Charlie McClendon, a former player at Kentucky and outstanding collegiate coach, and Roy Walton, long-time high school head coach in Lexington, have agreed to serve as the coaches for the alumni portion of the Blue/White Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 25. McClendon lettered at UK in 1949 and 1950 as a defensive end, cornerback, and tight end, helping the Wildcats appear in the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl. He was a collegiate assistant coach for 11 years before taking over as head coach at Louisiana State from 1962-79. He compiled a 137-59-7 mark in 18 seasons at LSU, guiding the Tigers to 13 bowl games. He was executive director of the Tangerine Bowl for two years and executive director of the American Football Coaches Association from 1982-94 before retiring. McClendon’s jersey (#20) was retired by UK in 1994. McClendon lives in Baton Rouge, La.
“From talking with some of my former teammates, I know they had a lot of fun last year (at the alumni game). They just had a ball,” McClendon said.
“They all like to step in that stadium one more time. I’m looking forward to renewing friendships with everybody.
“I thought UK was extremely exciting (last season), so I’m looking forward to seeing how far they’ve progressed during the spring. Coach Mumme and his staff have done a tremendous job.”
Walton, a native of Lexington, is a graduate of Morehead State. He was head coach of Lafayette High School from 1957-62, finishing as state runner-up in 1960. As head coach at Tates Creek High School from 1967-92, Walton won the state championship in 1972 and was runner-up in 1978. “I’m on cloud nine because I’ve been asked to do this,” Walton said. “This is really a great honor and one of the great things that’s happened to me.
“Our (alumni) team is going to be ready to go. We’re going to have tremendous quickness and good size in the stomach.” Walton is retired and lives in Lexington. He is a frequent visitor to the Wildcats’ practices.
The alumni teams will play touch football during the first quarter of the Blue/White Game. The score of the first quarter will remain on the board when the varsity begins play in the second quarter.
This Week's Football Schedule
Mon. Apr. 20 2:20 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. practice, Nutter Training Center Wed. Apr. 22 2:20 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. practice, Nutter Training Center Sat. Apr. 25 2 p.m. Blue/White Spring Game, Commonwealth Stadium
