Priest provides guidance to University of Louisville team

Published: 2005-03-31

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (CNS) -- In a state where basketball is often referred to as a form of religion, Father J. Edward Bradley occupies a unique position. A few years ago when Rick Pitino was coaching the Kentucky Wildcats, Father Bradley was the team's chaplain. Now Pitino leads the University of Louisville Cardinals -- Kentucky's in-state archrivals -- and Father Bradley has a similar position with Pitino's new team. He's been at the end of the bench for both of the state's major basketball programs. When Louisville plays Illinois in college basketball's Final Four April 2 in St. Louis, Father Bradley expected to be there as spiritual adviser to the Cardinal team and its coach. Refocusing his support from the blue and white of Kentucky to the red, black and white of Louisville wasn't easy, said Father Bradley, who is pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Henderson, Ky.

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