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WHEREAS, under the capable leadership of UK basketball Coach Orlando "Tubby"
Smith and his valued assistants, George Felton, Shawn Finney and Mike Sutton, and the
rest of the support staff, the team has solidified the support of Kentuckians all across the
state and UK fans throughout the world, and

WHEREAS, each member of the UK Wildcat basketball team has proved to be a fine
representative of this University, upholding all standards of excellence and integrity, and

WHEREAS, this particular group of UK athletes has become known in San Antonio and at
all points in every direction as the "Comeback Cats," snatching victory from the jaws of
defeat in each of their last three games -- each against top 10 opponents -- and lending a
sense of pride for every Kentuckian for their never-say-die attitude, and

WHEREAS, the 1997-98 basketball Wildcats proved to all who thrilled to their pinpoint
passing, clutch three-pointers and unselfish play that Teamwork with a capital "T" is still
the most important ingredient in success on and off the basketball court, and

WHEREAS, the coaches and players that made up this Wildcat team showed time and
time again the versatility, willingness and tenacity necessary to adapt their style of offense
and defense to win, no matter the opponent or the situation, and

WHEREAS, the 1998 National Champions brought athleticism and sports entertainment
to a new level in what is being widely hailed as the most exciting Final Four in the history
of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the University of Kentucky Board of
Trustees officially gives its highest commendation and registers its great appreciation to
Coach Tubby Smith and the UK Wildcats for returning the NCAA championship back
where it belongs -- to Kentucky and the University of Kentucky. This Board, and the
citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, shall be forever grateful to the 1997-1998
team for their championship achievements and accomplishments, and for the fun and
excitement they brought to every corner of the state, and to UK fans throughout the
world.

This the 7th day of April, 1998.

       The resolution was adopted unanimously, and President Wethington said the
resolution was highly appropriate.