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RETURN TO PLAY

Last week's vote from the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors to approve a plan for football, men's and women's basketball and other sports to move towards competition was exciting news for our entire athletics department, University community and Southern Arizona. Our student-athletes have been hard at work training and preparing for their seasons, and to see them compete and represent the Wildcat Family will create memories of a lifetime. Coach Sumlin and I held a Zoom media availability following the Pac-12's announcement, and you can watch it here.
 
Unfortunately, the conference's decision did not include approval for fans to attend any sporting events in 2020 with a re-evaluation of fan attendance for 2021. We also will not be hosting any tailgating on campus, which was another component of last week's decision. It is disappointing to plan on seasons being played without our loyal supporters in the stands, but all of us are focused on making the gameday experience of these unusual circumstances as fulfilling as possible.
 
We know the Wildcat Family was excited to watch Arizona Football compete this season in person. Our donors, fans, alumni and supporters have proudly stood with us through these unprecedented times, and I appreciate your support. During this challenging time for our athletics department, I urge you to strongly consider continuing your support of our student-athletes by converting your season ticket amount into a tax-deductible donation to the Wildcat Scholarship Fund. I want to thank all our season ticket holders who have already chosen to do so as well as all supporters who have continued to help us provide a first-class experience for all our student-athletes. We will be sending all football season ticket holders a separate email in the near future with information on options regarding your season ticket amounts to either donate, refund or roll it to next year.
 
Schedules are the next part of the Pac-12's plan to resume competition, and all of us are eagerly awaiting the opponents, dates, times and television information. As soon as our programs' schedules are finalized, we will update you in future Wildcat Wednesday emails, on ArizonaWildcats.com and our various social media platforms.
 
ARIZONA BASKETBALL IN THE NBA FINALS



The storied legacy of Arizona Basketball in the NBA continues with four former Wildcats taking part in the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Congratulations to Miles Simon, Quinton Crawford, Solomon Hill and Andre Iguodala for reaching the pinnacle of the NBA and pushing the program's NBA Finals appearance total to an impressive mark of 45.
 
Andre Iguodala's trip to the finals with the Miami Heat marks his sixth consecutive NBA Finals appearance, which is a remarkable accomplishment for this Wildcat great. The 2015 NBA Finals MVP will compete for his fourth ring in the last six seasons.
 
You can click here to view the entire television schedule for the 2020 NBA Finals. Bear Down and Go Cats!
 
EARLY ACCOLADE FOR WOMEN'S GOLF



Sophomore Vivian Hou of Arizona Women's Golf was named to prestigious preseason ANNIKA Award watchlist as one of the top collegiate golfers in the country. The reigning WGCA Freshman of the Year and All-American is part of a loaded roster for Coach Ianello and the Wildcats.
 
This award watchlist announcement is extra special as the honor carries the name of LPGA and Arizona great Annika Sorenstam. The spot on the ANNIKA Award list is the first of many accolades to come for the program, and we look forward to another banner season from Arizona Women's Golf.
 
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH



Arizona Athletics' monthlong celebration of Hispanic Heritage continues as we highlight Sirena Linton of Arizona Gymnastics who is a first generation college student at the University of Arizona. Sirena's story as a Mexican American is just one of the many compelling stories of our Hispanic student-athletes in the Wildcat Family.


 
You can get special Hispanic Heritage gear from UA Bookstores by clicking here. Proceeds of sales will go The last three weeks have been an important recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month for the Wildcat Family as we pay tribute to the rich Hispanic culture within our athletics department, University and Southern Arizona Community.
 
ARIZONA SOFTBALL IN THE PROS



Four Wildcats were a part of the startup professional softball league, Athletes Unlimited, which came to an end this week after five weeks in a bubble format in Rosemont, Illinois. It's no surprise, but four former Wildcats – Katiyana Mauga, Taylor McQuillin, Danielle O'Toole and Mandie Perez – represented our program with pride.
 
The new league scores and ranks the individual players based on the athlete's performance rather than team wins and losses. Two Wildcats finished top 20, with Katiyana placing 13th and Danielle finishing 16th. Danielle finished second among all pitchers in both strikeouts and ERA while Katiyana finished third in the league with six home runs. Congrats to these outstanding representatives of Arizona Softball, Arizona Athletics and the University of Arizona on a great professional season!
 

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