Football suffers 1st losing record since '91

With the first losing record since 1991, the 5-6 Wildcats were never able to win back-to-back, and went 0-5 on the road. Arizona's once-heralded defense finished the year seventh-best in the conference giving up an average 385 per game.

"To say things ended up as we would have liked, would be stupid," UA head coach Dick Tomey said. "It's hard to look back and smile."

Yet, things weren't all negative throughout the year. Especially for a few first time players.

The human-highlight reel Keith Smith set the standard for UA quarterbacks to come. Junior college transfer Chris McAlister was one of the most feared cornerbacks in the country. Freshman tailback Leon Callen averaged 4.8 yards every time he touched the ball.

The 1996 season was filled with memorable moments, like when Richard Dice went down with a career-ending knee injury as he caught a touchdown against Southern Cal in Los Angeles. Dice's injury was only one of several.

While the season didn't go as planned, the 5-1 home record is something to build on. And with the addition of new defensive coordinator Rich Ellerson combined with a nearly intact offensive unit, the 1997 season looks promising.

"We are not going to promise anything, but losing records are the thing of the past," junior defensive end Mike Szlauko said.