Hi everyone. My name is Nick Berger and I am this year's winner of the VU Sports Student Challenge. Before I begin, I would like to thank all of those involved in making this trip possible for me, especially Eric Watkins, Jerry Quinn, my parents, and the legend himself, Paul Marmora (Happy Birthday!). This past weekend was easily the most fun that I have had as a Villanova Wildcat fan to date.
THURSDAY
After a relatively painless drive from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, four of my buddies and I decided to check out some of the Pittsburgh cuisine. We heard of a place called Milano's that was famous for its delicious pizza pies. We saw other Villanova students there, but it is safe to say that compared to Lafayette fans, we were in the minority. Nonetheless, that didn't stop us from proudly throwing our \\V//s up (I am second from the left in the picture below).
THURSDAY
After a relatively painless drive from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, four of my buddies and I decided to check out some of the Pittsburgh cuisine. We heard of a place called Milano's that was famous for its delicious pizza pies. We saw other Villanova students there, but it is safe to say that compared to Lafayette fans, we were in the minority. Nonetheless, that didn't stop us from proudly throwing our \\V//s up (I am second from the left in the picture below).
After stuffing our faces with pizza, we arrived at our room in the Marriott, the place that we would call home for the next three nights. It was a two minute walk from the Consol Energy Center, which couldn't have been more convenient. Fans of all different teams were constantly flowing in and out of the hotel lobby, creating a very unique and competitive atmosphere. The amount of chirps that we received from other fans was uncountable, but that only made us more excited to support the Wildcats against the Lafayette Leopards in a few hours.
The game, as you all know, was no contest.
The game, as you all know, was no contest.
FRIDAY
We began the day by throwing our \\V//s up in the 11th floor swimming pool at the Marriott.
We began the day by throwing our \\V//s up in the 11th floor swimming pool at the Marriott.
Now that we had the day to ourselves, we decided to explore the city of Pittsburgh. We stopped for lunch at a place called Primanti Brothers, a chain of sandwich shops founded in Pittsburgh in 1933. They are famous for their sandwiches with coleslaw and french fries as toppings. Take a look, in all its glory.
Shortly after lunch, we arrived at the Villanova Fan Reception for even more food and drinks. It was great to see so many Wildcat fans present, especially the countless alumni. They truly understand phrase Once A Wildcat, Always A Wildcat.
Just when you thought we couldn't eat any more food, we decided that it was time for dinner. A large group of us ate an amazing meal at the Capital Grille. We are all extremely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Insalaco for so generously treating us all to this dinner. Bread was broken, toasts were made, and Anthony DiCanio peaked.
SATURDAY
After a relaxing day off from the action, it was time to get back into the right mindset. We watched the games all day leading up to the climax of the trip: Villanova vs NC State. Although the outcome was not what I had hoped it would be, the experience as a whole was one that I will never forget. Thank you Villanova Wildcats for making this past weekend the best weekend of my four years at school. Darrun and Jayvaughn, your combined presence will undoubtedly be missed. Thank you for an unforgettable season. GO CATS.
After a relaxing day off from the action, it was time to get back into the right mindset. We watched the games all day leading up to the climax of the trip: Villanova vs NC State. Although the outcome was not what I had hoped it would be, the experience as a whole was one that I will never forget. Thank you Villanova Wildcats for making this past weekend the best weekend of my four years at school. Darrun and Jayvaughn, your combined presence will undoubtedly be missed. Thank you for an unforgettable season. GO CATS.
In Loving Memory of James Patrick Berger, Wildcat Class of '78, 12/14/56 - 9/11/01