March 20, 2002

Contacts: Van Florence or Kim Green 859-225-5670

To celebrate the 75th birthday of University of Kentucky men’s basketball equipment manager Bill Keightley, affectionately known as “Mr. Wildcat,” Maker’s Mark Distillery will issue a limited-edition bottle of its renowned Kentucky Bourbon on April 5 in the greater Lexington area.

Keightley is the only Kentucky men’s basketball staff member who has served under coaches Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Eddie Sutton, Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith, totaling more than 40 years of service since 1962.

Keightley, whose jersey is retired at Rupp Arena, has asked Marker’s Mark to donate all of its profits from the sale of this bottle to the University of Kentucky Basketball Museum in Lexington. “In Kentucky, you know you have finally made it when they put your picture on a bottle of fine bourbon whisky,” he said.

Maker’s Mark, in conjunction with Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, annually issues a limited-edition fund-raiser bottle to commemorate the running of the $250,000-added Maker’s Mark Mile (G2) on the turf at the historic thoroughbred track in the Bluegrass.

This marks the second year Maker’s Mark has raised funds for the UK Basketball Museum.