Time Has Come for Tina Cox to Take a New Approach to UK

Vaughtsviews.com contributing writer loved covering UK basketball and football but is now ready to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Thirteen years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. At the time I had no idea it would lead me down a road which would allow me to chase my passion and live a dream I never thought was imaginable.

As with most roads, there comes a point where one must decide to keep going forward or make a turn. The decision can be a tough one. However, your heart leads you in the right direction.

My grand girls are growing up so fast. Over the past couple of years, UK football and UK basketball games have interfered with quite a few soccer, cheerleading and school activities. My heart doesn’t want to miss any more of these memories.

I am going to pull the bedazzled shirt from the back of my closet and head to Rupp Arena with grand girls in tow. It is time for “T” to introduce them to the BBN. I look forward to seeing the sparkle in their eyes as the lights go down in Rupp and the fireworks begin. I will teach them the cheers and will take pictures of their first Rupp ice cream. It is time for those memories to begin in the next chapter of my journey.

Over the years I have had under the basket media seats, front row media seats and as far up as you can see media seats. I have listened to Coach K say words that even a sailor wouldn’t use. Coach Williams tossed his jacket in Vegas, and it landed on my feet. I have had good media food, bad media food and waited patiently many times for the cookies to come out at Kroger Field, still warm from the oven. I left venues and waited for the final buzzer to sound when a loss was imminent just so I would not have to endure the look on the faces of the players.

One of the things I will miss most is the media members. Thank you Jack Pilgrim and Drew Franklin, for always having the time to listen to my stories. I feel like I have watched you two grow up. Vinny Hardy and Terry Brown for being such good friends. Dick Gabriel for sharing dog stories. Brian Milam for solving the world’s problems at every SEC Tournament media buffet room and Lonnie Demaree, rest in peace, for our rendition of “Tutti Frutti” at every home game.

Evan Crane and Deb Moore, I don’t know how you do it! Babysitting the media members cannot be an easy task but you all are the best.

The Lexington Police Department Traffic Officer that helped me cross the street when my hip hurt so badly and celebrated with me when I came back after surgery and the guys working the media entrance at Rupp your kindness will never be forgotten.

Thanks to all the readers throughout the years. So many of you took the time to read my work. You made my heart full with your likes, comments and shares. I enjoyed the interactions with every one of you. I have truly been blessed.

Larry, my forever friend, you were the one that made my dreams come true. When you asked me to write a story years ago, I had no idea the doors it would open. Throughout the years we have celebrated the weddings of children and birth of grand babies. We have grieved in the loss of family and friends. Thanks for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I will forever be grateful.

Look for me in the stands … I will be the one standing and yelling in my UK Gear!

“Always act like you’ve been there before”

GO CATS!