By Gordon C. Zaft
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 6, 1997

Fans should be proud of Wildcats

To the Editor:

Thomas Paine wrote: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country" (1776).

Those words can serve as a lesson to Wildcat football fans. It's easy to be a fan when things are going well; when the team is winning, or playing well against tough opponents. Unfortunately, perhaps, that is not the situation now. Now is the time that tries fans' souls.

"Bear Down" is not a motto about winning. It does not espouse victory at any cost. It is about how we play; what a Wildcat is supposed to be. Tough. Rugged. Determined. Someone who plays with heart, who never gives up, who is involved.

Despite the rough beginnings of this season, there is still reason to be proud of the team. They have played hard; they have shown grit and determination. Even when down by great odds, they have not given up but have battled back into the game. They have shown fight and heart. They've given us some great, gutsy football - like Saturday's touchdown pass on 4th and long; or Springston's battling back from a rocky beginning against Oregon to be a pretty darn good punter; or Ortege Jenkins' coming in at quarterback and showing great poise; or Joe Salave'a's determined style of play and leadership.

There are better teams; there are always better teams. If you want to be a fan of a team that always wins, then don't bother showing up to Arizona stadium - buy tickets to Washington or Florida, or perhaps Nebraska.

If you want to see a team that is determined to Bear Down, then come to Arizona Stadium to cheer the Wildcats - OUR Wildcats. I'm proud to be a Wildcat fan.

Gordon C. Zaft
ECE graduate student