McCain sends letter urging Clinton to honor the UA's women's softball team

The Associated Press The five national titles that the UA women's softball team has won since 1991 convinced Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to write a letter to President Clinton, asking him to invite the team to the White House.

In a letter sent to the president July 9, McCain asked Clinton to extend the team an invitation to recognize their outstanding achievements. McCain believes the President can send a message throughout the country about the importance of women's athletics and call attention to the excellence women athletes have achieved.

McCain's press secretary Nancy Ives said she does not know if the president has reviewed the request or if he has even received it yet, but she was confident some action will be taken.

"We wouldn't have sent the letter if we didn't think he would recognize them," she said.

Calls to the White House press secretary were not returned.

The Wildcats, under the direction of head coach Mike Candrea, captured the NCAA Division I softball championship in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996 and again this year.

In winning its most recent title, Arizona routed Pacific 10 Conference rival UCLA 10-2 in five innings on May 26 in Oklahoma City, invoking the mercy rule for the first time ever in the College World Series.

McCain also states in his letter that female athletes have struggled to compete on a level playing field with their male counterparts and that is one of the reasons why the president should honor them.

"The 1996 Summer Olympic Games was a spectacular showcase for our country's finest women athletes. They were in a spotlight that we can't allow to dim," McCain said. "In keeping with this spirit, I hope you will be able to meet the UA's outstanding champi ons to recognize them for their excellence and achievements."

Coach Candrea was unavailable for comment.