With his late son on his mind, George Goodwin had the thrill of a lifetime Monday night when he sat on the University of Kentucky basketball team's bench as an honorary assistant coach during the Wildcats' exhibition victory over Transylvania.
His 13-year-old son Lane, who died of cancer on Oct. 17, was a huge UK fan who earned the support of thousands during his three-year fight against the disease.
George Goodwin, 39, was given the chance to sit on the bench by an anonymous donor who bid on a prize package after participating in coach John Calipari's fantasy camp this fall.
As Goodwin was introduced in Rupp Arena, thousands gave a thumbs-up — a symbol of support for Lane that became an international phenomenon online — and an ovation in honor of the family.
Walter Cornett, of Glendale, Kentucky, is the owner and operator of Walter's Wildcat World. He founded WildcatWorld.com in 1998 making it one of the oldest Kentucky basketball fan sites in operation today.