Kentucky
McLaughlin & Hayes Hat Co. hat selected for Kentucky Derby Museum
MILWAUKEE — We introduced McLaughlin & Hayes Hat Co. as a hidden gem last year. We’re revisiting them to share some great news. One of their hats was selected to be in the Kentucky Derby Museum.
A contest was held to honor the Derby’s 150th anniversary. There were worldwide submissions from professional and amateur milliners and designers. From them, eight full ensembles, eight pieces of headwear, and two accessory submissions were chosen. John McLaughlin’s hand painted hat was selected not only as one of the eight, but to be part of their permanent collection.
“It is a 100% Beaver fur felt fedora that we custom-made in-house on our 100-year-old equipment, and then I used a technique that we’ve developed to apply the artwork. I could see in my head. After I finalized the shape, I then started with a mechanical pencil, and hand drew the scene onto the hat so that I can make small changes and make sure that the alignment is right.” Said John.
He then applied alcohol-based ink with felt tip brushes. John added an extra step which he calls a watercolor effect that bleeds the ink and softens the lines.
The Kentucky Derby, though held in Kentucky, is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Those who don’t attend often celebrate with elaborate parties and hats are a must!
I spoke with Kate McLaughlin about Derby fashion and folklore. Kate says, “The Kentucky Derby has evolved into the most stylish few minutes of sports that’s out there. When you show up, you have to show out.” This is an equal opportunity to be fabulous, both men and women dress up for the Derby.
As far as folklore, she says people who go to the Derby believe that if you’re placing a bet and you’re not wearing a hat, you will bring bad luck to everyone who bet on the same horse and jockey you have. “It is folklore, and it is folklore that is meant to be observed.” Said Kate.
Not interested in Derby doings? Easter is also coming up, and every church lady needs her hat.
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Kentucky
Kentucky football spring game offers early look at Will Stein’s Cats
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
Kentucky
Kentucky has reportedly moved on from top-10 transfer Paulius Murauskas

Kentucky
Kentucky gets some potentially good news concerning Donnie Freeman
Time is of the essence if you’re Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats right now. With the transfer portal set to close in just a few days, chaos reigns as programs and players scramble to secure their next opportunities. Among the fray is Kentucky, which finds itself navigating a tumultuous landscape in search of elite talent. With many of the Top 25 players already committed, the urgency for the Wildcats to land a game-changing recruit has never been more at the forefront following this season.
One of Pope’s primary targets is Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman. The 6-foot-9 rising junior made waves during his time at Syracuse, averaging 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 47.4 percent from the field last season. His potential is undeniable; many experts predict Freeman will be a future first-round NBA draft pick, making him a coveted asset for any program.
Freeman’s recent visit to Kentucky has sparked much-needed hope. However, despite positive feedback from his trip, he left without making a commitment to join one of college basketball’s blue bloods. The competition is fierce. The question looms: Can Kentucky outmaneuver these schools and secure his commitment?
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Well, Friday morning, the Cats were able to outlast one of their deepest competitions for now in Connecticut. Freeman was set to make his way to see the Huskies, but he has since cancelled his Friday visit, per UConn Report (subscription required). Now it appears the Huskies officially have bowed out of the race. That’s one down, and just the Alabama Crimson Tide, it appears, stands in the way for Mark Pope and Kentucky.
Mark Pope faces additional pressure following the return of Rob Wright to BYU, leaving the Wildcats in a precarious position when it comes to key portal targets. They need to act swiftly to avoid being left without significant talent as the portal closes. Freeman’s skill set would not only bolster their roster but would also complement rising star Malachi Moreno, as Freeman would be the ideal fit for the power forward.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Mark Pope and his ability to close this deal. The stakes are high, and for Kentucky, landing Donnie Freeman could be the key to turning chaos into triumph, but will they be able to close perhaps the deal amidst the age of transfer portal madness? Well, they are one step closer now, it appears.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky basketball closing in on a Donnie Freeman commitment?
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