ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — From Adolph Rupp to Rick Pitino to Mark Pope, Wayne Hayes has seen 13 different head coaches at the helm for Kentucky Men’s Basketball.

What You Need To Know

  • Wayne Hayes was born April 13, 1921 and is set to turn 104 

  • He has cheered on Kentucky Men's Basketball for nearly a century and has seen 13 different head coaches at the helm  

  • His hope was to meet coach Mark Pope or a Wildcats player for his birthday  

  • Hayes, a World War II veteran, lives at RobinBrooke Senior Living in Elizabethtown 

“Been a long time, 80 years, 90; you kind of lose track of time,” Hayes said.

Hayes grew up and lived most of his life in Kentucky. He worked most of his life in insurance after serving in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

The veteran said no matter where he went or where he was, he always cheered for the Cats.

“Even then, back in ’21, the 1930s, they were on the forefront,” Hayes said. “They’ve been easy to follow because they get a lot of publicity.” 

Hayes, who lives at RobinBrooke Senior Living in Elizabethtown, will turn 104 on April 13. He and his retirement home hope Wildcats coach Mark Pope will meet the lifelong fan. 

“It would be great; he’s a good guy and a good coach,” Hayes said.

Coach Pope is unable to visit Hayes on his birthday, so on Friday, he sent him a Big Blue Nation greeting.

Hayes said he’s just a regular guy, but the plea to Pope has given him national attention.

“I just went and picked up my mail; that’ll probably be my 90th card that I have received, from California, New York, one from Maine, one from Florida and people have really been joining in,” Hayes said.

Crystal Hamilton, executive director of RobinBrooke Senior Living, said if anyone deserves to meet Mark Pope or anyone from UK history, it’s Hayes.

“Whether it’s Mark Pope, current players, former players; you know Richie Farmer, Goose Givens, that could brighten his day and make it a special one,” Hamilton said.

Hayes also received a special gift from former Kentucky great, Kyle Macy also on Friday.

Hayes said he knows Pope is working hard for next season but commends him for a job well done in year one.

“Look who’s in the [Final Four]; four No. 1 [teams],” Hayes said. “He beat one of them twice, another one once; you can’t fault that.” 

Hayes said his favorite player from this year’s team was graduate student forward Andrew Carr. He said with or without UK royalty, he expects his birthday party to be a fun one.

The lifelong fan has two children, both still living, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He said he has passed the UK fandom down to them.