🐱 STORY OF BEAR DOWN
One of the University of Arizona Athletics’ most enduring traditions is the slogan and battle cry, “Bear Down.” But it’s a strange call for the home of the Wildcats. Here’s the story of why we say, “Bear Down.”
In 1926, one of the University of Arizona’s most venerated students and athletes, John “Button” Salmon was killed in a car accident. The coach at the time, J.F. “Pop” McKale, told the football team that Button’s last message to his teammates was, “Tell them... tell the team to bear down.”
The message stuck as the UA students and fans took up the rallying cry. The Arizona band director at the time, Jack K. Lee, wrote the fight song, “Bear Down, Arizona” that you’ll hear echoing through stadiums and fields.
At your next football game, make sure to look for the stature of John “Button” Salmon outside of Arizona Stadium. Whether you rub his head for good luck is up to you but always remember to…Bear Down!
🎶 FIGHT SONG
Bear Down Arizona
(Words and Music by Jack Lee)
Bear Down, Arizona
Bear Down, Red and Blue
Bear Down, Arizona
Hit 'em hard, let 'em know who's who;
Bear Down, Arizona
Bear Down, Red and Blue
Go, go, Wildcats, go;
Arizona, Bear Down
🖐️ WILDCAT HAND SYMBOL
Show your Wildcat pride with the Wildcat Hand Symbol!
Using your right hand, put your pinky finger, ring finger and middle up to form a "W" and your index finger and thumb in the shape of a "C" to complete the Wildcat Hand Symbol!
and show their Wildcat spirit! Plus, they’ll get a head start in their financial journey through special savings and financial education programs. 
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