Track athlete, coach join Olympic team

UK track and field coach Erin Tucker and hurdler Mikel Thomas have been invited to the Olympics in Beijing, joining several other Wildcats.

Tucker, the assistant spring coach will join the Venezuelan Track and Field National Team as a guest coach for Jose Acevedo, a UK track member already dubbed for the Olympics. Tucker just finished his fifth season coaching sprints, hurdles and relays at UK.

Thomas holds the UK varsity record in the 110m hurdles and won a gold medal in the event in the Sagicor/NAAA National Senior Open Championships in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in late June.

These track and field athletes join UK alum David Freeman who ran at UK from 2001 to 2004 and will be representing Puerto Rico.

Football Fan Day set for Aug. 9

UK football Fan Day is scheduled for Aug. 9 at Commonwealth Stadium. Gates 4 and 9 open at 6:30 p.m. and posters and schedule cards will be given away. The first 2,000 fans will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and drink.

Activities on the stadium concourse include inflatable games for kids and an equipment stand where fans can try on UK helmets and shoulder pads. UK athletic trainers will also be set up demonstrating ankle taping and other activities.

Coach Rich Brooks and the team will be introduced at 7:15 p.m. followed by an autograph session with coaches and players that concludes at 9 p.m. with a fireworks show.