Throwback Thursday: Team Patrick and Kentucky Football's rise

Expectations are higher than ever for Kentucky Football coming off another ten-win season, which is pretty remarkable when you consider where the program was just ten years ago. The 40-0 loss to Vanderbilt in November 2012 ended Joker Phillips’ tenure at Kentucky and is the low point of a truly depressing chapter in the program’s history. There’s no need to relive that sad, gray day in Commonwealth Stadium in detail, except for one bright spot: Team Patrick.

As KSR readers, you probably remember how Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, and Nick Roush spotted a fan sitting all by himself in Section 206 and joined him as the rout rolled on. Soon, a crowd gathered and a good-vibes-only party was born. Dr. Mike was at the stadium that day shooting the game (he became KSR’s photographer years later) and captured the scene. While going through old photos this week, Mike went on a mission to find Patrick to see what he thinks of Kentucky Football’s rise in the decade since. He did, and wrote a post about him on his blog, “Heart of Big Blue Nation.” Here’s an excerpt:

Patrick graduated, went away to law school, and now works as an attorney for the federal government with the Environmental Protection Agency in Alaska, a long way from his alma mater. He remains a devoted Kentucky fan, and although he can’t make it to many games, he watches them all and still roots as hard as ever.

“I have a toddler who, despite being raised in a land better known for moose and muskox than college athletics, is developing a love for UK sports.  One of his first phrases was ‘Go Cats,’ and he still says it everytime he sees anyone playing a sport, on a screen or in person.”

He adds, “As illustrated on that day in 2012, I remain fiercely loyal towards UK sports and am deeply optimistic about the future of UK football. I am strongly considering a trip to Lexington for the Georgia game this fall, as I think it could be the game where the Cats finally get over the hump and secure their place in the SEC championship game.”

Heart of Big Blue Nation

Kudos to Dr. Mike for putting in the work and Patrick for his never-ending optimism. I think this calls for a Team Patrick reunion at the Georgia game, don’t you?