April 4, 2003

Wildcats Return to Practice Field Saturday: The Kentucky football team returns to the practice field Saturday at 11 a.m. with a practice in full pads.

Coach Rich Brooks is looking for improvement from what he saw on the film from Wednesday’s workout, the team’s first spring practice in pads.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Brooks said. “We must show a better grasp of what we’re trying to do. We must have more quickness and decisive movement from everyone.”

Riley Chosen for NSCA All-America Team: Linebacker Ronnie Riley has been named to the All-America Strength Team for the 2002 season as chosen by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

The All-America Strength Team recognizes players whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength and conditioning training.

After sustaining a knee injury that sidelined him for the 2001 season, Riley’s hard work in the weight room rehabilitated the knee and prepared him to enjoy the best season of his career in 2002. Riley started all 12 games at inside linebacker and totaled 75 tackles, including a career-high 11 stops against Louisiana State. He added 2.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, and three quarterback hurries.

Perhaps just as important was Riley’s leadership as team captain. Generally predicted to win two-to-four games during the 2002 season, the Wildcats notched seven victories, only the seventh time since 1954 that UK won at least seven games. Riley became known as one of the finest leaders ever to wear the Blue and White.

In the classroom, Riley has completed his degree in decision science and information systems and is working on a master’s in business administration.

Riley is the second Wildcat to be named to the NSCA All-America Strength Team under UK Strength and Conditioning Coach Marc Hill. Safety Patrick Wiggins also garnered the honor for the 2001 season.

Kentucky Football Calendar (all practices at Nutter Training Facility unless inclement weather)

Sat. April 5        Practice, 11 a.m.Mon. April 7        Practice, 2:25 p.m.Wed. April 9        Practice, 2:25 p.m.Fri. April 11       Practice, 2:25 p.m.Sat. April 12       Practice, time TBAMon. April 14       Practice, time TBAWed. April 16       Practice, time TBAFri. April 18       Practice, time TBASat. April 19       Practice, time TBAMon. April 21       Coach Rich Brooks on WLAP Spring Football Call-in Show, 7-9 p.m.Wed. April 23       Practice, time TBAFri. April 25       Practice, time TBASat. April 26       Blue/White Spring Football Game, 1 p.m., Commonwealth StadiumJuly 29-31          SEC Football Media Days; Kentucky appearance is Tue. July 29Tue. Aug. 5         Newcomers reportFri. Aug. 8         Veterans reportSat. Aug. 9         Kentucky Football Media DaySun. Aug. 31        Louisville at Kentucky, 6:30 p.m. EDT, televised by espn2