The Final Workman Visits Rupp! A blog by Eric

As I type this Blog the sound of a wireless basketball scoreboard and a roaring audience fill the living room. Why? Because a five-year-old wearing a blue and white number 22 Kentucky jersey is, in his mind, running up and down the Rupp Arena floor 'versing' Marshall University. Ahhh....is this the result of brainwashing family tradition being passed down to my sons?

I believe so.

Actually, it is the result of a father/son pilgrimage and a rite of passage in the Workman family to the home of the Wildcats, Rupp Arena.

When Biz turned five, he, too, made his first trip to Rupp Arena.

It was a blast. Biz sat beside me totally zoned into the game, holding up 3 posters when the Cats drained a trey, and booed when the opposing team tried to concentrate on hitting their free throws. Biz has always been our energetic, up for anything, as long as there was noise and lots of people, kind of kid. Seth, our more reserved son isn't as easily enthused (see our epic failed trips to the circus and Disney on Ice). So when I scored two tickets from Meem and Peep for Seth and I to go to Rupp, I wasn't sure how it would go. But in the days leading up to our December 22nd trip, Tep (our name for Seth) displayed some excitement which made me a very happy Dada.

 In an attempt to avoid holiday travel traffic and UK fan traffic in Lexington, Seth and I left Granny's house in plenty of time to catch the opening song, player intro and fireworks.  We sailed right into the heart of Big Blue Nation without a hitch which gave us ample time to get the full experience. The full experience, which also included Seth having his first ever, very own Ale-8 to drink on the way. (Don't worry non bluegrass folks, who might have never heard of this tasty, unique to Kentucky beverage. It is completely non-alcoholic and a must have when we travel back home.)




Once at Rupp, we walked into a sea of blue clad fans. One of the very first sights we happened upon was a UK Stormtrooper. Note: The blue Stormtroopers are much more timid than his Star Wars ancestors. He allowed us to snap a picture before heading to the Kentucky Korner gift store.

We weaved in and out of the masses and Tep took inventory of the store so that he could pick out the perfect souvenir. He decided on a mini-UK basketball. This was perfect because on the second level concourse, there is the hardwood playing floor that was the former playing floor in Rupp. Seth got to dribble his new ball on the floor. He was so excited and even played the role of commentator while dribbling  "And Kentucky shoots and wins!"




 










One special moment was when we entered the actual arena. He saw the floor and I think that is really when it hit him where we were. This was the same place we saw on TV for so many seasons!

We were immediately approached by an elderly usher with blue framed glasses and a blue blazer. He asked if this was Seth's first time at Rupp. After Seth told him it was, he told us not to move and that he would be right back. He returned a few seconds later with a UK button for Seth. Seth's eyes lit up and he said to me, "This means I am special to the UK players."

It was a sweet moment.

 From the time the lights went out, spotlights danced around the arena, On, On U of K played, and the announcer heralded, 'And now YOUR University of Kentucky WILDCATS!' Seth was 100% zoned in and thrilled to be there. He cheered, he booed (against Marshall), he jumped, he laughed, we shared a Coke and popcorn, and both took in the atmosphere and appreciated just being there together. My little buddy would look up at me and ask questions initially. I showed him where the scoreboard was and how to see who was winning so he could keep up without asking me after every bucket. I pointed out and explained the shot clock, the game clock, everything a Rupp rookie needs to know to be a self-reliant spectator.

With three minutes to go in the first half, I asked Seth if he needed to use the restroom. He said he did and I asked him if he wanted to go now before the crowd beat us to the bathroom, or if he wanted to wait until halftime. He said, "If we go now, will I miss some of the game?" I said yes to which he responded, "then I'll wait until halftime." He didn't want to miss a second. Never mind the Cats were up 33-24 at the half.

He told me his favorite players were numbers 3 (Noel), 15 (Cauley-Stein), and 5 (Polson). I think he just added Polson because he's my favorite player as well. Although, numbers 3 and 15 are not far behind on my list either.

There are certain moments that a father will forever keep in his heart. Watching Biz, and now Seth, at Rupp are memories that I will always carry with me. There were times when I think I missed two to three minutes of the game just watching my little buddy's enamored joy by the action on the floor. He talked my ear off asking all kinds of questions. I was happy to answer them because I know there may come a time when he thinks ole' dad doesn't know much. It was truly one of the highlights of my fatherhood thus far.

When we got into the car after catching some of the Coach Cal show, Seth said, "Can we come to Rupp Arena everyday?" I wish buddy....I wish.

Thank you Jesus for giving me the privilege to be the father to two of the coolest guys I know. And thank you, UK basketball, for providing bonding time that none of us will forget.