Tucson Bar Owner Cheers on Wildcats in Honor of Late Son

Anita Freedlander's sports bar is decked out in Arizona colors as the team makes a Final Four run.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:03am

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Anita Freedlander, the owner of Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sports Grille in Tucson, Arizona, is rooting for the University of Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four basketball tournament in honor of her late son, Chadwick Freedlander, who passed away from brain cancer last year. Chadwick was a lifelong Wildcats fan, and his love for the team has been passed down to his young son, who only wears U of A gear. Anita is celebrating the team's tournament run and honoring her son's memory at her sports bar, which is decked out in the Wildcats' blue and red colors.

Why it matters

The Wildcats' tournament run holds deep personal meaning for Anita Freedlander, as it allows her to honor the memory of her late son Chadwick, who was a passionate Wildcats fan. The story highlights how sports can bring communities together and provide a way for people to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

The details

Anita Freedlander's son, Chadwick Freedlander, passed away from glioblastoma brain cancer last March at the age of 43. Chadwick and his father, Russell 'Rusty' Freedlander, who died in 2004, were both Arizona alumni and lifelong Wildcats fans. Anita says Chadwick was the team's biggest fan since he was a child, attending Lute Olson's basketball camp every summer and often hosting the players at the family's home. Now, Anita's grandson, Chadwick's son Bennett, carries on the tradition of only wearing U of A shirts and shorts.

  • Chadwick Freedlander passed away from brain cancer in March 2025.
  • Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sports Grille celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

The players

Anita Freedlander

The owner of Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sports Grille in Tucson, Arizona, who is cheering on the University of Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four in honor of her late son, Chadwick Freedlander.

Chadwick Freedlander

Anita's son, who passed away from brain cancer in 2025 at the age of 43. He was a lifelong passionate fan of the University of Arizona Wildcats basketball team.

Russell 'Rusty' Freedlander

Anita's late husband and Chadwick's father, who was also an Arizona alumnus and Wildcats fan.

Bennett Freedlander

Chadwick's young son, who now carries on the tradition of only wearing U of A gear just like his father.

Danielle Freedlander

Chadwick's widow, who is supporting the Wildcats' Final Four run along with the rest of the Freedlander family.

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What they’re saying

“Just out of the blue, starting with seizures, he was in perfect health, an athlete.”

— Anita Freedlander, Bar Owner

“We live with the wonderful memories. I think about my son. He's always on my mind and he was very involved in the business.”

— Anita Freedlander, Bar Owner

“Of course he loved, loved, loved the Wildcats since he was like in grade school. He went to the Lute Olson basketball camp every summer. And then to top it off, in '97, he was able to actually meet quite a few of the players and they came over to our house often. My husband would barbecue and it was just a great experience.”

— Anita Freedlander, Bar Owner

“My grandson, four and a half, he only wears the U of A t-shirts and the U of A basketball shorts just like his daddy all year long.”

— Anita Freedlander, Bar Owner

“Rusty's is crazy. Non-stop. Just place is packed. Standing and seating. You can't even find a place to sit here.”

— Steve Meeks, Wildcats Fan

What’s next

Anita Freedlander and her family will be at Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sports Grille to watch the Arizona Wildcats compete in the Final Four game on Saturday night.

The takeaway

This story highlights how sports can bring communities together and provide a way for people to celebrate the lives of loved ones. Anita Freedlander's dedication to honoring her late son Chadwick's memory through the Wildcats' tournament run shows the deep personal meaning that sports can hold for fans.