I was a UK fan back in the day, myself. I listened to Cawood, took stats down back when Cotton Nash played, adored Randy Embry, local Owensboro product and I competed against and was a deeply invested friend of Rex's dad Wayne Chapman - who left UK in a huff when Rupp physically abused him - (thus ended my UK fanhood forever). I took over the shortstop position on Owensboro's Am Legion baseball team from a guy named Tommy Kron - as a 10th grader - and I have met or somewhat deeply known all the old heroes UK fans prattle on about in their self-congratulatory stew. I saw Embry - now lead scout for the Heat - just last year visiting a mutual friend and he laughed and said, "Hell, I forgot you are a Cards fan!", lol. Since my Mom was one of his most respected teachers, I became a little Untouchable, lol. He sent a card after she passed, just a few months ago.
It was very easy to morph from being a UK fan into being a fan of Crum;s hoops style and UofL in general. Indeed, especially nowadays as they enter a new phase of relevance in football. There was sure no trauma for me in opting out. Not even a freaking speed bump on the old soul parade.
