July 20, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Since signing day in February, some Wildcat signees had accomplishments in spring sports and we’ve also learned additional facts about their high-school or junior-college careers. Here is more about what we’ve learned about our signees since signing day:
* A baseball outfielder, Brian Adams helped lead his team to the finals of the state baseball playoffs and finished as the runner-up. Adams was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 45th round of the June draft.
* Jordan Aumiller made the all-area team in basketball.
* Justin Bean competed in five events for his high school track and field team, the 100- and 200-meter dashes, the 4×100- and 4×200-meter relays and the triple jump. He won the region in the triple jump as a senior. His track team competed in the state meet his last three seasons, winning the state title his sophomore year.
* Mister Cobble played for the winning West team in the Kentucky East-West All-Star Game. He’s a cousin of former Wildcat Andre’ Woodson.
* DeQuin Evans was named to a Southern California Junior College All-Combine Team last summer, turning in a 40-yard dash time under 4.8 seconds.
* Jonathan George added a state championship in the 200-meter dash as a senior to go along with the state titles he won in the 400-meter run and 4×400-meter relay as a junior. George also won a second state championship in wrestling with a dramatic finish. Down 7-2 with a minute and a half to go, he rallied to within 7-6, then scored a takedown in the final three seconds to win the championship as time expired.
* Qua Huzzie played in the Georgia North-South All-Star Game, notching six tackles and an interception for the winning South team. Huzzie also put the shot and was a member of the 4×100-meter relay team in track, showcasing his combination of power and speed.
* An all-region and all-county outfielder for the baseball team, Tristian Johnson helped take his squad to the state tournament.
* Anthony Kendrick averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per game in basketball as a senior, winning District Most Valuable Player honors. He also worked with service events at elementary schools and has helped coach Special Olympics basketball players.
* La’Rod King was an all-district basketball player and also competed in the high jump and 4×400-meter relay for the track squad.
* Patrick Ligon played in the Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game. He participated in the shot put for the track and field team, finishing third in the state as a sophomore and junior.
* We received an interesting quote on Chris Matthews from Los Angeles Harbor College Coach Brett Peabody. “Chris is probably the best junior-college wide receiver in the country,” Peabody said. “He lives up to the saying that ‘big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.’ He can beat you short, he can beat you deep, he can beat you across the middle.”
* Terrell Mitchell helped his basketball team to the final four of the state tournament his junior year. He participated in the triple jump, 400-meter dash and 4×400-meter relay, and he won the region in the triple jump his senior year. He was a member of the Beta Club and student council and also was very active in the community.
* Ryan Mossakowski recovered from his shoulder injury to play baseball in the spring, making the all-district team. The All-America quarterback had a great quote on his decision to come to Kentucky. “People say when you get to ‘that one school,’ you get that certain feeling. The first time I stepped on (the UK) campus, I got that feeling.”
* Martavius Neloms participated in the 200- and 400-meter dashes along with the 4×100- and 4×200-meter relays. He went to the state meet in the relays two years, with a best finish of second in the 4×200 as a senior.
* Morgan Newton earned all-conference honors in basketball. His overall prowess in football and basketball earned him a spot on the ESPN/Rise Magazine “Grid-Hoop” All-America team. He was the Indianapolis Star Male Suburban Athlete of the Year for his achievements in both sports. He was very active in school activities as a member of the Student Advisory Committee, the Student-Athlete Advisory Board and the Diversity Club. He graduated with honors.
* Donald Russell played for the winning team in the Palm Beach County All-Star Game. He competed in the long jump, 100-meter dash and 4×100-meter relay. He was a member of the school’s Chess Club.
* Sam Simpson was president of his senior class at Lexington’s Henry Clay High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Youth Leadership Council for Lexington. He was a youth basketball coach for three years, including one season in which he helped coach a team with Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry.
* An interesting stat on Dakotah Tyler: the future Wildcat running back ran for 11 touchdowns of 50 or more yards as a senior and had at least six TDs of 60-plus yards called back by penalty. He was an honor-roll student who participated in the Young Men of Purpose community service organization.
* Jarvis Walker was a sprinter in track, competing in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes along with three relay units. He also participated in a Big Brother program, mentoring other students at the school.
* Myron Walker was on the wrestling team. He also participated in the Big Brother program, mentoring other students at the school.
* Larry Warford played in the Kentucky East-West All-Star Game.
* Ridge Wilson led Central High School to the finals of the Kentucky Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament. He received the Larry Conley Ultimate Teammate Award at the state tourney. The honor-roll student was a member of the “100 Black Men” honorary organization.
Kickoff Luncheon Set for July 31: The annual Kentucky Football Kickoff Luncheon has been set for Friday, July 31, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington.
During the luncheon, fans will hear Coach Rich Brooks’ plans for the 2009 season as he attempts to guide the Wildcats to an unprecedented fourth-consecutive bowl trip. Fans also will have the opportunity to ask questions of the head coach. The event is capped by the always-popular highlight video, which chronicles the successes of the 2008 season and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl championship.
Individual tickets cost $40 each and a table of 10 costs $400. Parking will be available in the High Street parking lot across from the hotel. For reservations, contact Leslie Bray at 859-257-2589 or leslie.bray@uky.edu.
