'This is why you play football'

[WildcatRick]

Perhaps the most poignant moment Monday night after the Kentucky Wildcats held off the Florida State Seminoles, 35-28, in the Music City Bowl came when UK senior tight end Jacob Tamme was asked to assess the impact Rich Brooks has had on the Wildcats since Brooks took the previously thankless head coaching job five years ago.

Tamme is a class act on a Kentucky team full of class acts, and he's rarely at a loss for words. But Tamme struggled to organize his thoughts and answer the question as he sat at a podium next to Brooks.

"Since the first day he (Brooks) walked in the door" Tamme began, only to then adjust his course and add, "First of all, he's the reason I'm AT Kentucky.

"So hey," Tamme added, and glancing at Brooks, said, "I love you."

Brooks, who's not one to share sentiment easily in the public eye, replied, "I love you, too."

"There are a lot of flashy people in college football, and in life in general, I guess," Tamme went on. "But Coach Brooks came in here five years ago to change this program, whether it took one year, two years or eight years. He was going to turn this around and get it going in the right direction to something that is sustainable. That's what coach has been about."

http://www.state-journal.com/news/article/3086942

[crice561]

What an awesome article.

This has truly been the finest group of young men to ever play for the CATS!!

[Gunsmoke]

I am at a loss for words after reading this exceptional article. The finality of it all comes crashing through leaving teary eyes but an appreciative heart.

[Matt Dillon]

I wish they could know how happy they've made this ole fellow.

[UedK]

Wow, I just wish this season wasn't over.

Tamme chose his words well in stating that Coach Brooks has built something that is 'sustainable'.

And Tamme and these hard nosed and compassionate seniors are a special part of that foundation. I could read a story like that every day until Spring practice starts.

This article and the Woodyard Cat Walk Youtube video are for making those real happy tears flow.

BTW: if you have not gone to KSR blog and listened to the Game Day story about Woodson and his best friend who Andre helped through a horrific accident it will be worth your while to do so. Go to the WCN front page, KSR Blog, click on the Game Day video a little ways down the page.

[lighthouse]

Wow, what a testimony to a great coach and a great bunch of seniors. They all made it happen, and I have no doubt it will sustain to even greater heights. I'm so proud to be a UK fan.

[bleedbluelady]

I wish they could know how happy they've made this ole fellow.

And this old gal. There was a couple of season ticket holders that used to sit behind us. They didn't renew their tickets in 2006. They missed a very special time in UK football.

[bleedbluelady]

Wow, I just wish this season wasn't over.

Tamme chose his words well in stating that Coach Brooks has built something that is 'sustainable'.

And Tamme and these hard nosed and compassionate seniors are a special part of that foundation. I could read a story like that every day until Spring practice starts.

This article and the Woodyard Cat Walk Youtube video are for making those real happy tears flow.

BTW: if you have not gone to KSR blog and listened to the Game Day story about Woodson and his best friend who Andre helped through a horrific accident it will be worth your while to do so. Go to the WCN front page, KSR Blog, click on the Game Day video a little ways down the page.

Darn you Ed. I'm now sobbing like a baby. :widcat:

[SBCatMan]

Wait a minute, bleedbluelady. You are NOT old!!

[Terry L. Wildcat]

I am at a loss for words after reading this exceptional article. The finality of it all comes crashing through leaving teary eyes but an appreciative heart.

:thumbup: What you said.

[Blue Heaven]

AWESOME article:thumbup: Hopefully 4 years down the road we will be saying and reading the same thing about that senior class!

[colonelcatfan]

WOW, don't know what else to say, just WOW.

Mighty proud of this program.

[lighthouse]

Wait a minute, bleedbluelady. You are NOT old!!

That's the truth!

[UedK]

Wait a minute, bleedbluelady. You are NOT old!!

She's just sandbagging it. :icon_smile:

[poodoo]

I am at a loss for words after reading this exceptional article. The finality of it all comes crashing through leaving teary eyes but an appreciative heart.

Beautifully said, Gunsmoke. Also, as you said, the finality is so hard to take. :icon_cry: The appreciation and love, though, will forever be in our hearts.

While my eyes really teared up as I read the comments from Jacob, Coach Brooks, and Andre, I'm sure they will be flowing even more freely as I listen to Andre tell the story about his friend's accident and how his life was influenced. In advance, thanks for the link, UedK.