[IRISH4]

I think it is a tradition that the last Regional Championship team members buy the newest one rings. Started back in the 70's with the first Reg. Champions and has continued.
We haven't had this opportunity very often, so I guess that is why it hasn't been noticed before.
I think the 2000 team got theirs also. I am not for sure though.

Pretty neat tradition if this is the case, but I still say save the rings for the "STATE" championship. I mean they did win the region and get the oppertunity to play on the floor at Rupp Arena. That is an accomplishment in itself, every boy grows up wanting to wear the Kentucky blue and play on that court...but it's not possible. I say take the trip to Rupp, play on the floor (if you get beat, who cares you still have a pass to the Greatest Show in Hoops) and live to tell about it. Great teams (i.e. State Champions) should get rings...means a whole lot more that way.