University of Kentucky fans have been labeled crazy about their sports before, especially in basketball and football.

I have admitted more than once to my readers I am one of those crazy Wildcat fans.

No, I am not the normal crazy fan. What happened in the Georgia-Kentucky game made me begin to worry about just how into Kentucky basketball I really am.

As usual, I was glued to the TV. However, the whole time I was in the room our team was falling behind. I first noticed this when I went to get a bottle of water from the refrigerator. When I returned, we were up by two points. We had made about four points during that time.

Once I began watching, the other team went on a run and pulled ahead. Then my phone rang, and I have to tell you I hate to get a phone call during a ball game, but it was a call I needed to take. When I returned, we were about seven points ahead and I got really excited.

I began to watch the game again and things went downhill quickly.

It was time for a bathroom break, so I took my time and slowly came back to see what was going on and we were tied up until I began to watch and the team was missing easy shots they would normally make.

I took this personally and decided I’d had enough. I was going to go back to the bathroom to read. I did leave the TV up loud enough I could tell if the crowd was yelling loudly or not.

I can not tell you how often I would tip toe in and out of that room for fear that I would make them lose as time was running out.

Every time I stuck my head in the room, the game got tied. Those were the longest 12 seconds I ever heard of. I even missed the final shot Kentucky made and had to hear the announcer say the score.

So, I have now confessed to you, how loony I really am. I do admit I love the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, but watching them this year is becoming detrimental to my health. I am holding my breath way too long in a game and it is beginning to interfere with my sleep. I am having trouble getting to sleep and relax after the close games.

What is it with this year’s group of freshmen players anyway? Do they not know by now we Kentucky fans expect them to be playing like seniors by this time of the year? Maybe we have come to expect too much from our team.

I know all the teams in the SEC are good teams, but they always have been. Besides wasn’t this supposed to have been our best recruiting class ever? We have the right to expect a lot.

All of this love for Kentucky basketball goes way back for me as I saw how important it was to my daddy and his love for the game. All of his five kids have followed suit, and when my brothers were in service overseas, it thrilled their hearts and brought them closer to home each time they got to watch a UK Game. Besides that, they could claim bragging rights on the game. They seldom got let down.

Through the years it has been wonderful  entertainment for me and my family. I have been very blessed to have sat many times in Rupp Arena through the years and watch many outstanding games. I assure you, I cheered as loud as anyone in the arena.

I get so frustrated if after a foul the free throw shot is missed. This year’s team has definitely improved on this, now if only they will improve on those long three-point shots.

If they could just hear me through the TV set I am sure I could help them out a little more. On second thought, maybe they better continue listening to Coach Calipari. I feel pretty certain he is going to get them in line before February and March come along. I am just hoping it will be for the remainder of the season.

These hold-your-breath margins are a little much for us fans. I want to end by what I scream over and over again in the game, “Go Big Blue! Go Big Blue!” Go Big Blue, I love you and I am willing to let the world know how much, too!

However, I am perfectly content now watching the game from the safe confines of my home. I am a true armchair player. But, I would give up my armchair for a ticket to a SEC tournament game. I hope they make it to the final four, better yet, win the championship.

Now, Go Big Blue!

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.