The Wildcat Marching Band's 22 set for Jared Lorenzen

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to do something cool. Something that meant a lot to me and everyone else who was a part of the 22 set during halftime of Kentucky’s season opener against Toldeo.

Kentucky's band formed a 22 to honor Jared Lorenzen. pic.twitter.com/WxXPoceltS

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 31, 2019

Last week, myself and 225 others looked at our coordinate sheet and found out that this was going to be the set we would make as we played the hit song “Rocketman” by Elton John. Immediate goosebumps flew in my body and I knew this was going to be amazing for not only the fans of this program but to us in the Wildcat Marching Band.

It was also an amazing opportunity to teach everyone in the band who didn’t know who Jared Lorenzen was and what he meant to the football program and to the Big Blue Nation. A few of us led the charge, but nothing stopped me from telling them how great of a man and quarterback Jared was and to show why he is one of the best players ever to wear a Kentucky uniform in any sport.

Finally getting to put that performance on Kroger Field felt amazing even in the scorching hot weather. I haven’t talked to anyone else but I felt weightless and the heat began to become bearable knowing that we just made Jared’s number in the same stadium where he made a lot of memories on.

In case you missed the show or want to see the set again, we are performing this on October 4th at Highlands High School as we are doing a performance for his alma mater, then once again at the end of the year against Louisville. 

To me, “Rocketman” was the perfect song selection. Jared was a gunslinger and always was an artist with a football. Heck, he threw the football behind his back to refrain from getting a sack. He was a true Rocketman with the football in his hands. I miss you, Jared. Hope you’re throwing lasers to the all-time greats in heaven.