UK Coach Calipari Brings Trophy to Paducah

For such an unlucky day, Friday the 13th turned out to be a very lucky day for local UK fans.

The Big Blue Nation National Championship trophy tour made its way across Kentucky Friday. Kentucky head coach John Calipari, made his last stop in Paducah at the Kroger on Park Avenue.

Over 2,000 UK fans waited for hours to watch Coach Calipari roll into the Kroger parking lot in his "hard to miss" big blue bus. Coach Calipari was accompanied by his wife, Ellen, and former Wildcat coach Joe B. Hall.

Paducah City Commissioner, Gerald Watkins, presented Calipari with a certificate naming him the newest "Duke Of Paducah." This is the highest honor that the city of Paducah offers.

The night was very memorable for all of the fans especially for Charles "Chuck" Hillman of Paducah. Hillman celebrated his 78th birthday all decked out in blue waiting for his moment to get a picture with coach Calipari.

Coach Calipari hung around after his speech to take pictures with everyone in groups of about 25 each.