Wildcat Wednesday - Newest Ring of Honor Inductees
02/17/2021 | Wildcat Wednesday, Inside Athletics
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NEWEST RING OF HONOR INDUCTEES
Arizona Athletics is honored to officially induct Ernie McCray and Al Fleming Jr. into the men's basketball Ring of Honor inside McKale Center. These Wildcats' impact on the program and athletics department are still felt to this day.
Ernie finished his Arizona career in 1960 and set 12 school records while becoming the first African-American men's basketball student-athlete to graduate from the University of Arizona. He became the first player in program history to record 1,250 points and 800 rebounds in a career. Ernie's 46-point outing versus Cal State Los Angeles on Feb. 6, 1960 in Bear Down Gymnasium still stands as the program's all-time record.
Al was an All-WAC performer under the great Fred Snowden from 1972 to 1976 and set Arizona and NCAA records for field goal percentage. He is still the program's all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles, and finished his college career as Arizona's all-time leading scorer at 1,765 points. His 41-point performance versus Detroit on Jan. 10, 1976 is still the single-game record in McKale Center.
We will officially induct these two iconic Wildcats, in a virtual ceremony, during halftime of the game versus Washington on Feb. 27 before welcoming their families back for an in-person celebration at McKale Center at a later date. Congratulations to all on this achievement as we celebrate two outstanding Wildcat legacies.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SENIOR SEND OFF
Our final regular season women's basketball home games saw Arizona pick up wins over Washington and Washington State, but more importantly, we were able to recognize and celebrate the program's three outstanding seniors. Aari, Sam and Trinity have brought tremendous pride, hard work and excellence to Arizona Women's Basketball and are foundational pieces of the program's rise to national prominence.
I want to thank all three of these outstanding young women for being excellent leaders, role models and representatives of Arizona Athletics and the University of Arizona. These exceptional Wildcats embody the Wildcat Way mission of our department and our Bear Down spirit of determination. Congratulations Aari, Sam and Trinity on all your accomplishments and accolades in an Arizona uniform.
We don't have to say good-bye quite yet as the team still has some marquee road games left, including a trip to the Bay Area and Tempe before postseason play. While this decorated trio may have played their last game in McKale, they will still proudly represent the Wildcat Family under the bright lights of postseason competition. Bear Down and Go Cats!
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
We are in our third week of our monthlong Black History Month celebration, and you may have seen more of our programs sporting our special Black History Month warm-ups with the University of Arizona's new cultural logo.
One of our amazing stories was also told by Bill Walton during the ESPN broadcast of the Arizona-Oregon game on Saturday, in tribute to Ernie McCray. Our storytelling of trail blazers includes recognitions and celebrations from many of our units, including Arizona Sports Medicine's tribute to Dr. Rene Shingles.
Please continue to utilize our Black History Month central page on ArizonaWildcats.com as well as our Arizona Athletics social media platforms to catch up on all our terrific content this month.
NAU SCHEDULING PARTNERSHIP
We made an important announcement last week regarding scheduling for many of our programs with the news of our 10-year partnership with Northern Arizona University. This is a vital agreement for not only both athletics departments and universities, but its impact will resonate throughout our state. This partnership will not only help alleviate scheduling challenges, but it will enhance the visibility of our programs within the state.
The Wildcats and Lumberjacks will compete across all sports sponsored by both schools with Arizona Football extending its non-conference scheduling with NAU for four additional games between the 2030 and 2036 seasons. Arizona Men's Basketball is planning to open each season with NAU in McKale Center while other teams will aim to compete in a home-and-home setting when possible.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: ARIZONA BASEBALL
It's officially game week for Coach Johnson and the Wildcats on the diamond. Arizona Baseball will open the 2021 season on Friday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. (MST) versus Ball State at Hi Corbett Field. The Wildcats begin the season ranked in the top 15 in a trio of national polls, finished second in the Preseason Pac-12 poll, and they're ready to Bear Down after the cancellation of last season after just 15 games.
The Wildcats return a large majority of their starting lineup from a 2020 squad that finished top three in the conference in nearly every statistical category. Freshman All-American Mac Bingham is joined by leadoff hitter and defensive wizard Donta' Williams, all-around athlete Jacob Blas, and slugging outfielder Ryan Holgate, to name just a few. The pitching staff returns every starting pitcher from last year's team, including Freshman All-American Chandler Murphy and ace lefty Garrett Irvin, and lockdown bullpen arms like Vince Vannelle and Preston Price. The Cats returners are bolstered by an incoming class of freshmen and transfers that was ranked No. 4 in the nation, many of whom will fill immediate roles in 2021. Right-handed pitcher Chase Silseth, catcher Daniel Susac, infielder Jacob Berry, and outfielder Chase Davis, flame-throwing right-hander TJ Nichols are all poised to make an immediate, sizeable impact, on the Cats this season.
While we won't be able to welcome fans to games this year who help make Hi Corbett and electric home atmosphere, we want to continue to message to fans how to watch and follow the team all season long. Fans should regular check our official online schedule for the most up-to-date information as well as @ArizonaBaseball on various social media platforms.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Arizona Athletics and University of Arizona Online continue the recognition of outstanding teachers within Southern Arizona school districts through the University of Arizona Online Amazing High School Teacher of the Year Award program. We believe that the partnership between higher education and public education is an important way to recognize teachers for their outstanding efforts on behalf of students.
We are pleased to introduce our remaining three finalists:
COMPLIANCE CORNER
NCAA rules prohibit institutions like the University of Arizona from providing financial support that benefits a high school athletics program. However, donors and other representatives of Arizona's athletics interests may provide funding to benefit a high school athletics program so long as the donor acts independently, the funds are distributed through channels established by the high school (or organization conducting the fundraising activity), and the funds are not earmarked for a specific prospect or recruit.
Conversely, if you would like to request a donation from Arizona Athletics please be sure to fill out a Request and Donation form with the Hall of Champions.
Please contact the Compliance Office at (520) 621-4796 or ica-compliance @email.arizona.edu with any questions.
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
NEWEST RING OF HONOR INDUCTEES
Arizona Athletics is honored to officially induct Ernie McCray and Al Fleming Jr. into the men's basketball Ring of Honor inside McKale Center. These Wildcats' impact on the program and athletics department are still felt to this day.
Ernie finished his Arizona career in 1960 and set 12 school records while becoming the first African-American men's basketball student-athlete to graduate from the University of Arizona. He became the first player in program history to record 1,250 points and 800 rebounds in a career. Ernie's 46-point outing versus Cal State Los Angeles on Feb. 6, 1960 in Bear Down Gymnasium still stands as the program's all-time record.
Al was an All-WAC performer under the great Fred Snowden from 1972 to 1976 and set Arizona and NCAA records for field goal percentage. He is still the program's all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles, and finished his college career as Arizona's all-time leading scorer at 1,765 points. His 41-point performance versus Detroit on Jan. 10, 1976 is still the single-game record in McKale Center.
We will officially induct these two iconic Wildcats, in a virtual ceremony, during halftime of the game versus Washington on Feb. 27 before welcoming their families back for an in-person celebration at McKale Center at a later date. Congratulations to all on this achievement as we celebrate two outstanding Wildcat legacies.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SENIOR SEND OFF
Our final regular season women's basketball home games saw Arizona pick up wins over Washington and Washington State, but more importantly, we were able to recognize and celebrate the program's three outstanding seniors. Aari, Sam and Trinity have brought tremendous pride, hard work and excellence to Arizona Women's Basketball and are foundational pieces of the program's rise to national prominence.
I want to thank all three of these outstanding young women for being excellent leaders, role models and representatives of Arizona Athletics and the University of Arizona. These exceptional Wildcats embody the Wildcat Way mission of our department and our Bear Down spirit of determination. Congratulations Aari, Sam and Trinity on all your accomplishments and accolades in an Arizona uniform.
We don't have to say good-bye quite yet as the team still has some marquee road games left, including a trip to the Bay Area and Tempe before postseason play. While this decorated trio may have played their last game in McKale, they will still proudly represent the Wildcat Family under the bright lights of postseason competition. Bear Down and Go Cats!
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
We are in our third week of our monthlong Black History Month celebration, and you may have seen more of our programs sporting our special Black History Month warm-ups with the University of Arizona's new cultural logo.
One of our amazing stories was also told by Bill Walton during the ESPN broadcast of the Arizona-Oregon game on Saturday, in tribute to Ernie McCray. Our storytelling of trail blazers includes recognitions and celebrations from many of our units, including Arizona Sports Medicine's tribute to Dr. Rene Shingles.
Please continue to utilize our Black History Month central page on ArizonaWildcats.com as well as our Arizona Athletics social media platforms to catch up on all our terrific content this month.
NAU SCHEDULING PARTNERSHIP
We made an important announcement last week regarding scheduling for many of our programs with the news of our 10-year partnership with Northern Arizona University. This is a vital agreement for not only both athletics departments and universities, but its impact will resonate throughout our state. This partnership will not only help alleviate scheduling challenges, but it will enhance the visibility of our programs within the state.
The Wildcats and Lumberjacks will compete across all sports sponsored by both schools with Arizona Football extending its non-conference scheduling with NAU for four additional games between the 2030 and 2036 seasons. Arizona Men's Basketball is planning to open each season with NAU in McKale Center while other teams will aim to compete in a home-and-home setting when possible.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: ARIZONA BASEBALL
It's officially game week for Coach Johnson and the Wildcats on the diamond. Arizona Baseball will open the 2021 season on Friday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. (MST) versus Ball State at Hi Corbett Field. The Wildcats begin the season ranked in the top 15 in a trio of national polls, finished second in the Preseason Pac-12 poll, and they're ready to Bear Down after the cancellation of last season after just 15 games.
The Wildcats return a large majority of their starting lineup from a 2020 squad that finished top three in the conference in nearly every statistical category. Freshman All-American Mac Bingham is joined by leadoff hitter and defensive wizard Donta' Williams, all-around athlete Jacob Blas, and slugging outfielder Ryan Holgate, to name just a few. The pitching staff returns every starting pitcher from last year's team, including Freshman All-American Chandler Murphy and ace lefty Garrett Irvin, and lockdown bullpen arms like Vince Vannelle and Preston Price. The Cats returners are bolstered by an incoming class of freshmen and transfers that was ranked No. 4 in the nation, many of whom will fill immediate roles in 2021. Right-handed pitcher Chase Silseth, catcher Daniel Susac, infielder Jacob Berry, and outfielder Chase Davis, flame-throwing right-hander TJ Nichols are all poised to make an immediate, sizeable impact, on the Cats this season.
While we won't be able to welcome fans to games this year who help make Hi Corbett and electric home atmosphere, we want to continue to message to fans how to watch and follow the team all season long. Fans should regular check our official online schedule for the most up-to-date information as well as @ArizonaBaseball on various social media platforms.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Arizona Athletics and University of Arizona Online continue the recognition of outstanding teachers within Southern Arizona school districts through the University of Arizona Online Amazing High School Teacher of the Year Award program. We believe that the partnership between higher education and public education is an important way to recognize teachers for their outstanding efforts on behalf of students.
We are pleased to introduce our remaining three finalists:
COMPLIANCE CORNER
NCAA rules prohibit institutions like the University of Arizona from providing financial support that benefits a high school athletics program. However, donors and other representatives of Arizona's athletics interests may provide funding to benefit a high school athletics program so long as the donor acts independently, the funds are distributed through channels established by the high school (or organization conducting the fundraising activity), and the funds are not earmarked for a specific prospect or recruit.
Conversely, if you would like to request a donation from Arizona Athletics please be sure to fill out a Request and Donation form with the Hall of Champions.
Please contact the Compliance Office at (520) 621-4796 or ica-compliance @email.arizona.edu with any questions.
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
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