As Big Blue Nation reflects on its rich and storied past, we take a moment to honor the legacy of one of its earliest greats — Forest “Aggie” Sale from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Today, we celebrate his heavenly birthday and remember the incredible impact he had both on and off the court for the University of Kentucky.
Sale played three seasons of varsity basketball for the Wildcats under the legendary Coach Adolph Rupp, marking a transformative period in Kentucky basketball history. Remarkably, Sale was a key player in Rupp’s very first season as head coach. That 1930-31 team went 15-3 and outscored opponents by a commanding margin of 679 to 468, setting the tone for decades of Kentucky dominance.
In his junior year, Forest helped lead Kentucky to a 15-2 record and an SEC Co-Championship with Maryland. But it was his senior season that truly etched his name into the history books. The Wildcats went undefeated in SEC play, winning both the SEC Regular Season and the SEC Tournament. Their excellence earned them the Helms National Title — Kentucky’s first-ever national championship — and also the first for Coach Rupp. Sale was recognized as the Helms Foundation’s Most Outstanding College Player of the Year, a prestigious honor that reflected his elite talent and leadership on the court.
Forest Sale was a 2× All-American, and his greatness wasn’t just felt in Kentucky’s win-loss record — it was acknowledged by Coach Rupp himself, who would often say that Forest was one of the finest players he had ever coached.
After college, Sale served his country with distinction in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning the rank of chief specialist. His dedication to leadership and service continued after the war as he began a career in education and coaching. He taught and coached basketball at Kavanaugh High School for five years before moving on to Harrodsburg High School, where he continued to shape young lives through teaching and coaching.
Forest “Aggie” Sale’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to be a Kentucky Wildcat — excellence, integrity, leadership, and heart. His contributions on the hardwood and in the classroom, his service to his country, and his lifelong dedication to helping others make his legacy truly unforgettable.
