SPORTS

Calipari should be un-benched for the season

Creig Ewing
Louisville

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari seems to be everywhere in the Bahamas — except on the bench. While his assistants take over during the exhibition games, Cal is in the cheap seats or manning ESPN cameras. Heck, he might be swimming a few laps.

This may seem like all fun and games, but it's another genius idea from Cal. He needs to continue it in the regular season — with some modifications.

Any time the Wildcats are up 20 by halftime should become "Where's Cal?" time.

Shellacking Grand Canyon in the opener? Calipari spends the second half taking selfies in the student section.

Bullying Buffalo? Cal swaps spots with Tom Leach and does play-by-play.

Mauling Montana State? Cal's in the concession stand selling popcorn.

Clubbing Columbia? Is that Cal doing backflips in the Wildcat costume?

It can't lose.

Look at the schedule. There are some great matchups, but don't expect drama in many games. If Eastern Kentucky can't provide it, "Where's Cal?" can.

And if the Cats actually lose when Calipari is parachuting from the rafters, folks can stop saying he's not really a bench coach.

SPARKLING STADIUM

Louisville's new soccer facility — the 5,300-seat Lynn Stadium — is drawing raves from the U of L players who can't wait to play there this fall. It also has great curb appeal from I-65. (Bye, bye silos!)

Too bad Lynn Stadium didn't seem to catch the eye of the new pro soccer team in town that will start play in April. Louisville City FC seemed singularly drawn to Louisville Slugger Field — pitcher's mound and all.

Perhaps if Tom Jurich had thought to put a pile of dirt in the middle of his shiny, new soccer field as bait, he could have lured Louisville City FC as well. Maybe next year.

Creig Ewing is The Courier-Journal's sports editor. He can be reached at (502) 582-4043 or on Twitter at @acewing.