Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wednesday December 11, 2002
Best male athlete of the semester
Bobby Wade: Let me tell you this, he can build a damn good house. It wasn't just his carpentry that makes me pick B-Wade as the best athlete. He can flat out play. If he doesn't make an NFL roster it will be a travesty. He has the hands, talent and smarts to be an impact player at the next level.
Best female athlete of the semester
Kim Glass: No doubt this freshman from the land of Hershey has been the one reason the volleyball team is where it's at ÷ the Sweet 16. Not only is she talented, but she has become one of the team's leaders. Not too many freshmen can say that. Look for Glass to wipe Minnesota clean tomorrow. Wow, that was a lame attempt at humor. That was, too.
Most memorable moment of the semester
Hands down it was walking down State Street in Madison, Wisc., with 16 other friends singing "Bear Down Arizona" and chanting "U of A." Road trips really are what college is all about and the places that I have been because of this job are worth every hour I spend here. And let me tell you, that's a lot of hours.
Memory of the semester you want to forget
The Mackovic press conference was one of the most awkward experiences I have ever had as a journalist ÷ or person for that matter. It was a cathartic 45 minutes. First I thought he was fired, then I thought he was quitting, then I didn't know what to think. I doubt I will ever be able to forget that moment.
Best male athlete of the semester
Jason Johnson: Every team in the Pac-10 knew the Wildcats were going to pass. There was no question. Yet, Johnson had a stellar year considering every game plan was geared against the pass. For all of you who had a decent season at QB in the intramural league and think you can do better: You need to wake up, because you're dreaming.
Best female athlete of the semester
Kelly Nelson: She single-handedly brought hope to a program with little to no future. Nelson's 13 goals set a new Arizona record, and she was tops in the conference. Maybe if freshman Amanda Martin, who started the season so well at goal, would have kept her spot, then the Wildcats would have had more wins.
Memory of the semester you want to forget
Being sprayed with pepper spray as the students tore down the goal posts and marched down University Avenue singing "Bear Down" after beating Arizona State to finish undefeated and qualify for the Fiesta Bowl · oh wait · I mean nearly being beaten to death while standing in line at the McKale ticket office for tickets for the top-ranked Arizona basketball team, and not getting them.
Memory of the semester you want to forget
No, I don't get tickets for working here. So, Santa, if you are listening, pass out some extra coal and hook me up. I don't care if they are last row or in the middle of the band, I want to be there when Andre Iguodala teabags Luke Jackson on a dunk in the second half of a blowout against Oregon.
Best male athlete of the semester
Ricky Barnes: It wasn't the Dalai-Lama and he won't regain full consciousness on his death bed. Ricky Barnes is no caddy. Traveling to Malasyia as part of the U.S. Amateur team, he helped it win by erasing a three-stroke final round deficit. Oh, and he won the U.S. Amateur in August, earning him exemptions for the 2003 Masters and the U.S. and British Opens · something you'll never do.
Best female athlete of the semester
Kelly Nelson: Nelson and record books are now synonyms. Nelson tore an ACL that forced her to redshirt last season. Enter this year: 13 goals and one assist (27 points) helped the Wildcats to the most productive offense ever. Her coach thinks she can only become greater and some goalies can't sleep at night thinking about her. The Jennie Finch torch has been passed.
Most memorable moment of the semester
When they win there's no riot, no parade · but that seemed to make it better. When Arizona soccer took No. 20 Washington to two OTs and put it away 2-1, beating Husky goalie Hope Solo ÷ who's in the World Cup ÷ it was damn exciting to watch. To see a team that wasn't supposed to challenge anyone knock off a contender ÷ that's greatness and that stays with a team.
Memory of the semester you want to forget
Football. There's a lot of things I've already put away but one still lingers more than smoke in a hot-boxed rental. When 41 football players went to the president of the university to complain about John Mackovic, it bankrupted Arizona football. Regardless of the circumstances that set it off, that national attention buried this program. Thank you, basketball season.
Best male athlete of the semester
Ricky Barnes: While most would think to look at the football team for this player, I don't. While Bobby Wade had a great year, his team didn't, so he can't win. My vote goes to golfer Ricky Barnes, who is not only a great golfer, but a fine intramural basketball player. He also throws a mean party. Hey Rick, have you found my underwear yet?
Best female athlete of the semester
Mysterious Rec Girl: Ah, the fairer sex. While many females had great seasons, one girl really sticks out in my mind. She may not play an organized sport, but she truly is worthy. Although I don't know her name, I always see her at the Rec, on the second floor, third Stairmaster from the door. Her stats? Good form, excellent stamina and one very tight rear-end.
Most memorable moment of the semester
Only one moment will live forever in my mind: It was early, I was sweaty and someone behind me had their hands on my nether-regions. That's right; I'm talking about the scramble for basketball tickets. This memory is a bit fuzzy, but it's the only one worth remembering. All I can say is thanks, Bram; you are truly the wormiest man I know.
Memory of the semester you want to forget
The football season ÷ an absolute disgrace. At a school where losing is not tolerated, John Mackovic started a downward spiral that will not be fixed until a new coach takes over. He lost his players, lost his fans and has lost all hope. Only one coach would be a step down, and he currently resides in Seattle, sleeping next to a real looker.
