Photo by Scott Utterback, The Courier-Journal
Nike is taking symbolism and storytelling within the context of sports uniforms to the next level. Using the new form-fitting jerseys first worn by such Nike schools as Arizona and the Ohio State University, the new wildcat uniforms feature tributes to a former program member, a legendary racehorse and the basketball program’s successful history.
Bill Keightley, the Wildcats’ longtime equipment manager, passed away this past offseason. As a tribute, the uniforms read “Mr. Wildcat” across a black shoulder-band and keep the Kentucky “K” on the jersey differently-colored then the rest of the word. Additionally, the subtle checkered boxes which adorn the jersey are a nod to Secretariat’s blue and white racing silks.
Last, on the shorts’ waistband is yet another checkerboard pattern with eight squares, 7 containing the year of a UK national championship and an eighth left empty for the next one.
I have no idea what the significance of Secretariat is of all horses? Obviously he’s one of the more dominant horses of all time, but what’s the tie to UK? Because he won the Kentucky Derby? Was born in Kentucky? Attended classes at the UK? Anyway, the Keightley tribute will last this year only, but the uniforms in general are expected to be a long-term mainstay. I’d say they’re pretty sweet, a little break from tradition but nothing too radical. And it’s always good to see a team pay respects to a member, even if he wasn’t the most high-profile individual.
5 Responses So Far
1 New Uniforms/Nike Changes (Merged) - Page 23 - BuckeyePlanet Ohio State Forums // Oct 14, 2008 at 5:07 am
[...] 2008 Big Blue Madness: Kentucky debuts new uniforms, struggles offensively in Big Blue Madness drill Updated: October 11, 2008, 12:36 AM ET LEXINGTON, Ky. — A year ago, Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness was about showing off a new coach. This time, it was about showing off a new look. Billy Gillispie’s Wildcats donned their new blue and white uniforms with a checkerboard pattern as the nation’s all-time winningest program kicked off its preseason preparations Friday night in front of 23,000 of their closest friends. While fans arrived before 9 p.m., it wasn’t until 11:18 that the second-year coach finally made his appearance. Last year, four large banners descended from the rafters, and when they finally dropped, there Gillispie stood, waving to the crowd. This time, the banners fell while pyrotechnics filled Rupp Arena, but Gillispie was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he entered moments later, jogging through the crowd in his gray jumpsuit, dishing out high-fives along the way. "I know they’re excited to be here," Gillispie, already seemingly short of voice, said of his players. "They love being here at Kentucky." Gillispie’s entrance was far humbler than that of women’s coach Matthew Mitchell, who appeared riding on a fire truck. The men’s team first took the court with a dunk contest that Ramon Harris clinched with an off the backboard follow that he jammed home. Then, there was a defensive-minded scrimmage, in which both sides took more than three minutes to score. It was a troubling reminder of the team’s slow starts at times last season, which ended with a loss to Marquette in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Although the checkerboard pattern on the new uniforms is subtle, those who designed them for Nike said they were intended as a nod to jockey silks representing the state’s signature industry, horse racing. Penny Chenery, who owned 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, received an honorary jersey from Gillispie at midcourt during the festivities. They also feature a shoulder patch that says "Mr. Wildcat." The reference is a tribute to longtime equipment manager Bill Keightley, who died earlier this year at 81. A lasting memorial to Keightley was painted on the Rupp Arena floor in front of his familiar spot on the bench. Entire article: ESPN – Kentucky debuts new uniforms, struggles offensively in Big Blue Madness drill – Men’s College Basketball University of Kentucky introduces new Nike basketball uniforms ? NikeBlog.com [...]
2 terry mccoy // Oct 14, 2008 at 4:24 pm
cool, I like them
3 Adam // Oct 17, 2008 at 12:30 pm
“I have no idea what the significance of Secretariat is of all horses? Obviously he’s one of the more dominant horses of all time, but what’s the tie to UK? Because he won the Kentucky Derby? Was born in Kentucky?”
The significance of Secretariat is that he is the fastest thouroghbred in the history of the sport. Lexington is pretty much the home of thoroughbred racing as most of the horses are born close to there, and even the ones that aren’t will probably go through the sales at Keeneland (Lexington’s horsetrack) at some point.
4 hbjetuzn // Nov 9, 2008 at 2:28 pm
hbjetuzn…
hbjetuzn…
5 KentuckyBasketBallFan // Dec 8, 2008 at 5:51 am
I am so dissapointed in the new outfits. When did Kentucky’s colors change from blue and white to blue and black. I think these are terrible. I don’t mind the design changes, but let’s go back to blue and white!
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