Good evening sports fans and welcome to another edition of the Wide World of Wildcats. The UA mens tennis team, ranked No. 45, is on a two-match winning streak after upsetting No. 34 South Florida. Junior Andres Arango brought his A-game to the court, dominating his opponent 6-0 and 6-2. I was able to catch up with Andres and here is what he had to say.

Serena Lewis: What is your full name?

Andres Arango: Andres Felipe Arango Patino

SL: Where are you from?

AA: I was born in Ecuador, South America but all my family is from Colombia

SL: How old are you and what year are you at UA?

AA: 21 years old and this is my second semester at UA

SL: What's your major?

AA: Still undecided

SL: When and why did you come to the U.S.?

AA: I have played for 3 schools so far, one semester for Georgia State, one for ASU and now I'm playing for UA. I came to the States because I thought it was great to get a degree at a University in the U.S. and have the chance to continue playing tennis, which I'm planning on playing Pro after I graduate

SL: Why did you choose UA?

AA: Academics, athletics, the weather is the most similar to my country and well, the beautiful women

SL: When and why did you start playing tennis?

AA: I started at 8 years old because of my father and my family always gave me the support in every decision I made about my tennis

SL: Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what?

AA: I usually change all the grips from my rackets, I listen to house music and try to stay calm

SL: What is your proudest or most memorable moment in your athletic career?

AA: I would say to qualify two times to a World Championship by nations representing Ecuador which meant that we put Ecuador in the top 16 in the world in tennis in that time

SL: What are your goals for the season?

AA: Make the NCAA tournament and do the best we can and stay in the singles rankings

SL: What is the biggest difference playing in the U.S. vs. playing in your hometown?

AA: The main difference I would say is the athletic facilities. Here in the U.S., everything is more advanced in terms of technology. People in athletics basically do a lot of things for athletes that simply make it easy for them

SL: Before you came to the U.S., what did you think it would be like? Have your views changed since?

AA: I knew what to expect because I lived in Miami, Florida, but did not know anything about the state of Arizona

SL: What do you like or not like about Tucson and the Southwest? 

AA: I love the weather and the UA campus. What I don't really like is the fact that there is not too many places for entertainment, but I think it's a cool college town besides that

SL: OK it's time for the fun questions. Here we go....Who is your favorite sports team and athlete?

AA: Roger Federer and Emelec (soccer team from Ecuador)

SL: What's your favorite food?

AA: Italian, Mexican and Ecuadorian of course

SL: Do you have any hidden talents?

AA: I am a very good voice imitator and am a frustrated comedian in Spanish

SL: What is your idea of the perfect first date?

AA: Go to dinner with a girl and have some candles on the table plus Italian food

SL: How many languages can you speak?

AA: Spanish, English and I'm learning Portuguese 

The Cats next match is against No. 55 St. Mary's and will take place tomorrow, February 8th, at 9:30 a.m. Good luck to the Cats and Andres!

That wraps up tonight's blog, but make sure to tune in next week for another update. Until next time, Bear Down!