Why Didn’t the SEC Have a Championship Trophy at Rupp Arena for Cats on Saturday?

Kentucky players didn't have a SEC trophy to hold as they celebrated winning the conference title. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky volleyball knew it was going to do no worse than tie for another Southeastern Conference championship Saturday when it hosted Florida.

However, there was no sharing the SEC crown because the Cats swept the Gators to win the league championship by two games. It was coach Craig Skinner’s seventh straight conference title.

The Kentucky players, staff and fans celebrated after the sweep that gave UK the crown over Tennessee and Arkansas. Confetti filled the court at Rupp Arena with music blaring and players dancing, smiling and savoring the moment.

There was only one problem — there was no trophy for the players to hold.

Try to imagine not having a SEC championship trophy in Atlanta Saturday when Georgia and Alabama play to decide the conference football winner. Or fast forward to March in Nashville when the SEC Tournament crowns a basketball winner and you know there will be a trophy there.

So why no trophy at volleyball, especially knowing UK had already earned at least a share of the championship even if it lost to Florida?

“I am not 100 percent sure why,” Skinner said. “I don’t have a great answer. I am disappointed the players did not have a trophy to celebrate with and take pictures with.

“I don’t know why not. They deserve the opportunity to do that. I will pay the difference if we lose and they (SEC officials) send a trophy here.”

Skinner obviously would like to say more. He’s done everything possible to promote volleyball. He watched champions from other conferences celebrate on the court with the championship trophies.

“I’ve got to be diplomatic in how we respond,” the UK coach said. “I have expressed how I feel. I am not 100 percent sure what it would take to make this (having the trophy at the match) happen. I just feel like it was an opportunity missed for our players that they deserved.”