Basketball Wildcats host community cookout at Perry County Park. LEGENDARY Johnny Cox Graved
Members of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team interacted with fans at the Perry County Park on Aug. 23. Hazard Herald photos by Justin Begley
The Kentucky Wildcats brought excitement to Perry County Park on Aug. 23, hosting a cookout that offered fans and supporters a unique opportunity to meet their favorite players. Sponsored by Peoples Bank, the event provided free food to everyone in attendance and allowed locals to interact with the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team.
Kristy Boggs, event coordinator with Club Blue, explained the purpose of the event.
1958 National Champion Johnny Cox, left, meets with 1996 champion and current University of Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope during a cookout meet and greet event at Perry County Park on Aug. 23.
“Today we’re here for a community cookout, so the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team could come in and meet fans of Hazard, have a cookout, shoot a few hoops and have a presence in the community,” said Boggs.
The Wildcats made it clear that their visit was about more than just food and basketball. Andrew Carr, a player for UK, spoke about the importance of the team’s fan base.
“We wanted the people to know how much they mean to us as a team.
Their support and love is unmatched in college basketball and we want them to know that we understand that this is bigger than us,” Carr said.
“It’s about Kentucky, and it’s really important for us to continue to do these things in the community as a result. We’re super grateful for all the fans, and it’s a really cool experience.”
Travis Perry, a Kentuckian himself, emphasized the significance of giving back to the community.
“It’s awesome to get to come to a different part of the state than where I’m from. I don’t get to make this trip very often,” Perry said.
“It’s awesome to see the support we have here and to give back a little bit today. It’s awesome to come out and get this support and spend a little time with the fans.”
Wildcats head coach Mark Pope also shared his enthusiasm for the event and the opportunity to connect with fans in Eastern Kentucky.
“We are so excited to get out here to Eastern Kentucky, to Hazard,” Pope said. “Hazard is our type of place in Kentucky.
This gives us a chance to connect with our BBN (Big Blue Nation) and hopefully share some joy, get our guys ready for this season and give them a sense of who they’re competing for.”8-29 Club Blue
