From Arizona Stadium to the Zona Zoo, what’s not to love about the Arizona Wildcats today, Valentine’s Day and the 101st birthday of the Grand Canyon State?

To celebrate, legendary University of Arizona quarterback John Button Salmon takes us through the 101 things he loves about his Arizona Wildcats:

Bear Down! The 101 things I love about the Arizona Wildcats on this Valentine’s Day and 101st birthday of Arizona…

— John Button Salmon (@GR8SalmonsGhost) February 14, 2013

101: Beating Arizona State in Water Polo

31 Mar 1997: Coach Lute Olson of Arizona Wildcats hugs guard Miles Simon and center AJ Bramlett after the NCAA Championship game against the Kentucky Wildcats at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. Arizona won the game 84 – 79. Mandatory Credit: Bria

100: The hidden tunnels of Bear Down Gym

99: The Nov. 21, 1986 wedding of Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat. Happy Valentine’s Day, you two love kittens!

98: Terry Francona. Tito!

97: “Nice shot, buddy!”

96:  The baddest alumni ever: Jay Dobyns

95: The smell of Wilbur’s fur after an August football game

94: Beating Arizona State in Track & Field

93: From Brian Anderson to Alan Zinter and the 68 other ex-Cats’ who reached the Major Leagues

92: The anticipation that builds from the muffled roar of the crowd and UA Band as you enter McKale Center for a basketball game

91: UA alum Jim Furyk’s loopy swing

90: THE OOH AHH MAN!!

89. Beating Arizona State in soccer

Seth Mejias-Brean (5) and Brandon Dixon (22) hug. Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

(more…)

Legendary University of Arizona quarterback John “Button” Salmon didn’t just utter the infamous phrase “Bear Down.” He was also a master of bad jokes back in his day – or so we would imagine (just roll with it). JBS cracks wise with Wildcat Nation:

 

@jordanchill43 I think my head just exploded.

— John Button Salmon (@GR8SalmonsGhost) January 18, 2013

@jbamacriner82 Sounds like you need more lotion in your life.

— John Button Salmon (@GR8SalmonsGhost) January 18, 2013

@uofaddison54Dwight IS the new Shaq. I heard he’s filming Shazam II this off-season.

— John Button Salmon (@GR8SalmonsGhost) January 18, 2013

(more…)

 The University of Arizona announced on Tuesday that Sand Volleyball will become the school’s 20th varsity sport starting with the 2014 season. Naturally, this raised many questions in Wildcat Nation. UA Athletic Director Greg Byrne took to Twitter to address a few of these queries:

“@jerzydevil: @greg_byrne why the inequality in # of sports4 each gender?T. IX meant to level field, not tilt it.” participants not sports

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) January 16, 2013

“@uofajohn: @greg_byrne @azathletics why did we add this sport ?” New opportunities & part of Title IX plan

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) January 16, 2013

“@richman43: @brettfera & GB u really think cost of travel salaries & tuition will b covered by tix sales & donors?” No but only 2 sports do

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) January 16, 2013

“@johnjj1212: @greg_byrne @azathletics does Sand Volleyball mean more scholarships for baseball?” No effect on scholarships for other sports

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) January 16, 2013

(more…)