Article about Ray Mears from Lexington

[Lexvol]

Lexington Herald-Leader | 01/26/2007 | Adding fuel to our ire

An article about the "Barnum of Basketball" from Herald Leader. Good read.

 

[Bobby Dodd]

I didn't grow up in the Mears era, but from childhood, I have hated the University of Kentucky. Most of my hatred comes from seeing us lose to Kentucky so much in basketball, yet the hate carries over to football as well.

I also dislike Alabama in football, yet I wouldn't say I hate them. I respect the history and tradition of the Tide and Coach Bryant. Yet Kentucky basketball has never and probably will never earn my respect in the same way Florida football will always earn my ire.

Sorry for the anti-Kentucky rant, but I can't help it, I HATE them.

 

[cotton]

It is nice to see that at least some supporters of UK hate Tennessee almost as much as I detest the Wildcats.

 

[Lexvol]

Very interesting take. I grew up in GA, never really followed the round ball until I got to Lex 15 years ago. This is a fun town to live in when the basketball team is playing well. I would say the Cats are a team that I follow closely and root for most of the time. I see several parallels to their basketball program, and UT's football program at this point and time.

I can say that I don't know one single UK fan that does not despise UT in every way. I think Mears has a lot to do with that.

 

[orangefan1998]

That was an excellent read even if it written by someone in that state above us. Well better them than Alabama or Florida. Both of those schools just now found out that they have a basketball program. And Alabama just found Bear Bryant's body, so they have to do a coach search. Now they can have the best program money can buy.

 

[cotton]

I can say that I don't know one single UK fan that does not despise UT in every way.

I am currently in the process of converting my girlfriend, a UK grad and lifetime fan, over to the light side of the force. She was actually hoping for a Tennessee win in Knoxville last year because of the seeding and ranking implications. It is a delicate, tricky process, but with enough persistance and alcohol, I believe it can be accomplished:thumbsup:

 

[Lexvol]

Good luck with that.

I will say that when the Cats are winning this is a cocky bunch in Lexington. I must admit that the late 90's were quite intoxicating. While the decline of the Cats sometimes irritates me a bit, I don't mind rubbing in the fact that the Vols are making up ground on the UK program.

 

[McCat]

I can say that I don't know one single UK fan that does not despise UT in every way. I think Mears has a lot to do with that.

True dat. I was brought up believing that Mears was the devil! :yes:

It is nice to see that at least some supporters of UK hate Tennessee almost as much as I detest the Wildcats.

For every Kentucky hatin' Vol, there's a Vol hatin' Kentuckian. Cant we all just get along?

I didn't grow up in the Mears era, but from childhood, I have hated the University of Kentucky. Most of my hatred comes from seeing us lose to Kentucky so much in basketball, yet the hate carries over to football as well.

There's a fine line between hatred and respect. I respect the football Vols, but hate the stinking 20-something game streak they have going.

I don't mind rubbing in the fact that the Vols are making up ground on the UK program.

I find it refreshing, actually, to see some life in the rivalry again. I started following the Cats in the Robey/Phillips/Givens/Lee/Macy era, when their arch-nemesis was the Bernie and Ernie Show. So yeah, it's pretty fun to watch. As for Florida, they'll be a bottom-dwelling basketball team/football school again when Billy D. takes over for Tubby in a few years.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I didn't grow up in the Mears era, but from childhood, I have hated the University of Kentucky. Most of my hatred comes from seeing us lose to Kentucky so much in basketball, yet the hate carries over to football as well.

I also dislike Alabama in football, yet I wouldn't say I hate them. I respect the history and tradition of the Tide and Coach Bryant. Yet Kentucky basketball has never and probably will never earn my respect in the same way Florida football will always earn my ire.

Sorry for the anti-Kentucky rant, but I can't help it, I HATE them.

You are too young, you who still reside in fabulous Presidential Court among all of its amazing young women. ALABAMA FOOTBALL IS AS LOATHESOME AS FLORIDA FOOTBALL AND KENTUCKY BASKETBALL TIMES EACH OTHER.

That is all.

 

[cotton]

For every Kentucky hatin' Vol, there's a Vol hatin' Kentuckian. Cant we all just get along?

From my experience, Kentucky fans hate Tennessee like Tennessee fans hate Florida.

Tennessee fans hate Kentucky much like they hate Georgia. It ain't the same, and for that fact I am proud.