Homecoming focus is Wilbur, buff at 50 (with slide show)
By Inger Sandal
isandal@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 11.05.2009
The University of Arizona's homecoming weekend is going to double as a blowout birthday party — Wilbur the Wildcat turns 50 this year.
CelebrateFriday with a cake-decorating celebration from noon to 1 p.m. on the UA Mall.
It's part of a week of mall events that has included an "Over-the-Hill" obstacle course relay, a Wilbur Dunk-Tank Spelling Bee, and a Birthday Cup: Human Foosball Championship. Today there's a "Midlife Crisis" tug of war.
The official theme to all things homecoming this year is "Wilbur at 50: Aged to Purrrrfection."
"It's been a lot of fun planning for Wilbur's 50 anniversary and birthday," said Sarah Beaudry, vice president for communications at the UA Alumni Association.
The alumni office is expecting more than 50,000 people to take part this weekend. Events start today and end Sunday.
Wilbur will be at a lot of them, including the Bear Down Friday pep rally and bonfire on Friday.
On Saturday, the ever-popular mascot will be the homecoming parade's grand marshal, riding in a convertible with Wilma the Wildcat at his side.
Seven of the more than 30 alums who have played the part of Wilbur over the years, and four of the 20 Wilmas, will ride in a firetruck.
Phoebe Chalk, the UA's assistant athletic director for public affairs who is also the cheerleading and mascot adviser, said the earliest "Wilbur" will be Charles Brugler, who portrayed the mascot in 1974.
The mascot who travels the greatest distance for homecoming may be Bill Waynick, who was Wilbur from 1988-92 and made the donation that established the Wilbur and Wilma Endowment. He'll be flying in from Germany.
While most grand marshals can kick back after the parade and enjoy the game, Wilbur will be just getting started.
Anyone who has watched Wilbur at a UA football game knows he never stops moving.
That will include a whole lot of one-armed push-ups — not bad for a mascot who has just turned 50.
"Hopefully, the fans will be helping him count his push-ups as we beat Washington State," Chalk said, noting that Wilbur can easily do 50.
Wilbur's a fan favorite year-round, she said. "He does a lot of community appearances — so does Wilma. People always want to take pictures with him."
What's new on the mall
• Reunion Central, a tent where alumni can look for classmates and friends.
• UA College Village for alumni looking to reconnect with friends and faculty members of their college and learn about recent achievements.
• A food court that includes restaurants such as Villa Thai, Brushfire Grill, Frankie's Sandwich Shop and Gelato Dessert Café.
• A kids' corner and child-friendly Campus Arboretum tent.
Wilbur bears down at pep rally on Friday
Wilbur Wildcat will share the spotlight with UA offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes at the Bear Down Friday pep rally.
Dykes is guest-hosting the rally, which includes the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, a talent contest, beer and wine tastings, giveaways and more.
Afterward, the party moves onto campus for the bonfire, which will be west of Old Main.
"We have a lot of spirit, and right now we have a team that's winning — these are all great things to make people want to wear their red and blue," said Jane McCollum, general manager of the Marshall Foundation, which owns and manages Main Gate Square.
A few highlights
• Trolley arrivals: Part of the Pride of Arizona Marching Band will arrive at 5 p.m. and perform along University Boulevard. The homecoming court arrives at 6:45 p.m. and will be introduced at the rally.
• Lots of spirit: Wilbur and Wilma, the UA's cheerleaders, the pom-pom squad, twirlers and flags are always part of the pep rally festivities.
• Contest winners: Performances by the four National Anthem Contest finalists: Jennifer Norton, Tucson Barbershop Experience, Rainie Moreno and CatCall Acappella.
The winner will perform at a UA sporting event this year.
The winner of the Tucson Has Talent contest also will be presented.
• Cute dogs: Bring your pet and enter the Most Spirited Pet contest. Prizes will be awarded.
• Free stuff: Mini-footballs, thunder sticks, can coolers and more while supplies last where live remotes will be done by radio stations KMXZ 94.9, Mix-FM, and KGMG 106.3 and 104.9 Mega Oldies. ESPN's "Happy Hour" with Jody Oehler will broadcast live.
The Arizona State Credit Union will give away Spirit Cards.
There will be other prize giveaways, including glow necklaces and kazoos.
For the complete schedule of all homecoming events, go to ArizonaAlumni.com/Homecoming
0 Comments on this story
