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Established in1961, the Kentucky K Club serves as an exclusive community for former athletes and honorees from the University of Kentucky. The club welcomes men and women who earned varsity letters in one of the University's twenty-three varsity sports, as well as team managers, trainers, and special inductees.
Our membership is comprised for a unique, elite group of men and women who want to stay in the game, cherish their sports commitment, and nurture the legacy they helped develop.
Join others that have made that same commitment. Connect with other past, present, and future varsity letter wearers to preserve and promote that special Wildcat bond. Membership dues support opportunities to celebrate a wide array of sports with a diverse group of male and female athletes from yesterday and today.
Stay in the game, remain committed, and be a part our exclusive group. K Club is your team for keeps.
The Kentucky K Club is committed to preserving and promoting the storied traditions of the University of Kentucky. We strive in our mission to support the enduring legacy of varsity letter winners, fostering a sense of purpose beyond athletics. By encouraging and nurturing former student-athletes through fellowship, networking opportunities, and leveraging our collective influence to make a meaningful impact on charitable organizations and the local community, we honor and enhance our Wildcat bond.
Fellowship - As iron sharpens iron, our members strengthen our connection with one another through social interactions, networking events, philanthropic initiatives, and community outreach.
Networking - We are committed to building a robust platform that connects our members with a diverse and influential group of athletes, business owners, and community leaders.
Philanthropy - In partnership with other charitable nonprofits, we strive to improve the quality of life for people across the Commonwealth of Kentucky through initiatives focused on health, wellness, and education.
It all started May 1961, in a conversation in Paintsville, KY, between Frank Seale and Robert Montgomery. The theme – an association of K-Men – to promote and develop fellowship among varsity lettermen – to aid and assist the University of Kentucky and its athletic program consistent with the SEC and NCAA rules and regulations – to equip, furnish and maintain a K-Men’s Room on the UK campus – to have an annual K-Day at some varsity event.
This dream was discussed with B.A. Shively, Athletics Director, in June 1961, and a small group of lettermen were invited to a Dutch treat luncheon. Plans were discussed, ideas exchanged – and in August, 1961, B.A. Shively directed a letter to all K-Men for whom addresses could be obtained announcing that the Kentucky-Florida State football game on Nov. 4, 1961, had been designated by the University Athletic Department as K-Day.
The second K-Day was Sept. 22, 1962 (UK vs. Florida State). President Frank Dickey and Athletics Director B.A. Shively welcomed all K-Men. Coach Charlie Bradshaw was the guest speaker. Following the luncheon, the K-Men went into executive session and formally adopted a constitution to be known as the K-Men’s Association. The following officers were elected: President-Frank Seale; vice-president-Harry Ulinski; secretary-Dick Rushing, and treasurer- Carl “Hoot” Combs. The third K-Day was set as Sept. 21, 1963 (UK vs. VPI).
On Jan. 19, 1963, the basketball lettermen met at a luncheon and formally adopted the same constitution as adopted by the football lettermen on Sept. 22, 1962. With the approval of football and basketball lettermen of the constitution, the following were duly elected as the first K-Men’s officers on Sept. 21, 1963: President-Frank Seale; vice president-Wallace Jones; secretary-Dick Rushing, and treasurer-Carl “Hoot” Combs.
The Constitution has been so constructed that lettermen of all sports at UK may become members of this organization.
The Board of Directors in 1963 inaugurated the plaque “K-Man of the Year” award. In 1963, over $2,000 was received from K-Men to furnish a K-Room in the alumni house.
In 1963 the K-Men started the “Dollars for Scholars” program. This was a program where the K-Men sponsored a UK freshman football game and a basketball game to help some worthy student gain an education. Nine hundred dollars per year for four years (a total of $3,600) was awarded to the first student on June 1, 1964. This program remained in force for several years but has now changed whereby we sponsor the annual spring Blue-White football game and an early basketball scrimmage. The K- Men’s portion of monies received from these games is used to carry on our K-Men’s activities.
In June 1963, the annual K- Day Golf Tourney was started in Paintsville, Ky, with the great generosity of our beloved K-Man Dr. Paul B. Hall. K-Men from all over the USA met in this beautiful setting for two days of fellowship and golf. The members of the Paintsville Country Club furnish the carts and play with the K-Men. Bob Mullins and the Moonliters work diligently to furnish refreshments at Hole #6 and the outdoor picnic at Tee #11. The elaborate cookout of steak, lobster, and trimmings up the hollow is well known to those who have attended.
A K-House had been the dream of the organization for several years. A plot of ground near the new Commonwealth football stadium was obtained from the University.
A concerted drive was started to raise $100,000 from K-Members and friends. On November 12, 1976, the K-Men held groundbreaking ceremonies. The building opened in the fall of 1977 and has been the home of the K Club ever since.
Here at The K Club, we acknowledge the contributions of our fallen K Club Members – individuals who played a vital role in shaping our community.
These members brought unique skills and perspectives that enriched our collective experience. We remember them for the mark they left on our organization. Their achievements, camaraderie, and shared challenges contributed to the essence of the K Club.
Their absence is felt, but we draw strength from the memories and lessons they've left us. Their resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us, serving as a reminder of what we can achieve together.
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat...
If you have any information regarding the passing of any former letter winners, please let us know by emailing our executive director at executivedirector@kentuckykclub.com.
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