The University of Kentucky inducted former football coach Rich Brooks (2003-09), basketball alum Chuck Hayes (2001-05) and football alum Wesley Woodyard (2005-07) into its athletics hall of fame on Friday night.
Brooks led the Wildcats to four straight bowl games in his final four years. In his speech, however, Brooks noted how difficult his first three years were and recalled the "Ditch Rich" T-shirts in Lexington:
Brooks is the only coach in UK history to make four straight bowl games and win three straight bowls. When Brooks arrived, the program was on severe NCAA probation that included limited scholarships. His most notable wins include an upset over Clemson in the 2006 Music City Bowl, a 2007 Music City Bowl win over Florida State and a victory over No. 1 and eventual national champion LSU earlier in the 2007 season.
Hayes, one of the last beloved four-year stars of Kentucky's storied basketball program, was known for his relentless defense and tenacious rebounding. Hayes is a member of UK's 1,000-point club and spent 11 years playing in the NBA. He currently works in the Denver Nuggets front office. In his emotional speech, he credited former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith for molding him into the player he became:
Current Tennessee Titans linebacker Woodward, who played a major role in turning around Kentucky's football program under Brooks, was also inducted. Brooks told the Lexington Herald-Leader's Jerry Tipton that he was "really thrilled" when he heard that Woodyard would be going in with him. "That made it very, very special," Brooks said.
Kentucky's hall of fame class will be honored again during Saturday night's football game against South Carolina.
- John Wilmhoff