Oct. 17, 2001
Wildcats Among the SEC Defensive Statistics Leaders: Seven Kentucky Wildcats are among the individual leaders in the weekly defensive statistics released by the Southeastern Conference. Those Wildcats are listed below, along with their placement in the various categories.
- DE Dennis Johnson second in quarterback sacks (4), fourth in tackles for loss (7.5), fourth in fumbles caused (2)
- LB Chris Gayton eighth in total tackles (54)
- FS Anthony Wajda 15th in total tackles (47), 13th in pass breakups (5)
- DE Chris Demaree 12th in tackles for loss (5)
- DE Otis Grigsby fifth in quarterback sacks (2.5)
- CB Leonard Burress fifth in pass breakups (7)
- SAF Patrick Wiggins fourth in fumbles caused (2)
Running Game Showing Progress: Being more effective in the running game was a preseason point of emphasis for Coach Guy Morriss and, to this point, the Wildcats have made progress in that area.
For the season, Kentucky is averaging 129.8 yards per game, up 19.7 yards per game from last year’s average of 110.1 yards. UK also is averaging 4.7 yards per rushing attempt, a marked improvement from last year’s 4.0 per carry average. In addition, UK’s average of 4.7 yards per attempt ranks second in the SEC, trailing only Alabama, which is averaging 5.1 yards per rush.
The Wildcats running game will be challenged sternly on Saturday. The Georgia defense ranks fifth in the SEC and 27th nationally against the run, allowing only 117.6 rushing yards per game. The Bulldogs are surrendering a mere 3.1 yards per rushing attempt.
Morriss to Lead Motorcycle Ride for Special Olympics: Coach Guy Morriss will lead the way for a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the state on Sunday, Oct. 21, to raise money for Special Olympics Kentucky. Participants in “Guy’s Ride to Win” will circle Lexington on New Circle Road behind Morriss’ lead.
Any rider collecting at least $25 in donations or making a donation of at least $25 on the day of the event can join the ride. Registered riders receive lunch and a T-shirt. Riders raising more than $25 are eligible for additional prizes, including a four-day, three-night trip to the Bahamas courtesy of Grand Bahama Vacations.
The motorcycle ride originates in the Blue Lot (south side) of Commonwealth Stadium. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. and numerous events, including a performance by the band Borderline will lead up to the 2 p.m. start of the ride.
“We really appreciate Coach Morriss taking the time to help Special Olympics,” said George Stafford, Special Olympics Kentucky sports marketing director. “His enthusiasm for riding and for the community will certainly help make this a terrific first-year event, and we hope it is just the start of a long partnership.”
More than 300 riders are expected to participate in “Guy’s Ride to Win,” which is sponsored by Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lexington, Harley-Davidson of Radcliff, Sills Harley-Davidson, Kroger, Fischer’s Meats, WKYT-TV, WBUL-FM, WLAP-AM, Host Communications, and Grand Bahama Vacations.
For more information about “Guy’s Ride to Win,” contact George Stafford, sports marketing director, at 800-633-7403 or via e-mail at gstafford@soky.org.
– UK –
