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Let’s check on Arizona on this October 22, 2025.

Repost From 7/31/25 “Bear Down Arizona: A team I Like”

“There was a fella on the Arizona campus back in 1926, and not to use the term ‘renaissance man’ too loosely, but in a way that is exactly what he was for his day. Quarterback on the football team, Catcher on the baseball team, member of Sigma Nu, and student body president. Square jaw, High cheekbones, rough and ready forehead, full head of hair, and a glint in his eye like he always knows the answer, it’s the one and only, John Byrd “Button” Salmon.

Sadly, after a preseason matchup, and six days before the season kicked off against Phoenix Junior College October 9, Button was involved in a car crash, in which he suffered a severed spinal cord. He would succumb to his injuries October 18, 1926, but before he perished, he passed one last encouraging word to his teammates through his Head Football Coach Pop McKale.

I imagine Coach McKale on a stool sitting as close to the bed as possible and leaning in to hear the young man’s last words.

“Tell them…tell the team to bear down.”-

John B “Button” Salmon 10/22/1903- 10/18/1926.”

End 7/31/25 Post

Happy Birthday to the man “Button” Salmon. “Bear down” indeed.

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Arizona will rest on a bye this week before taking on the back half of their schedule. They are 4-3 with five games left to play. It’s time to go on a run.

Final Five Games:

• @Colorado
• vs Kansas
• @Cincinatti
• vs Baylor
• @ Arizona St

How many wins can the Wildcats get before season’s end? In the preseason, I had them at 8-4, but winning four out of five down the stretch isn’t going to be easy. Former UCLA WR and Current Arizona Head Coach, Brent Brennen will do anything in his power to get the team ready for the final games. Rest up Wildcats. Then, ‘Bear Down!’

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

Whit W.