stevenson and Dustin Williams will serve as the backups.
Morriss also said that junior linebacker Morris Lane will miss this week’s game as he recovers from the high ankle sprain suffered during preseason practice. Lane hopes to return to practice next week.
Dawson Added to UKTV Network Announcing Team: Former All-Pro and All-Southeastern Conference offensive lineman Dermontti Dawson has been added to the UKTV Network as an analyst.Dawson joins Rob Bromley and Bill Ransdell in the broadcast booth. Bromley will call the play-by-play, with Ransdell and Dawson providing analysis. Dick Gabriel will continue to serve as the sideline reporter for both the UKTV and UK Radio Networks.
The trio will announce the Ball State game on Sept. 8 and the Indiana game on Sept. 15. Both games are being carried on a delayed basis by the UKTV Network. Fans should check local listings for the time and station in their area.
Dawson has returned to Lexington after a 13-year playing career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He earned All-Pro honors from 1992-98. Dawson was an All-SEC choice in 1987, his senior year at UK.
“I’m very excited about joining the UKTV Network and calling the games with Rob and Bill,” Dawson said. “I’m looking forward to the experience.”
Tickets Available for Ball State: Tickets are available for Saturday’s game against Ball State. Tickets cost $22 each and may be purchased at the UK Ticket Office at Memorial Coliseum from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling 859-257-1818 or 800-928-CATS. Tickets also may be ordered over the Internet at www.ukathletics.com.
Last Weekend’s Wildcat Madness a Success, Will be on Display Again This Week: The 144 pieces of Wildcat art that comprise Wildcat Madness drew excellent attendance at the Nutter Field House last week, prompting a repeat showing this week.
Wildcat Madness will be on display on Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Admission is $2 per person at the Nutter Field House, located next to Commonwealth Stadium.
“Pubic demand will keep the display active again this week,” said Van Florence, director of the UK Basketball Museum, which is promoting the event. “We had 4,000 to 5,000 fans come through the door last weekend because they loved the idea that all the Cats can be viewed at one stop.”
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