Dear Mr. Barnhart 1-22-2010

January 22, 2010
Dear Mr. Mitch Barnhart,

As I sit at home on this Friday afternoon, a Friday that is as grey and foggy as this one, I wondered what it would be that would brighten it. I didn't have to think long. On the eve of a game against Arkansas when a win would put us into the #1 spot in the polls there is no amount of fog, greyness or gloominess that could keep that sun from shining through. SPF #1,524 wouldn't prevent a sunburn under the rays that are shining right now. Your Kentucky Wildcats are HOT and I have only one person to thank, you.

During the last few seasons I couldn't help but to wonder what you were thinking. The previous mens college basketball regime took the nations best, most glorious program straight to the toilet. It wasn't the fault of the kids that were playing hard, it was the regimes fault. It was your fault. Mr. Clyde was too far gone and had no chance to redeem himself; you had one chance and you made us all proud when you capitalized on it. You sent Billy packing and went on the hunt that led to the hiring of Coach John Calipari. You capitalized on your one chance at redemption and for that, I thank you.

Coach Cal has brought the spirit of college basketball back to this Nation of Blue from the day he arrived in Lexington. He is a classy character that "gets" our program, understands the expectation and is capable of meeting our seemingly unachievable goals. He is a recruiter, an educator and an overall class act. He was the much needed face that the Kentucky Wildcats needed. Coach Cal is here because of your tireless efforts and for that, I thank you.

Tomorrow we have a chance to return to #1. The Razorbacks will not stop us and the Cats will achieve your vision of getting back to glory. You single handedly have turned this gloomy Friday evening into the brightest evening of the year. Tomorrow, Mr. Barnhart, when we defeat Arkansas I hope you have on your shades and your SPF #1,524 because those rays will be shining right on you. You have given this fan a reason to smile tonight and look forward to what may be an otherwise gloomy day. Here's to 19-0!

Thank you,
Scott Z. and...

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