80-year-long Elizabethtown UK fan shares birthday wish for big win

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) — After Sunday’s big win against Illinois, the Wildcats are one step closer to securing the championship title. One fan of over eight decades is hoping the Cats make it all the way—helping him celebrate his 104th birthday on April 13.

Wayne Hayes, 103, is a husband, father, and WWII veteran with the U.S. Army, and he’s a huge basketball fan.

With his 104th birthday approaching in April, he has one wish.

“My birthday wish is to get out of bed first,” Wayne said. “At 104, you don’t move too fast.”

Wayne said his ultimate birthday wish would be to meet UK Head Coach Mark Pope.

Wayne said he’s been a UK fan for 80 years, so he’s seen a lot of players and coaches put on the blue and white, but there’s something special about Coach Pope.

“I love his manner; I love his attitude,” Wayne said. “He’s able to manipulate his players for the time and situation, keeps them from getting down.”

Wayne’s love for UK basketball is infectious and has spread throughout his home at RobinBrooke Senior Living.

“It’s just been a lot of fun. All the residents are rallying around it,” Crystal Hamilton, Executive Director at RobinBrooke Senior Living, said. “Everybody is just super excited and hoping that it works out for them—for him. But I think they’re also hoping they get the opportunity to meet him [Pope] as well. So we hope the whole team comes.”

As the Wildcats head into the Sweet 16, Wayne said he has some words of encouragement for the team that will hopefully carry them to the championship.

“You got the nerve to do it, you got the skill to do it, and then all you have to do is give it all you got,” Wayne said.

Wayne said anyone wanting to send him a happy birthday card was encouraged to mail it to RobinBrooke Senior Living in Elizabethtown.