Follow Dave Heeke on Twitter | Sign Up for the Wildcat Wednesday

CHANGE IN FOOTBALL LEADERSHIP

As we announced over the weekend, we have made a decision to make a change in leadership in the Arizona Football program. Our vision for the program was not being fulfilled, and I felt it was time to make a change.
 
Arizona Football is a proud program built on a rich legacy and a tradition of excellence. The program has been led by iconic coaches with generations of exceptional student-athletes representing the Block A with distinction. As I begin a national search for the next leader of our program, I will focus on a coach who can recruit more outstanding young men who excel on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Our next head coach will embrace the Wildcat Way and share our vision, values and passion for winning. That is my charge, and I take this responsibility seriously on behalf of our student-athletes, alumni, fans and University.
 
MEN'S BASKETBALL UPDATES AND NEWS



It was a busy week for Arizona Men's Basketball after winning four games in seven days to push the team's record to 5-0 this season. We want to congratulate Jemarl Baker Jr. on winning Pac-12 Player of the Week after a number of strong performances, including his 33-point game in the win over Northern Arizona.
 
The program also announced that its game on Saturday, Dec. 19 versus Stanford will now be played at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, California, which is the home of the Golden State Warriors' G-League affiliate. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. (MST) on the Pac-12 Networks.
 
Unfortunately, Wednesday night's game versus Cal Baptist was canceled because of a positive COVID-19 case and ensuing contact tracing protocols within the CBU program. While it is disappointing that our student-athletes will not have the opportunity to take the court, health and safety must remain our top priorities.
 
INCLUSIVE AWARD



I am very proud to announce that our Inclusive Excellence Council has received honorable mention recognition from the NCAA for its Diversity and Inclusion Award. Our Inclusive Excellence Council has accomplished many significant initiatives this past year, including our "Commitment to Culture" and "Stronger Together" campaigns in addition to other programming. I want to congratulate our IEC and the outstanding staff who support Arizona Athletics' ongoing commitment to supporting a vibrant, empowered, and inclusive athletics department and campus at the University of Arizona.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS



With Christmas and the end of Hanukkah approaching, I want to wish the entire Wildcat Family a safe and happy holiday season. I hope you can enjoy time with loved ones as we get ready to ring in the new year. This has been a year of unprecedented challenges, and it's important for all of us to reflect back. Thank you all for your unwavering support during this trying year, and I can't wait to begin 2021 with you all. We will resume Wildcat Wednesday emails on the first Wednesday of 2021, January 6.
 
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL STARTS 4-0



Coach Barnes and the Wildcats capped off their week with a historic route of Arizona State in McKale Center. The 65-37 defeat of the Sun Devils marked Arizona's biggest margin of victory against our in-state rivals since downing ASU by 35 points on February 14, 1998, which was Adia Barnes' senior season.
 
The Wildcats have won their first four games of the season and begin their first Pac-12 road tilt of the year at the Mountain schools this weekend. Arizona will take the court next versus Colorado at 5 p.m. (MST) on Friday, Dec. 18 on the Pac-12 Networks and 1400 AM on your radio dial.
 
ARIZONA WOMEN'S GOLF ALUM MAKES A DIFFERENCE



In case you missed it on Tuesday morning, Arizona Women's Golf alum Haley Moore was featured on Good Morning America. Her one-on-one with Robin Roberts was a tremendously powerful and inspirational interview as Haley continues to share her message of positivity and raise awareness about bullying.
 
Haley was a true champion as a Wildcat and a beacon of excellence on the course, in the classroom and in our community. She graduated from our university as an outstanding ambassador and continues to be a proud graduate of Arizona as she embarks on her professional golf career.
 
Bear Down Haley! Thank you for proudly representing the entire Wildcat Family!
 
WEAR THE COLORS – SHARE THE PHOTOS

Send us your photos of you wearing the colors while staying safe!

Thank you for wearing the colors and sharing your Arizona pride! Make sure to take a picture the next time you are wearing the colors and send it to us, we just might include it in next week's Wildcat Wednesday! And even if your photo submission doesn't make  next week's edition, 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.





Stay Safe, Bear Down and Mask Up!
 
Dave Heeke
Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu