HEEKE ANNOUNCED AS NEW ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
We had some big news earlier this week with the announcement of our new athletics director Dave Heeke. Dave is joining us from Central Michigan where he has served as athletics director for the last 11 years. We're looking forward to having Dave return to the Pac-12 as well after spending 18 years in athletics administration at Oregon before heading to CMU.
Personally, I'm really excited to have the chance to work with Dave on making Arizona Athletics as successful as possible. Everything we've heard so far is that Dave is an exceptional leader and communicator, and his style should work really well here in Tucson. I want to congratulate Dr. Hart and those involved in the search on this hire, and we can't wait to get started.
If you'd like to read our full press release on Dave's hire, which includes in-depth information on his background, as well as quotes from figures around the country, you can do so by clicking HERE.
We will hold an introductory press conference with Dave and UA President Ann Weaver Hart on Thursday at 11 a.m. While the press conference is closed to the public, you can watch our live stream by clicking HERE or watch on the Pac-12 Networks.
C.A.T.S. AWARDS BANQUET TO BE KNOWN AS THE CATSYS
We think it's important in Arizona Athletics to take fresh looks at some of the things we do on a yearly basis, and one item that came out of these reviews is a re-branding of the C.A.T.S. Awards Banquet. Our student-athletes produce such incredible academic, athletic, and personal accomplishments that we would like to highlight those in a format that more closely resembles an awards show like The ESPYS. With that in mind, we will host our first edition of The CATSYS on April 19 in McKale Center.
While planning is still in the works, The CATSYS are expected to have some exciting new elements such as live music from recording artist Kelley James, a red-carpet entry complete with media and photo ops, the video exploits of our very own Digital Gurus, an innovative set-up to transform McKale, and some new awards voted on by our student-athletes. We're also working to secure a notable host for the event, which we will share once it's been determined.
While floor seats are reserved as a benefit for Wildcat Club members at the silver level and above, admission to McKale is free for anyone who would like to come and take part in the festivities. Seating will be available in the stands.
We also want to extend a special invitation to ZonaZoo. Your excitement and energy would be welcomed by everyone in attendance. We'll designate a section in the stands for you, based on the event's set-up.
We value the hard work and effort our student-athletes put in throughout the year and we want to use The CATSYS as a way to celebrate their accomplishments. We hope you'll save the date and join us for what is sure to be a memorable evening.
HAGENS WINS MPSF HIGH JUMP CHAMPIONSHIP
Last weekend, our track and field teams were in Seattle, competing at the MPSF Indoor Championships, and senior Lisanne Hagens took home the title in the high jump. Lisanne cleared 1.85 meters (6' 0.75") to equal her personal best and bring home the championship. This was her second conference title after winning Pac-12 Outdoors last year.
Congratulations on a great meet and good luck at nationals, Lisanne.
30 PRIZES IN 30 DAYS UNDERWAY
Yesterday was the early renewal deadline. Thank you to all of the season ticket holders and Wildcat Club members who have already renewed. Our renewal percentage is nearly identical to where we were this time last year. If you have already renewed, you are eligible for our 30 Prizes in 30 Days sweepstakes, which started today. Our first prize is a VIP experience to the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament. Congratulations to Patricia Young, you're going to Las Vegas!
We have some great prizes to give away this month, including game-worn football jerseys, field passes, golf at Sewailo Golf Course, autographed balls, and more. If you haven't renewed yet, do so now so you have the most opportunities to win. Click HERE to renew online. Follow #UA30Prizes on Twitter to find out who our winners are!
SOFTBALL WELCOMES TEXAS TO HILLENBRAND
Softball is off to a fantastic start to the 2017 season. We're now ranked No. 6 in the NFCA Top 25 and will host the University of Texas in a weekend series, Friday through Sunday. Friday is the series opener at 6 p.m. We'll continue play with the Longhorns on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon. All games are played at Hillenbrand Stadium. For tickets, call (520) 621-CATS or click HERE.
RIVALRY GYMNASTICS MEET ON SUNDAY
We are currently leading the Territorial Cup Series vs. ASU 5.5 to 4. Another point is up for grabs this Sunday in McKale. Gymnastics will wrap up their home schedule as we host rival Arizona State at 1 p.m. This meet will be a Red Out and the first 500 fans will receive a FREE Red Out t-shirt. There will be a special post-meet ceremony for our 2017 GymCat seniors. For tickets, call (520) 621-CATS or click HERE.
TRACK AND FIELD TO HOST FIRST HOME MEET
Our Wildcat track and field team has been busy breaking records this spring and we're excited to have them home soon for the Willie Williams Classic. The Willie Williams will run from Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18. We've built a Three-Day Pack for you. Single-day tickets are also available. Three-Day Packs are only $12.00 for youth and seniors and $20.00 for adults. Single-day tickets start at $5.00 for kids and $8.00 for adults.
Come out and support our Track Cats as they compete in Tucson. You'll have the chance to see Olympian Sage Watson in the 400-meter hurdles and Lisanne Hagens, who is gunning for her second-straight outdoor high jump championship, along with shot putter Aaron Castle and high jumper Justice Summerset, who have both posted Top 10 national marks in their events.
To purchase your tickets for the Willie Williams Classic, click HERE.
ARIZONA NUGGETS
Baseball is 8-0 for the first time since 2007 and Nick Quintana became the first player in school history to earn Pac-12 Player of the Week following his first career series. Nick is 15-for-30 with six doubles so far this year … Softball's Mo Mercado was named National Player of the Week after hitting .846 with 11 RBI to help us outscore opponents 48-7 at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic last weekend … Haley Moore from Women's Golf is now ranked fifth on Golfweek.com's individual player rankings behind her victory at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate … LaBrittney Jones from Women's Basketball has been named honorable mention All-Pac-12 and All-Defense … Beach Volleyball will open its season on Friday ranked sixth in the country and returns six players from last year's team including All-Americans Madison and McKenna Witt.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
To view the list of upcoming events, broadcast information, start times and stat links, click HERE. (Note: All times are listed as Mountain Standard Time, i.e. Tucson time.)
To access live stats from your desktop or mobile device, visit ArizonaLiveStats.com.
WEAR THE COLORS – SHARE THE PHOTOS
Thank you for wearing the colors and sharing your Arizona pride! If your photo submission did not make this week's edition of the Wildcat Wednesday, please check our "Wildcat Wednesday" album at facebook.com/ArizonaAthletics.
NOTE: Please submit photos for Wildcat Wednesday with an original email to uofaad@arizona.edu using the subject line 'Wildcat Wednesday photo.' Also, please ensure all submissions are clear and properly lit. We also ask that you identify everyone in the photo so we can highlight them accordingly.
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