"Fight! Wildcats! Fight!" is the official fight song of the University of Arizona

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...

. While "Bear Down, Arizona!" is easily the most recognizable fight song attributed to the University it was written 23 years after "Fight!" and is more accurately described as the official motto of the University.

History

The words to "Fight! Wildcats! Fight!" were written in 1929 by Dugald "Douglas" Stanley Holsclaw, class of '25 and a member of the spirit squad (serving as the "Yell Leader" from 1923 to 1924). Holsclaw and his wife Alice contributed greatly to the University of Arizona and to the state of Arizona itself. Holsclaw went on to serve as a state senator for many years. The Holsclaw family has been honored by the University with an endowed chair in the genetics department and a recital hall in the Music Building. "Fight! Wildcats! Fight!" was officially introduced by the UA band at the 1930 Homecoming game and was also performed by Rudy Vallee and his orchestra over the NBC radio network that same year.

The music to "Fight! Wildcats! Fight!" was co-written by Holsclaw and Thornton W. Allen, a composer, arranger, and publisher based in New York. Allen was responsible for the music for various collegiate fight songs including those for the University of Maryland, University of Florida, and Washington and Lee University.

Lyrics

The lyrics to "Fight! Wildcats! Fight!" consists of a verse and chorus. Originally the verse had two versions: One for students or other members of the University, and another version for the "Towncats", the now-defunct alumni club of the University of Arizona. The chorus also features different lyrics depending on whether it is being performed at a football game or basketball game.