Get to know the faces on the sidelines

Arizona football coach breakdown

BY JASON DAYEE

@jaysportstakes

Head coach Jedd Fisch assembled a well-rounded coaching staff for this year’s team through his many connections. As many fans are adjusting to the new year and looking forward to the new faces on the coaching staff and on the field, here is a quick rundown of the coaching staff for the Wildcats this season.

Brennan Carroll – Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line:

Before Caroll was hired by Fisch, he was an assistant offensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks and got to work with the tight ends and special teams. He later resigned and joined Fisch in 2021, after working together at the University of Miami.

Carroll’s extensive time with the Seattle Seahawks gave him

Johnny Nansen – Defensive Coordinator:

Before joining Fisch’s coaching staff on Dec. 1, 2021, Nansen spent his last two seasons at UCLA where he coached their defensive line. He has coached in the Pac-12 since 2009.

During the 2021 season,

Jimmie Dougherty – Assistant Coach/Passing Game Coordinator & Quarterbacks:

Before Dougherty was brought onto Fisch’s coaching staff for Arizona, he was working for the University of Washington as their wide receivers coach. He helped one of their players, Jermaine Karse, reach a 1000+ yard season.

Ricky Hunley – Assistant Coach/Defensive Line:

Ricky Hunley was drafted seventh overall in the 1984 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He would play for seven seasons for the Broncos, the Cardinals and the Raiders. After playing, he served as the executive vice president of the NFL Players Association for two years. the chance to lead their run game for five seasons, during which they were in the top-5 of rushing for three of the years. He also had a handful of their players make multiple Pro Bowl appearances.

As an offensive coach, his mantra is keep your mind focused on your single task on the field so there is no confusion on what needs to be done.

Nansen played a significant role in UCLA allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game in the conference.

Before his time at UCLA, he spent six seasons coaching at USC. There, he coached inside linebackers, and he was their defensive run game coordinator.

Dougherty also had great success during his time as UCLA’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach in 2017.

Many players respected Dougherty’s effort towards maintaining good relationships with the team to keep their chemistry with one another at a high level.

Hunley’s previous coaching experience before UA included him coaching at the University of Memphis as their defensive line coach from 2014 to 2015. He helped the Tigers accumulate a total of 19 wins and two bowl game appearances, including a win in the Miami Beach Bowl in 2014 against BYU.

Chuck Cecil – Assistant Coach/Defensive Backs:

Cecil is a College Football Hall of Famer, a UA alum and has worked at Arizona since 2018.

Before working at the UA, Cecil was the senior defensive assistant for the L.A. Rams. In 2016, the team had an exceptional season, and

Kevin Cummings – Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers:

Before joining the Arizona football team’s coaching staff in January 2021, Kevin Cummings had a successful coaching career with San Jose State Uiniversity. His coaching with the Spartans allotted for the

Scottie Graham – Assistant Coach/Running Backs:

Before coming to Tucson, Scottie Graham was All-American in various sports in high school. He also played for the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. Graham made it his goal to stay involved in football. in one year, the defense’s rank moved up 12 spots from No. 26 to No. 14.

Starting as a senior defensive analyst, interim defensive coordinator/safeties and now defensive backs coach, Cecil’s experience dates back to the Tennessee Titans in 2001 as a defensive assistant/ quality control.

team’s 7-1 2020 season.

Under Cummings, the wide recievers at San Jose also did well in 2019 with 216 receptions and 17 touchdowns.

Cummings also aided the Oregon State University football team as a quality control coach from 2011 to 2013.

Additionally, he has assisted in the NFL Draft Combine, Board Player Representative Meetings and the Former Players Convention.

Graham worked at ASU for the last six years as the lead administrator for studentathlete development and welfare.

Jordan Paopao – Assistant Coach/Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator:

Before Jordan Paopao’s time coaching with the Wildcats, he spent the 2020 season as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas after nearly a decade on staff with the University of Washington.

Additionally, Paopao spent the 2010 season as running game coordinator and offensive line coach at Azusa Pacific. Before that, he spent two seasons as recruiting assistant under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford University.

Who is Wilma? What it’s like to be a college mascot

BY TAYLOR QUINN

@4180taylor

Wilbur and Wilma are the heart of the University of Arizona! We wanted to know what it’s like to be the beloved Wilma the Wildcat. From the interview tryout process to a typical week, here is what Wilma has got to say if you’re thinking about trying out to be a part of the mascot magic.

An important part about being a mascot is keeping the individual’s identity a secret, but that didn’t stop Wilma from sharing her experiences to inspire and inform the next generation of Wilburs and Wilmas. According to Wilma, the process for becoming a mascot starts with a week-long tryout process. This includes general information about a student and what else they are involved in, because being a mascot takes serious commitment. After the application process, an applicant could move onto an interview portion where they get asked scenario-based questions while remaining in character. The tryout process ends with an in-suit audition. They have just “seven realtime minutes ... to show what they can do,” said Wilma. While it is an intense process, the mascot shares that being the face of the university is a worthwhile experience!

Daily Wildcat: What inspired you to try out to be Wilma?

Wilma T. Wildcat: There are a lot of people from my hometown who were a part of the mascot program. They had actually messaged me asking if I would be interested because they knew I made costumes. I wouldn’t say it’s a hometown tradition ... but it kinda is. There have been a lot of people from Yuma, Arizona who are or were on the mascot team.

DW: What do you think was the hardest part while you were trying out?

WW: The most intimidating part was definitely having to get in-suit and only having seven minutes to show what you can do. It sounds like a long time, but when you’re trying to interact with everyone, trying to be funny and trying

MADELEINE VICECONTE | THE DAILY WILDCAT

WILMA THE WILDCAT CHEERS on the Arizona football team during the game against ASU in 2018.

to take pictures, it’s so intimidating. You want to prove your point and show what you can do, but it’s not a lot of time.

DW: What would you say a week now looks like?

WW: A typical week now honestly is around 15 hours of work. We workout with cheer, and we usually have 6 a.m. practices in [McKale Center]. But we do a lot of appearances and not just around the school but also in the Tucson community. Sometimes we even have to go to Phoenix.

Right after class, I’ve had to drive to Phoenix and go to a Diamondbacks game, or I’ve actually had to go back to Yuma for a wedding. We get invited everywhere! You, of course, have game days, and the Football season is crazy because we get to the stadium around 3 p.m. and are there until 11 p.m. or midnight ... It’s worse when we have volleyball. Because as Wilma, I could have a volleyball game on Friday, football on Saturday, and volleyball again on Sunday, and that’s not including other appearances we may do.

DW: How do you balance your academics and a social life with your mascot priorities?

WW: It’s a huge adjustment for sure, and as a [first-generation] college student, I felt like I couldn’t ask anyone for guidance... Now I have found a good balance, and this is my third year doing it. It’s definitely a job I don’t get paid for that does take up a lot of my time, but they emphasize that school definitely comes first. If I have a game, I want to be in the zone before the game, so I have to wait until after the game to do my work, so there are a lot of late nights, but usually weekends are my free time.

DW: What’s your favorite part about being Wilma?

WW: Getting to do things outside of the university, because you get to see a lot of kids who may have never interacted with a mascot before ... For example, I had participated in an All in for Autism drive-in movie and it’s just amazing to get to interact with all these kids who have never really seen us before. It’s a learning experience for me with each new person I interact with ... It’s great to get out there and be with the public and not just students. In a way, we’re not just the face of the university, we’re the face of Tucson.

DW: Your identity remains a secret. Why is that and who is allowed to know your true identity? Do you enjoy the secret?

WW: The identity is a secret because we are trying to keep the integrity of the characters. It’s all about the magic! People are curious, but it’s up to the individual of who they want to share the secret with. And I do and don’t love the secret. There’s a lot of weird people out there. I’ve been stalked or harassed by people who found out not by my choice. It’s pretty creepy. It’s a hard secret to keep though. Sometimes things slip, and you have to play it off. I don’t want to say I’ve become a good liar, but I have. Friends ask “Why haven’t I seen you at games before?” and I have to come up with a story on the spot. It’s kinda insane!

DW: Any advice you can offer to students who may be considering trying out to be mascot?

WW: Do your research because you will be asked history questions about Wilma and Wilbur! Watch a lot of videos. I took the time to watch videos to understand how Wilbur and Wilma interact, how Wilma walks, how Wilma interacts with the president of the university versus a student versus a kid, because they’re all different interactions. Definitely, take the time to know your stuff.

Does Wilma’s identity ever get revealed?

Though Wilma’s secret is a mystery now, eventually the secret will get out. “It’s usually at the last home basketball game during halftime. [The reveal is] something we all look forward to,” she said. “I’m the 33rd Wilma ... ever! [Taking on this character is] the most amazing college experience I could ask for!”

SCHOOL SPIRIT

Start football hype early with the Pride of Arizona at Bear Down Fridays

BY JT THORPE

@JT_Thorpe_

The Pride of Arizona marching band starts home game hype early with community pep rallies for the Arizona football team.

The night before every home football game, the Marshall Foundation hosts “Bear Down Fridays” at Main Gate Square. Anyone in the Tucson community is welcome to attend the free event, which starts around 4 p.m.

Each Bear Down Friday showcases a variety of entertainment for the crowd. Fans can typically expect speeches from head football coach Jedd Fisch, Arizona Athletics Director Dave Heeke, ZonaZoo members and sometimes other University of Arizona coaches.

There are also several performances throughout the event from the school’s cheer squad and the Pride of Arizona, including its pomline and color guard.

“I like getting hyped up and seeing my energy being transferred to other people in the audience,” said Anna Knapp, an Eller College of Management student at the UA and one of the band’s piccolo section leaders. “The band being there is so, so important because we’re the energy and we get the people excited to be there.”

Before the performance begins, the band gathers outside of Centennial Hall to warm up with a musical exercise routine. Often, mascots Wilbur and Wilma can be found there taking pictures with fans and dancing along to the music.

“We have to make sure everything sounds great for the crowd,” said Kate Runyon, a sophomore tuba player majoring in mathematics at the UA.

Once warmed up and tuned, the band begins playing music and marching down University Boulevard at 6 p.m. in a parade block.

After a loop around the often packed street, they split up into sections and run up onto several raised platforms framing the main Bear Down Friday stage. This is where they stay for the rest of the night performing and cheering.

“My favorite thing about performing during Bear Down Friday is having a good time with my friends,” Runyon said. “I get to be in the stands surrounding the stage with my closest friends and we all get to play music, chant and dance together.”

The Pride of Arizona has a Bear Down Friday tradition where the band performs a snippet of music from its show from that season, which is usually only seen on the football field during halftime or on Band Day in October.

This year’s show features “The Music of Silk Sonic,” the musical duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak.

“As far as the show goes, I think it’ll be exciting for the audience. It’s different from anything the Pride has played and it definitely draws in the attention of anyone watching,” Knapp said.

To close out each Bear Down Friday, a recording of the UA’s alma mater “All Hail, Arizona” is played over the speakers.

The first Bear Down Friday of 2022 is on Sept. 9, the day before Arizona’s home game against Mississippi State University.

Before then, however, the band gets to travel to San Diego, California to cheer on the Arizona football team at its first game of the season on Sept. 3.

The Wildcats will be taking on San Diego State University at the school’s brand new Snapdragon Stadium.

This is the second year in a row the Pride of Arizona marching band will take part in the opening of a new stadium. Last year, the band traveled to Las Vegas to open the new Allegiant Stadium for Arizona’s game against BYU.

The fact that collegiate marching bands rarely travel with their football teams makes this second year occasion all the more significant.

“We will be performing some of our halftime show in San Diego,” Runyon said. “I’m super excited to march on an out-of-state field again.”

After completing its seven-day-long band camp the week before school started at the UA, the Pride of Arizona is ready to bring the spirit this season.

“I’m feeling optimistic about [this] season,” Knapp said. “No matter how well the team is performing, I know the piccolos and the rest of the band will show up and keep the energy up.”

COURTESY OF REBECCA SASNETT | PRIDE OF ARIZONA

TROMBONE PLAYERS AND THE rest of the Pride of Arizona marching band practice on Bear Down Field during the final day of band camp on Friday, Aug. 19. The Pride’s show for the 2022 season is “The Music of Silk Sonic,” the musical duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PRIDE OF ARIZONA:

• This year, the Pride is the largest it has ever been with over 280 members. Typically there are about 250 members. • The Pride has been hosting “Band Day” (a high school marching band competition) since 1954, making 2022 the 69th year in a row.

ARIZONA POMLINE An inside look into game day from an Arizona pommie

BY MEGAN EWING El Inde Arizona

The University of Arizona football team opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 10, and that’s game-on for Makenzie Stratton and her fellow UA pomline members.

“As soon as you step out the door, especially in uniform, game day face is on,” Stratton said, a senior and one of two team captains on the line.

We caught up with Stratton as the team was weeks into practices for the start of the season. The pomline, the UA’s official dance team, has 24 members and is part of the Pride of Arizona marching band that supports UA athletic teams. Football is arguably the team’s biggest spotlight, with some games regionally and nationally televised.

We asked Stratton about how the pomline prepares and her tips on having the best Wildcat game day experience.

Megan Ewing: What is your gameday routine like?

Makenzie Stratton: Depending on what time the game is, it could be a 16-hour day of dancing. We usually have practice in the morning 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the band. We’ll go over any media timeouts, sideline routines, halftime routine and any other little things that could be happening. From there, we have about two to three hours to run home, shower, eat a good lunch and get ready. We meet back at the field to do our Wildcat Walk, which is us introducing the football team back into the stadium. We have tailgates throughout the day, so we travel around and perform. When we have those few hours by ourselves, it’s a lot of mental preparation and relaxing with a good energy drink — we love caffeine on game days.

ME: What is something you want fans to know about this upcoming season?

MS: Last year was our first season back after COVID-19, so it was difficult to do a lot of things. Now that we’ve had a season behind us, I think the entire athletics program is really ready to jump headfirst into the season and hopefully bring home some Wildcat wins. There’s a bunch of new ideas circulating around and we are really excited to elevate the program.

ME: What is something fun, special and unique about pomline?

MS: I think one of the most unique things about our program, specifically, that I didn’t really know going into my freshman year, is how much time we spend with the band. We really are a part of the Pride, and it is a huge time commitment — not only for pomline — but for the Pride as well. So much time and effort goes into every single little detail on game day that makes those days even more special.

ME: What is the perfect game day itinerary for spectators?

MS: It’s always funny to think about the other perspective because I’ve never really experienced any other side of game day other than pomline. I think Wildcat Walk is a great place to start. You get to be a few feet away from the players and see them and the coaches. The band, pomline and cheer also attend. Everyone feeds off their energy and it gets exciting. From there, you have tailgates. I think tailgating on the mall is the best thing. Everyone gets there at like 6 a.m. to find a spot and put up a tent, bus, or even trailer and spend the day barbequing. I think it’s an absolute must, as well as watching kickoff in the stadium. I love Zona Zoo — they’re the biggest supporters and it makes the experience so fun.

ME: What goes in to prepping for game day?

MS: I think one thing people don’t really think about is our white shoes. The shoes that we wear on game day get so dirty so fast. Every week I know I have to wash my performance shoes so that they’re white and not grey. Another thing is thinking about washing your hair. I don’t want my hair to be too clean on game day because it won’t hold curl, but it can’t be too dirty because then it will be greasy. Even with spray tans, I time when to get them done. I can’t do it before practice because I can’t sweat, but I also don’t want to have the lights wash me out. It’s just the little things that people don’t think about but shoes is 100% the biggest thing that goes into game day prep. I also like to set up a little area the night before since game days so hectic. I’ll put my uniform, poms, earrings, clean shoes, snacks, energy drinks, makeup and all the other little things that I need to the side, just to make life a little easier.

NATHANIAL STENCHEVER | THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE ARIZONA POMLINE PERFORMS at a football game on Nov. 6, at Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats beat the University of California 10-3.

ME: What are you most nervous and excited about?

MS: I think I’m most nervous for taking on the role of captain. It is a lot of responsibility to lead this many girls and even though I’ve prepared for it for so long, it will amaze me everyday how much of a responsibility it is. It’s almost like I have like 23 of my own little kids. Football season is just overwhelming. It’s a never-ending cycle of school, pom, eat, sleep, so that balance is something I’m always a little nervous about. But it’s all good things so it always turns out well. I’m definitely most excited about senior year. Last year best year — I put in so much time and effort these past three, not almost four, years. I love this program so much I’m just ready to go out with a bang.

*El Inde Arizona is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.

ROUNDTABLE Season predictions from the Sports Desk

BY THE DAILY WILDCAT SPORTS STAFF

@WildcatSports

BY RYAN WOHL @ryan__wohl 4-8

After seeing this revamped Arizona football team at practice during the last few months, I quickly noticed that this group is different from the last two seasons. The quarterback group has struggled throughout the past year but that will be different after adding two talented players with Washington State University transfer Jayden de Laura and freshman Noah Fifita. Arizona drew favorable matchups throughout the first five weeks of the season with three of them being in Tucson. They are currently 6-point underdogs against San Diego State University in week one and if they can pull off the upset that will be huge because Mississippi State University from the SEC comes to town in week two. I believe that they will finish the year with four wins which is a huge step in the right direction after winning just one game during the last two seasons.

NATHANIAL STENCHEVER | THE DAILY WILDCAT

KEYAN BURNETT, A TIGHT end on the Arizona football team, works on blocking drills before a scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Arizona Stadium. The mock game would consist of the offense taking on the defense for the night in a friendly scrimmage. BY JASON DAYEE @jaysportstakes 7-5

As we enter a new season for Wildcat football, here are my predictions for the upcoming season. With our newly assembled team along with some returning players, I believe this team has the chance to make some serious noise in the Pac-12. The Wildcats open their season away at San Diego State University which is always a formidable team. I believe the Wildcats will lose this first game and start the season 0-1.

Their next four games are against Mississippi State University, North Dakota State, University of California, Berkeley and the University of Colorado Boulder. I believe the Wildcats will split these four games and after their first five games of the season will be 2-3. Now like I mentioned before I believe this is the year the Wildcats will start making some serious noise in the Pac12, and although I anticipate them having a slow start to begin the season, I do also believe they will turn things up another level towards the second half of the season.

The Wildcats’ next five games are against the University of Oregon, University of Washington, USC, University of Utah and UCLA. As most football fans know these are some of the best football schools in the Pac12, but I believe this is the year the Arizona Wildcats stand out from the pack.

Through this five-game stretch, I predict the Wildcats will go from 4-1 to 6-4 going into their final game of the season against ASU. Now, as many Arizona students know, this game is always personal for both schools, and as of late, ASU has gotten the better of the Arizona Wildcats, but I believe that will end this season. I am predicting the Wildcats will end their regular season with a bang and beat ASU here at home. Finishing their season with a record of 7-5 which will be a huge step up from our 1-11 record last season.

BY ALEX POOR

@WildcatSports

4-8

An improved depth chart aided by Jedd Fisch’s acquisitions in the transfer portal will make a noticeable difference from the 2021 roster. Sophomore quarterback Jayden de Laura will also look to stabilize the Arizona offense after transferring from Washington State. My prediction is that they will get wins over San Diego State, North Dakota State, Colorado and ASU.

BY DELANEY PENN @Delaneypennn 7-5

I think this is going to be a year full of ups and downs. I predict that Arizona will win seven games this season and lose five. Their hardest game is going to be against USC. I think that they will dominate against North Dakota State University. With all the new top recruits that were added to the roster, I believe that they will play a vital role in their team’s overall record.

BY COLE JOHNSON

@WildcatSports

7-5

My win prediction for the Wildcats this upcoming season is a bowl game win with a 7-5 record. I believe that Jayden de Laura will show out for his sophomore season with 25+ touchdowns spread all over between the three main receivers and receiving backs such as Drake Anderson.

Follow the Sports Desk on Twitter for live game updates and more @WildcatSports