UK Ohio Convention a special day

The annual UK Ohio Convention is fast approaching. For fans this is a mid-summer opportunity to get out and meet and greet UK representatives. UK football assistant Chuck Smith will be there to answer football questions. UK Director of Basketball Operations Alvis Brooks and former UK All American Kyle Macy will be on hand to field basketball questions.

The annual UK Ohio Convention July 19 in Middletown, Ohio, has another superb lineup of speakers thanks to the work of Jim Porter, Ohio’s No. 1 UK fan.

The 19th annual convention starts at 9 a.m. and usually concludes around 4 p.m.

Making his third straight trip to greet and talk to UK fans will be assistant football coach Chuck Smith. Both times he has been to the convention UK has won eight games, including a bowl victory.

“We want to keep that winning streak and bowl streak alive,” Porter said. “But we are really glad to have Chuck back. He’s been one of our most popular speakers and the highlight video he showed last year was great.”

Alvis Brooks, director of basketball operations for Billy Gillispie, will speak and offer insights into the upcoming season.

Basketball questions he can’t answer will be handled by former UK all-American Kyle Macy, a member of the 1978 national championship team. Macy now works for the UK Radio Network as well as WLAP (630 AM).

My buddy Jim Tirey, who recently started Capitol Sports Talk on WKYW (1490 AM) in Frankfort, will be back, too. He interacts with fans as well as anyone you can find.

“Jim is always a lot of fun,” Porter said.

Then I proudly will be back, too. There is not another day during the year that I enjoy anymore than this one. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help Porter and the give and take with so many true UK fans on this day is wonderful.

The convention started in 1990 and has had 100 or more fans attend 10 of the last 11 years, including a high of 131.

Registration is only $20 and Porter gives out more than enough door prizes and special awards to make this a bargain.

You can send a registration check to Porter at 4200 Beal Rd., Franklin, Ohio, 45005, or get additional information by contacting Charlie Combs (937-746-0697, [e-mail]) or David Starkey (937-746-1866).

Sometimes notable surprise guests also show up. But if you just enjoy talking UK sports, then this is a day I can guarantee you will enjoy.