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STUDENT-ATHLETE CONVOCATION SET FOR THURSDAY, MAY 10
 
With the spring semester coming to a close, we're excited to let you know that the C.A.T.S. Academics Student-Athlete Convocation is set for Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m. in McKale. The ceremony is open to the public. We're in the process of finalizing the final graduate list and will share that with you next week, prior to the Convocation.
 
The program will include addresses from keynote speaker Herman Harris, a men's basketball letterwinner who recently graduated as part of our 'C.A.T.S. Forever' program, athletics department Valedictorian Alyssa Thompson from track and field, and members of the campus community. In addition, each member of the graduating class will be announced, and have the opportunity to cross the stage and be 'sashed' by their head coach.
 
Parking and Transportation will provide courtesy parking in all visitor parking garages for the Student-Athlete Convocation. Guests should alert a cashier that they attended the Convocation to be validated or the exit gates will be scheduled to be raised for approximately 45 minutes following the event. Surface lots will require parking permits and meters will require payment as posted. 
 
If you can't make it to McKale, a live stream of the Convocation will be available by clicking HERE.
 

 
BOETTCHER, BUTTITTA REPRESENT ARIZONA AT PAC-12 SAAC MEETINGS
 
Christian Boettcher (football) and Rhiannon Buttitta (swimming and diving) represented Arizona Athletics and our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at the recent Pac-12 SAAC meetings in San Francisco. The weekend agenda included a discussion of social media and sports broadcasting with the Pac-12 Networks team; leadership and conflict resolution training by the National Conflict Resolution Center; and guest teaching/mentoring at an afterschool program preparing underrepresented kids to go to college. SAAC representatives from all 12 institutions also shared what activities and initiatives they are engaged in and ways they are impacting their departments and communities. Here are some thoughts from Christian and Rhiannon.
 
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend the PAC-12 SAAC meetings," Christian said. "It gave me an opportunity to grow personally and professionally through the conflict resolution session, to meet great people from the Pac-12 and other schools, and to participate in a meaningful community service project."
 
"Having the opportunity to attend the SAAC meetings was an incredible opportunity," said Rhiannon. "Not only was I able to learn about other schools' programs, but I was also able to teach others about our amazing programs. Arizona definitely stands out among all the others for our dedication to student-athletes and love for our school."
 

 
SHIMOMURA WINS PAC-12 SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
 
At the SAAC meetings, the group voted on the conference's Sportsmanship Award winners for this year. We were thrilled to find out that Sarah Shimomura from swimming and diving was selected as the winner of the 2017-18 Pac-12 Sportsmanship Award for her spirit, courage and perseverance following a horrific accident in the fall when she was struck by an ambulance while crossing in a marked intersection. Through multiple surgeries, Sarah has maintained an upbeat, positive and optimistic attitude and was always one of the first to congratulate teammates and opponents alike following meets. Sarah is recovering well and hopes to resume competing next year. Of note, this is the fifth time a Wildcat has been honored with this award, which is a conference-leading mark. Congratulations Sarah and thank you for embodying what it means to Bear Down.
 

 
FOUR-GAME HOMESTAND FOR BASEBALL BEGINS ON THURSDAY

Baseball will host another top-10 team at Hi Corbett this weekend when they welcome No. 7 UCLA for a three-game series. The series will begin on Thursday, May 3 at 6 p.m. The force will be strong on Friday, May 4 (7 p.m.) as we host a Star Wars Night. There will be a Jedi Training area for youth on the concourse and a few Star Wars characters will greet fans. The first 1,000 fans will also receive an Arizona Baseball Star Wars poster. The three-game series with UCLA will wrap up on Saturday, May 5 with a Cinco De Mayo celebration at 3:30 p.m. Folklorico dancers will perform before and during the game and select items from the Mexican food stand will be 50% off. The final game on the four-game homestand will take place on Tuesday, May 8 at 6 p.m., when we host GCU. For tickets or more information, click HERE or call (520) 621-CATS.


ROAD TOUR COMES TO PHOENIX
 
For our fans in The Valley, please mark May 21 on your calendars for our 2018 Road Tour stop in Phoenix. More information, including the location and a link to RSVP, is coming soon. Be on the lookout for an invitation in your email.
 

 
SOFTBALL WELCOMES GCU TO HILLENBRAND
 
Softball will host a three-game series with GCU this weekend at Hillenbrand Stadium. We'll play a doubleheader on Saturday, May 5 beginning at 4 p.m. with the final game of the series on Sunday, May 6 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, click HERE or call (520) 621-CATS.
 
COMPLIANCE CORNER
 
As the spring season comes to a close, this is the perfect time to mention postseason awards and the rules student-athletes must follow. There are many different awards student-athletes receive throughout the year. These awards come from sources such as our institution, the Pac-12, and outside groups such as bowl committees. Student-athletes cannot sell their awards and memorabilia for other items of value like cash, goods, services, etc., while they have remaining eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact the Compliance Office at (520) 621-4796.

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 "Wear the Colors" album at facebook.com/ArizonaAthletics on Fridays.
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
Continue to do what you can to help Arizona Athletics and: 

1. Buy Season Tickets
2. Wear the Colors (Especially on Friday)
3. Encourage Others to Do the Same

 
Bear Down with Pride,

Dave Heeke
Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu