re: Great Memory LSU vs Kentucky 1986 Regional Final

I was a senior in high school in Kentucky at the time. My dad had raised me to be an LSU Tiger (he graduated LSU in 1954), and I was in a complete slump from losing to UK twice in the regular season and then in the SEC Tournament.

I sent a letter to Coach Brown, begging hinm to beat UK because I couldn't take it anymore from all the folks around me. I never expected a reply, but damned if I didn't get one.

The day of the game against UK I found a letter adressed to me from the Men's Basketball Department of the LSU Athletic Department (Yeah, I know that sounds weird when you read it.). It was a post card from Coach Brown that simply said, "Marc, we will do our best." and it was accompanied by several programs from that season as well as a few papers and notes about LSU Basketball, another page about LSU overall, and even a form to tryout for LSU basketball. (Of course, just because I was from Kentucky didn't mean I could play basketball. I could play trumpet better than anyone, but I sucked at sports even though I loves trying.)

Anyway, I'll never forget that fourth game against UK that year. Yeah, they had beaten us twice in the regular season, and they had beaten us in the SEC Tournament. But that fourth time, when it meant a trip to the Final Four, Ricky Blanton ensured that we BEAT THEIR arse!

I went to school the next day there in Ashland, KY and carried that post card from Coach Brown with me as I wore purple and gold from head to toe. I never had such a good feeling in my life as I had that day. I was really rubbing it in everyone's face because I had caught my share of shyte all year from my peers. It was the most wonderful payback and gloating I ever enjoyed!

Thanks so much for the link, Rudy40! (I'm guessing that's a reference to the great Rudy Macklin who came to LSU from Louisville to play for us in those great days of the late 70s and early 80s.) Your original post has really made my day!