
Mark Stoops remembers exactly where he was Sept. 11, 2001. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky hosts Missouri Saturday night in a crucial Southeastern Conference game for the Wildcats. However, Saturday is also a historic day. It was 20 years ago that terrorists coordinated four attacks against the U.S. Four airplanes were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. There were 2,977 fatalities and over 25,000 injuries along with long-term health consequences for many. There was also over $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage.
“I know exactly where I was. We were getting ready to play. I was with the (Miami) Hurricanes. I was in my office. One of the GAs (graduate assistant coaches) or quality control coaches were in their office breaking down film and saw it happen (on TV),” Stoops said Monday.
“We were in the defensive meeting and went over to his office, all of us, and watched it and then we saw the other plane hit as we were watching it.”
Kentucky’s players are too young to have memories of 9/11 even though most should know what happened. However, many UK fans at Saturday night’s game will remember where they were that fateful day. I was in The Advocate-Messenger newsroom watching in disbelief.
It sure doesn’t seem like it has been 20 years already since those attacks were carried out but it was. I’m certain UK will have a moment of silence before kickoff at the very least to remember that day.
“Obviously, I think just shock at that point in time,” Stoops said as he reflected on 9/11. “Shock and a lot of different reactions – sad, angry, disappointed.
“I think after a short amount of time we knew we were not going to play a football game that Saturday.”