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The UA announced Friday that its new outdoor practice fields will be named the Dick Tomey Practice Fields. The school鈥檚 all-time winningest coach passed away in May.

The Wildcats, who open training camp this evening, spend the bulk of their practice time on two fields adjacent to the new Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center.

A naming presentation, as well as a dedication, will take place later this season on a date to be determined.

鈥淥ur Wildcat family is proud to honor Coach Tomey in a very special way,鈥� UA athletic director Dave Heeke said in a news release. 鈥淗is legacy at the University of Arizona touched the lives of many and still resonates to this day. This tribute to an icon will forever embody his tremendous spirit and everlasting love for his players, the program, the university and the community.鈥�

Honor those who came before us. 馃叞锔� |

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall)

Tomey compiled a 95-64-4 record over 14 seasons from 1987-2000. Arizona had nine winning seasons, seven bowl appearances and four bowl victories over that span.

鈥淒ick Tomey鈥檚 extended family appreciates the University of Arizona paying tribute to him by naming the football practice fields in his honor,鈥� said Nanci Kincaid, Tomey鈥檚 widow. 鈥淭he practice field is where sweat and tears are shed, seeds of triumph are planted, magic firsts happen and lifetime bonds are forged among teammates.

鈥淭here is nothing easy about the practice field. Here, the work ethic is honed, character is developed and resilience is essential. When at its toughest and best, the practice field teaches players the love of competition, the thrill of precision teamwork, the rewards of personal sacrifice and inspires them in well-earned pride in being an Arizona Wildcat.

鈥淭here is not a more fitting way to honor Dick Tomey.鈥�

This made my day. Now all Wildcats will understand that 鈥渨hat you do speaks so loudly, I can鈥檛 hear what you鈥檙e saying鈥� Winning happens Sunday through Friday with the payoff on Saturday.

— Barrett Baker (@BarrettBaker27)

Said Tomey鈥檚 son, Rich: 鈥淗e would be truly honored with this dedication. It鈥檚 exactly spot-on. With the emphasis he put on preparation, it is very fitting to have the practice fields named after him.

鈥淗e put a lot into practice. He was very tough, but everyone knew he loved them and that he held everyone to the same standard. Once he was done coaching, everywhere he went, he always wanted to stand there and watch practice. It gives everyone a chance to compete and improve.鈥�

Tomey was the architect of Arizona鈥檚 famed 鈥淒esert Swarm鈥� defenses of the 1990s. The Wildcats finished 10-2 and ranked 10th in the final Associated Press poll in 1993. Five years later, they went 12-1 鈥� the best record in school history 鈥� and ranked fourth in the final AP poll.

Every day, we will continue to be reminded of Coach Tomey鈥檚 legacy. Can鈥檛 think of a better way to go to work!

— Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin)

鈥淥ur student-athletes will be able to share in Coach Tomey鈥檚 legacy throughout the entire year when they step onto those fields,鈥� UA coach Kevin Sumlin said. 鈥淣early every day they will be reminded of what Coach Tomey stood for: integrity, love, passion for the game and passion for those who played it.鈥�

Before coming to Arizona, Tomey spent 10 seasons as the coach at Hawaii. The Wildcats open the 2019 season against the Rainbow Warriors on Aug. 24 in Honolulu.