Every year, it seems we have our annual "uniform thread", where most posters, communicate their excitement over the new threads that Kentucky will sport in the fall. The chrome, black, and gray touches to UK's uniform scheme have, by and large, been met with much satisfaction from the fan base. We're not Oregon just yet, but Kentucky now offers an exciting new image to show students, fans, and--most importantly--prospective recruits. The administration has doubled down on this philosophy, investing major funds into a new logo design (with lukewarm results) and renovations to Commonwealth.
Fans of the "forward looking" philosophy point out, correctly, that Kentucky football is hardly tradition rich, especially when compared to the juggernaut programs of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, et al. When Kentucky has had success in football, it has been sporadic and rare. A future-centered image approach seems to be the rational choice for Kentucky.
Still, there is a minority segment of the fan base that clamors for a return to a traditional "look" for UK. Most notably, a return to the simplified blue uniform, complete with the "Power K". While I don't agree with their position, I understand, and sympathize, with their point of view. UK has had some success in the past. There are quite of few former players and teams that don't deserve to be forgotten, no matter how forward thinking our philosophy. There is more than a small chance that UK's fervent desire to be forward thinking may leave some very good memories on the ash heap of history. This, I think, is unacceptable.
So, what I am proposing is a solution that would satisfy both parties. Every season, there are twelve regular season games. Why not set aside one game, one game a year for a complete evening of retro football. Pick out a team, player, or coach to celebrate and really pull out all the stops. Don't just bring back the Power K, come out in replica, say, the 1950 Cotton Bowl Uniforms, alter the midfield logo for one night, have the coaches dress in 1950's style clothing. Make "retro night" against the same opponent every year (Mississippi St., perhaps?). This would not be a gimmick, but an annual celebration of Kentucky Football's past, all while looking forward to the future.
Fans of the "forward looking" philosophy point out, correctly, that Kentucky football is hardly tradition rich, especially when compared to the juggernaut programs of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, et al. When Kentucky has had success in football, it has been sporadic and rare. A future-centered image approach seems to be the rational choice for Kentucky.
Still, there is a minority segment of the fan base that clamors for a return to a traditional "look" for UK. Most notably, a return to the simplified blue uniform, complete with the "Power K". While I don't agree with their position, I understand, and sympathize, with their point of view. UK has had some success in the past. There are quite of few former players and teams that don't deserve to be forgotten, no matter how forward thinking our philosophy. There is more than a small chance that UK's fervent desire to be forward thinking may leave some very good memories on the ash heap of history. This, I think, is unacceptable.
So, what I am proposing is a solution that would satisfy both parties. Every season, there are twelve regular season games. Why not set aside one game, one game a year for a complete evening of retro football. Pick out a team, player, or coach to celebrate and really pull out all the stops. Don't just bring back the Power K, come out in replica, say, the 1950 Cotton Bowl Uniforms, alter the midfield logo for one night, have the coaches dress in 1950's style clothing. Make "retro night" against the same opponent every year (Mississippi St., perhaps?). This would not be a gimmick, but an annual celebration of Kentucky Football's past, all while looking forward to the future.
