THE RENEWAL DEADLINE IS SUNDAY
We're just a few days away from our renewal deadline for football season tickets and Wildcat Club donations (which includes priority seating), so if you haven't renewed yet, now is the time. The renewal deadline is this Sunday, May 1. You'll want to get your renewal in before then to ensure you keep your seats, receive the all-in-one tickets and benefits booklet and receive one free gift per pair of tickets purchased.
Each of the last two Wildcat Wednesdays have led off with some of the exciting things that are happening in and around our football program that we believe will assist in our goal of competing for a conference and eventually a national title. But, it can't happen without you, the fans, filling '#OURHOUSE' for every home game. We need you to do your part by renewing today. Click HERE to renew online. If you'd like to renew in person, you'll want to visit the McKale Ticket Office by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 29.
Thanks to everyone who has already renewed or purchased new football season tickets. Something special is happening in Tucson and we're hoping you will be a part of it.
C.A.T.S. BANQUET WAS A BIG HIT
Last Monday, we held our annual C.A.T.S. Awards Banquet in The Pavilion at Westin La Paloma, and I have to say, it was one of the best banquets we've had. We were able to recognize so many of our excellent student-athletes for their accomplishments in athletics, academics and community service. We had over 500 attendees, which is almost 100 more than last year, and the response we received was very positive.
In fact, we received a note from Cheryl Kehoe, a self-described avid U of A fan, who attended her first banquet to support one of our Silver Anniversary Award winners, Susie Meyers. Here is an excerpt:
"I just had to write to you to tell you that I was so happy I attended this dinner. I am SO impressed with all those student-athletes. Their accomplishments are incredible with all those hours training and participating in their sport, attending classes and maintaining high academic standards and their commitment to community service. I was so pleased to see the awards were not only for athletic achievements but included academic achievements and community service. It is so critical to reward all facets of their development.
However, I am well aware that their success is also a product of their environment and all the support they receive to achieve their goals. It is clear to me that the University of Arizona is committed to providing life skills to help these young men and women be prepared to take on life's challenges. If I had a student attending the U of A, I would be confident that they are in the best environment possible."
Our hope is that many of you feel the same way about what we try to accomplish through intercollegiate athletics, but it was nice to hear it from Cheryl, as we do from many others.
If you were unable to attend the banquet or want to review the award winners, you can watch the replay or read our full release by clicking HERE.
ARIZONA PROFESSOR JOINS ESPN SOFTBALL BROADCAST
Our softball program had two games on ESPN2 this weekend against UCLA and we were fortunate to be able to incorporate one of Arizona's finest into the broadcast. The production team asked if we could provide someone to explain how wind resistance, elevation and trajectory effects the distance a softball will travel. We connected with UA Professor of Systems & Industrial Engineering Ricardo Valerdi, who joined color analyst Michele Smith, for a few different segments to explain these phenomena.
We want to thank Ricardo for coming out and being a part of the broadcast. We believe athletics is a window into our campus and any chance we have to put a spotlight on the staff or programs that make the University special, we're happy to do so. If you were out at Hillenbrand or just didn't get the chance to see them, click on the photo below to watch the segment on trajectory, which was conveniently followed up by a Joelle Krist home run.
TOP GOLF EVENT IN SCOTTSDALE ON MAY 11
Less than a week after we'll be in Phoenix for our May 5 'Arizona Road Tour' stop (more info HERE), we'll be back in Scottsdale at Top Golf for Wildcat Club Member Appreciation Night on Wednesday, May 11 from 6-8 p.m. I'm looking forward to celebrating the Wildcat Club members in that area who have generously given back to the program. Wildcat Club members can register by contacting Regional Director of Development, Callista Elmore at cjbalko@arizona.edu or call (602) 827-2191. Cost is $30 per member and space is limited. If you are a current Wildcat Club member and refer a new member, the entry fee will be discounted to $10 for you and $10 for your referral. Individuals who wish to sign up for the Wildcat Club and attend this event can register their new membership and entry will also be discounted to $10. Thanks so much to those who are supporting the program as Wildcat Club members and let's keep Phoenix Wildcat Country!
OLYMPIC UPDATE
With the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro just around the corner, a number of our current and former student-athletes have either qualified or will begin the qualifying process over the next few months. Already, we've had four Wildcats qualify. Two weeks ago, we mentioned that Rafael Quintero will represent Puerto Rico in the platform diving competition. He's joined by swimming's Michael Meyer (South Africa, 400 IM), Brad Tandy (South Africa, 50 Free) and Tjasa Oder (Slovenia, 800 Free).
As qualification continues, we'll provide updates so you can be sure to follow your Wildcats as they chase Olympic glory.
DUEL IN THE DESERT THIS SATURDAY
The Track Cats will be back in action at Drachman Stadium on Saturday when they host our rivals for 'The Duel in the Desert' at 4 p.m. Come check out this fast-paced meet that will feature some of the nation's best including Nnenya Hailey in the 100-meter hurdles, Sage Watson (pictured below) in the 400-meter hurdles, Aaron Castle (pictured below) in the shot put and many other great competitors. For more information, visit our 'Home Meet Info' page by clicking HERE.
A-CLUB FUN FACT
Sixty years ago, Carl Thomas began his college career and became one of the most decorated Arizona Wildcats in baseball history. Thomas was a three-time All-American from 1954-56 and still holds several pitching records. Carl is the career strikeout leader (422) and owns two of the schools four all-time no-hitters, which incidentally took place in back-to-back games vs. UCLA and ASU. Carl is second on the school's all-time wins list with 35. He was inducted into the UA Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.
TWITTER GIVEAWAY
Congrats to Ricky Salazar (@UAenrique) for being selected as the winner of the #ByrneTwitterGiveaway. A member of the athletics department staff will DM you with more information on how to secure your prize so make sure you're following @AZAthletics.
Here is this month's Twitter giveaway message:
I've renewed my football season tickets and/or Wildcat Club membership and so should you.
@Greg_Byrne #ByrneTwitterGiveaway
Once a month, we'll provide a phrase accompanied by the twitter handle @Greg_Byrne and the hashtag #ByrneTwitterGiveaway for Wildcat Wednesday subscribers to tweet. We'll select the winner at random and announce in Wildcat Wednesday the following month.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
To review 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 purchase tickets for home events, click HERE.
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 touofaad@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.
Continue to do what you can to help Arizona Athletics and:
1. Accept the Bear Down Challenge
2. Buy Season Tickets
3. Wear the Colors (Especially on Friday)
4. Get Others to do the Same
Bear Down with Pride,
Greg Byrne
Vice President for Athletics
The University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu
