Feb. 20, 2004
TUCSON -
A month from now -- March 23 -- Arizona will begin earnest preparations for its 2004 football season. That's just a few basketball weekends hence.
It's dumb to say that preparations will 'begin' in a month. The work is ongoing and incessant, and has been under way.
But, Arizona coach Mike Stoops will spearhead his first spring practice as head of a program on that date, and many folks within Arizona athletics and elsewhere are waiting to witness the inaugural moments. It's been a topic ever since UA athletics director Jim Livengood hired Stoops on Nov. 29.
Stoops spent two months in December and January completing his staff of assistants, and immediately upon his hiring immersed the staff in recruiting. By most accounts it's a pair of terrific groups. Good coaches and a fine corps of incoming players.
The bottom line is that all the new people involved in UA football are people who have experience in programs that won football games. 'Attitude,' is a theme on a sign inside the players' locker room -- and it's not about inferiority views of same.
In his short tenure, speaking in public or in private, Stoops has said Arizona intends to win football games. In 2004.
Lute Olson, the venerated head of Arizona basketball, has joined with Stoops in repeating the message he gave UA fans upon his own appointment in 1984. "Get your season tickets now, because this will be a program you will want to witness," is a paraphrased spiel. That lasted for maybe a year... and then there were no season basketball tickets left.
It's 'no time like the present' hype, but the coach himself is a major proponent of and champion for immediate change. It's created an infectious spark in Arizona football.
UA will return about 45 lettermen and a number of players the new staff feels are difference-makers in 2004.
Nearly all starters return on the offensive side, and new coordinator Mike Canales brings an outstanding reputation for high-powered units. Most observers close to the program know Stoops, the recent defensive coordinator for a top-rated unit at Oklahoma, and his brother, Mark Stoops -- the new defensive coordinator fresh from Miami's heralded defense -- will make some swift changes to help UA recover its tough reputation on the other side of the ball.
UA's new staff -- across the board -- has the disadvantage of never personally seeing Wildcat players in practice or in games. Videotape has its limits.
Stoops was heard to have told one player who arrived in his office to proclaim allegiance and promise fortitude, "Sure, I watched you on tape. You're okay. You tell me that now, but you can show me on the field in spring practice."
It starts soon.
Tom Duddleston Jr., ICA Media Relations director
