Another busy day ahead but a very special one for me, too.

I’ve long wanted to go into a coal mine to get just a taste of what it was like for my Grandpa John, who came to this country through Ellis Island, to have worked in the West Virginia mines. John, who I am named for, provided for his family through the work he did in those mines and the opportunities all the Calipari’s have had are based in those very mines where he diligently worked every day. 

Today I get the opportunity to connect in a small way with Grandpa John as I will be attending a mine-opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony with good friend and Alliance Coal’s President, CEO and Director, Joe Craft at River View coal mine in Waverly, Kentucky (in western Union County). I have been asking Joe and Alliance’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Wynne, to get me down in a mine since I met them and today is the day! (Thanks to Joe and Tom for making it happen and congratulations on the opening.)

Also expected at the ceremony will be Governor Steve Beshear and numerous state and local dignitaries. I look forward to seeing the Governor again and to sharing in this special day. I hope to have pictures later on today and will post either here or on Twitter and Facebook – or all three!!!

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When I come back to campus in the late afternoon, there will be some recruits in town for the big weekend in Lexington and the big game on Saturday. I’m really excited that I’ll be able to have my entire team on the floor today for one hour of practice and then again for another hour tomorrow, after the football game.

Everything we do in these two sessions will relate to the Dribble Drive Motion Offense – from the drills we will be doing all year long to instilling the aggressive mentality needed to play the DDM. There won’t be any real defense focused on at this point, as it’s more important early on to get the players comfortable with the drills and the speed at which we do things.

But believe me – we’ll get to defense once real practice starts! My teams always pride themselves on defense – always have and always will.

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Speaking of the football game, let me first wish the best of luck to Coach Brooks and the team tomorrow. For me this will be the first time I get the opportunity to walk into Commonwealth Stadium and onto C. M. Newton Field and see 70,000 Wildcat fans supporting their team. I know I’ll get chills.

We’ll be having a tailgate for our players and then enjoying the game before our afternoon, one hour practice on Saturday.

Let’s make our Sea of Blue wash over those Cardinals! Go Big Blue!

-CC-