DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat Softball coach Mike Candrea has won six national titles to go along with six Pac-10 Conference championships during a 17-year run. Candrea has won close to 1,000 games during his career.

From fast food breakfasts to a 70-mile commute, UA softball head coach Mike Candrea makes certain to get his daily dose of one thing: winning

E very day of UA head coach Mike Candrea's 17-year career has been a routine.

Forget the fact that he's routinely won championships öö six NCAA and Pacific 10 Conference öö or that he's on the path to reach the largest milestone of his career, the 1,000-win mark.

Candrea's routine extends farther than his reputation for winning.

The Candrea no one knows is the man with one simple routine: a 70-mile commute and a McDonald's egg and bacon bagel nearly everyday.

"I just started eating breakfast and it's either a bowl of Raisin Bran cereal or I stop at McDonald's for a bacon and egg bagel ÷ no cheese," Candrea said. "I don't like the cheese there and it gets all over you half the time."

Spoken like a true champion.

So it's simple. Candrea's 936-185 career record stems from a fattening bagel sandwich he eats five or six times a week, depending on how many times he makes the commute?

Of course not.

Candrea is the man behind the magic. He is the one who recruits some of the greatest players in softball history that help bring championships to Arizona.

But the route to UA's Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium isn't easy, or short for that matter.

Because every day that Candrea sets foot on the neatly trimmed grass that lines the outfields, he has traveled from Casa Grande to get there.

"Believe it or not, it's the part of the day that keeps me sane," Candrea said. "I've been doing it for 18 years and I enjoy it. It's my peace and quiet."

To some, the long trip ÷ that Candrea says he never makes faster than 75 mph ÷ proves his dedication to the program.

"His drive is his alone time," UA assistant coach and former player Nancy Evans said. "He has a set routine, especially on the road. But he's been doing the drive for so long and he loves what he does."

Maybe some of Candrea's dedication rubbed off on the young assistant coach, who too lives in Casa Grande and makes the same commute.

"I hope (I've inspired Evans)," Candrea said. "I just get in the car and go. It's really an easy commute for me. I just put the cruise (control) on 75 mph. I'd rather do that than sit in traffic."

So what can the six-time national championship coach possibly think about during his two-hour round-trip commute?

"Going up (to Tucson) I plan my day. Driving back I wind down and get some peace and quiet," Candrea said.

It started 18 years ago after Candrea's wife was offered a good job in Casa Grande.

His two children, daughter Michelle, 21, and son Mikel ÷ a UA senior and volunteer coach ÷ were young and Candrea figured that if it were between he and his wife commuting, he would want to be the one making the trek.

Although the drive is easy for Candrea, for Mikel the drive isn't as pleasant as his father says it is.

"I do it once a month and I hate it," Mikel Candrea said. "It says a lot about him. He loves the school and loves coaching here. He likes the drive to get away from things."

Candrea doesn't just show his appreciation to the McDonald's staff by repeated visits, but also to those who help him succeed.

That was evident when Candrea first awarded the grounds crew championship rings, probably during the 1991 championship, but he wasn't quite sure.

"They treat this place like it's special," Candrea said. "A lot of times it's the people behind the scenes. It's not just me but it's our staff too. I've always been one not to overlook those who work for you."

While he leads his players in strength and conditioning everyday, they aren't the only ones who have a routine exercise schedule.

According to his son, ever since the team made a trip to Eugene, Ore., last season, Candrea told the players he was going to start working out.

So when morning came, what did he do?

"He got up the next morning and started running," Mikel Candrea said. "He's trying to be healthy. We just got a new treadmill and he's stoked. He's getting after it."

Candrea runs for 30 minutes every day, according to Mikel.

His winning attitude and strong expectations are consistent, whether he's at home or on the field.

There isn't much of a difference between Candrea the coach and the dad, other than he's known to be more quiet at home when he's not talking softball.

"He's a lot less talkative at home because that's where he's the most relaxed," Mikel Candrea said. "He's more laid back and a lot more quiet."

For 18 years, Candrea has been a man of consistency. Whether it's through his daily commute, his consuming of McDonald's breakfasts nearly everyday, or practicing what he believes in, one thing is indisputable: the most routine thing that Candrea does is win.