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THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016 THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016 THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

What’s up folks? making Villanova go farther because my eyes have been opened. Here’s another edition of your beloved newsletter, The Has Binn. While it’s As I watched these wonderful men play been a common practice to release an on the court, I’ve come to realize that not edition at the midterm of the semester, I only the fire and passion within their knew deep down in my heart and soul hearts were going to carry them till the that my baby (son of very end, but also physically, their bodies ) would lead this won- were beautifully crafted to execute the derful and unselfish team to win the most athletic tasks necessary to win a NCAA Men’s 2016 Championship. So I championship. wanted to faithfully wait to do a Tourna- Jimmy, do you have a low-key crush on ment/Champion edition. the team? Jimmy is a hater and had Villanova los- Yes...I think I do, especially on my man- ing to Iowa in the second round. Go friend . It’s astonishing check out his bracket; he not only had that his spaghetti and noodle limbs can little faith in our team, but he had Iowa showcase so much talent. State winning the entire thing. On behalf of your editors, we hope you Jimmy, what were you thinking? enjoy this first-ever Tourney/ Hey, it wasn’t a crazy thought because Championship edition, especially be- Syracuse made the Final Four as a 10 cause The Has Binn was created after the seed. It’s March Madness after all, so anything could happen. However in retrospect, I regret not Sincerely, Yena & Jammies THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

April 4th, 2016 and I vowed that I would one day go to a men’s game. How- When I first came to Villanova ever, I’m generally a shy and and joined the band, I didn’t nervous person so I didn’t realize how important basket- want to go to a men’s game as ball was to the organization someone who didn’t have as and the university. Sure, I much passion or understand- knew that the team ing of the rules for it as all of here was pretty good, but not the upperclassmen. I just being very into basketball in couldn’t rationalize register- general, I didn’t know much ing and taking a spot from about it. So when I saw how someone who might want to much the band revolved go more than me. Besides, I around getting into games, my was always too busy, right? perspective started to shift. Well, the season was slipping Attendance points were treat- away faster and faster and my ed as precious gems, the gate chances to see a game were list into men’s games was a becoming slimmer. So, I final- position most band members ly registered for my first men’s coveted, and pleas for extra basketball game and made it tickets into men’s games were onto the gate list. As it turned listed on Facebook immedi- out- it was senior night! The ately following lottery results last game I could see at home! and gate list postings. When I And oh my goodness it was went to my first basketball at one of the most exciting Villanova, a women’s game, I events I had gone to at Villa- got a glimpse of the band’s nova so far. Seeing the seniors love and excitement for the on the men’s team- their joy sport. The cheering as the and excitement- made me in- band welcomed our lineup stantly fall in love with the and the booing as the oppos- team. Watching them play to- ing team was introduced, the gether and seeing their raw cheers and chants, the reading talent and general good atti- of Dr. Seuss during opposing tude made me realize that free throws and the anxious basketball was actually pretty sparkle fingers during home freaking amazing. And, lucky By Taylor “Baby Historian” free throws – all of it made me! Not only did I get to see Heuremann the game come alive for me. I the basketball, cheerleading, understood the excitement and dance seniors be honored, and the passion for the sport, but the very seniors in the and I began to understand band that I had grown to love why everyone admired these and appreciate. After that athletes so much. I enjoyed night, I was definitely more myself at that women’s game, invested in basketball. THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

So, as Big East and NCAA tournaments time than that before, but I didn’t know if rolled around, I found myself checking they could keep their cool and get that last scores and watching more online streams of shot they needed to win with such high the games. When Villanova beat Oklahoma stakes and nervous energy surrounding in the Final Four by such an immense mar- them. So those last four seconds I held my gin, I was buzzing with excitement for the breath with everyone around me in the pavil- championship game. I proudly donned my ion. We watched as the ball was dribbled pep jersey and went with a group of friends down the court at a sprint. We bit our lips as and bandmates into the pavilion two hours the ball was passed to Jenkins. Silent, we before tipoff. As we watched the game, my watched him set up for the shot so far away emotions were roiling. I was excited and from the basket. How was he going to make a screaming with every point the boys earned, three point shot? He didn’t have time to go in excitedly throwing my hands up with every - this was his only chance. With less than a shot and rejoicing with every time Villanova second on the clock he let the ball fly… beau- regained possession. However, moods shift- tifully. Still silent, thousands of arms were ed a lot in the pavilion that night, as the thrown into the air to see that ball into the game was uncomfortably close all through basket. The boys couldn’t see us, but we the first half. By the end of the first half, wanted them to feel our belief in them. Hun- when Villanova was five points behind if I dreds of voices whispered prayers around recall correctly, the pavilion was much quiet- me. “Please, God…” And almost as if the uni- er. I, along with most others in attendance, verse itself intended it, the ball slipped into was nervous, sad, and worried. I didn’t know the net like an Olympic diver slips underwa- how the game was going to turn out. It felt ter- beautifully, gracefully, effortlessly, and like the boys weren’t going to be able to get HOLY FUCK THAT MEANS WE WON! In- their momentum and the championship stantly the pavilion was wild and I was would slip from their grasp. The nervous en- screaming and jumping for joy. I grabbed my ergy in the pavilion was rising, and my heart roommate and best friend next to me in a was racing. With every point UNC won I hug and started sobbing. I couldn’t believe it. found it harder to breathe. I cheered my I couldn’t stand it. All that stress, all that heart out with every point that Villanova nervous energy, it poured out of my eyes in gained, and as the boys picked up their tem- the form of pure, concentrated, relieved tears po I was feeling better about the night. I felt of victory. As thousands of overjoyed fans like we were starting to have a real chance. ran out of the pavilion, I continued to sob on But then, the most dreadful thing imaginable the bleachers, shaking with joy and relief. As happened. Villanova lost their lead in the last I cried and hugged those around me, I finally few seconds of the game. The score was tied! understood what it meant to be a Villanova Unbelievable! I had little faith that the boys Wildcat in love with basketball. It meant be- could win in overtime, and I didn’t know ing part of a vibrant and joyous community how to feel. I was unravelling. I couldn’t with a spirit and drive to succeed that could stand the thought that we had made it so far never die. That night I knew I was exactly only to lose by such a close margin. There where I needed to be, and that basketball is were only 4.7 seconds left in the game. I actually fucking amazing. knew that the boys had scored points in less THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

Mark “”Where’s my presidential notebook?” Bowers

It started in New York. The band once But that didn’t stop us. We came back in. This didn’t stop us from having a again pulled up to the doors of the to New York a week later, stronger good time, though, as we toured the Hotel Pennsylvania for its annual stay and hungrier than ever. We knew Louisville Slugger factory, with each at the hallowed inn. The Wildcats there was more, and we knew we member receiving a free bat. A demo- took down a tough Georgetown team could get more. So we played on. And lition of Miami meant that we had and followed it up with a hard fought the Cats rolled on. And we lived to only one thing to do… Drink some win over Providence and first round face the greatest challenge yet- the authentic bourbon! Some of shoe-in . The band cele- second round. Never had the band us attended the Evan Williams expe- brated like no others, screaming loud- been more ready to cheer the team rience, where the samples literally er than anyone in the Garden, cheer- on, and a run-in with the Iowa band popped out of the tables, while every- ing on our Wildcats as the moved on- in the elevator set the tone. They were one travelled to Jim Beam, where we to their second straight Big East terrified. While their band fought val- not only sampled more bourbon, but Championship Game. After trailing iantly, our band prevailed in the end, were able to play some casual ball as Seton Hall at the half, the Cats and we moved onto uncharted territo- well! A trip to the famed Churchill mounted a furious comeback. As the ry: the second weekend. We were off Downs capped off an eventful after- band played on, the Cats crept closer to Louisville! noon, but none of these adventures and closer to the win. The band never We arrived to Kentucky, and the fun could compare to the main event… let the Pirates have it easy, making all really started. The band immediately the noise that they could gather after travelled for the best BBQ we could Villanova. . The Elite Eight. A three straight days of basketball. In find, savoring every bite. After a trip to the Final Four on the line. The the waning minutes, “War” blasted friendly collision with the Maryland band took its seats, not knowing if through the arena, as Kris Jenkins hit band, we went with them into a bowl- this would be the last time we would a three with just under a minute to go ing alley… Where we found none oth- see our Wildcats take the court for the to take the lead for Nova. The band er than the Kansas band waving to us, season. If it would be the last time we screamed like it never had before, with the Miami band right there with would see Arch and Chef take the hoping to help secure the title in any them. A few friendly jabs later, we court. No one knew what to expect. way it could… But it wasn’t enough. parted ways and went back to the The Yum! Center was loaded with The Pirates stole the game away at Brown Hotel- a building that was as Jayhawk fans, who expected us to roll the last second, handing us a crushing far from the Hotel Pennsylvania that over for them. Yeah, right. They may loss in the biggest game of the year. could be found, and one that not a have the numbers, but we have the h single one of us truly felt we belonged (e)art. We weren’t letting them get THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

Our job was not done yet though. We had to travel to sons I still don’t know, I ended up on the court, having to Houston for one last business trip- the Final Four was be literally dragged off after I collapsed on it. All in a mat- waiting. Though we fell to Oklahoma in the Battle of the ter of seconds. A month’s work of dedication- no, a year’s Bands, we got our revenge the next night as the Wildcats worth of it- had all come down to the shot. The celebra- annihilated the Sooners to advance to the Championship tion lasted all night, and we still can’t believe it happened. Game. As we arrived at NRG Stadium for the last game, But it had. No other team was left standing. No other we hyped up the crowd like no one but Rollie Massimino band was left standing. We were national champions. himself could. As we entered the arena, we knew what was on the line. While the Cats were trailing, we kept As I returned to the homely confines of Gallen Hall, I was playing, as our fight encouraged the fans to keep finally able to reflect on the past month. I had missed cheering. “War” once again roared through the stadium, over half of my classes, had not spent a weekend in my as we prayed the team could hold onto its narrow lead own bed since spring break ended, and was more ex- over UNC, and, just when a win seemed in hand… the un- hausted than I’ve ever been in my life. I’d been travelling thinkable happened. A ridiculous three from the Tar between four different cities and didn’t have the oppor- Heels tied the game with 4.7 seconds left. We knew we tunity to sit down and relax for weeks. And even after all had one play left, and the band collectively held its breath that, I know that I wouldn’t trade the experience for any- as Arch drove down the court one more time. He passed thing. We showed the world why the Villanova Band is to Jenkins, who threw it up as the buzzer sounded… the best and most passionate in the country. We went toe- to-toe with bands filled with music majors, showing them that we are nothing to laugh at on every occasion. And we Bang. won in the end. No one can take that from us.

That moment was the most unforgettable memory any of We may not be a marching band, but for one month in us will have. I remember seeing the shot fall. The next 2016, the Villanova Band had a March like no one else. thing I knew, I was on the ground. Somehow, and for rea- THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 SPECIAL REPORT

What started as a harmless side Instagram account—whose ava- Grant “Slugger” Edrington tar was a goofy mirror selfie of me at the Hotel Pennsylvania— has turned into an account fraught with tomfoolery that curses school.” Then they got beat by 44 points, and Lattin fouled out. any opposing player, or band member, that interacts with it. CYA little boi!!!1 My first interaction was with the Providence Band. After I made a handful of comments making fun of how they play their lame fight , like, 10 times a game, a bunch of responses rolled in making fun of my follower count, my account name (analytics is not a joke…big data, right?), and even my picture with the adora- ble Mario plush toy that I bought at the Nintendo Store. NOBODY makes fun of my plush toys. Oh yeah, they blocked me, too. Little did they know that a curse would fall upon them faster than you can say, “Ben Bentil has hemorrhoids.”1 Fast forward, uhhh, a few days. I commented on a picture of JP Macura with some little kids: “Those poor children.” I was blocked within seconds. This was all getting to be pretty enjoya- This dude was yolked!!! Me and some sign friends ble, so I kept it going for a while, making some more posts after The day before the UNC game, I was struggling to get any insults the Big East Tournament and during the start of the NCAAs. out. My data plan was almost up, so I couldn’t throw any barbs while on the road. It wasn’t until 3 hours before tipoff when I got an interaction from UNC—Justin Jackson, AKA Him.

My Avatar!!! Some corn-fed Iowa band To my surprise, he actually liked the picture. I guess he was a boys and I!! Powerpuff Girls fan back in the day. During the game, nothing It wasn’t until the Elite 8 bad was happening to him. Did my short haircut throw off the when things got pretty serious. After witnessing Providence and mojo? Did I screw up by not bringing my knockoff Armani sun- Xavier lose earlier in the tournament—maybe because they glasses? Did I not throw enough room keys and tennis balls out nd talked trash—I set my sights on Perry Ellis, Kansas’ 32 year big the Hotel Pennsylvania windows? I was distraught. Then Justin man. After making 5 comments about him looking like a grand- Jackson had 2 free throws with 2:30 left in the game. I stood still, pa, he blocked me. To make matters worse for Kansas, Jamari hands folded, staring right at Justin’s scrawny arms and devilish Traylor responded to one of my comments, telling me that he composure. “Sugar, spice, and phantom classes,” I whispered.2 was my Dad. It was safe to say that things were getting pretty Then it happened. Brick. Brick. He missed them both. Then Kris saucy. That night, Perry Ellis scored a measly 4 points. Scrub city Jenkins hit a 3-pointer, and Aldo dissolved and ascended into baby!!! heaven. Onto the Final Four. During the bus ride in Houston, I saw that JP Later that night, Justin Jackson blocked me. He knew why he Macura got arrested for underage drinking and pulling his pants missed those shots. He definitely knew. We are all witnesses of down at a bar. Didn’t he me the other month? For Oklaho- the curse. Every single one of us. If you want to see the rest of ma, my sights were set on—actually, hold on—look up “Ryan my silly posts, follow me @Grantalytics on IG and throw me Spangler” real quick. Yeah, that guy. He sweats like a grease some likes. * smooches * monkey and has a cheap Samoan tattoo. Spangler didn’t re- spond, so I hit up his teammates and asked them about his ______greasiness. Khadeem Lattin responded with some harsh insults, 1 Ben Bentil couldn’t sit down when he fouled out in the Big East Tournament, so I which consisted of him calling me a “weenie” and asking why I assumed he had hemorrhoids. 2 was “never good enough to play past freshman team in high UNC got in trouble for letting their athletes take fake classes. Look it up. THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 SPORTS

Finally Sold. Holy Hell. I think I can finally put my thoughts of this week- to an unfathomable 4 points. Unbelieva- Patrick “Obscene” Hardy end down. It’s 4:55pm on Wednesday ble. evening—and oh yeah, Georgetown still sucks. Even so, who could foresee the record breaking drubbing against Oklahoma? To say this run for Villanova has been historic would be an understatement. If The Cats finished the first 20 minutes of you hadn’t been following, the Cats just regulation with more points than Butler took down 4 AP Top-10 teams in one scored in its entire 2011 national-title tournament, a mark that hasn’t been game performance—also in NRG Stadi- matched since— you guessed it—the um. The 95-51 win going down the larg- Massimino led 1985 National Champion est margin in national semifinal history. Villanova team. And oh yeah, Bench Mob in a Final Four game. Pinch me, I’m dreaming. I would be lying if I told you I was sold on this team from the start. Even as we I woke up the day of the Championship topped the AP ratings, I had Xavier game and immediately began to binge down as the best team in this new and on every ESPN article from the past cou- improved Big East. And that loss to An- ple of days. Wrong move. I could hardly gel Delgado and streaking Seton Hall… breathe until 8:19pm—Central Time for Heartbreaking. us in Houston. Tip-off. Would we beat Iowa? Sure. This was the What followed next was the most intense team that had lost 5 of its last 7 games and drawn out anxiety attack I have ever before the tournament, including an up- felt. I can’t even begin to say how this set by lowly Illinois in the first round of game went. I—and the rest of the Villa- the Big Ten tournament. (There’s a rea- nova Band—were losing our collective son opted to come to the shit. At least until the final timeout, Main Line). when it was called. Would we beat Miami? Hell no. Angel All of The Lights. Rodriguez had just come off a career- high 28 points on 9-of-11 shooting in a If you didn't believe yet, you were con- win against Wichita State. This Hurri- vinced after watching Cymbal Guy go canes team had flashes of greatness all- berserk, courtside, in front of tens of season. thousands of Villanova fans. It will re- main burned in my mind as one of the Would we beat Kansas? Ludicrous. This most beautiful things that I will ever see. was the top overall seed in the tourna- And then, the image I will replay in my ment, led by the elderly yet effective Per- mind a thousand times over. Buckets. ry Ellis. No chance. Game, Set, Match. Would we beat Oklahoma? As if. If Kan- sas wasn’t enough, now the Cats were up Cats win. Cats win. Cats win. against the best player in college hoops, and the future Sixer, —who had just put up 37 points on Oregon and the long forgotten Dylan Ennis. And oh yeah, wasn’t this the team who whooped us by 23-points in December? Ouch. But boy was I wrong. If beating Miami wasn’t convincing enough, Villanova finished the trip to Louisville by taking down the top seeded Jayhawks, holding the aged Perry Ellis THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 IN MEMORIAM

, By Alumna Nicole “I dislike Michigan State” Latos Everyone that knows anything about me hushed voices, and the team’s recent his- Four, I cried as Ryan Arcidiacono was knows that I am a college basketball tory of mediocre post-season appearanc- being announced for his last game, and I crazed French Horn player. There is no es was well publicized by enemy #1 - screamed endlessly and emotionally better blend of sports and music than ESPN. I was crushed after I did not get to blacked out when Jenkins hit the buzzer pep band, and I never had to think twice experience Villanova make it past the beater to win the National Champion- about joining the Villanova Band as a first weekend of the tournament as a stu- ship. Post ‘One Shining Moment’, I saw freshman. Throughout my four years, I dent. I went so far to say multiple times the band go on to the court to take pic- did not miss playing in the band for a that I did not want Villanova to make it tures and roll around in the confetti. I single home game. From watching a 13- far in the tournament in 2016, because smiled, knowing in that moment, I was- 19 team freshman year to seeing Villano- the experience of watching my former n’t bitter about their joy at all. I was gen- va win the Big East tournament, I alter- bandmates have a front row seat to enjoy uinely so happy for the entire band, in- nated between screaming at the refs, something I never could would be too cluding those who still are great friends high fiving for made three-point shots, bittersweet. (notably Yena Lee, who has come so far and rocking out to Kayne on the mello- after asking me what March Madness phone. It was a perfect experience. Per- But then we did start to go far in the was her freshman year) and the fresh- fect, until Villanova’s unexpected second tournament. Game after game, I stared at man I don’t know. I was so proud to have round loss to NC State in the NCAA tour- my TV in complete awe as Villanova been a member of such an important and nament in 2015, my senior year. This was played pretty much perfect basketball influential group on campus, and to have the game that left me sobbing on the and dismantled high-quality opponents. helped shaped it in small ways during my floor backstage in Consol Energy Center, After we made the Final Four, I bought four years. Though my post-grade life is realizing that all at once, the experience way-too expensive tickets to Houston in completely different now, and I don’t watching the team I love while playing an a frantic frenzy. I knew being there was even get around to playing my French instrument I love was abruptly over for- an experience I couldn’t miss, but I also Horn much, I can finally appreciate all ever. expected that squinting to see the band the amazing opportunities that I had be- from my nosebleed seeds would make cause of band. Watching the tournament Winning the NCAA Men’s Basketball me ultra-jealous. I could not have been as a graduate was certainly different, but tournament is something that any college more wrong. Every moment about that the joy of winning and pride of having basketball fan literally dreams weekend in the NRG Stadium in Houston once attended Villanova and been part of about. This difficult accomplishment is was a complete dream. I danced to the it all does not diminish. Once a Wildcat, especially sacred at a place like Villanova, band’s rendition of ‘All the Small Things’ always a Wildcat. where 1985 is talked about in somber, while we were up 40 points in the Final THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

’ : Ahh, the Men’s NCAA Tournament. Never has there been a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. So many big-time championship coaches, and so very, very few scruples By Marianne “Twitter Beef” Donley among them. may be an upstanding citizen with a killer wardrobe and a Naismith Coach of the Year Award to boot, but not all the head honchos of elite tourney squads are so charming, debonair, and kind as GQ Jay, the Pin- striped Prince. Anyone who follows college basketball is aware of the dubious, shadowy practices of certain athletic programs and the coaches who look the other way. You know the ones. There are guys who think classes are best when they’re paper, or that orange is both a highly flattering color and a good name for a mascot—while managing to get an historic amount of wins vacated from their school’s rec- ord books. There are others I won’t mention, especially be- cause the people of Louisville were more than kind to the Villanova Band during our stay and deserve better than they got this season, both as fans of basketball and as beings with basic human dignity. But I digress. There are a lot of awful dudes at the helm of college hoops squads. But in my eyes, none are worse than a certain basketball coach with a boring name and a habit of losing to Villanova, a man whose egotism and complete ignorance of how the process of sight-reading works led him to start what may be the greatest internet beef since Kanye vs. Wiz or Neil DeGrasse Tyson vs. B.O.B. vs. scientific facts established in the damn 1500s. Now, because I’m above belittling other people based on fleeting, decontextualized impressions, and because the Wildcats ended up winning an historic title run over a heav- ily favored team whose mascot rhymes with “Hey sock,” I will not use his real name. So, let’s call him Sill Belf (although his middle name is Eugene so do with that what you will). Anyway, if you (like me) stalk the Twitterverse for refer- ences to the Villanova Band you probably know that silly, supercilious Sill Belf was taking a proud Sill Belf strut to the floor of the KFC Yum! Center as the Band rehearsed (for the first time in our lives) the standard and Louisville bball favorite, “My Old Kentucky Home.” You probably heard the video where a few notes were not cor- rectly played, probably due to the fact that a) this was the first run-through of the song and b) why hit all the right notes when you can overblow and frack them, amirite? So it was a lil bit rough but we persevered and managed to cook up a version of the song that our very own Chef could be proud of. Arrogant, musically challenged Sill Belf, however, who probably thinks that corn is an instrument as well as mayonnaise and horseradish, took a few overrated steps toward the band rehearsal area and overheard our musical shenanigans. He then r/ THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

cringed harder than a Mainline Mom find- ing a mislabeled vegan gluten-free dairy- free brownie at a middle school bake sale (“Milk chocolate is not vegan, Carol!”). And some Kansas sports reporter thought this was hilarious and so posted it on Twit- ter because anyone from Kansas clearly does not comprehend what “exciting news stories” (or even “actual news”) is. Thus the greatest beef of our generation was born. Has Binn article (oh hai) was quickly and badly brainstormed. New lyrics to the clas- sic band ballad “Birdland (or, Rigo/ Michael/Bowers Sucks) were just as quick- ly and explicitly written (somewhat similar to “Buck Sill Felf “ followed by a jolly “we beat Kansas”). Anger peaked and was dulled by alcohol and several more victo- ries (who is Buddy Hield again?) and even- tually my hatred for Sill Belf dulled to the kind of hatred you feel for a piece of hair that gets stuck in your mouth for a second before losing to Villanova in the Elite Eight—a fleeting irritation that a sudden sweep of the hand removes for all eternity. Still, I’m nothing if not self-righteous and obsessed with band, so here are a few choice tweets about Sill Belf (whose real name has been terribly photoshopped out of these tweets on a pretense of anonymity because why not) to help you relive the ten minutes we cared about his feelings.

Buck Sill Felf forever and go ‘Cats. Special thanks to our very own @fireant02 for defending the band’s honor against smarmy Kansas sports writers. THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

By Jonathan “Kerouac” Sganga By Michael “I’m not a felon…” Nicklaus There are stories, there are myths, and then there is re- alistic fiction. The story I am about to tell is completely fictional…maybe. Actually, not at all. It’s completely true. For the credibility of the people involved, I will not use their real names. So, here we go!

On one fateful Friday night in Houston, two members of a band decided to head to a local University in which they like Rice. The names of these members are Roman and Scheißkopf and they were accompanied by their friend Toofer. Naturally, as members of an unspecified university pep band, they decided they needed to take something from Rice to bring back to their own college. After minutes of searching, Roman and Scheißkopf found a beautiful banner that would work perfectly. It was attached to a light post so they had to get it down. Toofer, embarrassed by his friends, decided to stand guard for any police officers. Scheißkopf lifted Roman up to retrieve the banner and they were successful! Sad- ly, Toofer made for a terrible watch out as a police of- ficer came down the same street they were on. After leaving the banner to avoid confrontation from the of- ficer, they then proceeded to retrieve the banner and were tracked down by the police officer. Yay!

The officer came and questioned the boys asking them why they were on campus with stolen property, so natu- rally as any boys would while defecating, they told the truth and said it was for a memento. The officer gave them a look, took their ID’s and told them to hang the banner back up. So, the three of them went and hung the banner back up and then were put into the back of a police car and driven to another location. When they got to the next location, there were six other police officers waiting for us to question us. At first, they tried to scare us threatening to arrest us, which did almost happen. In the end, Roman and Scheißkopf were given trespassing and stolen property warning and kicked off campus. Everyone survived and that was any of their first times getting detained by police.

Thanks for reading and have a great day! THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

By Johnny “Vincenzo” DiValerio

Growing up, Villanova has always add to this, I also said after the been in blood. My father is a Villa- loss “Seton Hall is gonna be so nova alum (’87) and so is my cocky in the NCAA tournament, brother (’15) (D-Rock as some you they’ll lose first round” – Wright may know him). I watched Villa- again). nova basketball during my child- Being a junior I knew how people hood. I always cheered for the blue hyped up and set high expecta- and white. Somehow I always tions for Villanova the past two knew I would go to Villanova. seasons only to be heartbroken. What I never expected was the This made me set my expectations what happened the following two weeks. So let me fast forward. past month – March 2016 – to be real low – this way I would not be the greatest month of my life. When the buzzer went off and the as disappointed when they lost. shot went in, it took me a good five The road to the glory that lied Winning the first round against seconds to process what happened. ahead for the Wildcats started in UNC Ashville was for lack of a bet- On April 4, 2016 the dream came New York City in the “World’s ter word, expected. It started get- true. Villanova won the NCAA Most Famous Arena”. While it ting intense against Iowa in the tournament and are 2016 National seemed like the team had started round of 32 for obvious reasons. Champions!! Part of me still wants to peak, the momentum they built Once the team advanced against to deny everything that has hap- pened this past month. Sometimes quickly came to end with a loss to Iowa, it was shock – especially in I wonder if I took the entire month Seton Hall. After that game, I the fashion they did. I still was for granted (no pun intended, crossed the street to the still very skeptical, thinking the team Grant). All I can say is that these sketchy and rundown but some- left everything out on the court are the glory days, they’ll pass you what improved Smotel Shmeltsiva- during the Iowa game, that they by (and very, very fast may I add). nia. I walked into my room and played their championship – they When I’m old and stubborn and said “They lost because they are wanted to silence the haters look back on my life, I will look called to something greater.” (ESPN and arguably me as well) back on that day in April in Hou- While this was mainly to reassure who said they couldn’t get past the ston, when I directed the Villanova Band in the 2016 National Cham- myself, I never expected it to come first weekend. pionship. The dream is alive. to fruition. Boy I didn’t know how The rest of the tournament is like a Wright I was at the time. (Oh, to dream. Words cannot describe The dream is real. THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

By Emerald “wow you’re strong for carrying that big drum” McGrath

April 4th will be a day remembered by Villanovans and fans alike, and April 8th was the day our celebrations culminated in taking to the streets of center-city for a parade honoring our championship team. The Villanova Band had the honor of being able to march walk in the parade. We were the heralds for our champions—playing just a few feet away from the team bus. As a scramble band out of our element, we took up the challenge and filled the streets with the sounds of drum cadences and pep band tunes. And while unfortunately no one performed “Twist and Shout” while on a float, the pa- rade was still very successful and memorable. Personally, marching in the parade brought back memories of high school band when we would annually march in the South Amboy St. Patrick’s day parade—an hour and a half in our heavy, black uniforms, playing the same one song on re- peat. Believe it or not, the victory parade was a bit better. We started the parade at 20th street and then made our way towards City Hall. Certain songs were repeated throughout the parade—“‘V’ for Villanova”, “March of the Wildcats”, and “Rain Chant”—the drum cadences alternated, and we would play a pep band tune here and there. The sidewalks were packed and there wasn’t an empty space to be found along the route. Confetti rained down as we walked along the street, passing people of all ages and backgrounds—all unit- ed that afternoon, all members of the Nova Nation. It’s hard to express the feeling of seeing all those people throw their “V’s” up as we played “‘V’ for Villanova” or seeing them watch on smiling and taking pictures as we scrambled around during “Rain Chant”. The latter is my personal fa- vorite song we play, and being able to perform it in a victory parade while in the middle of Philly is something I’ll cer- tainly never forget. The band may not have been the stars of the parade or who thousands of people gathered to see, but it was nice to see our presence did not go on noticed nor un- cheered for. As we got closer to City Hall, the crowds grew denser and stretched farther back. The electrifying energy of the fans was palpable. THE HAS BINN EST. 1989 TOURNAMENT EDITION 2016

Once we reached City Hall, we these players will never be for- we have been blessed with being took our place beside the stage, gotten. Before it all ended, Jay able to take active roles in both where even more people had announced that we would be the games and the celebrations gathered. The band had a prime doing a Villanova tradition— of this once-in-a-lifetime week. location to hear and see Father one that in hindsight seems to be As we boarded our bus to leave Peter, Jay Wright, and several the perfect closure. Any Villa- one of the biggest stages we’ve members of the team speak. novan who has attended Hoops ever played, we too had a sense Both always so well-spoken, Mania knows that streamers are of pride and accomplishment for Father Peter and Jay spoke to thrown from the crowd onto the our achievements this past sea- the hearts of the Nova Nation. court when the first shot of the son. The band has been at the We watched on with pride as the season is made. As we stood team’s side all year (their team stood upon the stage, their around the stage with streamers “court” side, ha) from Hoops trophies behind them, and our in our hands, the crowd watched Mania to that final buzzer, and captains addressed the crowd. on the screens the last shot of to be able to walk with them We may not see another three the season: that famous Jenkins through this celebration was tru- thrown by Archie or get to see buzzer-beater 3. Streamers flew ly unbelievable. Chef cook up some slam dunks into the air, the season ending anymore, but much like our how it began and with a Villa- Chef’s Cookout high scores, nova victory. As a band member The Band Always Wins ! An that’s the Truth !!!! ……… By George

How much does an Alto Saxophone weigh?

March, when all education ceases …. You can change the world - political action success - We are going to Brooklyn! …. Brooklyn Bagels …. The Barclay Center…. An elevator big enough for a bus…….. Down goes UNC - Ashville, Fixing instruments…. “It’s a good thing we are not at the Ritz Carlton, we could never live on $30 a day?” … Bed Check - One bed, Check!, Two beds, Check!… Nervous Pep Band directors …Its Jake on the phone with more instructions … Down goes Iowa…. We’re going to the Sweet 16!, We’re going to Louisville! …… “You need the travel list by when?”… “How much do our instruments weigh?… What do you mean our instruments won’t fit on the plane? … Ok, Who wants to drive to Louisville?” … Move to the back of the plane…. “First things first, Let’s find some BBQ!” … Team send off playing in the balcony… The KFC Yum Center…. A Hot Brown at the The Brown Hotel… Down goes Miami … A Louisville Slugger! Lets make some points with the locals…..My Old Kentucky Home…Street performing in Louisville….Jim Beam says hello…. and the …Early report for the TV guys. Play V again…..and again…. and again. Then its live TV, 90 seconds worth. Hello Philly … Piccolo girl one year later …Up by 40 points, Can this really be happening?… Down goes Kansas … We ‘re going to the Final Four….cutting down the net! … Houston here we come! With the game net after beating Kansas

The Victory Parade 8 AM - Load the buses…. A police escort from Villanova to Center City Philadelphia … its cold and windy… 75,000 waiting to see the National Champions…. Exciting..… Lots of band alumni in attendance …Shout out from Jay Wright and A.D. Mark Jackson!… Very Exciting … Mayoral Proclamation Villanova Day in Philadelphia.

My favorite Facebook comment from a band alum as we were in the police escort to the parade….”I guess this is the first time Villanova students are glad to see the Radnor Police.”

I never did find the Band Directors buffet…… next year for sure! …Go Nova ….Go Cats…. 2016 National Champs…Congratulations to You! - George Pinchock

P.S. 12.5 pounds is the answer (on average) . Rain Chant on Market Street Philadelphia