The Eastern Kentucky University Colonels go to work this week preparing for their first home game Saturday against Western Carolina. EKU took on UK Saturday in Lexington before losing 28-17. It was an emotional game for many. Former legendary Eastern Coach Roy Kidd was moved into hospice care last week. Saturday, players on both teams wore stickers on their helmets acknowledging the hall of famer. After the game, EKU Coach Walt Wells expressed the significance.
“All the things that that man has done for this state is incredible. And I appreciate Kentucky wearing the sticker just like we did. And I don’t know if Kentucky players will know, but I know our players will always know and you know that’s our job not to let anybody forget,” said Wells.
Wells served as an assistant coach under Coach Kidd from 1997 until 2002, the year Kidd retired with 314 career wins, two national championships.
After the game, EKU Quarterback Parker McKinney said the showing against Kentucky could help boost fan attendance.
“You know I think it just comes to show as far as Eastern Kentucky, I think we may get some more fans, just showing like we can come out here and compete with good teams, obviously an SEC program and that we’re not what we put on film last week,” said McKinney.
A week ago Saturday, Cincinnati handed Eastern a 66-13 setback. McKinney said he and his teammates were hoping to pull off an upset in honor of former EKU Coach Roy Kidd. Kickoff next Saturday against Western Carolina is at 6:00 in Roy Kidd Stadium.
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