McKale’s legacy more than sports —
When J.F. “Pop” McKale, the towering sports figure in [Tucson] lore, passed away in 1967, he left a string of accomplishments still felt today.
McKale, as head basketball coach of the [Arizona] Wildcats from 1914 to 1921, guided the team to a 49-12 record. McKale also coached baseball and football.
As the athletic director, he hired Fred Enke as basketball coach in 1925. McKale and Enke initiated 35 years of basketball greatness for the University of Arizona.
And it was McKale who gave the university its nickname, Wildcats.
Yup, old Pop McKale’s shadow still looms large as the highly successful men’s team, and the up-and-coming women’s team, play in McKale Center.
For all of McKale’s doings and the imprint he left on Tucson, McKale has a different meaning for at least one Tucsonan.