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Today's Wildcat Wednesday is the most difficult I have written since joining the Wildcat family at the University of Arizona, as the COVID-19 epidemic has now touched close to home and directly impacted our student-athletes, staff and fans.  
 
As this global pandemic affects our local community and athletics department, I want you to know that all Arizona Athletics employees are working tirelessly to support our student-athletes and maintain the day-to-day operations of our entire department.
 
Reflecting on the disappointment of our student-athletes since the NCAA and Pac-12 Conference prudently cancelled all championships and spring seasons has been a very emotional time. I feel for our programs and student-athletes who will not have the opportunity to compete for championships this spring. I am supportive of the NCAA's efforts to provide an additional year of eligibility to seniors in spring sports, and hopeful that this eligibility relief effort will be formalized and officially announced in the near future.
 
While competition has been cancelled, fortunately, thanks to the swift and hard work of our University and academic staffs, we are able to maintain our student-athletes' academic pursuits. All University students are continuing their semester through remote learning and will be able to complete the spring semester.
 
I would like to reassure you that the actions and decisions being made in response to COVID-19 are being done with the safety, wellbeing and care of our student-athletes, staff and you as our top priority. Here is a summary of some of the precautions we have taken:
 

• We are following the guidance from the University of Arizona on the novel coronavirus COVID-19
• We are practicing social distancing and adhering to recommended containment guidelines
• The majority of our staff have transitioned to work from home and continue their normal responsibilities
• We maintain constant communication with our student-athletes and staff
• McKale Center and all of our facilities are closed to the public, however, business operations remain open through phone, email and www.arizonawildcats.com
• Support and encourage adhering to the safety and wellness guidelines provided by the CDC and the City of Tucson
• Support local business as best we can, including dine to go. As a convenient resource for you, here is a list of our corporate sponsors providing dine out options.

 
Along with our student-athletes and other members of our staff, I have received many messages of encouragement from fans and supporters. On behalf of our department, I want to thank you. These are unprecedented times, and we need to continue to support each other.
 
We WILL get through this together and be stronger because of the adversity we face. That's the Wildcat Way!
 
Take care of yourselves and each other in these very challenging times.

Bear Down,

Dave Heeke
Vice President and Director of Athletics