Since John Calipari landed on campus and opened his now-world famous Twitter account, Twitter has taken over UK Athletics.

A handful of UK’s highest-profile coaches keep fans updated on Twitter every day. Calipari, Rich Brooks, Joker Phillips and Matthew Mitchell all maintain accounts. UK volleyball, track and rifle do, too.

Even the folks at UK compliance have almost 450 followers. A recent tweet:

“If they aren’t in 12 hours, They have to hit the showers! Beginning Wed, all athletes must be enrolled in a full-time hours for practice.”

Coach Cal’s set the trend with his ever-growing legion of almost 680,000 followers. Following Cal’s lead, everybody at UK is hopping on Twitter. Even UK compliance.

(And I wonder if compliance would ever self-report any violations on its Twitter page. Doubtful.)

Coaches across the university are eager to share tiny details completely unrelated to sports. Take women’s soccer coach Jon Lipsitz on Sunday: “jamba juice oh how i have missed you :)”

Suffice to say, UK coaches are having fun with Twitter, eager to share the daily highs of being a coach.

But maybe some of these tweets aren’t what they mean.

What Calipari said: “BBN (Big Blue Nation) looked mighty fine from a helicopter. Pilot Dan Rice from RJ Corman gave us one smooth ride.”

What he meant: “Yeah, I’m touring across the state for two weeks in a helicopter. Never did this in Memphis!!”

What Brooks said: “Micah made it through practice and we will see how he is tomorrow. Mike Hartline and Trevard Lindley are game captains for the game.”

What he meant: “One of our best defensive players is hurt…but here, let me distract you with this bit about Mike Hartline and Trevard Lindley!”

What Lipsitz said: “on my way back to Lex. Enough flying for one day”

What he meant: “I’m just trying to keep up with Coach Cal here.”

At least those coaches are letting themselves be heard. These individuals are taking the opportunity to promote their programs, no matter if it’s UK basketball or UK rifle.

Calipari has a great opportunity to promote himself, his program and UK. Most of his posts are family-related, but several are directed at other UK coaches.

He even let UK President Lee Todd control his account for a week over the summer and post unabashed public relations for the university.

But no matter how many UK figures are on Twitter, it’ll never be enough. Here are some tweets UK fans wish they saw:

Rick Pitino: “Calling press conference today to yell at fans for believing lies. What recent tragedy can I name-drop to play sympathy card?”

Jesse Witten, former UK tennis player: “Won my first match at US Open. Win today and I play Novak Djokovic. Hoping he acts injured like always and I can win!”

Eddie Sutton, former UK basketball coach: “Heard Pitino and Gillispie have gotten in trouble lately. Staying indoors for the next month or so.”

Billy Gillispie: “Wait, people are following me?”

James Pennington is a journalism senior. E-mail [email protected].