Member Center

Sports - True Blue Site

Former Cat Gets Emotional About Returning To Rupp

Posted: Oct 25, 2011 5:15 PM by Alan Cutler
Updated: Oct 25, 2011 5:16 PM

Bookmark and Share
Rating:

1.0 (1 vote)

With time, the love of what you did in college often grows, especially if it was special. That's what's happened to Chuck Hayes.

When Chuck played for UK, it was pretty obvious that he wasn't very emotional. Now that time has marched on, and he starts thinking about playing at Kentucky, he gets extremely emotional.

"It's weird man," says the former UK star.

"Being back on the court is weird. I can replay just about every home game I've ever played. I can replay every intro. The feeling I get when I hear the intro music."

Chuck was surprised he got butterflies before playing at Rupp for an exhibition game against the Villains that were coached by Christian Laettner. This is an NBA veteran.

"There is a little bit. Last time I played here I cried. On senior night. I boo-hoo. Ravi (Moss) knows, I boo-hoo. We sang my Old Kentucky home. And my tears came down my face. So the last time I came here, I cried."

Before his senior day, Chuck told LEX 18 that he wouldn't cry.

"Yeah I did. I did. I didn't think it would get to me."

Hayes calls Rupp his second home. That's strong. And there is one game above all else, he will never forget.

Sophomore year when we played Florida and they were number one. And they came in here. They were number one we were number seven. Sellout crowd. It went back and forth. It was crazy loud. And we went on like a 19-2 run and blew them away. When I think of Rupp arena, I think of that night. That night was electric.

Memories that last a lifetime.

Topics: Chuck Hayes, Kentucky Basketball

Comments