It's a tradition that runs deep in the U of A Wildcat family, and it officially marks the beginning of homecoming week: the lighting of "A" Mountain.
"People wonder, they see it burning and they wonder what's going on," U of A alumnus Robert Lochner said. "Then they'll say, oh it must be homecoming again."
There it is! "A" Mountain is lit up and Homecoming at @UofA is officially underway! @kgun9 #Arizona #Tucson pic.twitter.com/i7u3xqdzw9
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) October 23, 2017
As he stared up at the "A," bright in Wildcat red, he was taken back a few decades, to his time on campus.
"Oh it's a tradition, we've been doing it for years and years," Lochner said. "A long time ago we went up there and I had to white wash it after we burned it!"
Though he graduated in 1970, he's never lost his sense of school pride. That's something that current senior Josler Tudisco hopes to keep once he graduates in the spring. Alongside 12 other seniors, all members of the Bobcats Senior Honorary group, Tudisco helped prepare "A" Mountain for the annual celebration. In his eyes, it was an honor.
.@UofA students prep to light up “A” Mountain to kick off Homecoming week! I’ll have more on this #Wildcat tradition at 5 & 10 @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/Yf7G7vvDCX
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) October 22, 2017
"It almost solidifies me as a Wildcat for life," he said. "I feel like being able to be a part of these great traditions is such a beautiful thing."
There was no shortage of Wildcat pride atop the Main Gate Garage, as generations of Wildcats waited together for the sun to go down, and the flames to light up.
Families and students await the “A” Mountain lighting ceremony! Sun is almost down, #Wildcat Pride is high for start of homecoming @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/2oqmKrSaNC
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) October 23, 2017
Senior Nicole Avila helped put on the official homecoming kickoff party. In her mind, it's a tradition that the entire Tucson community can get behind and enjoy.
"Not only are we kicking off homecoming," she said. "But we're spreading that wildcat pride."
