Kentucky’s men’s basketball squad returned to the hills of Eastern Kentucky this summer for its annual retreat, a tradition that blends service, camaraderie, and the great outdoors.
Over several sweltering days, players and staff turned their hands to construction, erecting a gazebo for the ARH Cancer Center in Hazard while battling heat and humidity, all under the watchful eye of volunteers.
Coach Mark Pope chronicled the effort live on Instagram, offering fans a behind‑the‑scenes look and introducing staff member Milan Momcilovic to the online audience.
A Player’s Perspective
The retreat also included a visit to Big Franck Kepnang, whose enthusiastic praise labeled the Wildcats as the GOATs, highlighting both skill and dedication.
After a day of building, the team swapped tools for paddles, kayaking through the iconic Red River Gorge to cool off and soak in the scenery.
This marks the third straight year the Wildcats have chosen Eastern Kentucky as the retreat’s backdrop, continuing a pattern of flood‑recovery house builds, community cookouts, and adventures at spots like Natural Bridge.