When ZonaZealots put out the call for huge Arizona Wildcats fans, Zachary Silverman stepped up to the plate, he also traveled to Omaha to cheer on his favorite Arizona Baseball team.
Zach Silverman is a passionate part-time graduate student at the University of Arizona Eller College Management. He hails from the North Star state (Minneapolis, Minnesota). His love for his college is only surpassed by the love of his Arizona Wildcats Baseball team and all things Arizona
We first met Zach during the NCAA Baseball Regionals and shared and followed him through to the last game in the finals. We sat down with Zach to learn more about him and his fandom and found he was right, he is a huge Wildcats fan!
The Interview:
ZZ: How long have you been a fan of the Arizona Wildcats?
Zach: I have been an Arizona fan for about 4 years since I officially became a Wildcat.
ZZ: SPORTS at the UofA- What was it about the University of Arizona Athletics program that makes you proud? What are some of your favorite things about the Arizona Wildcats teams?
Zach: I think there are so many things that make me proud! For one the support that you see from fans and alumni is absolutely incredible! From consecutive sellouts in basketball to the successful alumni who always rep the school when they can (Terry Francona, Rob Gronkowski), and to the coaches who are clearly invested in the school (i.e. RichRod’s son and daughter attending the U of A).
ZZ: Do you attend any Arizona games in person when they are in or close to your home town? If so which sport? How far would you travel to see the Wildcats Play?
Zach: To date, I most recently drove down from Minneapolis (a 6-hour drive) with my Dad to catch the Cats in Omaha. I already am making plans with friends to catch the basketball team at the Staples Center in December!
The sports I primarily follow include Football, Basketball, softball, and baseball. However, I would like to make the case with this platform that we need to get a D1 Hockey team to rival ASU! With the AHL Tucson Roadrunners coming to town we should use that investment and build the program off their facility! Who’s with me?!
@GopherTheW: @CollegeWorldSeries We are ready to go get #5 here in Omaha 🐻⬇️⚾️🇺🇸 Lets go CATS #CWS pic.twitter.com/BEyMkiz84w
— BearDownBeatMM (@GopherTheW) June 30, 2016
ZZ: If you can’t go in person to games, is there a specific local establishment or sports bar you go to in order to watch the games?
Zach: In Minnesota, there is an official U of A bar called the Crooked Pint so I occasionally go there if a game is on the Pac 12 network.
ZZ: Favorite place to eat or go out in Tucson?
Zach: My favorite place to go in Tucson is Sausage Deli. They have a lot of U of A stuff on the wall and the sandwiches are legit! I know as an Arizona fan that this establishment is also Miles Simon’s favorite place to go after following him on Twitter. Honorable mention would go to all of the donut places as I have never not liked the one I had in Tucson!
ZZ: Do you know the UofA alma mater by heart? The BearDown fight song?
Zach: I do not know the alma mater by heart but absolutely have the BearDown fight song on lockdown!
ZZ: Do you have any game day rituals or game day look? Does everyone you work with know you are an Arizona Wildcats fan?
Zach: Everyone I work with knows I am huge supporter because I rotate two U of A polos every Friday for what I dub as School Colors Day’!
@ArizonaBaseball Tonight's the night! Let's go get #5 🐻⬇ Stay HOT🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/KkCaYU83bz
— BearDownBeatMM (@GopherTheW) June 29, 2016
ZZ: Do you have a favorite Arizona Wildcat Athletics moment?
Zach: Well, I think my favorite moment to date has been going to an Arizona Baseball game at ASU and being in the front surrounded by the ASU student section behind us being harassed and teased. Don’t worry it gets better! Coach Johnson came over and said something to the effect of “Thanks for coming we really appreciate your support” and that really meant a tremendous amount to me.
Furthermore, late in the game reserve infielder Casey Bowman came over and gave us a baseball and echoed Coach Johnson. It was a special moment and meant tremendous amount!
ZZ: Does winning or losing a game affect your mood? In which ways?
Zach: It does and it doesn’t – I’m fresh off two losses one run games from Omaha and what I would say is win or lose I am extremely proud to be a Wildcat! The effort those boys put was phenomenal and the support they have received is truly remarkable.
It is so touching the day after the program receives a one million dollar donation! I think that speaks for itself of the pride and joy the community of Tuscon, the state of Arizona, and alumni have for the program.
ZZ: Who is your favorite Arizona Wildcat player and what sport do they or did they play? Favorite Coach? And why?
Zach: This is so tough! I would have to say my favorite Wildcat would have to be Kaleb Tarczewski because he graduated from my college, is a phenomenal representative of the university, and is the all-time winningest basketball player in program history. However, I would like to give Scooby Wright III honorable mention, as I believe his story to success is the second version of Rudy. My favorite coach would have to be Jay Johnson because I have seen him in person
My favorite coach would have to be Jay Johnson because I have seen him in person and witnessed the positive influence he has on his players and how much he appreciates his fans.
ZZ: If you could say one thing to your favorite player and/or coach, what would it be?
Zach: I would just say thank you for representing the University of Arizona to its fullest potential and that they are paving the future for the success of the program and I greatly appreciate their effort!
ZZ: What sports articles we write do you enjoy the most? Is there anything we should be writing about more?
Zach: I think next year we need more baseball coverage! They have a special group and the more media attention they can garner may the more fans? Bear down!
Next: Arizona Basketball: Wildcats performing well in NBA Summer League
BearDown Zach! Thanks for sharing!