The Story of "DA COUCH"
"Da Couch" is a blue-painted, wearable cardboard couch created by three crazy, loyal University of Kentucky football fans. It refers to the Wildcats' sophomore sensation, Heisman candidate quarterback TIM COUCH who amassed countless passing yards and broke numerous passing records through the course of the 1997 UK football season, including being named national college player of the week on several occasions. Accompanying Couch is first year coach HAL MUMME, from Georgia's Valdosta State. UK's Athletics Director, C.M. NEWTON, has also received much public support and popularity for his hiring of Mumme and, perhaps more importantly to Wildcat fans, basketball coach Rick Pitino.
A color picture of "Da Couch," with Bannwart, Samples, and Powell, going left to right:
After creating "Da Couch," the three "cushions"--Brad Bannwart, Adam Samples, and Tyler Powell--proceeded to parade around wearing it and inspiring the swarms of tailgaters. For their efforts, they were greeted with warm smiles, laughter, and applause--along with free food and beverage! To everyone who helped feed and cheer on "Da Couch," or even took its picture, we'd just like to say thanks (especially to the nice, old lady with the homemade 'Mummy' cookies). In addition to football games, "Da Couch" was also worn as a Halloween costume. The games that "Da Couch" attended were: Florida, Alabama, NE Louisiana, and Tennessee (all at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky).
However, despite its unanimous fan support, "Da Couch" was not allowed into the game. We decided to complain about it with a letter to the editor of the local school paper. Although it was not printed due to its length, it still makes for an entertaining read...
"Da Couch" controversy--a letter to the editor
After unsuccessful attempts at getting the letter published, we decided to try and voice our opinions in a more direct fashion: with letters to Athletics Director C.M. Newton and head coach Hal Mumme. A copy of the letter sent to Mr. Newton, which is just a slighly edited version of the letter to the editor above, can be viewed below. A similar version was also sent to Mr. Mumme.
The second letter--sent to C.M. Newton
After these letters were sent, we finally received a response. First of all, C.M. Newton personally called Mr. Powell and politely explained that "Da Couch," which he had trouble envisioning, could not be brought into the games due to "league policy." He also explained that all posters and signs were not necessarily prevented from entering UK sporting events, but just those with improper messages. For example, he said, a poster for the Tennessee game bearing the words "BIG ORANGE SUCKS!" would not be allowed. Yes folks, C.M. Newton actually uttered the words "BIG ORANGE SUCKS!"
Hear a C.M. Newton impersonator utter these famous words...
--click
on me!!!
The second response was in the form of a letter from Hal Mumme to the three "cushions." Read it here...
Hal Mumme writes "Da Couch!!!"
In the end, although "Da Couch" never made it into a game, it established an eternal place in the hearts of UK fans and students everywhere, and became a part of the ever-growing folklore that is "Mumme Ball." With this new era blooming, UK football is poised to reach national levels in the next few years. And as the program grows and prospers, "Da Couch" will continue to be there as a symbol of everlasting inspiration and the embodiement of die hard fan support.