Bobbi Olson and Lute Olson celebrated Arizona's 1997 national title as a team. Bobbi Olson lost her 2½-year battle with cancer on Jan. 1.

I want to send along my sympathies and prayers to Lute Olson and his family upon the passing of his wife, Bobbi. She was so courageous in her fight against the dreaded disease of cancer.

In the world of coaching, wives play such a vital role as stabilizers. Let me tell you, Bobbi was as good as it gets. Her courageous battle against ovarian cancer, which first began back in 1998, was an inspiration to so many others.

Her love and dedication to Lute for over 40 years was unparalleled. When you went on the road and saw the Wildcats, you could rest assured the No. 1 cheerleader was Bobbi Olson.

She will be missed by the entire Arizona basketball family and everyone involved in the school's athletic program. Anybody who met her or knew her will miss her. Bobbi was a special, special lady.