Back on October 22nd, Kentucky coal miner Michael McGuire was photographed at the University of Kentucky's Blue/White Game--the annual inter-team scrimmage.

A STAR IS BORN IN EASTERN KENTUCKY -- A BIG BLUE NATION STAR

The game was held in Pikeville instead of Lexington because head coach John Calipari and the team wanted it to be a fundraiser for eastern Kentucky flood victims. It was a rare opportunity for folks in that region and McGuire didn't want to be late in joining his family.

That he was still in his work clothes and covered in soot is part of why the photo went viral. Calipari got wind of the story and made an offer:

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JOHN CALIPARI ISN'T THE ONLY ONE WHO WANTED TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL

And it kind of snowballed from there. In a press conference a few days after that game, Calipari mentioned that a LOT of people and companies stepped forward wanting to do something special for the McGuire family:

MICHAEL MCGUIRE AND HIS LARGE FAMILY WILL BE UK VIPS

Well, that time has arrived. McGuire and his family will be given the VIP treatment at Friday's UK game at Rupp Arena when the Wildcats will face the Duquesne Dukes. And when I say "McGuire and his family," I don't just mean his wife and son.

The University of Kentucky team bus will transport 14 members of the McGuire family to Rupp for the game. I'm not sure if they're driving all the way to Pikeville to pick them up or if one of the hotels the coach mentioned came through with the accommodations--I'm betting on the latter--but this will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

And the kids--there will be four of them--will have a blast.

At some time during the game, Michael McGuire and his family will be recognized. And if I know Big Blue Nation, they've already made this man a de facto UK legend and he and his crew will likely receive a rousing ovation.

This story just keeps getting better and better. A humble, hard-working Kentuckian just wanted to get to a game in time and join his family, and now UK fans will never forget him.

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I'll be honest, I haven't been to a ton of sports venues, but of the ones I HAVE visited, these are my favorites. And, full disclosure, there are some on this list where I didn't actually see a game. But they're my rules and I say they count. Onward...

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

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