Jeff Dean's roots to the University of Arizona run deep – really deep.
 
Born in Tucson, Dean's mom was a Wildcat, as were several other family members. Heck, his uncle, Jack Wood, was the drum major for the Pride of Arizona's performance in Super Bowl I. He's seen too many games to count at Arizona Stadium, McKale Center and Sancet Stadium. Cardinal and navy are his preferred colors.
 
He idolized Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr and marveled at Tedy Bruschi and Rob Waldrop.
 
So imagine how he felt when he was officially named the new voice of Arizona Stadium. Dean, who has served as the voice of McKale Center for the past four years, will take over as the new public address announcer this fall to help usher in a new era of Arizona Football.
 
A Valley resident, Dean co-hosts a radio show and a podcast that is strictly devoted to University of Arizona Athletics. The title? Wildcat Country.
 
So Wildcat fans will have the security that one of their own is up top in the Arizona Stadium press box calling the action for the supporters in the stadium.
 
ArizonaWildcats.com chatted with Dean recently about his new love, his ties to Arizona, some fond memories and more:
 
What was your first reaction when you were hired as the new voice of Arizona Stadium?
A: "It was a huge honor. I was ecstatic. I could not be more excited for the season to begin. I've been getting very antsy for the season. I've been in that stadium for the last 13 years as a season-ticket holder. I've probably been to about 40 games prior to that. I have so many good memories there. To now be able to voice of two places where I have grown up and enjoyed so many personal memories is very special. I feel like I have to pinch myself. I don't know how I got into this position. I'm looking forward to performing and meeting the expectations of Arizona fans."
 
How would you describe your public address style to Arizona fans?
A: "When I interviewed for the basketball job, I told them I have a very classic style. I'm old school. I'm not going to be that new school guy. I still get very excited, but it's a controlled excitement. I don't ever want to put myself into the position where I'm in the spotlight from my position. I think you're there to deliver the message that allows the fans to follow along, and then you get out of the way. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder. I'd say I'm a classic PA announcer with a little bit of spontaneity to keep things loose. I think that's something I bring. You're going to know you're in a home stadium with an advantage."
 
Do you think you'll be nervous on Sept. 1 for the season opener for BYU for your first game?
A: "I think the nervousness is happening right now. I've been nervous all summer. I've talked to the marketing department to set up meetings. I worry about everything. I don't want there to be any hiccups in game one. Once I get in that booth and put the headset on and I have all the papers in front of me, it's work mode, all the nerves will go away. If I screw up, I'll get a cotton mouth feeling, it'll go away, and I'll go on. My nervous time is right now. I think about it every day."
 
How much have you enjoyed doing the Wildcat Country radio show in Phoenix and bringing some of that Wildcat love to the Phoenix area?
A: "It's been great. I've brought my fandom along with me. It's no secret who I root for. Wildcat Country has been so much fun. What's been the most fun is developing relationships from working with Arizona Basketball. Getting to work with them, travel with them, it certainly makes a big difference when they're on air. It's what separates us. I've developed relationships with them and it comes through on the air. When we had T.J. McConnell on, we had a great conversation. We talked to Dusan Ristic for 30 minutes. It's easy to talk to them because the ice has been broken. I'm looking forward to making those relationships in football as well."
 
What's been your most memorable game at Arizona Stadium?
A: "Shortly after the NCAA went to the multiple overtime rule, we played Washington State in an amazing game in 2000. I was sitting high up on the east side, and we won in triple overtime (53-47). We scored to take the lead, but then missed the two-point conversion. The Cougars were heading into the north end zone and we got an interception. He then threw the ball up in the air and it landed in the field. No one picked it up, but I was screaming that it was a live ball. It seemed like that ball was on the field for 20 minutes, but it was probably just a couple of seconds. That was an amazing night."