With 24 hours left until the Wildcat’s season opener, we remember Arizona’s all-time reception leader, Bobby Wade. Sure, his 230 career receptions are in danger of being overtaken by Money Mike Thomas (185 receptions, to date). And his 2002 mark of 92 receptions (another Arizona record), yeah… Money’s got that one in his sights too. But the former first team All-Pac 10 performer — much like fellow senior class members Lance Briggs and Jason Johnson — will always be remembered as a great player on a not so great team.

Which brings us to tomorrow…

Like Wade, both Willie Tuitama and Mike Thomas will leave Arizona as record holders. But will they see a post season? If so, they can distance themselves from the Pierces and the Johnsons and the Casons and the Larsons and the Steptoes (another #1) and the Briggs and oh my god I’m crying right now.

No matter what, every one of these players will be looked back on fondly. But let’s hope that the TnT connection can pave the way for future Wildcat record holders to be remembered more for wins than statistics.

Other notable #1s include quarterbacks Bruce Hill (1973-75) and Alfred Jenkins (1983-86). Both were named in the Arizona Daily Star’s recent top ten Wildcat All-Time quarterbacks (Hill came in third, Jenkins ninth).  Apparently Hill ran something called the 1-2-3 offense. I have no idea what that means, but I’ve never been any good with the numbers.

And by the way, if the excitement doesn’t let you fall asleep tonight, know you’re not alone. Also know that, if you were an SEC fan, you’d be drunk already.