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Wildcat Mascot

The Wildcat mascot originated during the 1976-77 academic year at UK. Gary Tanner was the original Wildcat, dancing and entertaining thousands of UK fans at Commonwealth Stadium and Rupp Arena during athletics events.

A few years later, he was joined by another Cat – walking on stilts – who made his appearance during UK’s twin tower era of Melvin Turpin and Sam Bowie. Even today, the original mascot is joined by Scratch, who’s a more child-friendly mascot and serves as the host of UK’s official Kids Club.

Today, both mascots attend each football and basketball game, several academic functions and generally serve as friendly ambassadors for the University.

In Fall 2003 and 2004, Scratch was named to the Capital One All-America Mascot Teams and competed for the title of the Capital One Mascot of the Year.

 

 

On This Day in UK Basketball History

On January 13, 2009, Jodie Meeks scored 54 points at Tennessee in a 90-72 victory for the most points in a single game by a Kentucky player. Meeks played 39 minutes and went 15-of-22 from the field, including 10-of-15 from behind the arc. He also didn't miss from the free-throw line, where he went 14-of-14.  He also hauled in eight rebounds and kicked out four assists.  The 54 points by Meeks was also the most points scored in an SEC game since Chris Jackson from LSU tallied 55 against Ole Miss in 1989.

 

Wildcats Born on This Date