Becoming a legend probably wasn't on Bill Keightley's mind in 1936. The Anderson County farm boy was only 10 when his father died, leaving the chore of milking the family's 24 cows and tending the crops to him and an older brother. His only break from work came in the fall when he would scamper across the fields to his one-room schoolhouse. That's also where he was introduced to basketball, playing pickup games during recess.
"We worked hard and we played hard," the University of Kentucky equipment manager told a reporter several years ago.
By the time he was ready for high school, the muscular six-footer was seen as a player whose skills might transfer nicely from the dirt courts to the hardwood. But there was one problem. The county high school was in Lawrenceburg, six miles away, and no bus service was available in 1941.
A neighbor came to his rescue.
"Bill told me more than once that if Roy Robinson hadn't had a morning milk route, he would never have made it through high school," said his friend and former Kavanaugh High teammate Paul Hanks. "Bill would ride into town with him every morning, sitting in the back of the truck on the milk cans."
The future "Mr. Wildcat" was following in the giant footsteps of three UK greats at the tiny high school. Forrest "Aggie" Sale had starred at Kavanaugh before leading Kentucky to the school's first national title in 1933; Paul McBrayer was an All-American captain of the Cats in 1929-30 and later an assistant coach under Adolph Rupp; and Ralph Carlisle was named All SEC before returning home to coach at his alma mater in the1940s. He went on to win state titles at Lexington Lafayette in 1950, 53, and 57.
Keightley once scored 21 points for the Tigers in a 25-23 victory over Frankfort, then the state's top-ranked team. He usually was leading scorer and was very crafty with his moves, being able to shoot a hook with either hand, according to teammates.
Carlisle was at the helm during Keightley's first two seasons, giving him his first taste of the demands of UK-style basketball. "He could really get after you big time," said Keightley.
Graduation from high school was followed by a stint in the Marine Corps.
"All the guys (in the Marines) talked about how tough Parris Island was, but to me it was like a vacation after farming and playing under Carlisle," Keightley once remarked with his trademark bellowing laughter.
Combining firmness with fairness and a hefty dose of humor, the ex-farmer cultivated a crop of excellent student managers over his 50-year tenure. He often referred to the group collectively as "my boys," and they, along with players and coaches, sought him out often for advice and counseling.
Back in his home county, those who knew him best were rehashing old stories and sharing new ones upon learning of his untimely death, allowing tears from sorrow and laughter to intermingle.
"He had more friends than anyone I have ever known," said Hanks. "Even in high school, he was a leader who drew people to him by being so genuine. He was even friends with all the opposing coaches. I was happy just to know himÖto be his friend."
Former Lawrenceburg postmaster W. J. Smith was a starter for the UK freshman squad in 1941 and saw limited varsity action the next year as a practice player. He recalls visiting a UK practice session when Keightley called the players over to meet him. "He said, 'Boys, this was one of Rupp's favorite players'; Rupp didn't much more than know my name, but Bill had those boys looking on in wide-eyed amazement," said Smith.
Another story making the rounds came out of an interview conducted with Keightley several years ago. Rick Pitino was already at UK, but his family was still living in New York City. "He needed a ride to the airport," Keightley said. "I have always driven a pickup truck, and I had this old truck that needed a muffler.
"We were bouncing around New Circle Road and Rick said 'I wish Joanne could see me now. She says I always have to ride to the airport in a limousine. I said, 'Coach, you are in Kentucky now. This IS a limousine.'"
Later, Pitino presented Keightley with a new pickup. In recent days the gifts have continued to pour forth, mostly in the form of thoughts, prayers, and tributes, both spoken and written.
He leaves to mourn his passing, a wife, a daughter, and at least a thousand sons.
Don White is former editor of newspapers in Kentucky now a columnist published throughout the state. You can reach him at don.kenandtucky@yahoo.com.