Ripley’s Aquarium just brings out the big kid in me

By LARRY VAUGHT

During my two weeks in Myrtle Beach recently one of my favorite experiences was the visit to Ripley’s Aquarium. I’ve been before but there is just something about an aquarium visit that is always fun.

One huge plus at this time of year is that you can take all the time you want looking at exhibits — and there are so many of them.

I loved getting to pet/rub stingrays and horseshoe crabs and all the information the employees share about both. It was also fun watching the diver feed fish and stingrays and getting to interact some with her — the big kid in me just can’t help it.  Read more... (285 words, 2 images, estimated 1:08 mins reading time)

What birthday plans did Cats have for John Calipari?

Joel Justus said John Calipari’s birthday would consist of practice, film work and likely dinner with his daughter in Nashville. (Jeff Houchin Photo)

By LARRY VAUGHT

What did the Kentucky basketball team have planned Monday to celebrate coach John Calipari’s birthday?

“I don’t know if I have a god answer for that,” Kentucky assistant coach Joel Justus told media members Monday. ” I wish I did.

“I think we’re going to practice, and then we’re going to head to Nashville (to play Vanderbilt Tuesday night). I think he gets to have dinner with his daughter (Erin) maybe tonight, I’m not sure, but I would imagine that.”  Read more... (284 words, 1 image, estimated 1:08 mins reading time)

Cats know they “can’t fall asleep” at Vanderbilt Tuesday night

Ashton Hagans (Jeff Houchin Photo)

By KEITH TAYLOR, Kentucky Today

LEXINGTON — Vanderbilt has Kentucky’s full attention.

The 12th-ranked Wildcats (18-5, 8-2 Southeastern Conference) inched out a 71-62 win over the Commodores last month, so they are aware of Vanderbilt’s potential. The Commodores’ 99-90 upset of LSU last Wednesday served notice Vanderbilt isn’t giving up on the season.

Kentucky coach John Calipari received an updated scouting report on the Commodores after their upset of the Tigers and knows they are dangerous, regardless of their recent struggles.  Read more... (778 words, 1 image, estimated 3:07 mins reading time)

Competitive five-star Memphis point guard Kennedy Chandler used to being pushed much like what John Calipari does

Kennedy Chandler with coach John Harrington. (Briarcrest Christian Photo)

By LARRY VAUGHT

If there is one thing that stands out about Kentucky point guard recruiting target Kennedy Chandler it would be his speed with the ball.

“Whether he is in transition or getting a head of steam up in the half court off a ball screen, he can fly,” said Briarcrest Christian (Memphis) coach John Harrington about his 6-1 point guard. “He can really pass the ball, especially to 7-footers or 6-10 kids who like lobs that lead to dunks. He’s very gifted at that but he’s also gifted scoring baskets around the rim with his body. He uses angles and English with the ball very well.”  Read more... (893 words, 1 image, estimated 3:34 mins reading time)

How can Nick Richards not be considered one of nation’s 10 best centers?

Nick Richards (Jeff Houchin Photo)

By LARRY VAUGHT

Is Nick Richards the nation’s best center?

Probably not but he certainly has shown this year he’s the best big man in the Southeastern Conference.

Is Nick Richards one of the nation’s top 10 center? I think Kentucky coach John Calipari and UK fans would say — to borrow a song title from Montgomery Gentry — a big “Hell Yeah.”

Yet when the 10 finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year were announced recently Richards was not one of them. How can that be?  Read more... (629 words, 1 image, estimated 2:31 mins reading time)

Cambridge Place Nursing and Rehabilitation names dining hall after UK lineman Landon Young

Landon Young got involved with Cambridge Place because of his friendship with Tim Biggs.

By LARRY VAUGHT

Kentucky offensive tackle Landon Young doesn’t think he does enough to help others and wishes he had time to do even more. Cambridge Place Nursing and Rehabilitation employees and residents feel differently.

That’s why the Lexington facility dedicated its dining hall in his honor during its annual pre-Super Bowl party last week and named it the “Landon Young Dining Hall” because of all he’s done at the facility.  Read more... (465 words, 2 images, estimated 1:52 mins reading time)

UK’S Mary Tucker, Will Shaner will compete in 2020 Olympics for USA rifle team

By UK ATHLETICS

LEXINGTON – For the first time in program history, two current University of Kentucky rifle athletes will be competing in the Olympics as freshman Mary Tucker and sophomore Will Shaner put together brilliant performances this weekend at the Air Rifle Olympic Trials Part II in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to earn a spot on Team USA.

Tucker and Shaner represent two of four athletes (two females and two males) who qualified for the team and will represent the United States this summer in air rifle at the 2020 Olympic Games. Of the four athletes who made the team Sunday, all competed collegiately across three schools and two conferences.  Read more... (474 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Kentucky-Tennessee photo gallery by Vicky Graff

Meghan Schorman, Grace Baalman combine to shut out No. 7 Minnesota

Kayla Kowalik had a two-RBI single in the top of the third inning and scored on a Lauren Johnson RBI ground out Sunday. (Vicky Graff Photo)

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The No. 15 Kentucky softball team got a sensational performance in the circle from sophomore Meghan Schorman and junior Grace Baalman as the Wildcats beat No. 7 Minnesota, 7-0 on Sunday afternoon. The win catapults Kentucky to 4-0 on the season and completes a perfect weekend at the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association D1 Lead-Off Classic.  Read more... (458 words, 1 image, estimated 1:50 mins reading time)

Is John Young a “nasty” player just like Logan Stenberg? His mom would not say so

John Young with coach Mark Stoops.

By LARRY VAUGHT

Kentucky signee John Young admits that UK offensive lineman Logan Stenberg is a player he has looked up to but he’s not sure everyone appreciates him being described as a “nasty” player on the field similar to Stenberg.

“I am not sure my mom would describe me that way because I am different at home than I am on the field,” Young, an all-state lineman at Christian Academy of Louisville, said. “Growing up I wanted to play basketball and she would get mad because I was pushing people down. She was happy when I started playing football and because it was legal to knock people down then.”  Read more... (316 words, 1 image, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)