FAMILY environment at UK

[poodoo]

As I read the Cats' Pause publication each week, I read about football recruiting and notice that many of the recruits who have visited Lexington mention the FAMILY environment or atmosphere as a positive for the UK program. Anyway, I just read offensive lineman recruit Trevino Woods' comments in that regard.

Trevino had committed early, but other schools had been contacting him, as his high school coaches ghad encouraged him to keep his recruitment open. A few weekends ago, Trevino actually visited Lexington, along with his parents. He noted that his parents were especially impressed, noting that they had probably made up their mind even before he himself. :) His exact words were: "The FAMILY environment and the way they take care of their players and stress academics really impressed them."

As I read those words, I thought that there is no doubt that I, if in the position of being a football recruit's parent, would feel so comfortable and trusting about sending my son to these coaches to be a part of that UK football "family" and grow as a young man, besides as a football player. I really mean that. I hope many actual parents of recruits feel the same. :)

[ImForKy]

What poodoo said. :thumbup::thumbup:

[gerntz]

I'm glad we got TW, but I'm kinda surprised he or anyone would commit before visiting the school & facilities. Does that happen very often?

[SBCatMan]

I think a big key to recruiting some time is to get the PARENTS on campus.

What some of us may forget is that every kid that goes to college usually CHOOSES a college, whether or not that kid is an athlete. I will use my own expereince as a parent as an example. Those of you who know me at all, or know anything about me, know that I live in South Bend, IN. That is about 335 miles from Lexington. And, I have lived here my entire life. I had no connections at all to the state of Kentucky or to the University of Kentucky.

My son was not an athlete, but when he was a senior in high school we made a tour of a number of schools. At least three state schools loomed between us and UK -- Purdue, Ball State and IU. In fact, my son was all set to go to Purdue. That was his school of choice and he was excited about it. Then, almost on a whim, we decided to drive down to Lexington. And the rest, as they say, is history.

We were both totally impressed beyond words. He had never set foot south of the Ohio River prior to that visit, and he said it just felt like home. As a parent, I was impressed with everything I saw -- academically, socially and in terms of the kind of attention we received and the answers we were given and the helpfulness that everyone showed to us. We received no scholarship assistance, neither athletically nor academically. And, being from Indiana, we were paying out-of-state fees. And, it was worth every penny.

Once again, anyone who knows me knows you will not find a bigger UK fan anywhere. And, I am very proud to say that I now have a Kentucky-born daughter-in-law and two Kentucky-born grandchildren.

So, it is encouraging to me to hear that Trevino Wood's parents were impressed with UK. Too often we view these kids as football players and tend to forget that these kids are kids. As a parent, I can tell you there is no better place. That somewhat whimsical trip to Lexington in the Spring of 1998 changed both of our lives forever. And I could not be happier with the direction that change has taken us.

[Matt Dillon]

Great post SBCatMan. It makes me so proud of my home state that we can make that kind of impression on people.

[poodoo]

GREAT post, SBCatMan. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with Lexington and the University of Kentucky. Also, you should be proud of your son and his choices. :)

Too, folks, SBCatMan makes that long drive from South Bend to watch the Cats that he so loves. THAT is some fan! :)

Again, for recruits' parents, the FAMILY atmosphere within UK's football program should be most appealing. Thanks to Coach Brooks, the other coaches, and the UK players themselves for providing that. :) GO COACH BROOKS!

[JOHN BLUEBLOOD]

Brooks and Company are building this thing on a rock.........a "big ole rock".

[ChattyKat]

poodoo, I have indirect contact with the family of a recruit coming in next year. I have been totally impressed with the stories of the coaches visits and attention to details. We're in very good hands! :icon_biggrin:

[poodoo]

poodoo, I have indirect contact with the family of a recruit coming in next year. I have been totally impressed with the stories of the coaches visits and attention to details. We're in very good hands! :icon_biggrin:

Thanks for sharing that, ChattyKat. Too, I'm not at all surprised with your impression. I KNOW that our recruiting is in VERY GOOD hands. :)

Having said that, we have surely had some disappointments the past couple of days. I really feel for our coaches, for I KNOW they have done their job well. KIDS!!! :shrug1:

[ChattyKat]

Thanks for sharing that, ChattyKat. Too, I'm not at all surprised with your impression. I KNOW that our recruiting is in VERY GOOD hands. :)

Having said that, we have surely had some disappointments the past couple of days. I really feel for our coaches, for I KNOW they have done their job well. KIDS!!! :shrug1:

I think the coaches know more what's going on with recruits than what we see on message boards. They probably knew what direction the kids were going in. And more than likely, they have some other players ready to sign that won't disappoint!

[poodoo]

I think the coaches know more what's going on with recruits than what we see on message boards. They probably knew what direction the kids were going in. And more than likely, they have some other players ready to sign that won't disappoint!

That first part is no doubt true, ChattyKat. :icon_mrgreen: Too, I'm also HOPING your last statement is right on target. :)