July 12, 2003
Season Ticket Sales Surpass Last Year: Sparked by strong sales during the summer, the Kentucky Ticket Office has sold 43,400 football season tickets for 2003, already surpassing last year’s total of 43,116.
A number of factors might account for the sales surge – the optimism generated by last year’s 7-5 record, a season that exceeded preseason predictions; the enthusiasm regarding the new coaching staff; an attractive home schedule; and the annual ticket marketing campaign was begun in late May, approximately two months earlier than in the past.
After season-ticket renewals are handled in spring and early summer, new season-ticket sales are usually moderate in June and July, then pick up in August as the season draws near. This year, however, new season ticket sales have stayed at a brisk and steady pace.
The remaining season tickets are available at a cost of $214 for sideline seats and $172 for end-zone seats. Sideline tickets under the auspices of the K Fund, which require a donation, also remain available. The seven-game home schedule opens with in-state foes Louisville and Murray State, continues with Southeastern Conference rivals Florida, Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Tennessee, and also features Ohio for the annual Homecoming game.
Fans interested in purchasing season tickets should call 800-928-CATS; go to the Memorial Coliseum Ticket Office; or print an application from the website ukathletics.com.
Junior College Wide Receiver to Join Kentucky: Ryan Partridge, a junior college wide receiver from California, will join the Wildcats this season as a walk-on.
Partridge, a 6-2, 205-pounder, played last season at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif. He caught 41 passes for 472 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team all-conference honors. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Here is Partridge’s bio:
Ryan Partridge, 6-2, 205, So-JC, Pleasanton, Calif. (Amador Valley/Golden West College) —
Junior College: Played one season at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif. … Caught 41 passes for 472 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team all-conference honors … Also punted for his team … Coached by Ray Shackleford … Chose Kentucky over Fresno State and California.
High School: Two-year starter at Amador Valley HS in Pleasanton, Calif. … First-team all-league both years … Played tight end, wide receiver, running back, safety, and punter … As a senior, caught 35 passes for 650 yards and added 350 rushing yards, scoring 16 touchdowns … Had 11 interceptions … Best game featured 165 receiving yards and 101 rushing yards, along with touchdowns on a punt return, interception, and pass reception … Caught 25 passes for 490 yards and seven TDs as a junior, adding six interceptions on defense … Team advanced to the semifinals of the North Coast sectional playoffs his senior year … Named a Northern California Shrine Team All-Star … Coached by Rick Sira … Three-year baseball letterman, playing shortstop and pitcher … Earned all-league honors in that sport.
Personal: Full name is Ryan Michael Partridge … Born 2-5-84 in San Jose, Calif. … Son of Brent and Cheri Partridge … Ryan’s father and five uncles played Division I college football … One uncle, Rick Partridge, played for nine teams during an eight-year NFL career … Another uncle, Jeff Partridge, played for the Los Angeles Express of the USFL … Plans a major in communications … Plays keyboards in a band, “Maxwell Heartache,” and has made several public appearances.
Lorenzen Makes the Big Play: It turns out that quarterback Jared Lorenzen knows how to make big plays off the field as well as on it, according to this letter to the editor printed by the Lexington Herald-Leader on July 6. Here is the letter, titled “QB scores with kindhearted handoff” by the Herald-Leader:
“During the Horsemen game last weekend, I saw something I needed to share with my fellow Kentuckians. A ball was kicked into the end-zone crowd and a young man with Down’s syndrome just missed the ball, which was snatched by a fan behind him. I saw this happen and so did several others, but only one person did anything about it. Jared Lorenzen took the ball he had, signed it and gave it to the young man. I just would like to thank Mr. Lorenzen for giving me another reason to be a fan, and no matter what happens this fall I’ll be cheering him on.” – Richard A. Mullins, Georgetown
Kentucky Football Calendar:
July 29-31SEC Football Media Days; Kentucky appearance is Tue. July 29 with Coach Rich Brooks, wide receiver Derek Abney, and defensive end Vincent “Sweet Pea” Burns
Wed. Aug. 6All players report (veterans and newcomers)
Thurs. Aug. 7Final exams for summer school
First practice, time TBA
Fri. Aug. 8Practice, time TBA
Sat. Aug. 9Practice, time TBA
Sun. Aug. 10Practice, time TBA
Mon. Aug. 11First full-contact practice, time TBA
Wed. Aug. 27Classes begin
Sun. Aug. 31Louisville at Kentucky, 6:30 p.m. EDT, televised by espn2
– UK –
