Everybody Loves Wilbur

It is halftime at the University of Arizona-University of Colorado basketball game. And time we followed Arizona's Wilbur the Wildcat during the intermission.

Requests for photos were numerous.

Even requests to pose with stuffed animals were made, and Wilbur willingly complied with them.

A brief appearance by Arizona's women's gymnastic team filled a portion of the halftime break.

A strategic course of action occurred during this time. Members of the Zona Zone (the student section) were given balloons. Since Colorado would be shooting at this end of the court in the second half, the students hoped that waving these balloons would distract players shooting free throws.

Several shots of the fans appeared on the big screens that hung over the court.

Everyone loves Wilbur.

As he made his way up to our seats, he was delayed by several more requests to pose for photos.

Dora made her way over to have her photo taken--with her grandson.

These folks had the seats next to us and were very happy to see Wilbur up close.

Back on the court, Wilbur took part in these dance routines.

His unique style seemed to fit in rather effectively.

The second half resumed. The crowd reacted to Arizona's continued excellent play.

They increased their lead early in the second half to 51 to 31.

The only time I saw Wilbur sit down was when he was responding to requests from these fans for yet another photo.

When the game ended, we made our way down to the court for one more round of photos. Pretty neat way to spend an evening.

Oh, yes, the game.

Arizona 69, Colorado 57. Arizona's record was now 19-0.