Sept. 19, 2001

By Tony Neely

The Wildcats will be pouncing on a new playing surface this season, which was named “C.M. Newton Field” during a pregame ceremony prior to the Cats-Cards matchup on Sept. 1. Newton was recognized for his service to the University as Director of Athletics from 1989 until his retirement in 2000.

“This is a tremendous, tremendous honor,” Newton said prior to the dedication. “I’ve always loved football and to have your name associated with a football facility in this league is very much appreciated. “Even though the initial announcement came a long time ago, it still doesn’t seem real. I’m looking forward to gameday, just to see if they’ll really do it,” Newton joked.

Since retirement, Newton has remained active in the FIBA, the governing body of international basketball. He also serves as a consultant to the UK Athletic Association, for USA Basketball, and to the NCAA. He has kept his home in Lexington and also makes frequent trips to the Bahamas for his favorite hobby, bonefishing. He’s also kept up his golf game and has begun a new pastime of painting. And, although he is often around UK, Newton has purposefully avoided the stadium this summer. He wanted his first look at the new field to come on the day of its dedication.

We believe he’ll enjoy that first look and be proud of the turf that bears his name.