Kentucky fan made lifetime memory getting autograph from Adolph Rupp and players years ago

Paul Reynolds still has this program he got signed after a UK game in Louisville.

Kentucky fan Paul Reynolds read a recent feature story I did on Anna Rupp, the great granddaughter of legendary UK coach Adolph Rupp, planning on joining the track and cross country teams at Kentucky.

That brought back a memory he had as a youngster about Adolph Rupp.

He said his dad was a “tough guy” and good athlete at Male High School in Louisville who dropped out of school to join the war effort when his big brother enlisted.

“He went ashore on Omaha Beach and survived the Battle of the Bulge. He was always a huge UK fan,” Reynolds said. “The Cats used to play a game or two in Louisville and he’d take me to every one — played Notre Dame there for years and years.”

“On one particular night we hung around for a while (after the game) and he handed me the program and said, ‘Go get Coach Rupp’s autograph.’ I said, ‘Dad, I’m scared.’  He said, ‘Me too, son. That’s why I’m asking you to do it!’”

Nine-year-old Paul Reynolds approached the Kentucky coach while he was talking to reporters and tugged on his traditional brown suit coat. Reynolds remembers Rupp asking him what he wanted. Once he found out the  young fan wanted an autograph, he surprised Reynolds.

“He said, ‘Our autographs aren’t worth a damn tonight son. Now go in that locker room and tell those players I said everyone is to sign,’” Reynolds remembered.

“All were in a good mood and laughing prior to Coach coming in. He comes in and the room grows quiet. I take the autographs I have and quickly leave,” Reynolds said.

“Little did I know that 10 years later I’d be on campus (at UK) and seven or eight of my fraternity brothers would be on the basketball team and would make me tell the story over and over.  Lifetime memory.”