Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation graphic
Most Kentucky basketball fans certainly remember Bill “Mr. Wildcat” Keightley who was UK basketball’s equipment manager from 1962 until his death in 2008.
He did that job for many years while also working full-time with the U.S. Postal Service but he always thought the time it took to work at UK was a blessing. He worked for coaches Adolph Rupp, Joe Hall, Eddie Sutton, Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith and even Gillespie. He was part of three national championship teams — 1978, 1996 and 1998.
He was beloved by players, coaches, UK fans and UK media. We all loved his stories and he often explained off the record struggles a certain player or coach might be experiencing.
Keightley played basketball at Kavanaugh High School in Lawrenceburg before going to Eastern Kentucky University. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country in World War II.
The Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation decided nine years ago to start the “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley Award to honor a Kentucky high school senior basketball team manager who exemplifies the essence of “team player” and supports their team with passion, dedication and enthusiasm while also performing well off the court, in the classroom and in the community.
This year’s winner is Mercer County’s Alyssa Pittman and she will be recognized at the Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Awards Ceremony March 22nd at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Resort.
“Being a manager for Mercer County Boys Basketball has taught me so much about life. I have learned firsthand that one person simply doesn’t win the game for the whole team. Every player, coach, and manager are a crucial part of every season,” Pittman said in a news release about the award.
“This team has taught me how to show up for others when they need it the most and I am proud to have a sense of reliability for my team and they know they can count on me. In the future, I will use these skills to be a supportive teammate, leader, and friend. I have learned how to uplift others, work collaboratively, and contribute to any team I’m part of.”
Keightley would love that attitude because he was someone Kentucky coaches and players could always count on.
She has been an Honor Roll member and has a 3.94 grade point average. She participated in the 2025 Governor’s Scholar Program and is a member of DECA, National Beta Club, Leadership Council, National Honors Society, Student Council and the Mercer County Youth Leadership Program.
She was also a football team manager and volunteers with several local organizations in her community.
One Response
I had no idea that this award existed. It certainly appears that they picked a very worthy recipient.
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