University of Arizona - Desert Yearbook (Tucson, AZ)

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Anthony more . . . Here it is the most up to date informa- tion on the important issues in U of A sports news. So lets start it off right. Good evening ladies and gentlemen welcome to Sports News. This years top stories are Kevin, Sean, and Anthony. On July 9th, 1989 Kevin Singleton was admitted to the University Medical Cen- ter for tests after complaining of viral symptoms. All of Tucson anxiously awaited news of his condition. On July 14th the word was handed down, Kevin had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kev- in started chemotherapy using three dif- ferent chemicals in a procedure that had an 80 percent success rate. Kevins broth- er Chris waited patiently in the wings ready to face surgery if his brother needed a bone marrow transplant. While in the hospital during the three or four weeks needed to learn if the leukemia was going to go into remis- sion, Kevin recieved about 30 letters a day from concerned fans and suppor- ters. The chemotherapy worked and his leukemia went into remission. Tucson breathed a collective sigh of relief at hearing the news of Kevin ' s remission. The decision was made that Kevin would not play this year to give him all of his strength to fight his private battle. Although he is not playing you can still see Kevin at Arizona Stadium on Satur- day nights. He is a team captain and his presence is an inspiration to the team and the fans. He calls the toss at the games and is on the sidelines with the team and in the locker room at halftime. Tucson is behind him as much now as when he was on the field playing. Kevin Singleton was the U of A player stricken with leukemia re- cently. Photo courtesy of Sports Information. SEAN ELLIOT and ANTHONY COOK Sean Elliot, Kenny Lofton, and Anthony Cook have gone on to greatness. After graduating last year all three of the senior sensations of the wildcat basket- ball team that made it to the sweet sixteen have gone on to careers in pro- fessional sports. Kenny Lofton impressed everybody when he was offered a job as a free agent playing baseball for the Houston Astros, considering he never played it in col- lege. His superior speed made him espe- cially important for the Astros because it gave him the ability to steal bases with blinding speed. Currently he is playing for their minor league team, but soon he may get his shot at the majors. Anthony Cook was drafted in the first round by the Pheonix Suns and went almost immediately to the Detroit Pis- tons. He was offered a two year $500,000 contract. Cooks agents refused and the Suns instead signed Scott Hastings, a former Miami Heat player Cook began talking to the Greek national team and eventually decided to play for them. His fans wished him the best and hope to see him playing in the states soon. Sean Elliot went into the draft as one of the top six draft choices. Sean was drafted third by the San Antonio Spurs. On the 13th of October it was made official. He was signed to a five year contract for 9 million dollars. He also again proved how big of a heart he has by buying game tickets for underprivi- leged kids in San Antonio, and setting up scholarships at both U of A and his former high school, Cholla. U of A football has faced some tough times recently Since March 3rd, 1989 nine football players have been arrested on charges ranging from assault to en- dangerment. The U of A football depart- ment has wrongfully come under fire for these incidents. True they are re- sponsible for their players but the coaches can not consistently watch their players every hour of the day. The coaching staff immediately suspended these players until all the facts came to the surface. Mike Bundym, Sam Ed- wards, Sean Hutson, and Jeff King were arrested for assault and Edwards, King, and Hutson, whose charges were more serious were suspended from the team for two years. Bundy was still allowed to play. On April 21 Robert Flory was charged with resisting arrest and disor- derly conduct among other charges. He was placed on team probation with his scholarship removed. On April 24 Paul Glonek was cited for trespassing and later on July 30 had a warrant put out from Iowa after he hit a student attending the University of Iowa. Glonek was dismissed after the incident. On April 25 Donnie Salum was arrested for fighting with police officers. He like Flory was put on probation without his scholarship. September 20 David Robinson was ar- rested after having an argument with his girlfriend. He was suspended from the team until charges were dropped and then he was reinstated. On September 24th Melvin Smith was arrested after a game, after he allegedly fired a gun into a crowd. He was sus- pended from the team and eventually charges were dropped from lack of evi- dence, charges could be reinstated. J ' 126 SPORTS NEWS

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over the crowd as th pUa by the Wildcats onto victory BRICE SAMUEL 1 4 The sports section would like to take this opportunity to thank the depart- ment that helps make the sports news. This department is the Department of Sports Information. Located in McKale Center, Sports Information is the depart- ment responsible for all the public rela- tions for the varsity sports teams. They provide statistics, press releases, rosters, and pictures to the media to help pro- mote players, teams, and the U of A. The staff is headed by Butch Henery, who does an amazing job coordinating this deparment. The exceptional staff also includes Tom Duddleston, Tracy Ballin, David Hirsch, and Dina Ramos. In addition to this full-time staff the department also utilizes the skill of many students. The work these people do goes beyond normal office hours. Members can be seen at games, home and away, practices, and running around campus gathering infromation for their files. They are often unknown by the general public and work in the background, out of the limelight of college sports. But they provide a vital service and do an excellent job at it. They have saved my butt more than once and deserve recognition. Thanks guys for all the help this year. This section would not be possible without them. • Brian Wilson. SPORTS NEWS 125

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-! Sean ElUo Kd Anthony Cook are two f Anzona Byers who have gone an lo - iw SPORTS NEWS 127