Feb. 13, 2003

Coach Brooks Gives Ceremonial “First Pint” of Cats vs. Hogs Blood Drive: Coach Rich Brooks began the Ninth Annual “Game for Life” blood drive competition between Kentucky and Arkansas with a one-pint donation on Thursday.

The donation represented the ceremonial “first pint” of the annual competition between the two schools. Fans may get involved by donating blood on Feb. 14, 17, and 18 at all Central Kentucky blood center sites and mobile collection centers. The CKBC has locations in Lexington, Hazard, Somerset, Prestonsburg and Pikeville. In Lexington, the CKBC is on Waller Avenue and will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 14, 17, and 18. The winning team will be announced during the Kentucky at Arkansas game on Feb. 19.

“We came here to compete in this conference and that includes the blood drives,” Brooks said of his donation. “Let’s get in there and beat Arkansas.”

The need for blood donation has extra importance at this time. The CKBC has agreed to be one of the organizations that will supplement the United States military blood supply if that becomes necessary.

“I encourage everyone to consider giving blood,” Brooks said. “It is a patriotic thing to do, especially at this time when our military could have immediate needs.”

Brooks has been busy in the community this week. In addition to his blood donation on Thursday, Brooks and the entire coaching staff visited patients in the Veterans Hospital on Tuesday as part of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

“Lexington is a great community and we want to be a big part of it,” Brooks said.

Kentucky Football Calendar

Mon. March 31   Spring practice beginsMon. Apr. 21    Coach Brooks on WLAP Spring Football Call-in Show, 7-9 p.m.Sat. Apr. 26    Blue/White Spring Football GameJuly 29-31      SEC Football Media Days; Kentucky appearance is Tue. July 29Mon. Aug. 4     Newcomers reportThu. Aug. 7     Veterans reportFri. Aug. 8     Kentucky Football Media DaySat. Aug. 30    Louisville at Kentucky

– UK –