Nov. 17, 2010
ACADEMIC HONORS
Kudos to football's Jake Fischer, Anthony Willcox, John Bonano, R.J. Young and Adam Hall for their selection to the 2010 Pac-10 Football All-Academic Teams. Also garnering mention is volleyball's Paige Weber who is a first team selection. Cross country teams should be announced soon. We had seven soccer players earn honorable mention honors as well. Great job!
LET'S FILL UP FOR THE CUP
Coach Stoops and I will be the first to tell you that we are disappointed that the last two football games did not go better for us. At the same time, our Top 25 football program still has a lot to play for this season. One of our consistent talking points this year has been the opportunity for each of us to make a difference in our program. Wearing the colors, promoting the university, attending the Wildcat Walk and football game makes a difference for every one of our athletic programs. With our Territorial Cup game against our friends from Tempe coming up in two weeks we all have another opportunity to make a difference for our university.
As we have discussed, one of the great advantages we have at the University of Arizona is the fact that we are the only game in town and the opportunity that brings to have passion and support like few others in our conference. The entire state and college football fans throughout the country will be watching Tucson that evening. Let’s give everyone a reminder (including our recruits) the passion that we have by being there and staying from kickoff until the final second ticks off the clock. I can tell you that I meet with almost every recruit and their family that comes to town. They almost all have commented on the incredible game-day experience they have been a part of this fall. Thanks for making that happen and let’s finish our home football season on a strong note. Tickets can be purchased here.
HOOP DREAMS
Both of our basketball teams have had some bright starts to their year. Niya Butts' women's squad won in overtime on the road at Wichita State and went to 2-0 in their home opener last night against NAU, while Sean Miller's men's squad beat Idaho State on Sunday and plays at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in McKale against a big, athletic New Mexico State team. Remember, tickets are available so get out and support both Wildcat teams.
COURTSIDE ALTERATIONS IN McKALE
After years of service, the floor-level mid-court display panels in McKale Center are soon to be replaced. We'll be making some equipment changes and the new look will be different - there will be no scrollers and no scoreboard. The new units will still have the capability to show digital statistical information. This is a just a heads-up to all patrons and TV viewers. I think you'll like the new look as we make another improvement to our facilities. Part of our charge in this regard is preparing for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Second-Third Rounds we'll be hosting in March. Such events now include a sizeable package of produced messaging and video.
TV PLAYERS DOWN THE ROAD
I've been asked which networks might be interested in the next (first, really) Pac-12 television contract. The current one expires after the 2011 football season. First up for rights-acquiring is the Pac-12 Championship football game on Dec. 3, 2011, and whether league commissioner Larry Scott and his staff throw that into the new bundle isn't known. All the dealings between the Pac-12 and television entities will be private, although media speculation could follow in earnest. We're all interested in this one but there aren't any quick answers. It's expected that the Pac-12 rights will be acquired by the best possible partner for all 12 schools and the league.
MYSTERY RING
Detective Eric McGraw of the Mesa Police Department queried some of our people about a Fiesta Bowl ring engraved with 'UofA' and 'Tobias' from 1993 or 1994 that they confiscated from an alleged perpetrator of some sort. It didn't ring any bells here, and we've been checking around, including contacting Colorado and Syracuse people (1993 Fiesta Bowl), to see if we can determine to whom it belongs. It's a mystery, and maybe you can help. Email me at the link below if you have any information for us.
SOME FIRST DANCE
Valerie and Matthew Fitz-Gerald sported the colors -- as did many of their party in an apparent Nic Wise-themed portion of their recent wedding... All we can say is, wow... GO CATS!
NOTES…
...How about some of our former Cats Mike Thomas (Jaguars), Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Lance Briggs (Bears) and Spencer Larsen (Broncos) making a big impact in the NFL last Sunday? Nice. Mike T. caught a Hail-Mary pass at the end of the game to win it for Jacksonville, Rob had three touchdown receptions from Tom Brady to help lift New England, Lance had an interception to help Chicago win and Spencer -- a linebacker and fullback -- scored his first NFL career touchdown on a catch off Tim Tebow's first-ever NFL pass... Stephen Sambu has a chance to compete for the NCAA title in cross country after a narrow second-place finish in Regionals last week, while our women had a strong showing and will be in the mix for top honors in the team competition. The national meet is next Monday in Eugene... Our men's and women's divers will play host to the third annual Arizona Diving Invitational Friday through Sunday at the Kasser Family Pool next to McKale.
Continue to do what you can to help Arizona Athletics and:
- Buy Season Tickets
- Join the Wildcat Club
- Wear the Colors (Especially on Friday)
- Get Others to Do the Same
Bear Down with Pride,
Tickets
Roster
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