Cheering for UCONN… in Kentucky

I’m not sure how much this blog post will relate to school health. But does that really matter the day of the National Championship? I didn’t think so.

I grew up 30 minutes from Storrs, CT. Yes, home of cow pastures and open fields, but also the University of Connecticut. A university known for it’s exemplary soccer and basketball programs. I moved from CT in 1993 and never went back, but as many of you can relate, the loyalty was established in my first 18 years of life. Being a Husky and living in Portland OR for 17 years really didn’t matter. It’s not like the Ducks or Beavers are rivalries to my team. I wore my UCONN shirt out regularly and nobody would even notice it. Never a comment or smart remark in 17 years. 

And then, I moved to Kentucky in November of last year. Oh boy. What a difference living in the most college-basketball-crazed state in the country. However, I should back up to 2012 for a moment. I work with a colleague who lives in Kentucky and is a good friend. Within possibly 5 minutes of meeting him in October of 2011 at the American School Health Association Conference in Louisville, we were talking basketball. UCONN had won that year and my colleague was hinting at a #8 for UK. Within months of knowing each other, we booked a trip to New Orleans, unaware who would make it to the Final Four. Amazingly, his team went all the way. And I became a bandwagon UK fan. I mean, I was down there. I didn’t know anyone cheering for UofL. I wasn’t going to wear UCONN gear at a national championship game if they weren’t in it. That trip was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever taken and definitely the most amazing spectator sport experience I’ve ever had. 

2 years later, I find myself living in Kentucky. What are the chances that UCONN and UK are playing each other tonight? Unbelievable. I’ve learned a lot the past week. You know you are living in Kentucky when every meeting I’m in today begins with basketball talk. Every water cooler and bathroom stall conversation. Have I admitted to being a UCONN fan? Yes, but carefully. Where will I watch the game? Unsure at this point. However, it’s quite fascinating that there is such a University of Louisville and University of Kentucky divide that I’ve found Louisvilians more likely to root for MY team tonight than the ‘other’ team in this state. Incredible. Whoever heard of such of thing!?! I didn’t even wear blue today for fear that the people I came into contact with during 3 meetings and on errands would assume I’m wearing blue for UK.

So with that said, basketball is the religion in this state. And, I’m a huge UCONN basketball fan. Living in Kentucky and being a UCONN fan isn’t easy. But, I’m loyal. Let the best team win… I’m sure we all know who that’ll be.