By Douglas J. Rentz
UK Athletics Media Relations

"I want to personally thank (Coach Morriss) for what he's done. He's put a lot of excitement into our program, a lot of integrity into our program. It has been a marvelous year for (UK) football, we're going to build on that."

-- Lee T. Todd Jr.,
president,
University of Kentucky

Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2002) -- University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. and Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart conducted the meeting of the UK Athletic Association Board of Directors, which convened Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Patterson Office Tower on the UK campus.

Todd opened the meeting with remarks about Coach Guy Morriss' acceptance of the head football coaching position at Baylor University, Waco, Texas. The 11th president of UK thanked Morriss for his hard work and dedication to the university.

"I want to personally thank (Coach Morriss) for what he's done. He's put a lot of excitement into our program, a lot of integrity into our program. It has been a marvelous year for (UK) football, we're going to build on that," said Todd. He went on to wish Morriss and his family "the best as they move down to Texas."

Following his best wishes for the Morriss family, Athletics Director Barnhart indicated he would like to have a new UK football coach selected by Christmas.

"We have to move decisively and quickly in terms of recruiting. I want someone who is dedicated to winning championships and someone who is prepared to compete annually in the top half of what I consider to be the best football conference in America," said Barnhart.

Barnhart introduced new athletics department personnel, discussed developing a more equitable ticket allocation system for Rupp Arena and Commonwealth Stadium, and presented his hopes for facility upgrades.

Barnhart, who began his tenure at UK on July 15, 2002, introduced to the board Rob Mullens, executive associate director of athletics; Greg Byrne, associate director of athletics for fund raising and development; Rick Thompson, associate director of athletics for marketing, licensing and media relations; and Joe Sharpe, assistant athletics director for tickets. He also promoted Micki King, assistant athletics director, to full-time status as senior women's administrator.

President Todd recommended board structure changes, proposing a reduction from 22 members to 17. The president's suggested reorganization includes the addition of two scholarship student-athletes, one female and one male.