Dick Tomey’s legacy will be honored every time the Arizona Wildcats hit the practice field.
The UA announced Friday that its new outdoor practice fields will be named the Dick Tomey Practice Fields. The school’s all-time winningest coach passed away in May.
The Wildcats, who open training camp this evening, spend the bulk of their practice time on two fields adjacent to the new Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center.
A naming presentation, as well as a dedication, will take place later this season on a date to be determined.
“Our Wildcat family is proud to honor Coach Tomey in a very special way,” UA athletic director Dave Heeke said in a news release. “His legacy at the University of Arizona touched the lives of many and still resonates to this day. This tribute to an icon will forever embody his tremendous spirit and everlasting love for his players, the program, the university and the community.”
Honor those who came before us. 🅰️#BuildingTheA | #BearDown https://t.co/SKmSqbf8Jd
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) July 26, 2019
Tomey compiled a 95-64-4 record over 14 seasons from 1987-2000. Arizona had nine winning seasons, seven bowl appearances and four bowl victories over that span.
“Dick Tomey’s extended family appreciates the University of Arizona paying tribute to him by naming the football practice fields in his honor,” said Nanci Kincaid, Tomey’s widow. “The practice field is where sweat and tears are shed, seeds of triumph are planted, magic firsts happen and lifetime bonds are forged among teammates.
“There is nothing easy about the practice field. Here, the work ethic is honed, character is developed and resilience is essential. When at its toughest and best, the practice field teaches players the love of competition, the thrill of precision teamwork, the rewards of personal sacrifice and inspires them in well-earned pride in being an Arizona Wildcat.
“There is not a more fitting way to honor Dick Tomey.”
This made my day. Now all Wildcats will understand that “what you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying” Winning happens Sunday through Friday with the payoff on Saturday. #CoachTomey
— Barrett Baker (@BarrettBaker27) July 26, 2019
Said Tomey’s son, Rich: “He would be truly honored with this dedication. It’s exactly spot-on. With the emphasis he put on preparation, it is very fitting to have the practice fields named after him.
“He put a lot into practice. He was very tough, but everyone knew he loved them and that he held everyone to the same standard. Once he was done coaching, everywhere he went, he always wanted to stand there and watch practice. It gives everyone a chance to compete and improve.”
Tomey was the architect of Arizona’s famed “Desert Swarm” defenses of the 1990s. The Wildcats finished 10-2 and ranked 10th in the final Associated Press poll in 1993. Five years later, they went 12-1 – the best record in school history – and ranked fourth in the final AP poll.
Every day, we will continue to be reminded of Coach Tomey’s legacy. Can’t think of a better way to go to work! #BearDown https://t.co/rFdqZzArxU
— Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) July 26, 2019
“Our student-athletes will be able to share in Coach Tomey’s legacy throughout the entire year when they step onto those fields,” UA coach Kevin Sumlin said. “Nearly every day they will be reminded of what Coach Tomey stood for: integrity, love, passion for the game and passion for those who played it.”
Before coming to Arizona, Tomey spent 10 seasons as the coach at Hawaii. The Wildcats open the 2019 season against the Rainbow Warriors on Aug. 24 in Honolulu.
