X-Nico

8 unusual facts about Arizona Wildcats


Arizona Wildcats

The softball team has won eight NCAA Women's College World Series titles, in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2006 and 2007 under head coach Mike Candrea (NCAA Softball Championship).

The men's basketball team has been one of the nation's most successful programs since Lute Olson was hired as head coach in 1983 and was known as a national powerhouse in Division I-A men's basketball.

Their championship team was led by future NBA players Mike Bibby and Michael Dickerson, as well as Final Four MVP Miles Simon.

The football team was notably successful in the 1990s under head coach Dick Tomey and his "Desert Swarm" defense that was characterized by tough, hard-nosed tactics.

The school colors are cardinal red and navy blue, and the official fight song is "Fight! Wildcats! Fight!", though "Bear Down, Arizona!" is more commonly used and "Bear Down" is the university's slogan.

Brian Cook

Cook helped lead the Illini to a number one seed in the 2001 NCAA Tournament, and the Illini cruised to the Elite 8, where they were upset in a hard fought and controversial game by Cook's future teammate Luke Walton and the Arizona Wildcats.

Chris Schultz

Schultz played offensive tackle in his senior year for the Wildcats.

Jay Dobyns

He became an All-Pacific-10 conference wide receiver, College Football All-American Candidate Wide Receiver and was named to Arizona Wildcats “All-Century” football team.


Stacey Nuveman

The Bruins made it into the Women's College World Series where Nuveman-Deniz made the All-Tournament Team and in the finale had her 6th tournament hit vs. eventual champion Nancy Evans of the Arizona Wildcats.

Taryne Mowatt

In the 2007 Women's College World Series, she led the Arizona Wildcats to their second consecutive and 8th overall national softball title.


see also