By
Chris Martin
Arizona Daily Wildcat
OK, I will admit it, I was wrong.
For four years I have been skeptical of the UA football coaching staff, particularly head coach Dick Tomey.
Like many fans, I thought the program has been mired in mediocrity. I repeatedly told people that 1998's 12-1 team was an aberration and that the team wasn't going anywhere as long as Tomey was in charge.
So I am going to swallow my pride and say it.
Coach Tomey, I AM SORRY.
I owe you an apology, I was wrong about you. You are one hell of a coach.
Not only are you a nice person, but you run a clean program that always plays hard.
I now see why your teams constantly rally around you when the alumni and boosters become critical and you find yourself on the hot seat.
God knows your profession has the worst job security around but you have managed to become a fixture of Arizona football.
Fourteen years at one program is practically unheard of now days and deserves respect.
Granted Arizona is not a national power and interest in the football team quickly diminishes once men's basketball season begins, but this UA football team is one to be proud of.
The players and coaches exemplify the concept of team play.
Their are no individuals, just teammates.
Who would have thought this year's team, minus Trung Canidate, Keith Smith, Dennis Northcutt, Marcus Bell and DaShon Polk would become a force in the Pac-10? Not me.
People might not like Tomey because he doesn't scream or berate his players on the sidelines like Steve Spurrier or because he doesn't run up the score like Bobby Bowden, but tough.
The man can coach.
Saturday's domination of a good USC team proved that.
Arizona players went into Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles prepared and confident.
It showed too, as the game was out of reach by the end of the first quarter.
Ortege Jenkins, Clarence Farmer and Bobby Wade were outstanding on offense.
The playbook was wide open, and USC All-American linebackers Zeke Moreno and Markus Steele must have felt like their heads were on swivels, as UA players constantly ran by them.
And the defense? All I know is that I feel sorry for the all the offensive coordinators in the Pac-10 that still have to prepare for UA. You have many long nights in front of you.
The "Desert Swarm" is truly back.
USC quarterback Carson Palmer was confused all game long as the pressure came from all angles.
So Wildcat fans, be proud of this UA football team, it represents the school and the community well.
And for all the anti-Tomey critics out there, cut the man some slack. He is a true winner.
It took me four years to understand that, but I am finally a believer.
Chris Martin is a senior majoring in journalism and can be reached at sports@wildcat.arizona.edu.
