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PAC-12 CEO VOTE

This Wildcat Wednesday comes on the eve of a significant day for the Pac-12 Conference as we look forward to Thursday's meeting of the Pac-12 CEO Group, in which they will continue to address the health and safety of the conference's student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans with regards to beginning to play seasons. I have been proud of the continual focus on health and safety through sound medical oversight, as well as thorough re-entry planning and processes of Arizona Athletics and the University of Arizona. Following tomorrow's meeting, we will be prepared to keep you informed and up to date on the information and news from the Pac-12's presidents and chancellors.
 
WILDCATS VOTE



Our athletics department, in conjunction with our Inclusive Excellence Council, launched the Wildcat Vote initiative on Tuesday as part of national voter registration day. This is a very important educational and informative program for our student-athletes and staff on how they can participate in the election process. Many of our student-athletes have just reached voting age, and I believe it is crucial that Arizona Athletics supports them with a variety of resources on registration, absentee ballots, and information on individual states' voting deadlines.
 
We have groups of student-athletes who are helping spearhead Wildcats Vote as ambassadors, and they are working with their teammates and fellow student-athletes to support participation in civic engagement and voter education as well as collaborate with campus-wide voting efforts.
 
Participating in our nation's electoral process is a vital part of all our lives, and I am proud to see our athletics department help inform and educate our student-athletes on this civic duty. Wildcats Vote is another example of our efforts to focus on the holistic development of our student-athletes to become academic, athletic and life champions.
 
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH



We announced our celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth in last week's Wildcat Wednesday, including our Hispanic Heritage Homepage. As part of our month-long recognition, we have released some of the amazing stories of the Hispanic heritage of our student-athletes as well as help showcase the University of Arizona's new official Hispanic Heritage logo.
 
We will continue to share in upcoming communications more of our special content as we honor the rich Hispanic culture within our athletics department, the University of Arizona and our Southern Arizona community.
 
ANOTHER WILDCAT MAKES THE BIG LEAGUES



Congratulations to former Arizona Baseball standout Jared Oliva on making his MLB debut on Monday after being called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jared becomes the 84^th Wildcat in program history to make it to the big leagues and joins the same organization as former Wildcat Kevin Newman who was drafted by the Pirates in 2015.
 
A member of the College World Series All-Tournament Team from Arizona's run to Omaha in 2016, Jared's career as a Wildcat is truly an inspirational story. He joined Arizona as a walk-on and redshirted before becoming a starter in the outfield and an All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Defensive Team selection in 2017.
This is a tremendous accomplishment for Jared, Coach Jay Johnson, and the Arizona Baseball program as the entire Wildcat Family offers a tip of the cap to the newest Wildcat in the major leagues. Bear Down Jared! 
 
JIM FURYK WINS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP



Arizona Men's Golf alum Jim Furyk continues his impressive run to start his career on the PGA Champions Tour. With a win on Sunday in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, Jim has now won his first two events on the Champions Tour. The 2003 U.S. Open Champion continues his decorated professional golf career at the age of 50 following 17 wins on the PGA Tour.
 
Congrats on another victory Jim and for being one of the great Wildcats. You continue to make the entire Wildcat Family proud! Bear Down and Go Cats!
 
THE VOICES OF SAAC
During the summer, we launched a new content series on the Wildcats proudly serving on our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) with Bryce Wolma from Football, Noah Reid from Swimming & Diving and Merle Weidt from Volleyball. These three Wildcats kicked off a series of essays that represent the voices of SAAC and help highlight these important leadership positions and the key overall mission of SAAC.
 
We will continue this series in the coming weeks and publish these essays from our student-athletes on ArizonaWildcats.com.
 
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