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HAPPY NEW YEAR

I want to wish all our fans, alumni and supporters a Happy New Year as we roll the calendar over to 2021, and I hope you and your loved ones had a safe and healthy holiday break. Arizona Athletics is excited to begin a new year as our student-athletes continue to compete in their sport, succeed in the classroom and proudly represent Southern Arizona. We all faced tremendous challenges and obstacles during an unprecedented year, but our Bear Down spirit of determination has helped carry us to the start of the new year. We have so much to look forward to in 2021, and I can't thank you all enough for your support and for standing by our athletics department. Bear Down and Go Cats!
 
WELCOME COACH FISCH TO THE WILDCAT FAMILY



During our holiday break, we officially announced Jedd Fisch as our new head football coach. Coach Fisch has brought a great enthusiasm for this program, university and community since he was introduced two weeks ago, and it was a fantastic experience to welcome Coach Fisch and his family as they landed in Tucson.
 
He has already begun hiring a tremendous staff of outstanding coaches, mentors and leaders as the excitement Coach Fisch has brought to Arizona Football continues to grow. After just over a week on campus, it's obvious that Coach Fisch is building something special. If you missed Coach Fisch on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd on Tuesday, you can click here to watch the interview.
 
We are excited to see this process continue as we head into the spring and will continue to share more information and keep you connected with the program in upcoming Wildcat Wednesday emails.
 
Fans can make their deposits for 2021 Arizona Football season tickets now for only $75. You can read more about payment plan options, other key information or make your deposit now by clicking here.
 
ARIZONA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BACK IN ACTION



Arizona Women's Basketball picked up a win last weekend with a 36-point victory over California following their first loss of the season to No. 1 Stanford. The Cats held the Bears to 33 points, which were the fewest Arizona has ever allowed to a Pac-12 opponent. All-American Aari McDonald extended her NCAA-leading streak of double-digit scoring games to 75.
 
The program is off to an 8-1 start with a mark of 6-1 in the Pac-12. The team travels north and is scheduled to face Washington State at 12 p.m. (MST) on Sunday on Pac-12 Networks and 1400 AM here in Tucson. Our game at Washington, scheduled for Friday, was postponed earlier today due to COVID-19 protocols in the UW program.
 
CUTOUTS IN MCKALE



Have you enjoyed the fan cutouts in McKale Center during men's and women's basketball broadcasts? Coach Miller and Coach Barnes enjoy them too! As the Pac-12 Conference has announced no fan attendance at sporting events until further notice, we want to add more to our cutout crowd for basketball season as well as volleyball and gymnastics seasons. Not only do these colorful crowd additions fill up McKale Center, but the proceeds go to our athletics department to continue to support our student-athletes and provide them with an outstanding experience as a Wildcat. Add to our cutout crowd by purchasing one of your own today.
 
CATCHING UP WITH THE CATS

Coach Miller and the Wildcats secured a road sweep of the Washington schools, capped by their thrilling double-overtime win over Washington State on Saturday night. Winning on the road is not an easy accomplishment, and this marked Arizona Basketball's sixth road sweep of the Washington schools since the 2011-12 season.


 
Bennedict Mathurin earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Week for his play in the wins over the Huskies and Cougars. The Montreal native averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds for the week, which included his first career double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds against WSU.
 
Congratulations to Bennedict and the rest of the program on these terrific achievements. We will see you back in action on Thursday at 7 p.m. (MST) versus USC in McKale Center on ESPN and 1290 AM Wildcats radio.
 
BEAR DOWN WITH TREVOR WERBYLO



We are quickly approaching the start of the season for Coach Anderson and Arizona Men's Golf, which returns an impressive lineup of seniors and returners mixed with some heralded newcomers for the 2021 season. Included in that group of decorated returners is Trevor Werbylo who is an All-American from Tucson.
 
Trevor has improved throughout his three years in the program and has developed into one of the top collegiate golfers in America. You can read more about what makes Trevor the dynamic golfer that he is and his impact on the program by reading this ArizonaWildcats.com feature.
 
GETTING UNDER WAY



Monday saw several of our programs hold their first official practices of 2021, including Arizona Volleyball and Arizona Softball. It's great to see these student-athletes and coaches taking the court and field in a new year. Our programs have had seasons cancelled and pushed back, and I know they are all eager to compete once again and represent the University of Arizona and Southern Arizona.
 
We are still awaiting finalized schedules for many of our teams for 2021, and we will continue to update you all with them in future Wildcat Wednesday emails, and as always, please continue to check ArizonaWildcats.com for the most up-to-date information.
 
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