Do you know a deserving senior basketball team manager? Someone who supports their team with passion, dedication and enthusiasm while also performing well off the court, in the classroom and in the community. Nominations for the 2023 William “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley Award will be accepted from Kentucky high school coaches and athletic directors from across the state starting December 5, 2022. The deadline for nominations to be submitted is January 13, 2023.
William “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley played basketball at Kavanaugh High School in Lawrenceburg, KY where he graduated in 1944. He then attended Eastern Kentucky University until he entered the U.S. Marine Corps to serve his county in World War II.
Mr. Keightley served as the Equipment Manager for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team from 1962 until his death in 2008. He served under coaches Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Eddie Sutton, Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, and Billy Gillespie. Keightley was part of three NCAA Championship teams and 12 South Eastern Conference Championship teams in his 46 years of tenure.
The William “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley Award will be presented to a Kentucky high school senior basketball team manager, who exemplifies the essence of “team player”. Someone who supports their team with passion, dedication and enthusiasm while also performing well off the court, in the classroom and in the community. Please share this information with a coach or athletic director if you know a deserving high school senior basketball team manager that meets the following criteria:
- Demonstrates outstanding leadership and management skills
- Displays sportsperson like conduct on and off the playing area
- Is in good standing with school behavior
- Shows respect of coaches, referees and teammates
- Shows a positive example to others through their work ethic and and attitude
Nominations will be accepted from coaches and athletic directors. Nominations will be accepted online from December 5, 2022 – January 13, 2023 at 11:59 PM (EST).