Senior defensive tackle Lamar Mills has been selected to the annual ESPN ?All-Mayday? Team for players who have shown extraordinary toughness and determination during their collegiate careers.
The team is being compiled by Mark May and Brett Edgerton of ESPN and each player will be featured during ESPN?s ?Bowl Week.?
Mills was selected in recognition of not only physical toughness but also mental and spiritual toughness in the face of a double dose of adversity.
In the 2005 season opener, Mills made a career-high eight tackles vs. Louisville, but suffered a torn ACL knee injury near the end of the game, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. In the same week, his family’s home in Slidell, La., was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Having already completed his bachelor’s degree in only three years, it would have been easy for Lamar to walk away from football. However, he decided to stay the course and play his final season. Everyone associated with Kentucky football marveled at Lamar’s grace and courage under adversity; he never complained, and in fact, kept a very positive attitude and inspired his teammates and friends with his attitude and deep personal faith.
After staying in Lamar’s apartment temporarily, his family decided to return to Louisiana, stick it out, and rebuild their devastated home. Lamar went through a long and painful rehabilitation, not returning to the football field until August of this year. Lamar’s teammates were so inspired that they elected him permanent team captain for the 2006 season. He reclaimed his starting job at defensive tackle and has helped lead the Wildcats to their first bowl game in seven years. In addition, he will complete his master’s degree in May from UK’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, a very prestigious graduate school.
Tickets Available for Big Blue Pre-Game Party: UK fans and alumni are invited to the Big Blue Music City Bowl Pre-Game Party, set for Fri. Dec. 29 from 8-11 a.m. at the Wildhorse Saloon at 120 Second Avenue North in Nashville. A limited number of tickets are available at a cost of $30 each. Admission to the event includes Wildhorse breakfast buffet, beverage and entertainment. Tickets will be available for pick-up beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event only at the Wildhorse Saloon. All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
If still available, tickets purchased on the day of the event will cost $35. To buy tickets in advance, fans should go to Website .
