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REMEMBERING COACH OLSON

The entire Wildcat Family is mourning the loss of the iconic Lute Olson who passed away last week. In the days following his passing, the tributes and remembrances of Coach Olson have been powerful and inspirational. His legacy at the University of Arizona and the city of Tucson is everlasting, carried on by generations of Wildcats. He was more than a coach. He was a husband, father, grandfather, leader, mentor, and in many ways the face of the University of Arizona.


 
Coach Olson's impact on our athletics department and University is matched by his influence on the Pac-12 Conference and the world of college basketball. He set the standard for Arizona Wildcats from around the globe with his grace, compassion, dedication and class. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Olson family. Thank you Coach O for the countless lives you touched and for defining what it means to be an Arizona Wildcat, forever.
 
TOGETHER WE BEAR DOWN



Earlier today, our department launched our "Together We Bear Down" campaign, which represents the determination and compassion of The Wildcat Way. Bear Down is a motto of tremendous historical significance to the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics while the word together is a foundational part of the University's purpose of, "Working together to expand human potential, explore new horizons and enrich life for all". In these unprecedented times, the phrase has become a call for resiliency and unity for all Wildcats. We will overcome these challenges because TOGETHER WE BEAR DOWN!
 
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: ARIZONA VOLLEYBALL



As classes have started on campus, many of our programs are hard at work training and conditioning as part of a safe and healthy return to campus and eventually competition. One of these programs is Arizona Volleyball who has begun practice inside McKale Center. In lieu of upcoming competition, Arizona Athletics is dedicated to providing a first-class training environment for our student-athletes to support their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
 
Coach Rubio and the program also offered a great tribute to Coach Olson during a recent practice on the Lute and Bobbi Olson Court and discussed the iconic basketball coach's impact on all of Arizona's programs. You can keep up with Arizona Volleyball throughout the fall on ArizonaWildcats.com and @ArizonaVBall on social media.
 
TIP OF THE CAP



Congratulations to Arizona Baseball alum Bobby Dalbec on his major league debut, which included a home run for the Red Sox at Fenway Park. For those who saw him in an Arizona uniform, his notable hitting prowess for Boston is not a surprise. A member of Arizona's 2016 College World Series team as a pitcher and hitter, Bobby is continuing his meteoric rise into the professional ranks. Bear Down Bobby and thank you for representing our baseball program, athletics department and University with pride.
 
BEAR DOWN AND MASK UP WITH PRESIDENT ROBBINS



The University of Arizona continues to be a national leader in health sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic in support of its "Test, Trace, Treat" philosophy. President Robbins and University leadership continue to hold informative and educational weekly media briefings on Thursdays at 10 a.m. (MST) on all UArizona social platforms to discuss the newest updates and information from the University of Arizona. The University's COVID-19 homepage is also a tremendous resource of information on everything our campus community is doing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
 
A-CLUB CONTEST



Attention former Arizona student-athletes! The College Football Playoff Foundation is giving away $1,900 to a pair of hardworking Arizona letterwinners who are going above and beyond as teachers. If you know a former Arizona student-athlete who is dedicated in the classroom and making a difference in your community, you can nominate them now! Nominations are being accepted until Thursday, Sept. 10 with randomly selected winners chosen the following week. Click here to submit a nomination.
 
ARIZONA SOFTBALL IN THE PROS



A quartet of former Arizona Softball standouts are continuing their careers in the new Athletes Unlimited professional league. Mandie Perez, Taylor McQuillin, Danielle O'Toole Trejo and Katiyana Mauga are representing the Block A on the ESPN family of networks, and it's great to see all four of them back in action. And just like Coach Candrea said, all of the Wildcat Family is cheering you on as you help grow the sport of softball in the United States. Bear Down and Go Cats!
 
A New #1



A hearty congratulations is in order for Vivian Hou of our women's golf team! Vivian is officially the No. 1 ranked amateur player in the world in the most updated World Amateur Golf Ranking. This is tremendous for Vivian, Coach Laura Ianello and our entire women's golf program!
 
Vivian had an incredible first season in Tucson, being named the National Freshman of the Year, along with being a First-Team All-American. We are so excited for her future as a Wildcat.
 
Stay Safe, Bear Down and Mask Up!
 
Dave Heeke
Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu