Nov. 19, 2002
By Tom Leach – UK Radio Network
“When we were 2-9, we never stopped fighting, ever. We just had anever-say-die attitude.”
That was the response from senior cornerback Derrick Tatum, when asked whatimpression this group of seniors that are playing their final home gametoday will leave on this program – and as legacies go, that one isn’t tooshabby.
“Four” was considered an optimistic projection for the number of wins thisteam would achieve when the pundits made their picks back in August. Butthis year’s edition of the Big Blue has put Kentucky football back on solidfooting. And if the 2003 Wildcats end up playing in a bowl game, the guyswho say their farewells today can smile and know they played a part inmaking it happen.
|
|
“We’ll probably be known as the guys that hung around as long as we could anddid the best we could. We’re a bunch of blue-collar guys – let’s get it doneand get out,” said fullback Mike Kamphake of the legacy for this seniorclass. “It’s been real exciting. You always wait for the best things last.You strive for it and hope it works out and this year is probably the mostfun year I’ve had in a long time. I thought it was high here when I was afreshman and we went to the Outback Bowl, but this year is like a Cinderellastory. Nobody expected anything.”
Coaches love players like Kamphake. They work hard, never complain and alwaysthink “team” first. Kamphake is in his sixth year on the UK campus, theresult of multiple knee injuries. He’s been a starter this season but beforethat, he only saw action on special teams.
“It takes a lot to bring me down. I live by the phrase ‘you have no regretsand you celebrate every situation.’ If it’s bad, something good is going tocome out of it. The first time I hurt my knee,” he said, “I learned how muchI love the game. The second time, I learned how to heal. I don’t have anyregrets.”
Tayo Agboke is another one of those players the average fan couldn’t haveidentified as a Wildcat before this season. Agboke, a former walk-on, workedhis way into a backup role at outside safety and has seen extensive action.”It’s hard but it’s fun,” Agboke said. “You keep that dream in your mind thatyou’re going to hit the field one day.”
|
|
Not every story ends like the movie “Rudy,” though, with the hero making atackle and his teammates carrying him off the field. Some guys, like GregPerdue, toil daily with little hope of recognition by the general Wildcatpublic. Offensive linemen in general are anonymous, so reserves get littlemedia or fan attention. Of course, that’s not the reason Perdue pursued hisdream of playing for the Wildcats anyway.
“I’ve always followed football and I’ve always watched the Tennessees andFloridas and just to have a chance to come out here and play, it’s a dream(come true),” he said. “It’s not difficult for me, because I love this. Ithink it’s great. Just because I’m not a starter, I enjoy being out here andworking with the guys. And I love the coaching staff.”
That’s a sentiment echoed by Kamphake.
“They’re all really good people. I don’t think there’s one bad person on thestaff. They’re all good, family people, take care of their kids and theirfamily and we’re a part of their family,” he noted.
|
|
For running back Artose Pinner, punter Glenn Pakulak and perhaps one or twoother seniors, there could be post-season recognition for theiraccomplishments this year.
But the sense of satisfaction at the end of a college football career is notdirectly proportional to minutes played or yards gained. So what is it thatkept those who didn’t get all of the “pub” going through times that were farfrom the best?
“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is just the camaraderie – just being out hereand going to battle with your buddies,” Perdue said.
“Hanging out with the guys,” Agboke added. “Doing something that can get awhole sideline full of your friends excited about something.”
And today, those friends will celebrate together the accomplishments of thissenior class – and perhaps shed a tear or two.
