Finally time for Tina Cox to admit she was wrong about Mark Stoops

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Mark Stoops has made celebrations like this by quarterback Will Levis Saturday night become the norm at UK. (Vicky Graff Photo)

As I sit in the press box watching the time run out on the clock as the Cats defeat Northern Illinois I realize there is something long overdue that I need to admit.

If I am wrong I like to admit I am wrong. Sometimes it takes time, sometimes it is immediate but when the realization happens I feel the need to recognize.

For the past 10 years I cannot begin to count the times I have said, “I love Kentucky Football but I am not a (coach Mark) Stoops fan.”

When asked my opinion I always felt the need to make aware Stoops was not on my favorite’s list.

It all started at a Women’s Clinic in eight Stoops second year or third year —  I cannot remember. I do remember my first encounter with him was at the bagel/coffee bar prior to the clinic beginning. It was just the two of us. There was a conversation initiated by me. The whole encounter might have been four minutes. He was arrogant and seemed aggravated that he was having to spend time on a Saturday morning with a bunch of women.  Women, might I add, had paid money for his appearance.

I have never missed a Kentucky football game in the 10 years Stoops has coached. If not in person I watched the television broadcast. I cheer and yell and even shed tears in the disappointments. However, I never cheered for Stoops. In my mind if he left someone else would come right in and pick up where he left.

Mark Stoops has made Kentucky football different. He has changed the culture and the expectations. He has made the media and the fans believe in his visions. His players have bought into his system.

Sixty thousand people, ranging in age from 3-90 will join in unison to sing “It’s a Party” during the games with many not having a clue who Waka Flocka is or the origin of the song. Yet it has become a theme, or perhaps a tradition.

Fans expect to beat the powerhouses. The feeling is no longer hoping to not lose by 70 but anticipating a win. There are no more negative streaks. The goal of becoming bowl eligible is a given. The goal now is a playoff game, New Year’s Day Bowl and a trip to Atlanta to play for the SEC championship.

“We are just getting started bro,” the much quoted statement made by Stoops has held true.

So, ask me what I think about the Cats and I will answer, “We have a helluva coach.”

2 Responses

  1. I agree that Mark Stoops is not the coach he is being celebrated to be. The culture at Kentucky was going to change because now if you cannot compete in the SEC you will leave and play as an Independent and schedule all cupcakes. Stoops has been lucky to hire a very good staff that elevated the level of play. They have moved on and now you will see how much the level of play has dropped when they compete in the SEC this year. Tenn. Ole Miss, Arkansas, South Carolina, and yes Florida also have much more capable coaches than Kentucky. Kentucky fans just don’t get it!!!

  2. Tina’s comments about Mark Stoops: just exactly what I would have expected. Our Ohio UK Convention was honored to have Tina speak for us. She became a fan favorite and returned a couple of times. She was always on time, organized, and entertaining. And she loves Big Blue. What else do we want in a sports writer?
    Jim Porter
    Franklin, OH

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