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Arizona Athletic Trainer Misses first game in 15 years

Streak over

When Kaleb Tarczewski’s ankle sprain kept him out Saturday against Providence, that snapped a streak of 68 straight games he’s played in for the Wildcats.

The last time Zeus was out was on Dec. 23, 2013 against Northern Arizona, the second game he missed because of a right ankle sprain suffered at Michigan nine days earlier.

The injury also threatens to delay Tarczewski’s climb up the chart of players who have been a part of the most UA wins in school history. He was a part of 97 wins through Thursday’s game against Santa Clara.

Another busted streak

Meanwhile, UA athletic trainer Justin Kokoskie just lost what may have been the biggest under-the-radar streak going in Wildcats basketball: He went 15 years without a single missed game or practice.

There was a pretty good reason that streak ended.

Kokoskie’s wife, Katie, gave birth to the couple’s third child, Lucy Kay Kokoskie, pulling dad home for the weekend. Subbing for Kokoskie was UA trainer Doug Cantaoi, who normally works with the women’s basketball and men’s tennis teams. Dr. Don Porter, the Cats’ team doc, also attended.

“The team will be fine,” Kokoskie said via text message. “We have the best sports medicine staff in the country. They have it covered. … Tough watching these games on TV but my family needs me this weekend.”

Kokoskie said he planned to make UA’s trip to Gonzaga next weekend.

ORIGINALA RTICLE:
http://tucson.com/sports/basketball/college/wildcats/seen-and-heard-at-titan-gym/article_e302aed4-b2a4-555d-ae28-6c6238563caf.html