Shining through

Adam F. Jarrold Arizona Daily Wildcat Mike Szlauko, UA senior defensive end, makes a move to the quarterback during a defensive drill yesterday during practice.

Szlauko has fought injuries since his career began at Arizona, including a torn calf muscle he suffered in the Ohio State game in the third week of the season.

He returned to action just in time for Saturday's win over the Stanford Cardinal, recorded six tackles - all for a loss, including three sacks.

"It was a great feeling to be back out on the field again," Szlauko said. "I am not on the same physical level as before, but that will come in time. I am just glad that I am back playing football."

In addition to the muscle tear, Szlauko has spent time rehabilitating two separate ankle surgeries and a neck injury that kept him out of the first six games of the 1994 season.

" I always told myself that I'd have the chance to have a healthy season though for awhile I lost all hope," said Szlauko of his frustrations. "I've always pushed on with my own pride, drive and desire. I wanted to keep playing with these guys.....they're my buds."

Szlauko's outstanding performance is hard to believe considering he saw almost no time on the field in practice since the tear, including the week preceding the Stanford game.

"I didn't go into the game completely blind," said Szlauko who reviewed extra game film. "You can't go in absolutely cold or you will get worked out there. I had a really good week of preparation and a lot of mental work that helped me get ready for the game."

Szlauko's return seemed to make an immediate impact of his teammates as well.

For the only the second time this season and the first time in four games, Arizona outscored its opponent in the first quarter, due in part to the solid play of the defense.

"Everybody has trouble with a good outside pass rusher," Arizona head coach Dick Tomey said. "He is so quick and very athletic and tough. He is not unlike Tedy (Bruschi) in what he was able to do."

The comparison with former Wildcat and current member of the NFL's New England Patriots is bold considering Bruschi was an All-America selection in his senior year. Bruschi recorded 14.5 sacks during that season. Szlauko has 8.5 sacks through four games and is on pace to finish with 18.5 sacks.

"The position (defensive end) adds a lot to itself," Szlauko said. "It makes you into a player because you know what's expected of you. It gets a lot of glory."

As far as his teammates are concerned, Szlauko is an invaluable member of the defense.

"Mike has a such a great impact on this team and he is such a tremendous athlete," Arizona sophomore linebacker Marcus Bell said. "The guy comes in makes three or four sacks and makes some really big plays for us."

UA senior cornerback Chris McAlister had nothing but praise for the way Szlauko made the secondary's job easier.

"He (Szlauko) makes a big contribution to this team every time he steps on the field," he said. "He is good pass rusher and when you have someone like that who can put so much pressure on the quarterback, the defensive backs do not have to do as much covering."

But make no mistake, Szlauko knows it takes more than the efforts of one person for a strong defensive game plan.

"A s far as my return to the team goes, I don't know if that's the answer," he said. "Without the other 10 guys, my success means nothing."