The Villanovan | Volume 114, Issue 12: April 27, 2022

WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2022 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

VOLUME 114 | ISSUE 12

Villanova Fails Its Seniors

Villanova Commencement: No Feature Speaker, Set to Focus on Students

Jack Roberge Editor Emeritus

Commencement speeches are opportunities to leave one final, lasting impact on the graduating class before its members leave to take part in bigger things. Four years of education are difficult to pack into a singular speech, but often, the purpose of the speech is bigger than that.

The goal may be to provide some levity at a point in the students’ lives that can be overwhelming and stressful, as Conan O’Brien’s did at Dartmouth in 2011. Or, the goal might be to provide advice that the graduates wouldn’t have heard inside the classroom, as David Foster Wallace delivered in his famous address to Kenyon College in 2005. Finally, the speaker themselves may hold such a position that they simply make the commencement feel all the more important by their very presence, as Jill Biden did for Villanova graduates in 2014 or James Earl Jones accomplished in 1996.

Or, of course, a University could do away with all of that and simply let the students hear from no one at all.

This last path is the one Villanova has elected to take. After four years of hard work, Villanova’s class of 2022 will become yet another Villanova class with no real commencement speaker. At a school with few traditions, the end of the era of commencement speakers feels disrespectful to seniors and their parents, all of whom deserve a well-earned moment of celebration and circumstance.

Villanova has elected once again to have only internal speakers at the commencement ceremony, with a lineup that includes a current student, a current member of the faculty, and once again keynote speaker Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph.D., more widely known as Father Continued on p. 10

Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. served as the commencement speaker for the class of 2021.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

Vivi Melkonian Co-Editor-in-Chief

While other universities have names like Joe Biden, Taylor Swift and Anthony Fauci delivering their graduation addresses, Villanova has opted to make graduation this year all about the students. This year’s ceremony for the Class of 2022 will not feature a keynote commencement speaker. The commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, May 13 for the undergraduates, and Saturday, May 14 for graduate students.

“The focus is on them,” Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD said about the graduating students.

Father Peter explained the absence of an outside keynote speaker for the Class of 2022.

“We do not have a commencement speaker, someone from the outside, simply because it really takes so long to get those people,” Father Peter said. “We didn’t really know what it was going to be like [with COVID], or how many restrictions there would be.”

Father Peter explained that the University wanted the focus to remain on the graduates, and the celebration will be about them.

“Sometimes people look at it as who the person was and how famous the person was, and if the person was really famous they were

excited,” Father Peter said. “It was kind of bragging rights.

The last two years though, it really hasn’t seemed to make a difference because I think the focus is on them. The focus in the last two years has really been on the graduates.”

When asked if the students would receive this news well, Father Peter said he thinks they will be okay with it.

“I think they will understand,” he said. “I hope they are all grateful that they’re here, and they got through this and got to stay on campus. Villanova did a lot to get them through this experience, and we got through this, we are not over it yet, but we got through the most difficult time of

COVID, and, I say it all the time, predominantly because our students wanted to be here. They followed protocols and did everything they needed to do and they made it work. Graduation should be about celebrating them.”

When planning for commencement began back in the fall, the state of COVID on campus and in the region was uncertain. Father Peter acknowledged that was an issue.

“Planning for commencement begins back in the fall, the dates are selected, and all of those things are done, but we were not sure where COVID would be,” Father Peter said. “We knew it was better than last year,

he said, when asked after his final press conference how he

wanted to be remembered. He went on, becoming emotional

thinking about how he was treated by the press during his time in charge.

“Maybe it’s because you guys have been good,” Wright said, choking back tears. “Like it’s not like anybody’s killed me here. And I know I’m not perfect. If you show me some of my weaknesses, good, you guys were good about what we’ve done. It doesn’t affect me either way.

“I kind of like sometimes when somebody picks apart, ‘yeah, but he didn’t do Continued on p. 13

Continued on p. 2

In Retirement, Wright’s Legacy Faces Biggest Test Colin Beazley

Co-Editor-in-Chief In the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” titular character and Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is tortured by how he will be remembered.

“Legacy. What is a legacy?” he asks, before going on to answer his own question.

“It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”

Jay Wright? Not so much.

“I really don’t care,”

If Wright’s successor struggles, Wright’s legacy may be hurt.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale, Villanovan Photography

Father Peter Speaks On Wright’s Retirement p.3

Philadelphia Imposes Then Revokes Indoor Mask Mandate p.5

Privileged AdvocacyWho is Your Service Really Serving? p.7

Opinion: Believe in Kyle Neptune

The Villanovan’s Year in Review Spread

p.8

p.10-11

Villanovans Prepare For Finals Week p.12

Baseball Hands UConn First Conference Loss p.16

Brianna Herlihy Completes Six Year Career p.17

Recruits Whitmore and Armstrong Reaffirm Commitments p. 17

Trey Fourticq Completes Promising Freshman Season p.19

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VOL. 114 | ISS. 12 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

COLIN BEAZLEY Editor-in-Chief VIVI MELKONIAN Editor-in-Chief TINA ARON Associate Editor-in-Chief CATE McCUSKER Senior Editor RACHEL REINIGER Digital Editor SARAH SWEENEY News Editor SARAH WISNIEWSKI News Editor BELLA IRWIN Opinion Editor JACKIE THOMAS Opinion Editor A.J. FEZZA Culture Editor ELENA ROUSE Culture Editor CHLOE MILLER Culture Editor MATTHEW RYAN Sports Editor MEGHANN MORHARDT Sports Editor MOLLY BAKER Copy Desk Chief OLIVIA PASQUALE Photography Editor MICHAEL BRADLEY Advisor DEENA SMITH Advisor CONTACT villanovan.eic@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER Disorderly Conduct April 22, PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE A staff member reported an unknown male shouted profanities at him.

Liquor Underage/Public Drunkenness April 23, FEDIGAN HALL A female resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public intoxicated. Student was evaluated by VEMS and released to a sober friend.

Liquor Underage/Public Drunkenness April 23, WELSH HALL A male resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication. Student was transported by Radnor ALS to Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Theft By Unlawful Taking or Disposition April 23, WEST CAMPUS GROUNDS A male resident student reported a vanity tag stolen from his vehicle on West Campus.

Criminal Mischief April 24, FALVEY LIBRARY A staff member reported being threatened by an unknown person via telephone.

Harassment- Repeated Communication April 23, L-3 VISITOR LOT A male resident student reported a known unaffiliated male was following him on campus.

CORRECTIONS Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.

COVID-19 TRACKER CONFIRMED CUMULATIVE CASES AS OF 6:00 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 26

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“How do I cope with Jay Wright retiring?”

Unfortunately, we are at a loss of words for that one. It was unexpected but as time goes on, we just need to sit back and think about all the good times. The moments, the wins, the championships. Then, look at the future with Kyle Neptune, one of the nation’s best young coaches. Everything will be okay.

18.05K

Total Number of Tests (From 1/5)

788

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ASK THE VILLANOVAN

“Why is the air conditioning not on yet?”

Apparently, temperatures are dropping, but that doesn’t change the discomfort. The only advice we have is to invest in a fan and pray that it changes soon. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, try to keep the windows closed this week.

“What should I do without The Villanovan to get my news over the summer?”

I know, we’re sad too.

Check our socials for updates, we will still be active on Instagram and Twitter. We would never abandon everyone, ‘Cats.

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“My best friend’s friend needed an AC date so I said I’d go so and me and my bestie could be together…but now I’m nervous about a night with a person I don’t know very well.

Any advice??”

There’s a lot of unnecessary pressure around AC, but the most important thing is that you have fun!

Your feelings are valid and everyone should respect them.

Class of 2022 to Celebrate Graduation Without Speaker Continued from p. 2

but so we were basically going to use the same format we were going to use but with a few additions.”

He explained this graduation plan is in response to feedback from last year’s model.

“Their names will be called, and they will walk across the stage,” Father Peter said. “There’s no college events. We did that last year because of COVID, but the people really liked it. All they cared about was their name was called. Their name was called, and they got to walk across the stage, they got their picture taken. It takes a little longer but it works.”

He elaborated on the tedious planning process for commencement and difficulty of eliciting a speaker.

“You contact someone in September, and sometimes you don’t find out,” Father Peter said. “The year we had Dr Jill Biden, she’s a graduate of Villanova, the Vice President’s wife at the time, not yet the First Lady, we could not get an answer from the White House until six weeks prior to the [graduation] date. So for that entire year we were waiting until six weeks before, and if she said no we’d have to scramble.”

Father Peter noted some momentous speakers of the past that accompany Dr. Biden included Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver, “Life Is Good” Co-Founder and CEO Bert Jacobs, and Michael Bloomberg.

Additionally, he explained the financial woes of obtaining a keynote speaker.

“The thing is, we don’t pay them, and some of them are asking a pretty heavy fee to speak for a few minutes,” Father Peter said. “[Some will ask] for $100,000, and we’re not

paying that. We give them an honorary degree and think of that as payment. We pay for transportation and stuff.”

Father Peter explained that he would rather put that money into something else.

“I don’t even remember who spoke at my graduation,” he said.

This spring students at Boston College will be addressed by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, and the University of Pennsylvania is featuring documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

President Joe Biden will headline graduation at his alma mater University of Delaware, and Taylor Swift will address undergraduates at New York University. Disease specialist and Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States Dr. Anthony Fauci will make rounds this spring, as the keynote speaker at Princeton University, Roger Williams University and University of Maryland Baltimore-County.

Father Peter explained that in the wake of the pandemic, Villanova is not the only school to discontinue the tradition of a keynote speaker.

“I think sometimes people think ‘oh we should have a graduation speaker,’ but over the course of this year, or the last couple of years I think a number of schools have put it on the back burner because there were too many other things to worry about,” Father Peter said. “As I said it’s really hard to get somebody.”

Father Peter explained that this year’s commencement is going to be about celebrating the students, not an outside keynote speaker. Senior Billy Vinci was not pleased with the news.

“Having a commencement speaker doesn’t take it away from the students, but having yourself two years in a row makes it about him,” Vinci said. “Especially when he usually speaks anyway.”

Senior Maddie Burke elaborated on this dissatisfaction.

“I felt like this senior class and for the previous one (Class of 2021), too, these past four years have been so weird,” Burke said. “I guess I was hoping graduation would be the most normal event we could have, it definitely is definitely a little shocking to hear there isn’t going to be a typical keynote speaker.”

Burke shared her thoughts on how she thinks the student body will react.

“I think it is probably not going to go over great,” Burke continued. “I definitely was hoping for someone outside of the Villanova community, who could bring insightful and impactful speech to our graduation. To keep it within Villanova does not feel as exciting.”

Burke commented on the theme of celebrating the students.

“I can understand that logic in the way of giving the students even more of a moment to shine, but I think there’s always that moment [at graduation],” Burke said. “Graduation in its nature is always about the students.”

Burke said it’s been fun “chit chatting” with her friends in recent weeks and theorizing about keynote potential speakers. Burke and company, along with many University students, speculated that Jay Wright would speak after his recent retirement announcement.

Father Peter admitted that

he had not yet mentioned the retired coach.

“Well, I haven’t asked him yet,” Father Peter said. “Wouldn’t that be a surprise.”

Commencement this year will look similar to the model in 2021 – with some changes.

“The student speaker is coming back this year,” Father Peter said. “We didn’t have one last year, but Daniel Gorman from the Villanova School of Business has been selected as the speaker.”

Father Peter detailed old traditions that would be returning to the commencement stage this May. “Faculty, they weren’t there last year, and I’ll talk, I did last year as well, but I talk at every graduation,” Father Peter said.

“I got rave reviews last year, and the virtual one I did as well. And the other thing that’s returning that we didn’t go last year is the Last Lecture. So there is a faculty member voted on by the senior class to do this last lecture.”

Father Peter elaborated on the plans for commencement weekend.

“Friday undergraduates, Saturday graduates,” Father Peter said. “Friday afternoon ceremony will be for all undergraduates.”

Father Peter additionally detailed a champagne toast that will take place for the graduates on the Thursday preceding graduation and the return of the Blue and White Bash as part of the weekend festivities.

“That’s basically the shape of it,” he said. “I’m just praying for good weather.”

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Villanovan | 3

NEWS

Villanova Students React to NJ’s Marijuana Law Sarah Sweeney Co-News Editor If a person has ever overheard passionate debates about the existence of Central Jersey while eating dinner at a dining hall, or whether a certain spiced roll of pork should be called a pork roll or Taylor Ham while studying at the library, they are already more than aware of the significant portion of Villanova students originally from New Jersey.

Back in November 2020, New Jersey’s election ballot referendum asked a far more significant question of New Jersey residents: were they in favor of legalizing the possession and recreational use of marijuna?

In fact, they were, as 67% of question respondents voted in support of the referendum. An amendment to New Jersey’s state constitution legalizing marijuna was added on January 1, 2021, and Gov. Phil Murphy signed it into law on February 22, 2021.

Under the new laws, customers 21 or older can buy up to an ounce of marijuna for smoking, or up to five grams of concentrates or oils or 10 packages of 100 million of edible items. Although the laws were passed last year, creating industry regulations and licensing stores to sell marijuna was a months-long process.

As a result, April 21, 2022 was the first day that New Jersey’s 13 officially licensed recreational marijuna dispensaries opened for sale to the public.

These 13 dispensaries were originally

medical marijuna dispensaries, and, although a number of smaller marijuna growers have received state licenses, they have yet to set up shops.

New Jersey residents have long called for the legalization of marijuna in the state, citing its potential to address issues of systemic racism.

Marijuna arrests disproportionately affect people of color. This has been especially concerning in New Jersey, where 34,500 people were arrested for cannabis offenses in 2017, which was more than any other state in the nation.

Ashley Petersen, a junior Chemistry major from Chatham, New Jersey, is one such proponent.

“Fatalities are nearly impossible from marijuana overuse, unless you are a child, making marijuana one of the safest medicinal drugs on the market,” Petersen said. “In fact, marijuana use could potentially save millions of lives, by using it as a substitute for opioid painkillers, which are highly addictive and fatal during overdose. Furthermore, marijuana arrests primarily target Black Americans, leading to high rates of incarceration based on the possession or use of tiny amounts of marijuana.”

Proponents of legalization also cited the potential tax revenue it would bring in. A 2016 report by New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform and New Jersey Policy Perspective, issued in 2016, estimated that the legalization of marijuna would result in an additional annual sales tax revenue of $300 million. Gov. Murphy recently estimated slightly more conservative, but still impressive, figures of $30

million in tax revenue for the 2022 fiscal year and $121 million for 2023.

Rob Cuff, a sophomore Political Science major from Southern New Jersey, voted in favor of the referendum in 2020.

“I think getting rid of marijuana possession arrests, in addition to the monetary gains, benefits the state, both politically and economically,” Cuff said.

However, some New Jersey residents have opposed or raised issues with the legalization. Opponents question the message marijuna’s legalization sends to children and express concern about people driving under the influence.

Cuff also expressed concern over this.

“There’s still no quick and easy way to test if someone is driving while high, but I hope that technology is developed quicker especially now that more states are legalizing weed,” he said.

Others raise concern about how an increased demand for recreational marijuina at dispensaries may affect the ability of medical users to get marijuina.

“As for NJ legalizing weed specifically, I am glad that this bill passed, but I do not think that NJ is adequately prepared for the massive amount of people who will be purchasing from medical dispensaries turned commercial,” Petersen said.

“As a medical marijuana patient myself, I am terrified to think about losing my ability to purchase my medication because thousands of people want their fix of marijuana.”

Despite concerns, Cuff thinks that New Jersey’s legalization of marijuna has more benefits than drawbacks. He also believes in its ability to serve as precedent, explaining his hope that “this also prompts Pennsylvania and the Federal Government to change their laws.”

Jill McCorkel, a Sociology and Criminology professor, also expressed her belief in the importance of New Jersey’s legalization of marijuna.

“The decision of voters in New Jersey to legalize marijuana is important for several reasons,” McCorkel said. “Most notably, it suggests that the public is no longer willing to foot the bill for costly, unjust, and counterproductive Drug War policies.”

Dispensaries have begun to open in NJ. Courtesy of Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Father Peter Speaks on Wright’s Retirement Vivi Melkonian Co-Editor-In-Chief There were few people who knew ahead of time about the retirement announcement heard ‘round the world, but University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A, Ph.D. was one of them.

Former Villanova men’s basketball coach Jay Wright and Father Peter have a longstanding relationship as two most prominent figures of Villanova University.

A routine meeting between the pair in the wake of the Wildcats’ Big East Tournament Championship win turned into a conversation Father Peter never expected this soon.

When asked if he was surprised by the news, Father Peter quickly sighed, “Oh, yes.”

“Every year, my experience has been he’s (Jay Wright’s) like, ‘oh, I’m tired,’” Father Peter said.

Father Peter explained that the time commitments of coaching required Wright to relinquish much of his postseason free time to recruiting new players. Especially considering the length of this year’s season for the Wildcats, the recruiting process began almost immediately following the Final Four.

“They get right out [of the season] and on the road again,” Father Peter said. “He’s always tired… but last summer he didn’t get a break because he was with the Olympics in Tokyo.”

He explained that Wright,

along with the rest of the Olympic coaching staff, was isolated the entirety of the trip, which took away from the enjoyment of the experience.

“This year he’s been tired, ‘I’m tired, I’m tired,” Father Peter said. “And it’s like, oh, there he goes again but he really was tired.”

Father Peter explained that Director of Athletics Mark Jackson was the first to know about Wright’s retirement.

“Mark Jackson came to me and said, ‘Jay Wright wants to talk to you,’” Father Peter said. “I said, ‘oh, what about,’ he goes, ‘I think I’ll let him tell you.’”

Father Peter joked that it’s not irregular for Wright to request a meeting, but it was usually related to a request for the athletics department.

He repeated Wright’s words.

“He said, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m just not in it a hundred percent. And I tell the players all the time, they have to give a hundred percent. And I, I’m just not able to do that. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and it’s just too much,’” he said.

Father Peter went on to explain that Wright wanted to leave on a high note, in good health and scandal free. He said Wright praised the staff and team and was dedicated to finding the right person to continue the program and culture of “Villanova Basketball”.

“It was a tough secret to keep,” Father Peter said.

He detailed that there was a lot of debate as to the best time to deliver the news to the community.

Originally they planned to wait until

Father Peter expressed excitement for the Neptune era of Villanova Basketball.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

after commencement, so as to not take attention away from the graduates. However, once people started getting wind of Villanova looking for a new head coach, they moved the announcement date up to May 1.

As the community is aware by now, things did not go according to plan.

“Then this reporter called,” Father Peter sighed.

The rest of the story is known by now, as news of Wright’s retirement broke late on Wednesday, the night before the team’s annual Awards banquet. Wright called a meeting that night to inform his players, and soon after, former assistant Kyle Neptune was announced as the program’s new coach. Wright’s official retirement press conference and Neptune’s introduction took place on Friday.

When asked if he thought Wright’s absence from Villanova Basketball would affect the spirit and culture of the school, Father Peter said he did not.

“I think everybody will be pretty good,” he said.

Father Peter explained that Wright will still be a presence on campus as Special Assistant to the President. Though he will not be involved in the day-to-day of the basketball program, Wright will still be around to work on “special projects” and continuing a relationship with the team.

“He would like to be able to go out to breakfast or lunch with the players and talk to them about life, not talk to him about defensive moves and yell at them about things,” Father Peter said.

When asked for his thoughts on Neptune, Father Peter smiled and expressed his delight with the hire.

“Well, I love him,” Father Peter said. “He’s a great guy. And he was here for a number of years, so I knew him and he was Jay’s first assistant and he was really good.”

However, Neptune’s hiring does not mean the end of the great working relationship and friendship between Father Peter and Special Assistant to the President Jay Wright.

Their camaraderie, friendship and leadership of Villanova is sure to continue in the future.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Villanovan | 4

NEWS

Villanova Black Law Students Association Launches “Equity in the Law” Newsletter

tive as impactful as possible. We are so excited to be working with Kathy Fair her on this project.”

Staff Writer BLSA undergrad is excited for “Equity in the Law,” and Ajée The executive board of Robinson shared the group’s hopes Villanova’s Black Law Students for the outcome of the newsletter Association Undergraduate Chap- initiative. ter (formerly known as Pre-Law “I hope that the newsletBLSA) recently launched a new ter provides some much needed section in the Pre-Law newsletter perspective about the importance titled “Equity in the Law.” Alex of representation for students on Karlesses, the University’s pre-law Villanova’s campus,” Robinson advisor, worked with the students said. “Many Black students and to actualize this new initiative, and students of color do not always the Association also shared a bit feel that they are heard or that about its recent trip to Washington their goals and future plans are D.C. supported in a way that reflects Gabby Lee explained that an understanding of their racial the “Equity in the Law” section perspective or social location.” in the monthly Pre-Law newsletBLSA serving as one of ter will serve to “ensure that the the many organizations dedilegal profession and legal studies cated to the career success of become accessible to all students, Black students and students of particularly underrepresented stu- color through resources, alumni dents on Villanova’s campus.” networks and active support is “We aim to create a platsomething that not only should be form that consists of information known throughout campus, but regarding equitable resources, also something that should be conopportunities, networking, support tinually celebrated and supported and the uplifting of minoritized

by Villanova faculty members, voices and their success stories in academic departments and the the legal field,” Lee said. administration overall.

Karlesses coordinated the “Through this newsletter, launch of the initiative with BLSA. we hope to shed light on how “She is helping to give being a part of BLSA, and similar us a platform,” Lee said. “She is professional development orgaproviding a university-sponsored nizations more generally, grows space for us to share important in- greater windows of opportunity formation, while also collaborating and achievement for Black stuwith us on how to make our initia- dents and students of color on

college campuses nationwide,” Robinson said.

“We hope to create a platform where students of color who are interested in law can feel represented and supported,” Lee said.

“Oftentimes, we fail to recognize that many resources out there for Pre-Law students are not accessible to everyone, so we want to do our part in trying to change that.

Whether this is in the form of facilitating networking connections with legal professionals of color or alerting students of scholarship opportunities that they may not have otherwise been aware of. We want to expand the possibilities and opportunities for students who continue to be underrepresented and underserved.”

Michael Annan and President Natalie Nwaneku explained more about BLSA Undergrad.

“The organization mainly seeks to help African-American and Black students at Villanova to be comfortable and learn the ins and outs of law school and the law profession is very easy to join,” Annan said. “[BLSA] organized a visit to McGuireWoods, a prestigious law firm where we utilized our connection with a Villanova Alum, to sit among partners and attorneys at the firm,” Nwaneku said. “Members of our club were granted access to unparalleled networking opportunities with individuals well-established within

their respective legal professions— networking that many underrepresented students sorely lack. We even got to meet the chair of the firm.”

Robinson shared some of her favorite aspects of BLSA Undergrad “Without hesitation, I would certainly say that my favorite aspect of the organization is the sense of community that we forge with one another from very early on,” she said. “We like to refer to our organization and the relationships that our members have with each other as the BLSA family.

“To be a part of an organization that supports students that not only look like you and undergo similar challenges as you, but who also share in similar dreams and future pursuits as you, is incredibly inspiring. This is particularly special considering many of our members, prior to joining the organization, have not always felt that they had a safe space that reflected such qualities. Fortunately, that changes when they join BLSA and when they realize the positive impact of representation, especially when you are pursuing your legal path.”

BLSA Undergrad is available through email at prelawblsa@villanova.edu and looks forward to growing the chapter further. Students can also reach out to Karlesses.

VSB Students Run Tax Clinic to Assist Students

multiple jobs, many students had to file their taxes. With finals less than Lydia McFarlane a week away, it seems that Tax Day could not have come at a worse time.

Staff Writer Amid papers, projects, exams, group work and more, many students were Tax Day has been a major also forced to face the reality of filling stressor to many Americans since out their taxes. This proved to be 1955. Tax Day, which normally falls overwhelming at times, with several on or around April 15 (this year it students needing to file for an extenwas on April 18), is the day when sion. individual income tax returns need to Junior Mike Koerwer is an be submitted to the federal and state Applied Quantitative Finance and governments.

Management Information Systems

By April 8, the IRS had redouble major with minors in Math ceived more than 103 million returns and Statistics. With these majors and for this tax season and had already is- minors, he has a better background sued more than 63 million refunds, to- than most with filing taxes. Koerwer talling more than $204 billion. While runs VITA, the Volunteer Income these seem like huge numbers, this still Tax Assistance club on campus. He left almost 40 percent of taxpayers defines VITA as “an IRS volunteerunaccounted for. By April 8, if people ing initiative that allows people to get had not finished their taxes with certified online and prepare taxes for about 10 days left until the deadline, lower-income individuals and families, many tax professionals were advising as well as non-native English speakers taxpayers to file for extensions, rather and others who have difficulty filing.” than rush to get them done.

Every year around Tax Nina Tross, the executive diDay, VITA runs a tax clinic to help rector of the National Society of Tax students file their taxes, and it also Professionals, said that if people had volunteers in Philadelphia. Koerwer not filed their taxes by then, “they’re expressed his frustration with the better off filing an extension.” She ex- difficulty of tax returns, especially for plained that filing for an extension has those who are low-income. no negative effect, as long as someone “The clinic and volunteerhad paid their income taxes by Tax ing in general is rewarding because Day. For future reference, it is better we really do help people who are in to file for an extension and be able to need of a service, but it is bittersweet complete taxes correctly rather than because I know that I would rather it rushing and risking messing somejust not be a problem and there be no thing up. need for an organization like VITA,” As young adults, many UniKoerwer said. “It is sad that the versity students have jobs. Whether process is so difficult in this country, the jobs are year-round, during the especially for low-income individuals summer and breaks or there are who cannot afford more professional

consultations and advice on their tax returns.”

During the clinic, Koerwer expressed sympathy for students who were unfamiliar with filing taxes.

“For students who have not taken a tax class, even if they are in VSB and even if they are Accounting majors, the process of filing your taxes is unclear and the specifics of the return are even more so,” he said.

“Most of the students that we assist have no knowledge of what their return means or what the documents are that they need to procure, which I don’t personally think is abnormal among students.”

VITA is still a relatively new organization on campus, having only been an official VSB society for the past semester. To get more updates on events like the tax clinic, make sure to follow its Instagram, @villanovavita.

While students like Koerwer are better versed than most in filing

taxes, many other students struggled through the process. Sophomore Gemma Krautzel is a Neuroscience major who has never had any formal financial education or training. She, like many other Americans, struggled to file her own taxes this tax season.

Krautzel runs her Etsy business, Gemma Sophia Designs, on her own.

“Because I own a small Etsy business, this was the first year I had to do my own taxes,” Krautzel said.

“What seemed like a simple task became a monstrously difficult one as I had to familiarize myself with tax jargon in order to complete only just a few forms. I just thought doing my own taxes would be a simpler task than what I experienced.”

While tax season can be difficult and stressful, the University has resources such as VITA to help students go into the next tax season prepared and confident.

Students in Villanova’s School of Business helped others with their taxes this year.

Courtesy of Sarah Jones/Villanovan Photography

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

NEWS

The Villanovan | 5

Philadelphia Imposes Then Revokes Indoor Mask Mandate Emily Attisano Staff Writer

Only four days after becoming the first American city to reimpose an indoor mask mandate, the Philadelphia Health Department lifted this renewal.

The initial order was a swift response to worsening COVID-19 infections and the potential for a new wave of cases caused by an omicron subvariant.

However, amid improving conditions, the city then decided masks were no longer required indoors only four days later.

In a statement on Friday, the city’s health department revealed that the reinstated mandate appeared necessary after a 50% increase in cases during the beginning of April. Recent infections in Philadelphia peaked at 377 cases and 82 hospitalizations but then began to fall.

Dennis Wykoff, a professor in the Biology department who studies infectious diseases, explained that “the health department last week was being extremely cautious as they were seeing the BA.2 variant uptick” and they believed “that the mask mandate was a good idea to be cautious.”

The city followed a tiered system, with level one as “all clear” and level two as “caution.”

Earlier this year, the city reached level one, lifting previous mandates.

However, when cases began

to increase, Philadelphia moved back to level two, requiring restrictions. With the fluctuation in cases and tremendous uncertainty, the tiered system is no longer being used. There is no indication of whether the city will design a new metric system to determine responses to COVID-19 infections.

Now, Philadelphia urges residents to exercise caution and strongly recommends wearing masks while indoors.

The renewal of the indoor mask mandate faced criticism from business owners and residents alike, while others expressed confusion about the reimposed mandate. Many people hoped to contest the order by filing suit in Pennsylvania’s state court. Others, however, were more unsure about the urgency of the new mandate than angry. Villanova students with ties to Philadelphia voiced this confusion.

“I was initially confused by the new mandate because I did not know about the rise in cases or the threat of new variants, but I am always willing to wear my mask,” sophomore Diorys Savinon said.

This public opposition, in tandem with the federal judge’s earlier rulings that a TSA mask mandate was not legal, put tremendous pressure on the health department. There was also a lack of overwhelming evidence to support the city’s urgent claims, and as such, many people were hesitant to support the mandate.

“The ‘headwinds’ of people not embracing a mask mandate in combination with the district court ruling pretty much meant that few strongly supported the mandate, and so I think the city decided it was not warranted anymore,” Wykoff said.

Despite the extensive public pressure and lawsuits, the city’s health department remains resolute that the mask mandate was lifted based on a decrease in infections rather than both public and legal opposition. The decision to revoke the reimposed mask mandate came following a meeting with the Board of Health to

discuss the lawsuits.

Ultimately, Philadelphia’s swift response to rising COVID-19 infections and the potential threat of the omicron subvariant, BA-2, may be indicative of growing national concerns. Some view Philadelphia’s mask mandate as a sign that attitudes of other local governments will shift to mirror Philadelphia’s concern.

Even after lifting the renewed mandate, Philadelphia warned residents about infections, especially the new omicron subvariant. However, with an influx of legal opposition, it is unclear whether mask mandates will continue to be implemented.

Mask mandates come and go in Philadelphia.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

Villanova Community Reacts to Wright’s Retirement Vivi Melkonian Co-Editor-In-Chief The Villanova community was surprised by news of men’s head basketball Coach Jay Wright’s retirement. The news sent shockwaves across campus, Philadelphia and the country alike.

The unexpected news elicited emotional reactions from all members of the immediate and greater Villanova community.

“I was definitely shocked when I heard the news,” sophomore Emmett Greenwood said. “Jay Wright is a face of the school, and basketball is such a big part of the experience here, so I was definitely surprised and sad when I learned of his retirement.

The news came last Wednesday evening. Villanova’s chapter of Delta Gamma was enjoying its Anchorman Formal on the Moshulu in Philadelphia when murmurs of Wright’s retirement began erupting.

Members of Delta Gamma erupted in pleas of denial when the official email from University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A, Ph.D. appeared on their notification centers.

“I think the initial shock of the news was what impacted all of us the most,” said Mia Cunningham, a sophomore in Delta Gamma. “I know I wasn’t expecting Jay Wright to step down as head coach and I don’t think anyone else was either, at least for a while.”

The news came as Cunningham was going through security on the Moshulu. Wright’s unexpected

announcement put a damper on the atmosphere of the formal for the initial parts of the evening. However, she expressed her gratitude and well wishes for Wright after the initial shock.

Beyond sadness, the Villanova community has expressed an overwhelming feeling of appreciation for Wright and his impact on the Villanova basketball team and University community as a whole.

After a wildly successful run during the 2021 basketball season that took the team all the way to the Final Four in New Orleans, it would have been hard pressed to find a better ending to such an incredible and immense career. Wright led the team to unbelievable success this season in a final run that prompted students to travel thousands of miles by any means necessary to see Wright in the Big Easy.

Junior Tommy Dillon traveled via RV to the Final Four earlier this month. The 20 plus hour drive was made possible by the motivation Dillon and his friends had to see men’s basketball and Wright’s iconic coaching in action.

“I’m grateful that I got to see his last game as head coach,” Dillon said. “[I’m] sad as a Villanova fan, but happy for him as a person.”

Students also spoke to the unfortunate timing of Wright’s retirement announcement, which came just over a week before the start of final exams.

“It’s causing me a lot of sadness during an already stressful time,” sophomore Angela Ferrigno said.

Unexpected study breaks

were in order across campus on Wednesday night in the wake of Wright’s announcement.

“No one really saw it coming,” senior Stephanie Frank said.

“He didn’t have a farewell tour like (Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski). It was really unexpected, and everyone recently has been laughing about finals, and then hearing about retirement is like the worst timing ever.”

Some students do wish they had known this was Wright’s last run so they could have embraced his final moments as coach. However, the lack of retirement tour upholds the Villanova basketball philosophy that playing basketball is more than just a game, tournament and championship. A flashy retirement tour is not Wright’s style.

Wright will be missed by students and faculty alike. From the dining halls to the classrooms, the subject is unavoidable.

“I, like so many other Villanovans, was saddened and shocked to hear about Coach Wright’s retirement,” Mary Beth Simmons, Director of the Writing Center, said Thursday.

“My phone blew up last night with text messages from colleagues and friends near and far. I got to Villanova the year before Coach Wright did, so it’s been a delight to follow not only his success as a coach, but I always admired how he talked about helping shape his players into a whole person.”

Simmons explained that as a teacher she appreciates how Wright always upheld a high scholarly expectation for his players.

“Yes, basketball matters, but

so does your education, your compassion for others, and leading with your heart and mind in the world beyond campus,” Simmons said. “That’s what Villanova is supposed to do.”

Additionally, comments of gratitude weaved throughout the tables in the dining halls.

“I’m sad,” an anonymous cook said. “He is a very nice guy.”

Villanova’s Augustinian friars also expressed their thoughts on the announcement.

“I’m grateful for all he has done for the University, for the basketball team, for admissions,” said Father Bill Gabriel, O.S.A, M. Div. CLAS ‘14. “As a friar, you could have anyone better on the front lines communicating with you. [I’m] grateful.”

Sadness and shock initially permeated campus, but overarching gratitude for everything Wright has done for Villanova overcame any early disappointment.

“His departure from coaching is significant, but I trust in Kyle Neptune taking over and what a blessing it will be to have Jay Wright continue on at ‘Nova in a new role,” Simmons said. “He is always so positive and optimistic, even in the face of adversity, so I let myself be bummed about the announcement for a few hours, but then decided to look toward the future with authentic hope.”

Students are looking ahead to the upcoming Neptune era of Villanova basketball, while also echoing Wright’s incomparable presence on and off the court, which has deemed him a hallmark of Villanova.

6 | The Villanovan

OPINION

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

OPINION

Marijuana Should Be Legalized in Pennsylvania Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer Last week was 4/20, a day dedicated to celebrating and smoking marijuana. This 4/20, though, took on an entirely new meaning for the residents of New Jersey who observe this holiday.

On April 21, New Jersey became the 18th state to allow legal recreational sales of marijuana. Given the close proximity of New Jersey to the state of Pennsylvania, who is to say when we at Villanova will receive the same great news.

The legalization of recreational marijuana, though, has long been a subject of political debate in Pennsylvania. With products such as cigarettes, alcohol and vapes being available to buy at the age of 21, why shouldn’t marijuana be added to the list?

In truth, there have been many studies that show potential health or medical benefits of marijuana. Such benefits include decreasing nausea, acting as a muscle relaxant and aiding chronic pain, an undoubtedly better alternative in the face of highly addicting opioids that are frequently prescribed for chronic pain.

Such health advantages are not going unnoticed. According to an Emerson College Polling survey of 1,069 Pennsylvanians, 48.5 percent of Republicans and Democrats supported legalizing weed in Pennsylvania, 15 percent were on the fence about it or had no opinion.

Pennsylvania should be the next state to legalize marijuana.

Courtesy of The New York Times

This study was conducted from March 26-28 of this year.

With a seemingly positive response from members of this state, why shouldn’t Pennsylvanians have similar access to recreational marijuana use?

Despite these potential health benefits, the Pennsylvania government notes a few detriments that could arise by legalizing marijuana.

The biggest hindrance lies in steeper societal costs and taxes.

According to ProCon.org, societal costs of marijuana use include paying for increased emergency room visits as well as medical care and addiction treatment for those

who are uninsured.

With alcohol and vaping already being large contributors to such financial burdens, Pennsylvania does not want to take the risk of raising taxes any higher.

Another notable problem, also according to ProCon.org, is that traffic accidents and deaths increase when marijuana is legalized. Marijuana-related traffic deaths rose 62 percent following its legalization in Colorado.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also reported that fatal crashes involving marijuana doubled after its legalization in Washington.

Therefore, the state of

Pennsylvania also does not want to face greater problems involving car accidents, especially given that we are in the midst of a drunk driving epidemic. Ultimately, these are both two major arguments for why weed should not be legalized in Pennsylvania.

However, increasing education and awareness of safe marijuana use could lessen the impacts of such concerns. Like alcohol and nicotine, teaching students at a young age how to be responsible with marijuana could result in fewer accidents, especially on the road, and thus fewer taxes for Pennsylvanians to pay.

With all the positive outcomes that come with smoking weed, it is unclear why it is still illegal, yet consumption of alcohol and nicotine products is allowed.

It seems to be, almost certainly so, the lesser evil of the three.

Beyond this, legalizing weed would be safer for those who consume it anyway. Receiving marijuana from illegal, black market resources can create situations where people ingest harmful, dangerous substances as opposed to actual weed.

Being able to go into a store to safely purchase marijuana would ease a lot of the potentially harmful outcomes of current weed transactions.

Everyone should be given the opportunity to safely try marijuana. Eighteen states are truly in on the 4/20 celebrations, with New Jersey the most recent to join the mix––Pennsylvania, then, should be next to join the party.

Musk’s Defense of Free Speech on Twitter is Necessary Carter Smith Staff Writer

be considered by everybody, as unacceptable. However, I do not believe banning this speech is the smartest decision in the long term.

Elon Musk bought TwitFree speech is a fundamenter. He made it clear that one of tal right in the U.S., which means, his goals is to keep the platform in principle, people have the right as “the digital town square where to say whatever is on their minds. matters vital to the future of Hence, people have the humanity are debated,” tweeting: right to say harmful, misleading “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is things just as they have the right to say what they think about the what free speech means.” newest Star Wars movie, their Musk is a controversial daily Starbucks order and that the figure to begin with, yet his purpresident is incompetent. Twitter chase of Twitter for $44 Billion was founded on, and is still regardhas drawn great public outrage. ed as, a platform where everybody During the rise of yellow journalism and misinformation in can have a voice.

Thus, any form of regulathe Trump Administration, Twittion must proceed with an err of ter cracked down on the spread of caution.

While we may coat the misinformation and hate speech, argument for banning misinformaciting many far-right accounts, tion and hate-speech with colorful such as Donald Trump himself, as language, the simple truth is that it promoting and inspiring hate and can have dangerous fallouts. violence on and off the site.

While erasing these comMany of Musk’s objectives ments from the public forum of have taken a different approach, Twitter is good in the short term, seemingly wishing to remove many it is bad in the long run. of the safeguards the platform Such an act establishes a now has in place to prevent such dangerous precedent, a precedent behaviors from gaining a vocal of getting rid of voices that leadpresence. ers do not like or consider controWhile I do not condone versial. misinformation or hate speech, What if new Twitter ownMusk is on the right track. Behavership considers LGBTQ+ rights iors such as these are, and should

controversial? Or BLM? Or abortion rights?

In line with this current policy, a future board would have the right to exclude these topics from discussion because they are controversial or offensive.

Banning certain perspectives on specific topics sets the standard that the operators of Twitter can act as judge, jury and executioner on what ideas are allowed to be heard, and we are already seeing the effects.

Despite Musk’s offer to reinstate his account, Trump refused. He will now be a part of his own platform: TRUTH Social.

The banning of far-right perspectives on Twitter has only led to conservatives conglomerating on their own platform, where they only talk to each-other, receiving constant validation.

When such individuals post their beliefs on the diverse platform that is Twitter, multiple perspectives and political affiliations can disprove of any misinformation and become outlets to educate people, changing opinions.

While everybody has the right to a voice, not all voices should be taken seriously. Removing these unwanted perspectives from the public square does not

solve the problem, it only pushes it to somewhere we cannot see it.

Constructive dialogue is the only way to effectively combat and destroy offensive behavior.

Now, this does not mean that Twitter has no responsibility to let these perspectives exist without consequence.

The platform already places labels on tweets identified as propagating misinformation and buries tweets riddled with hatespeech deep in the algorithm as to never promote them, with both circumstances having a ‘removal of tweet’ as the most severe course of action.

I would argue to get rid of that removal option, and be more aggressive with labeling.

The offending tweets could be labeled as propagating hatespeech or misinformation, and just like with COVID-19 information, “these labels will link to a Twitter-curated page or external trusted source containing additional information on the claims made within the Tweet,” according to the company.

In the fight against hate speech and misinformation, education, not relegation, is the key to making the public square a more welcoming place to be.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

OPINION

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. LetEditor-in-Chief ters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not Associate Editor-in-Chief exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions beOpinion Editor come property of The Villanovan and are subject Opinion Editor to editing for clarity and space.

COLIN BEAZLEY Editor-in-Chief VIVI MELKONIAN TINA ARON BELLA IRWIN JACKIE THOMAS

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Villanovan | 7

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

Privileged Advocacy: Who is Your Service Really Serving?

Lindsay Gallagher Staff Writer The two largest service organizations at Villanova are NOVAdance and Special Olympics. Both are amazing groups and events that make a massive impact on the groups they serve, and I’ve participated in both over my past four years. I couldn’t help but wonder, though, what it was about these organizations that made them take off the way they have in our community compared to other service organizations with smaller membership like Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week or Habitat for Humanity.

The difference between NOVAdance and Special Olympics and the other service organizations on our campus may lie in the nature of the causes they support. Cancer and disability can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Some students at Villanova may feel more comfortable volunteering for Special Olympics and NOVAdance because those organizations do not require them to confront their own race and socioeconomic privilege.

The Special Olympics’ DEI subcommittee was established only two years ago. A current member of SpO’s committee explained what they were concerned about in the organization.

“Something leadership is really working towards is making the organization more diverse,” they said, as it is currently overwhelmingly white.

A former member of Special Olympics’ DEI subcommittee told me that they led an allyship workshop on Zoom during their full committee retreat last year.

“Out of 96 committee members, only one person spoke the entire time – just to say thank you at the end,” the member said.

Not a single member participated in the discussion.

NOVAdance does not have any DEI-related executive board positions, despite the heightened challenges that people of color face while seeking cancer treatment. A 2021 study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology found that Black children consistently experience the worst overall survival rates across pediatric cancer diagnoses. Census data shows that in the United States, 28% of Black households have medical debt, compared to 17% of white households.

An example of how a DEI subcommittee could be helpful for NOVAdance would be in discussions about how to be aware and inclusive of people of differing

dance are both powerful cultural forces on this campus, and they have the potential to encourage the Villanova student body to be a stronger force for good.

If we don’t challenge our privilege by working to eradicate systemic inequalities, it will keep us and our philanthropic beneficiaries in the same place. If we don’t work to change the systems that prevent others from having lives free of preventable suffering, we will be doing the same service over and over again, forever.

Recognizing privilege compels one to work to eradicate it, not perpetuate the system in which they are the privileged. For those who truly want to alleviate suffering for others, the next step is to make advocacy a part of their volunteer work.

NOVAdance committee members are pictured at the end of this year’s dance marathon.

Habitat for Humanity “adCourtesy of NOVAdance vocates for policies and changes by the current system that benefits that can eliminate barriers to give socioeconomic statuses. A Villaeveryone a decent place to live,” students like those at Villanova nova student who has never wonlike down payment assistance prodered where their next meal would who attend a top-tier, expensive grams, zoning reform and tenant institution while simultaneouscome from could cause real harm protections. HHAW member ly depriving millions of people with their language and attitude Daryl Jucar shed more light on the of food and shelter in a society towards families who are relying club’s emphasis on advocacy. that has more than enough to go on NOVAdance’s support to pay “Several of our members around. their bills if not properly trained attended the Ignatian Teach-In Habitat for Humanity is and educated. in Washington D.C., where they another organization that chalPhilanthropy that forces attended a political rally and met lenges its members’ worldviews, one to question their place in the with members of Congress on as Emma Noey, the club’s Vice world and make changes to their Capitol Hill,” Jucar said.

President of Communications, life accordingly is more potent NOVAdance and Special explained. than philanthropy that does not.

Olympics could add political “Habitat offers a unique Service in the spirit of true selfexperience for students at Villano- advocacy subcommittees to their lessness would include opening people’s minds to understand their va to leave the comfort of campus leadership structure. They could and travel to places in surrounding hold meetings with local politiprivilege – unearned advantages cians to discuss medical debt relief that benefit people over others be- impoverished areas,” Noey said. and expanding employment op“These interactions force us to cause of embedded practices and portunities for people with disabilrecognize the privilege we have policies in society – and taking ities. action to lift up the disadvantaged. of being able to live and go to a During election seasons, There are some great orga- high-quality school.” the clubs can share information By leaving the “Villanonizations at Villanova that curabout each candidate’s positions rently push their members to lean va bubble” and learning about and voting records on legislation discriminatory housing practices into the discomfort of admitting that helps cancer patients and and the harm that they cause to and understanding one’s privimarginalized people, members can disabled people and encourage its lege. Hunger and Homelessness question the aspects of the current members to vote. It would be hypAwareness Week (HHAW) began ocritical to volunteer with people at Villanova in 1975 and has since systems that allow inequality to then turn around and vote for a persist generation to generation. spread to 700 other colleges, high politician who would enact poliNOVAdance has not sposchools and communities. One ken out about how financial hard- cies that harm them. would think that an event with We, as Villanova students ship for childhood cancer patients such a storied history, dedicated to such a pressing worldwide issue could be mostly, if not completely, and as stewards of the next generation, should encourage more eliminated with government suband having created a ripple effect political engagement from orgasidized healthcare. Special Olymacross the country would be one nizations like Special Olympics of the most popular clubs on cam- pics hasn’t addressed how much and NOVAdance and try serving more difficult it is for low-income pus. causes that might initially make us athletes to get involved, given the However, it is much smalluneasy. If you’re only involved in financial, time and travel requireer. HHAW has approximately ments to practice for and compete organizations that don’t require 30 active members compared to you to question how your own in events – and the result being a NOVAdance and Special Olymdisproportionately white organiza- privilege directly harms the people pics’ thousands. The completely you are serving, you are not maxistudent-led group works all year to tion. mizing your impact.

I want to be clear that I’m plan the November event, which It’s time to lean into disnot trying to shame any school features a Solidarity Sleep-Out, comfort – if our volunteer orgameal swipe drive, keynote speaker, club for not being able to do evnizations are not taking action erything all the time, but rather, prayer vigil and more. HHAW’s to address the root causes of the that political advocacy is just as participants face the realities of poverty head-on by directly engag- important as interpersonal service. struggles we are trying to alleviate, then who are we really serving?

Special Olympics and NOVAing with people that are harmed

8 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

OPINION

Believe in Kyle Neptune Tyler Moore Staff Writer The Neptune Era has officially begun. Many students on campus aren’t feeling so “All Wright” with the events that unfolded in the past few days, but they shouldn’t fret. Kyle Neptune, Villanova men’s basketball’s new head coach, is the real deal. This article will (hopefully) ease your fears and your tears.

Many students and fans are probably wondering who Neptune is and why he is here – the decision of Jay Wright’s replacement seemed so quick and easy that many were left in shock.

A basic Google search reveals that Neptune coached at Fordham this past season and went 16-16. Importantly, although it may not be up to the Villanova basketball standard, there’s a lot behind this record.

The .500 record came in the only season of Neptune’s short career with the Rams, immediately following a season in which the school won just two games.

Neptune found a way to build Fordham into a program that saw its most Atlantic 10 conference wins in 15 years, second most overall wins in 15 years, first Atlantic 10 quarterfinal since 2007 and best rated defense in program history. His time spent at Fordham is nothing short of impressive, but there’s more to what Neptune brings to the table.

A video coordinator for the Wildcats from 2008-2010 and an assistant coach from 2013-2021, Neptune is incredibly familiar with the Villanova basketball program and its culture. During Neptune’s time at ‘Nova, he helped lead the program to two national championships and four Big East tournament titles. He holds an immense amount of experience coaching All-Americans and future NBA stars, as well as coaching alongside Wright.

The key to Villanova basketball is its culture, the cul-

ture Wright built. Neptune knows what that looks like, and he’s fully committed to keeping that culture alive.

“What Villanova stands for is kind of embedded in me as a person, forget [as] a coach,” Neptune said at his first press conference. “I would imagine that a lot of things will be similar. I am not Jay Wright – I can’t be exactly like him – but there will be a lot of similar things.”

Neptune is also extremely familiar with the coaching staff and players considering he was only gone for a year. In his press conference, he made clear that he expects the staff to remain the same and intact, but many wonder about the players.

Keeping a team’s players in any coaching change is extremely challenging, but it would not be surprising to see most of the team, if not all, remain through the transition. Key returnees Nnanna Njoku, Jordan Longino, Caleb Daniels, Angelo Brizzi, Eric Dixon and Bryan Antoine all attended the press conference, which gives great hope for the team’s future.

Recruiting is a different story, but everything is looking positive, according to Wright.

Mark Armstrong Jr.’s father told NJ Advance Media that Armstrong is still committed to joining the Wildcats next season. Cam Whitmore attended the introductory press conference but has not made an official announcement on whether or not he plans to decommit.

Opinions around campus are mixed, however. While Neptune is not a household name, some of the most passionate fans remember his impact.

“I was pumped to see Kyle get the nod as head coach, and I think he is going to do wonders for this program and the culture of Villanova basketball,” freshman Ryan Hartnett said of the announcement. “I’ve got faith in him, and everyone else should too.”

‘Cats fans can rest assured the ‘Nova basketball program is in good hands with Kyle Neptune.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

On the flip side, some students had no clue about Neptune’s familiarity with Villanova and his impact in his time at Fordham, but they still maintain some optimism.

“I was really upset when I heard about Coach Wright because of what he’s built here,” sophomore Preston Muñoz said.

“I’ve never heard of Kyle Neptune, but I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Regardless of one’s opinion or how sad one is about “Dreamy Jay’s” departure, the Villanova community needs to rally around and welcome Coach Neptune with open arms. As many have em-

phasized, it will be important to remember that he is not Wright.

Transition takes time.

It could take a year or two to get back on track, or the program could continue its upward trend. If we’re anything like the University of North Carolina, we can expect another Final Four trip next season, just as its first-year head coach Hubert Davis did this past year.

Have confidence in this program and Neptune. Celebrate the impact Wright has had on the past 21 years. But more importantly, buckle up – the Neptune Era will be out of this world.

‘Nova Fails Its Seniors: Senior’s Opinion on Commencement Jack Roberge Senior Emeritus Continued from p.1

Peter.

Senior Brendan Donoghue was surprised to hear the announcement.

“Fr. Peter presides over the Welcome Mass, Family Weekend Mass, and the Baccalaureate Mass. He emails videos of himself singing Christmas carols over break,” Donoghue said. “Now he is going to be the featured speaker at graduation two years in a row?”

Senior Susannah McHugh expressed disappointment upon hearing the news.

“Students have no choice but to feel completely undervalued when the commencement speaker is a repeat speaker from some point in the past five years, let alone an internal school figure who regularly addresses the student community,” she said. “It’s

highly disappointing as a senior to have this be your final experience before leaving.”

One of the primary reasons that was cited for the lack of an outside commencement speaker was the uncertainty of the pandemic. This is a good story, and after having collectively been through the pandemic, it’s one people sympathize with.

Here’s the problem: it’s a pretty bad excuse when other schools in areas with much stricter COVID-19 protocols have real commencement speakers. In case you haven’t heard, Taylor Swift will speak to NYU graduates, and University of Delaware’s commencement address will be given

by President Joe Biden. Villanova’s excuse gets even worse when, throughout the pandemic, the University was consistently one of the first institutions in the country to loosen its Covid mandates.

We had a performer at

Hoops Mania. We ended the mask mandate inside and outside of the classroom. We had a normal season of basketball with a packed Finneran Pavilion. Programming across campus was held as though we were fully back to normal, and that’s how students have felt. With all of that being true, the claim that the graduating class will not be honored with a commencement speaker because of pandemic related uncertainties is difficult to believe.

Further, spinning this as though commencement is now about the graduates – evidently all of the other commencement ceremonies were not – is absurd. I find it difficult to believe that graduates and their parents are somehow going to forget who the people being honored are. If anything, graduates feel more honored when someone impressive delivers the commencement address.

It makes the event feel

more important, and less like a high school commencement, where students hear from their school principal and the valedictorian – effectively what is occurring at this commencement.

If Villanova wanted to make it about us and for us, I promise we would have preferred a commencement speaker. This news comes as a massive disappointment to a class that has worked through a pandemic for much of its collegiate experience and had hoped for a memorable ending to its time here. Having a commencement speaker is a tradition worth continuing and one that I sincerely hope that at least next year’s graduating class gets to see return.

Here’s an idea: I’ve heard there’s a beloved member of campus who just retired, and he has some more free time these days. I promise we wouldn’t mind hearing from him.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Villanovan | 9

CULTURE

CULTURE

Jay Wright: Villanova’s Real Mascot Chloe Miller Co-Culture Editor Jay Wright is at the core of Villanova.

He may be known for his pin-striped suits, two National Championship wins and unbelievable skill at making NBA stars, but most importantly he is known for being the heart and soul of the University.

The news of Wright’s retirement shocked campus. There was no retirement tour like the one from Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, and the news broke before Wright was even able to announce it to his players.

While this is clearly a big hit for Villanova Basketball in a strictly sporting sense, the campus mourning has affected those who don’t know the first thing about basketball.

So why is Wright’s retirement causing such grief on campus? The answer is simple: Wright is far more than a basketball coach, he is the model of Villanova’s community on and off the court.

In almost every news article written about Wright, there is one word that is always included: culture.

“After we won in 2016, the goal wasn’t to win another [national title],” Wright said. “The goal was to keep our culture strong. We knew that for us, that was the best chance of winning it again. If we tried to win it another way, we weren’t going to win it anyway.”

For Wright, a win meant nothing if the team’s community was broken down. During his 21 seasons as head coach, Wright created a specific and targeted culture of humility and collaboration, one that mimics

exactly what Villanova stands for as a university.

Villanova is built upon Saint Augustine’s values of Unitas, Caritas, and Veritas. In his inaugural address, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A, Ph.D, stated that all decisions are “to be framed within these values,” and that Villanovans must “take them into our hands [as clay] and knead them into all that we do.” Wright has done just that.

“As Villanova students, the ideas of Unitas, Caritas, and Veritas have been drilled into our heads from day one,” sophomore Julia O’Keefe said. “It’s nice to see that these ideas are lived out. One of those ways is definitely by the leadership of Jay. He is a lot more to this campus than just a coach.”

The community and tight-knit bonds Wright has been able to establish among players are microcosms of the culture of Villanova as a whole.

Wright’s team has created models for all students and alumni to live by.

“It’s no surprise that this school and the basketball team have such a feeling of togetherness,” student Alex Tessendorf said. “Jay Wright has created such a unique culture here that represents exactly what the school stands for, and I think that is really special.”

While Wright created this culture for students and players alike, he also embodied it in his everyday interactions. Eric Dixon’s father, Eric Dixon Sr., reflected on Wright’s character on Twitter following his retirement announcement.

“Jay Wright is a good dude,” Dixon tweeted. “He rarely called me as a parent of a player (didn’t need him to), but he did call me as a

Wright announed his retirement after 21 years as heaadcoach.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

friend to wish me well on occasion, like when I went into the hospital for a cardiac arrest scare. Jay the man > Coach Wright & you all know how good he is.”

Twitter was flooded on Wednesday night with current and former players, Villanova alumni, fans and students all sharing their praise for Coach Wright.

“Thanks @VUCoachJWright for the lifelong memories and turning #Villanova into a basketball powerhouse,” tweeted alumni Sean Matthew (‘09). “Words can’t express how grateful I am for your tenure at our wonderful university. Cheers to a happy retirement!”

GQ Jay is the hallmark and face of Villanova. On any given day

VSMT Performs “Carousel” Skylar Musick Staff Writer Once again, Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) left audiences speechless after its performance of “Carousel” this past weekend. From April 22 through April 24, VSMT performed in the Court Theatre of the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts.

In the fall, VSMT blew the Villanova community away with its performance of “Legally Blonde.”

Earlier this semester, the cast and crew did nothing short of the same in its stellar performance of “Assassins.” Therefore, it was no surprise that “Carousel” was another fan favorite.

“Carousel” was adapted from Ferenc Molnar’s 1909 play “Liliom.”

The story takes place on the New England coastline and tells of carnival barker Billy Bigelow (played by senior Cristian Rodriguez) and mill worker Julie Jordan (played by senior Emily Sgroi), who meet and fall in love. However, their marriage ends up costing both of them their jobs.

Billy’s desperation makes him violent against those he loves and drives him to break the law to provide for his family. After Billy meets con-man Jigger Craigin (played by sophomore

Matthew Tomlinson), he ends up getting caught in an armed robbery and takes his own life. Fifteen years later, Billy is allowed to return to earth for one day. On this day, he encounters his daughter, whom he never knew.

Louise (played by junior Olivia Pistella) is a very lonely teenager, as her father’s reputation has haunted her throughout her young life. Yet, Billy is able to instill in both Louise and Julie a sense of hope. Evidently, “Carousel” is a classic American musical that explores human frailty and the power of forgiveness, per stageagent.com.

The show’s music and lyrics were written by the iconic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

The musical features some of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s most beloved pieces, including “If I Loved You,” “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Sophomore Minh-Chau Scott, the Music Director for “Carousel,” gushed over Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s talent as she taught the music to the cast and conducted the pit orchestra.

“Rodgers and Hammerstein crafted the most exquisite score with gorgeous lyrics,” Scott said. “I’m so happy that doing this show gave me the opportunity to get to know it.”

Matthew Clay was hired as Director of “Carousel.” VSMT stu-

dents admired Clay and his expertise.

“Working one-on-one with our Director Matt Clay and investigating the smaller moments and details of the show was one of my favorite things about the rehearsal process,” Rodriguez said, who played Billy Bigelow.

VSMT also hired Choreographer Samantha Kuhl, whose work on the show was also greatly appreciated. Freshman Jack Hobart, “Carousel’s” Stage Manager, said his favorite memory from rehearsals was when the cast completed its first run of the Carousel Waltz.

“I’ve always enjoyed seeing productions where characters introduce themselves through choreography,” Hobart said. “The cast did a fantastic job using this dance to bring audiences into the world of ‘Carousel.’”

The cast and crew’s hard work and dedication in rehearsals is what makes VSMT’s productions so professional.

“Rehearsals were a lot of work, but I loved getting to piece all the scenes together and see the show come to life,” senior Emily Sgroi said, who played Julie Jordan.

Rodriguez agreed that rehearsals were tough, but also added, “I learned so much and had a lot of

there is a high likelihood one can find a student on campus decked out in “All Wright, All Wright, All Wright” merchandise.

When talking about Villanova, Wright famously stated “My family’s here. I’m from here. It just doesn’t get any better.” Thankfully, Villanova will still be an integral part of Wright’s life as he assumes the position of Special Assistant to the President.

Although students know and love Will D. Cat, Wright has become Villanova’s unofficial mascot. He embodies exactly what it means to be a Villanovan in all aspects of life.

Wright may be leaving Villanova basketball, but his lessons will continue to define the university.

fun working with this company.”

Additionally, watching the show come to life from behind the scenes was just as special.

“This cast has been an absolute joy to work with,” Minh-Chau Scott said. “Dancing and blocking rehearsals are such a fascinating thing to observe from the other side of the table. I got to watch everyone make all these tiny but wonderful character choices that I might not have seen had I been in the show.”

After VSMT’s first performance on Friday night, audience members raved about the show.

“I am grateful I had the chance to see ‘Carousel,’” sophomore Jennifer McMahon said.

“As always, VSMT did a great job.

The choreography and vocals were fantastic. I was so enthralled with the show that I did not want it to end.”

Freshman Kaleigh Brendle perfectly summarized the scope of “Carousel’s” excellence.

“There is something so authentic and special about a show that features a pit band,” Brendle said.

“All the incredible music is being created right in front of you, the instrumentalists excelling at their craft and the vocalists performing beautifully.

It was a wonderful production, with an inspiring message of hope and courage featured throughout.”

10 | The Villanovan

YEAR IN REVIEW

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

YEAR IN FEVIEW

The Villanovan | 11

CULTURE

12 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Augustinians of Villanova: Fr. Joe Ryan Olivia Sabalaskey Staff Writer “In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I really enjoy providing sacramental ministry to the students on campus,” said Rev. Joseph G. Ryan, O.S.A., PhD. “It is such a wonderful opportunity to teach students here at Villanova.”

This week, Fr. Joe offers Villanovans a glimpse into his life as an Augustinian at Villanova University in the Augustinians of Villanova Column.

Although Fr. Joe was born in the Bronx, he and his four siblings grew up in Wethersfield, Connecticut in a strong, Roman Catholic household. Both his parents were involved in the medical field: his dad, a doctor in private practice, and his mom, a nurse.

After graduating from a co-ed Catholic high school in Hartford, Connecticut, Fr. Joe attended the Catholic University of America.

Given his lifelong passion for current events and international diplomacy, Fr. Joe graduated with a B.A. degree in World Politics in 1979.

Right out of college, Fr. Joe worked for Virginia National Bank as a loan officer for two years. However, the Order of St. Augustine and his lifelong interest in joining religious life inspired him to enter the Pre-Novitiate program in the fall of 1981.

Two years later, Fr. Joe took his first vows, committed to a life devoted to God. In 1986, he took his solemn vows with the intention to follow Jesus Christ more closely among the Augustinian brothers.

In 1987, Fr. Joe not only studied Theology at the Washington Theological Union, earning a master’s degree, but he was also ordained first to the diaconate. In the fall of 1987, Fr. Joe was then ordained to

the priesthood.

“To become an Augustinian priest, first you take your solemn vows, and then you are ordained to the diaconate,” Fr. Joe said. “As a deacon, I was able to preach, baptize and preside over weddings. Once I was ordained into the priesthood, I then heard confessions and offered mass.”

On Nov. 28, 1987, Fr. Joe was ordained to the priesthood in his hometown parish in Wethersfield, Connecticut.

“It was so special for me and my family,” Fr. Joe said. “All the priests and friends I grew up with came to my ordination. I remember that day fondly.”

Once Fr. Joe was ordained into the priesthood, he was first assigned to the St. Nicholas of Tolentine parish in Queens, New York where he oversaw all parish functions, particularly in offering spiritual aid to immigrants and first responders. In 1989, Fr. Joe went on to study for his Ph.D. in American History at American University in Washington, D. C. In the fall of 1997, Fr. Joe began teaching at Villanova’s Department of History as an Associate Teaching Professor. Given his lifelong desire to become a priest-professor like the ones who taught him at Catholic University, this position was a dream come true.

“I really enjoy my role as an Associate Teaching Professor,” Fr. Joe said. “I teach a variety of history courses. My specialty field is the history of medicine.”

Given that Fr. Joe grew up in a household with two parents who worked in the medical field, he always felt called to study the history of medicine. As an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of History, Fr. Joe enjoys helping students find success in the field beyond the

Fr. Joe Ryan is a prominent figured at Villanova.

Courtesy of Villanova University

classroom.

“I take my students on field trips to Washington, D.C., Ellis Island and museums in the Philadelphia area,” Fr. Joe said. “I rejoice in my students’ success. I take them to annual history conferences to present their papers for awards.”

Fr. Joe is also the Faculty Advisor for the Tau Phi Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. Every November, Fr. Joe organizes a Sunday Mass in Corr Hall followed by a brunch at the Overbrook Golf Club for inductees to celebrate their accomplishments alongside family and friends.

For those interested in seeking to join religious life, Fr. Joe offers invaluable advice.

“Develop a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ through daily prayer, attend mass frequently, attend Eucharistic Adoration and be active in Campus Ministry’s activities,” Fr. Joe said. “Find a confessor or spiritual

director who can guide you in discovering your vocation. Fr. Joe Narog, O.S.A. is the current Augustinian Vocation Director, and he would be happy to get you started in exploring your vocation.”

Lastly, Fr. Joe is a federally licensed ham radio operator, but he is currently inactive.

“I like to send morse code, but I am inactive because I don’t have room in the Monastery to put up a large short-wave antenna,” Fr. Joe said. “My real hobby is advancing the cause of my students.”

Once a week, Fr. Joe celebrates 5:30 p.m. Mass in Corr Hall.

He also hears students’ confessions, leads Eucharistic Adoration and witnesses student weddings at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. After 24 years, Fr. Joe looks forward to continuing to celebrate mass and hear confessions for those at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Conshohocken on weekends.

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The Villanovan | 13

CULTURE

Club Spotlight: Villanova University Tech Crew Emma Cahill Staff Writer With every campus activity, there is a group of Villanovans behind the scenes that allow for it to run smoothly. Whether it is Hoops Mania, Food Truck Friday or the CAT game watches, the Villanova University Tech Crew (VUTC) brings these events to life.

VUTC is a student-run organization that offers professional event production services for campus events. It specializes in audio, lighting, and other technical aspects of events, and enhances every event held with these skills.

“With our equipment and staff members, we help clients achieve what they envision for an event,” junior member Terry Yuan said.

During the 2020-21 school year, VUTC played an integral role in providing some normalcy during troubling times.

“We helped maintain a sense of community by building outdoor movie nights and setups for food trucks with fire pits and live band performances,” Yuan said.

More recently, VUTC helped put on the immensely popular CAT game watches, where students gathered to watch the men’s basketball team away games. The two major components of these events were lights and video. Sophomore Joshua Coogle was the Event Manager and Lighting Head Tech, and he was in charge of the lighting for these game watches.

“CAT wanted to go big for these game watches, so I got to use a lot of unique lights for the show,” Coogle said. “I even worked with fixtures I had never used before, so it was a lot of fun being able to pro-

gram them.”

Coogle’s efforts had a tremendous impact on the success of the game watches and brought the spirit of Villanova basketball to life.

Coogle touched on one of the effects he worked on, which happened to be one of his favorites.

“One effect I’m really proud of was triggered when Villanova went for free throws,” he said. “Each free throw, I made the lights go down and gave them a white sparkle similar to the hand motion fans do when waiting for the player to shoot. When the basket was made, the lights would shoot up, mimicking the ‘whoosh go.’”

The other integral part of these game watches, the video, was headed by Video Head Technician sophomore Tyler Brown. Brown spoke about his role and what it took to effectively produce the video screen for the fans attending the game watches.

“I was in charge of getting the feed of the game displayed on all the screens, from the big screens in the Villanova Room to the TVs outside the convenience store,” Brown said. “I also transitioned between the game and CAT’s displays.”

Moving forward, VUTC has some exciting events for the remaining part of the semester, the most notable being Commencement Week “As the semester is winding down, our biggest event we’re looking forward to is Commencement Week,” sophomore Jacob Johnston said. “We’ll have various events going on around campus, the Blue and White Bash being the highlight. It’ll be followed by the commencement ceremonies themselves.”

In every event they produce, VUTC’s members love being a part of this organization. Members are able to bond over an appreciation of

technical work and get to experience many Villanova events behind the scenes backstage.

“Since joining VUTC, I’ve been a spotlight operator during Hoops Mania, been able to see campus behind the scenes, learned how to use professional grade technical equipment and become a member of a tight-knit community,” sophomore Mitch Macek said. “Students that join can do all this and more, all while getting paid to do it.”

Another reason why so many VUTC members enjoy doing what they do is because of the financial benefits. VUTC is paid for its work, an added bonus of being part of this crew.

“My favorite part of being a VUTC member is getting that bread,” senior Kevin Sofronas said.

One member of VUTC has had a particularly unique experience. As a graduate student, Stephen

Donchez has been a part of VUTC for all six years of his time at Villanova. Donchez explains how VUTC has enhanced his college experience.

“What started out as a part time job my freshman year has introduced me to some of my closest friends, exposed me to parts of the University that I otherwise never would have interacted with and most importantly gave me skills that I find myself applying in totally separate areas of my life,” Donchez said.

“VUTC has given me strong technical skills in a variety of related fields, but has also developed my soft skills, both in communication with people across the university and with regards to my leadership experience.”

So, the next time one attends an on-campus event, make sure to spot the students in black VUTC shirts, who work behind the scenes to provide the best experience possible for the Villanova community.

VUTC members preparing for “acapellooza”, one of the many events the group covers.

Courtesy of @vutechcrew/Instagram

CULTURE

14 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Villanovans Prepare For Finals Week Julia O’Keefe Staff Writer As the spring semester comes to a close, Villanova students are preparing to take their final exams and pack up their belongings for summer vacation. Although the end is near, there is much work to be done in the next few weeks. Students must do what they can to set themselves up for success and perform to the best of their ability.

Several students shared their finals week routine and offered advice for students as the week of April 29 approaches. The following tips have been compiled based on students’ responses and can serve as a reference for the campus community as the week begins.

First, start by making a list of everything you need to accomplish and when you want to accomplish it.

Set deadlines, work on large assignments and prepare for big exams a little bit each day. Cross things off as you go, and review what you focused on the day before as you tackle a new day of tasks.

Senior Nursing major Adam Kucharczuk and sophomore Environmental Science major Maddy Lewis both agreed that making to-do lists and organizing a study schedule make the finals week work load a little less daunting.

“I like to write everything down that I have to do so that I’m super organized,” Lewis said. “I like to cross things off one by one as I get

them done just to feel productive.

After that, I just try to keep a positive mindset.”

“I would plan out topics to cover during my study days or at least make goals for what I wanted to get done that day based on when my exams were or when other assignments were due,” Kucharczuk added. “Try to set an end time for the day and beat the clock, but also make sure to take your breaks.”

Along with this, students agreed it is absolutely necessary to give oneself study breaks and take some time for oneself. Block out time for lunch with friends, to go to the gym, watch a movie or get in a quick power nap.

Sophomore Biochemistry and Humanities double major Sarah Cotteta offered her perspective: “Finals week is never my fa-

it as I study.”

With that, students agree it’s important to find a study space one feels comfortable and productive in.

Whether that be a classroom with friends, Belle Air Terrace, the Reading Room or the Falvey Library, there are lots of key study spaces on Villanova’s campus. Students shared where they like to camp out during finals week.

“I really like the reading room,” Lewis said. “I just think that once you get focused and there’s nothing that can distract you, you’ll get on the grind.”

On the other hand, Cotteta Students gear up for the intensity of finals,. described her favorite spot.

“My favorite place to study is Courtesy of Peter Licopantis/Villanovan Photography the Idea Lounge in the Falvey basevorite week, however, I think studying ment,” she said. “It’s so easy to focus with my friends and taking periodic down there, and everyone who works breaks to do fun things makes it some- there is super helpful.” what enjoyable,” Cotteta said.

Kucharczuk also added his Kucharczuk agreed. routine.

“When you’re finished study“Each finals season I try to ing for the day, do something for your- wake up early like I would for class so self like watching a movie or going to that I could grab a coffee and a semthe gym,” she said. “Taking time for inar room in Driscoll,” Kucharczuk yourself can be just as important as said. “I found it motivating to study in studying.” the same room with friends who don’t As for other study strategies, distract me.” make a study guide by rewriting notes As students head into these in an organized way. Sophomore last two weeks of this academic year, Accounting major Jackie Flammer ex- follow these guidelines to set oneself pressed that rewriting out notes helps up for success. to remember a lot of information in a Remember to try to keep a meaningful way. positive attitude, get enough sleep and “I like to handwrite things look forward to summer plans as a again, and then it sticks with me,” motivator. With hard work, dedicaFlammer said. “I usually find a class- tion, organization and drive, one will room space with a whiteboard so I be sure to offer their best work and can lay everything out and look up at take finals week by storm.

The Final Villanovan Horoscopes of The Year Elena Rouse Co-Culture Editor

Cancer: The summer is singing for you, and the notes are pitch perfect. Dance along to the melody, because it is high time you Aries: Have you been itchrelease those premonitions and ing for an escape? For something negative energies and just “be.” new and exciting to sweep you up The Cancer constellation’s relation and free you from the confines of to Neptune points to a rush of your everyday rhythm? That need to break free is building up, and it’s artistic energy, meaning it’s best to pushing you further away from the channel that into passion projects that you’ve been pushing off. Push mundane. Your spontaneous and them off no longer. Don’t just listen free spirit can’t be tied down any longer, and this is going to take you to that music, blast it through the on that exciting journey you desire. speakers.

Leo: Your focus has been Just make sure to say ‘yes.’ admirable, to say the least. That Taurus: This is the summer relentless pursuit towards your of you. Though you’ve had the opgoals is proving to be fruitful, and portunity to grow with others, and while you are starting to achieve that has shaped you into the person like you’ve always wanted, there you are, the next few months point is something you have been strugto personal and emotional growth. gling to grab onto: life.

Sometimes, This ride may be a solo one, but it’s so important, and the only way you need to take yourself less seriously because when you do, you’ll you can continue to grow in your find that life has a lot more in store other relationships is if you take this time to focus on what you want for you. Don’t forget that in the warm weather of summer, it’s defiand where you want to head. As White Snake once poignantly said, nitely more than okay to take that “Here I go again on my own.” and much needed breath and maybe We can’t wait to see what road you “let your hair down” a bit. When you do, you’ll get a new sense of take. clarity you need.

Gemini: You are going to Virgo: This summer is a be tested. In the past, you’ve chomystery.

Scared? Don’t be. It’s the sen a tunnel vision interpretation kind of mystery that leaves a perof what you want your life to look son intrigued and on the edge… like, but that won’t help you now. of adventure and freshness.

Lean The worst thing you can do is limit into the unknown and embrace yourself and all the potential opportunities you might get. Though what you can’t control. Trust the stars on this one, as mystery housyou might see your life going one es the abundance of life you’ve way, don’t fret when that gut feeling is telling you that the stars have been craving. So, when that person something else in store. They know walks up to you at the bar, or that tiny little store with the funky winbest after all.

dow display sparks your interest, strike up a conversation or walk into that place. It’s all in the search of the questions that we get our answers.

Libra: Let’s just say: finally. The “I’m so excited, and I just can’t fight it” type of energy is exuding from you these days. Though you might be terrified of things going awry, the absolute worst thing you can do is give into the self-doubt and fear of bad things destroying the good. Don’t get in your head, and own the good vibes coming your way. It’s time to be a part of the fabric of the vibrant and the vivacious. Get out there.

Scorpio: Have you been lying to yourself ? Is there something (maybe even someone) that you want, but have been too afraid to go for? This summer is all about revelations and taking what you want to be yours. What you are in search for is the intoxication of boldness, and that only comes from stepping confidently towards your desires. If you take that stride, failure isn’t an option.

Sagittarius: Can someone say the summer of love? How picturesque for you, Sagittarius, for you are about to embark on an expedition like no other. Love is to be found in the most unexpected of places, and your fondness for acts of kindness is going to glow with all of the good you’re about to experience. In the next few months, take note of all the good you see in the people around you, because those little surprises are going to mount to some of the most import-

ant relationships and moments in your life.

Capricorn: You’re going to have a busy summer. Venus’s movement towards Saturn indicates the intense cycle of movement you’re on course to have, so get ready to hit the ground running. Whatever it is, you’re going to be breathless.

Some might be afraid of that, but not you. This is your time to not look back and just go for it. Now is not the time for hesitation.

Aquarius: The summer might seem blurry or riddled with uncertainty, but do not be unsettled by what you don’t know. Those uncertainties will reveal themselves and in turn help you learn more about who you are. In the meantime, hold onto those dates you have in your calendar of moments to look forward to. Having those will help you take the necessary everyday steps and will make those steps brighter.

Pisces: Timing is everything, and it might seem like things are just falling into place as you’re about to move on. It may feel unfair, but what is yours will be yours, and though the semester is ending, the good things are not. Do not stress about the endings of things that might have just begun because there are always new semesters and new adventures that are sure to prove to be just as wonderful as old ones. Who knows, maybe those good vibes you’ve been experiencing will even carry over into the new season. Whatever happens, it’s a great thing, so appreciate the magic of it all.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Villanovan | 15

SPORTS

SPORTS

Column: Neptune’s Success to Finalize Wright’s Legacy

now faces its greatest test. Wright will be judged on the succession plan he Colin Beazley has built, and if Villanova cannot Co-Editor-In-Chief sustain its success under a new coach, his legacy will suffer for it.

As much as Wright denies continued from p.1 it, Villanova basketball is built in his image. With his attire (pre-2020-21) this well,’ because it’s worse than and the program’s manner of talking [when] somebody treats you like to the media, Wright has fostered his you’re this god, like when you know you’re not. And when somebody picks program’s classy reputation, saying all the right things at the right time. He is out something like, ‘you know what? charming and personable, yet strictly They’re having a hard time getting business. On the court, his team plays the ball in bounds.’

Like, yeah, we are. We’re going to get like the Bucknell point guard Wright was, doing all the little things right better at that. I kind of liked that.” even when not necessarily the most Wright ends his career as talented team on the court. Wright’s indisputably the greatest coach in Villanova history, winning two nation- teams focused on the smaller parts of al titles, leading the team to four Final basketball: the shot fake and the pivot, playing off of two feet and grabbing Fours, including in 2022, and taking defensive rebounds. over a program struggling to comIn his last year, his final team’s pete in the Big East and transforming greatest strengths were in two of the it into a national powerhouse. He smallest things: experience and free shrugged off comparisons to Kansas, throws. Four of the six in the rotation North Carolina and Duke in New were seniors or graduates, and behind Orleans, yet the fact that Villanova is that maturity, the team shattered the now mentioned in the same breath NCAA all-time record for free-throw as the three shows the coaching job percentage, making 83.0% of its Wright has done. attempts.

Throughout his final press Because of this culture, when conference, he repeatedly said he was Villanova sought to find someone leaving the program in a position of strength, even without him. He’s built to take Wright’s place, there was no other option than to choose one of his a culture. He’s established a stable of former or current assistants. Wright coaches, new head coach Kyle Nepdeclined to name names of those who tune included, that have developed received interviews, but said “It’s our in this culture, and he has designed guys. You guys can probably figure it a game plan that Villanova is known out.” for.

Neptune isn’t his hand-picked Wright has planted the seeds.

Yet, by walking away at the young age successor, but he is one of several coaches Wright indoctrinated in the of 60, at a stage where he will get to Villanova way. Neptune said that see his garden grow, Wright’s legacy

the only people to have taught him more than Wright were his parents, and Neptune has said that he sees his job as continuing what Wright has established. Two key tenets of Villanova culture are that everyone’s role is different, but everyone’s status is the same, and that everyone plays for something larger than themselves.

“My role now is just a standard bearer for Villanova basketball,” Neptune said. “My job now is to just make sure that we keep this culture together, make sure we hold this high standard of what Coach [Wright] has created here.”

However, for 21 years, Villanova basketball has been Wright, and Wright has been Villanova basketball.

If Neptune cannot follow his predecessor’s success, reaching the heights Wright reached, Wright’s legacy will be hurt by his replacement’s struggles.

Wright has planted the seeds, yet he is entrusting someone else to tend his garden. This is no criticism of his decision to retire, but this retirement, and the way it has happened, has potential to change the way Wright is remembered.

If the transition from Wright to Neptune goes well and Villanova continues as a national power, then Wright will be remembered as the Father of Villanova basketball. If the transition doesn’t go as planned, and someone molded by Villanova basketball culture cannot carry it on, then Wright’s legacy will take the hit.

Neptune has passed all his early tests. He was faced with the challenge of getting three 2022 recruits to reaffirm their commitments, and the two highest rated recruits,

Cam Whitmore and Mark Armstrong, have announced that they will play under Neptune. The third, Brendan Hausen, visited campus Tuesday to meet with his new head coach and the rest of the coaching staff.

Similarly, he said all the right things in the press conference, showing his excitement for the opportunity and saying that it would be business as usual for Villanova basketball, even without Wright on the sidelines. Friday afternoon, immediately after his introduction, he was on the sidelines in Indianapolis, searching for Villanova’s next recruits, and on Sunday, he was back in Philadelphia, throwing out the first pitch with Wright at the Phillies game.

Wright leaves Villanova as the all-time winningest coach, and will take a new role as the Special Assistant to the President. Although the terms of that position have yet to be defined, it can be assumed that he will continue being the public face of Villanova for as long as he chooses to stay in it. However, on Tuesday, Wright left open a transition to the professional game, telling ESPN “[he’d] be lying” if he said he hadn’t thought about coaching in the NBA in the future.

Wright has built Villanova into a national powerhouse, inheriting a mediocre Big East program and taking it into blue blood status.

His legacy is unblemished, that of a Naismith Hall of Famer and one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. However, by retiring and handing off his garden when he could have continued to grow it, Wright’s final legacy is at stake.

Wright Leaves Lasting Imprint on Villanova

Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2021.

The list of Wright’s achievements can go on. However, one’s legacy is not only measured by their Twenty-one years ago, a many accolades, but rather the puryoung, albeit somewhat experienced poseful life of an individual and the man walked onto Villanova Univerindelible impact it leaves on others. In sity’s basketball court preparing for Wright’s case, over the past 21 years, his first game as head coach. Now, he has successfully created a legacy in 2022, the same man has walked for himself that will live on forever off the same court for the last time as Villanova’s head coach, as a wise and within the greater Villanova community. prominent figure, leaving behind a Wright did not become the legacy far greater than himself. most well-known college basketball The year 2001 not only coach through the statistics written on marked a new beginning for Jay a spreadsheet.

Rather, it is the unwritWright’s coaching career, but also ten moments that occurred between opened the door to a new era of each one of those games.

He was Villanova basketball. Since 2001, Vilcommitted to guiding each one of lanova has never been the same, and his players to grow as athletes on the it is forever changed under Wright’s court.

He encouraged that influence legacy. to extend off the court as he mentored For the past 21 years, Wright his players in growing as a son, brothhas become the heart and soul of er, friend and a future husband and Villanova basketball. Over the years, he has accumulated many honors and father. He is the coach every player awards proving his success. He led the dreams of playing for. Just as Univerteam to two National Championships, sity President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. said in Wright’s eight Big East Tournament Titles, along with four Final Four appearanc- final press conference regarding his retirement, “[Wright] did things the es and eight Sweet 16 appearances.

Wright way.”

As for his recognition as a Wright recruited the “diacoach, he has been named Big East monds in the rough” and dedicated Coach of the Year six times, is a two himself to creating a team of true time Naismith Coach of the Year, Villanovans.

He was not only the Viltwo time NABC Coach of the Year, lanova basketball coach, but he took two time American East Coach of on the role of mentor and welcomed the year while at Hofstra and was each player into his own family with inducted into the Naismith Memorial Catherine Browne Staff Writer

his wife, Patty, and three children.

In 2017, Wright showed the world that on top of his natural abilities of coaching, he is also a New York Times bestselling author, when he published his book “Attitude: Develop a Mindset On and Off the Court.”

This book contains Wright’s philosophy of building a leader, writing that “Villanova’s core values provide a positive blueprint for transformational team building based on the ideas that everyone - from the head coach to the last player on the bench - can be a leader when the moment demands it.” Wright’s perspective on leadership and success is evident off the pages of his book as he practices what he preaches. His recruitment process, coaching style and Villanova spirit is all rooted in the prevalence of “Attitude.”

Many Villanovans have grown up supporting Villanova basketball and have connected their memories of the sport with a singular name, Wright. Many remember him as the Wright humbly standing on the sidelines dressed in his finely fashioned and pristinely fitted suits; the Wright proudly leading his team with V’s pumping in the air as they enter into each game; the Wright who stood stoic as Kris Jenkins made a buzzer beater three-point shot to win the National Championship in 2016; the Wright who has defined the culture of college basketball and the purpose of the Villanova community for 21 years.

Words may fall short to accurately describe Wright’s profound influence. However, it is evident through his unending impact on the Villanova community worldwide.

His work and commitment to the team has allowed fans to watch the basketball program flourish under his leadership.

Wright may be retiring from his head coach position, but the legacy he leaves on this community and beyond will forever be a part of this University. As he always says, “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”

As Wright extended his final bow as a head coach, each and every fan and supporter from the past 21 years clearly recognizes the immeasurable legacy that he created and leaves behind on the basketball court.

In his final press conference on Friday, Wright said with tear filled eyes and a quiver in his voice, “Good endings lead to good beginnings.”

Wright may be leaving a hole in the hearts of all Villanova players, staff, colleagues and fans, both young and old, but his traditions, style and level of excellence will forever be felt on the hallowed parquet planks and in the fabric of Nova Nation forever.

Nova Nation extends the most love and appreciation to you, Coach Wright.

You can take Wright out of Villanova basketball, but you can never take Villanova basketball out of Wright.

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16 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Baseball Hands UConn First Conference Loss Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer Villanova picked up just one win in the Big East showdown against No. 15 UConn this past weekend, dropping it to an overall record of 15-20-1.

On Friday, the ‘Cats lost against the Huskies, 4-1, after going through six scoreless innings.

Junior catcher John Whooley had his seventh multi-hit game of the season, going 2-3 with a single and a double. He was the only Wildcat to have a multi-hit game and the only one to score.

Senior pitcher Cole Patten had seven hits with four runs, including three earned, while walking four batters. The loss gives him a 2-6 record on the year.

On Saturday, the ‘Cats answered with a 4-1 win splitting the series. Whooley had all four RBIs, a season-high for him, and only the second time he has achieved this in his career. Graduate pitcher Tyler Arella held the Huskies scoreless for seven innings. He is only one strikeout away from moving into the top 20 on Villanova’s career strikeout leader. Junior Danny Wilkinson came in as relief and finished the game with his second save of the season.

Graduate student Joey Cas-

tellanos and junior Jack O’Reilly also had multi-hit games with two hits each.

Not only was this an important Big East win, but it also snapped the Huskies’ 12-game winning streak, handing them their first conference loss of the season.

The final game in the series resulted in a close match that the Huskies ultimately won, 2-1, on a walk off sacrifice fly. Both teams were scoreless until the sixth inning.

Junior AJ Hansen had the only Villanova run of the game with a leadoff home run in the top of the seventh, his third homer of the season.

The bullpen had a lot of rotation, but it all began with junior Chic Degaetano being the opener for the ‘Cats and pitching five innings. In those five innings, he gave up three hits and two walks, while recording four strikeouts.

Sophomore Patrick Montfort relieved Degaetano but was quickly replaced in the same inning after a run was scored by the Huskies to tie the game. Junior Cole Vanderslice was next up to the mound and produced a scoreless inning. Sophomore Devin Rivera got the ‘Cats out of trouble

with two outs and runners on base in the seventh.

Tension built in the eighth when both teams left a runner on base with Castellanos reaching on a single for the ‘Cats.

Graduate Jonathan Cole would run into trouble in the ninth when he had runners on the corners and only one out resulting in a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring the walk-off run for the Huskies.

At the end of this series, the ‘Cats hold a 5-7 record in conference play with their next Big East matchup at home against last place St. John’s this weekend. The first pitch of the series will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 29.

The final few weeks of the regular season all build up to the Big East conference tournament, being held May 26 through May 29. Perhaps the Wildcats have a rally in their bones after beating UConn, the conference frontrunner.

Throughout this season, the ‘Cats have appeared to have a different mindset on the mound and at the plate and are producing better results than they have in past seasons. With strong multi-hit game hitters and strong consistent pitching, anything is possible for the Wildcats.

Men’s T&F Goes to Virginia, Widener Jacob Artz Staff Writer

a very, very set agenda, and the agenda was just to come away with your qualifying standards because we don’t have any more opportuniIt was an action-packed ties,” O’Sullivan said. three days for the men’s track and The trio of O’Donovan, field team as it spent Thursday, Dolan and Donoghue, along with Friday and Saturday at Virginia, also sending athletes to Widener on Strintzos, have good enough times Saturday for the final meets before for Nationals.

For Donoghue, he dealt the Penn Relays. with injuries from late October to At the Virginia Challenge, junior Haftu Strintzos beat his per- December, so he missed much of the winter training. The plan was sonal best in the 10,000 meters by more than 16 seconds and finished to redshirt him for the indoor and outdoor seasons, but Donoghue first in the field of 31 competitors. was determined to race. In only his His time of 28:34.41 ranks in the second race at Villanova, Donotop 30 nationally. Strintzos was patient for the first half of the race ghue impressed.

“He’s gonna make NCAA and then pulled away in the second regionals, so I think that’s what his half. Strintzos now owns four of goal was,” O’Sullivan said. the 10 fastest 10k races ever by a Graduate Riley LaRiviere Villanovan.

“He’s one of our best of all- threw for 52.24 meters. Throwing is a fickle proposition because time,” head coach Marcus O’Sullivan said. “I think he’s going to go the thrower must have everything go right. LaRiviere had one of a lot faster, but we just needed a qualifying standard out of this. He his throws hit the cage. There are many factors that affect it, includliterally led the second half of the ing the timing of the spin and the race by himself.” trajectory of the throw, among Senior Charlie O’Donovan other factors. and junior Sean Dolan each ran “You are trying to get a ball swiftly in the 1,500 meter race. spinning at a high velocity through O’Donovan and Dolan ran nearbasically what amounts to be about ly identical times of 3:41.84 and an eighth of the circumference of 3:41.86, respectively. Freshman the whole cage,” O’Sullivan said.

Sean Donoghue impressed in this In the 400 meters, sophorace, lowering a PR he just set last more sprinter Jakob Kunzer and week by nearly 2.5 seconds to a graduate Richie Bush registered 3:42.45 in the 1,500 meter race. season-best times of 49.23 and O’Donovan and Dolan 49.56, respectively. were not supposed to run in this The next day, Kunzer and meet because they were expected to hit their qualifying times for region- Bush each posted identical times als last week at Princeton. However, of 22.25 in the 200 meters, giving Kunzar a new PR. When it was that did not happen. extended out to a thousandth of a “We went down there with

second, Kunzar bested Bush with a time of 22.245 compared to 22.246.

The 400 meter hurdles saw sophomore Nicolas Mollica run in a time of 54.09, while junior Mac Costonis ran a personal best of 54.85, which is more than one second better than his old personal record.

“That was a good run in the 400 meter hurdles and a good improvement from him,” O’Sullivan said of Mollica.

Mollica is approaching the 53 second range, which will be helpful to get into the Big East competition.

Senior triple jumper Malik Cunningham posted his best jump of the season and secured a spot in the postseason competition with a jump of 15.66 meters. He posted the mark on his second jump, which puts him in a tie for 27th nationally and a tie for 16th on this year’s East region qualifying list.

“He looks like he has a lot more confidence in himself,” O’Sullivan said.

Cunningham is still working his way towards his top jump of 16.12 meters in February as the team gets closer to the postseason.

Junior middle distance Miller Anderson set a PR and won the 800 meter race in 1:50.21 at Widener to improve on a time of 1:51.38 he ran last week at Princeton.

“That is a big improvement for him, but not only that, but his workouts have been going better,” O’Sullivan said.

Next week, the men’s track and field team will compete in the

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD April. 20 - April. 26

Wednesday, April 20 None Thursday, April 21 Women’s Tennis vs. UConn 0-4 L Men’s T&F vs. Virginia Challenge No Team Scoring Women’s T&F vs. Virginia Challenge No Team Scoring Friday, April 22 Men’s Tennis vs. St. John’s 0-4 L Men’s T&F vs. Virginia Challenge No Team Scoring Women’s T&F vs. Virginia Challenge No Team Scoring Softball @ Providence 5-0 W Baseball @ UConn 1-4 L Saturday, April 23 Men’s T&F vs. Virginia Challenge No Team Scoring Women’s T&F vs. Virginia Challenge No Team Scoring Men’s T&F vs. Widener Invitational No Team Scoring Women’s T&F vs. Widener Invitational No Team Scoring Men’s Lacrosse @ Marquette 10-8 W Softball @ Providence 1-0 W Women’s Lacrosse vs. Denver 8-16 L Baseball @ UConn 4-1 W Sunday, April 24 Women’s Rowing No Team Scoring Softball @ Providence 4-0 W Baseball @ UConn 1-2 L Monday, April 25 Men’s Golf vs. Big East Championship T-8th of 10 Tuesday, April 26 Men’s Golf vs. Big East Championship Post Production Baseball @ Wagner Postponed world renowned Penn Relays in the first large national field since the pandemic began. The two marquee events the men’s track and field team will compete in are the 4x1 mile relay and the distance medley relay. The competition will be stiff with all the top programs from around the country competing, but this will help the team get better. In addition, the new director of the Penn Relays is Steve Dolan, who is Sean Dolan’s father.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Villanovan | 17

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Brianna Herlihy Completes Six Year Career Meghann Morhardt Co-Sports Editor After six years at Villanova, on March 21, with 1:02 on the game clock, trailing Michigan by 16 in the Round of 32, an emotional Brianna Herlihy exited the floor for her final time in a Wildcat uniform. It took her about two minutes to make her way down the bench, sharing long embraces with each teammate, coach and manager. A member of the 2018 team who made the NCAA Tournament, Herlihy finished her career the same way it started.

“It definitely felt kind of full circle,” Herlihy said. “It was funny because everytime we talked about it, I was the only one who had been there before. It was just an incredible experience, ending your career at the NCAA Tournament is just one of the greatest accomplishments you can have in a season.”

This accomplishment was atop the team’s list of goals from the very beginning of the season. But after being picked to finish fifth in the Big East, many people counted them out of Big East contention, let alone the NCAA Tournament. Despite the doubt, the Wildcats finished second in the conference during the regular season and made it to the Big East Tournament finals, building their resume enough to secure an at-large bid on Selection Sunday.

“I felt pretty confident in our team that we were going to get in,” Herlihy said on Selection Sunday.

“People are going to say what they’re going to say. Everyone’s going to have a different opinion, you can’t really focus on that. We kind of just,

within our team, decided we’re going to make the NCAA Tournament this year. So, we played every game for that goal.”

Receiving the bid on Selection Sunday was special for Herlihy, but it was even more special for her teammates and head coach Denise Dillon.

“When you see players who just put in everything they have to their teammates and their program that they’re a part of, you want to see them rewarded,” Dillon said following the selection show. “Brianna is a great example of that. Her teammates wanted this so badly for her. You could even see this week, them being worked up, like ‘What’s gonna happen? We want Brianna to experience the NCAA Tournament’ and here it is. They made it real.”

This was a sentiment that Dillon shared at multiple points throughout the season, emphasizing that they just wanted to “make this Brianna’s best year yet.” When reflecting on the season and asked if the team was able to accomplish this, there was no hesitation from Herlihy.

“Definitely,” she responded.

“It was an amazing year. I mean, we accomplished so many things that I had been hoping to do in my time here. And I’m so happy that I got to do it with this team and with this group of girls because it was just so much fun and winning with them was incredible.”

Throughout the season, Herlihy’s belief and confidence in the team was evident, and as one of just four upperclassmen, Dillon called her the “mom of the team,” a role that she embraced with open arms.

“Obviously, I know a lot about the school and how things work, so I think people definitely come to me to ask those questions,” Herlihy said. “Just kind of helping everyone through and teaching them from things that I learned from being here. So, I definitely embraced that and enjoyed that role this year.”

While that is her role now, when Herlihy arrived to the Main Line as a freshman, she never anticipated being in the position that she is today. Herlihy finishes with two NCAA appearances, two WNIT Tournaments, a Big East Tournament Finals appearance and many accolades including Second Team all-Big East (2021), Big 5 Most Improved Player (2021) and all-Big 5 First Team (2021, 2022).

The improvement in her game since she first played is clear, as she finished her rookie season with just 20 points and 33 rebounds in 19 games played, as opposed to 331 points and 254 rebounds in 31 games this season.

When looking at stats to determine success, many people will focus on scoring, but Herlihy’s impact is most visible in the other categories of the statline. This season, she led the team in rebounds (254), assists (97), steals (42) and blocks (27). Dillon consistently applauded Herlihy’s energy and enthusiasm, calling it “contagious” on multiple occasions. This grit was shown best in the team’s Big East Tournament run, where Herlihy had back to back double-doubles in the quarter and semifinals. Following the loss to UConn in the tournament Finals, Dillon emphasized what Herlihy has meant to the team.

“That example is so important for our program,” Dillon said of Herlihy’s performance. “We have five freshmen, and I say regularly, I want them to recognize that you have this sixth year player, had an ACL injury, missed a year and gives everything to this program. There is nothing more rewarding as a coach than to see that.”

After spending six years at Villanova, it has become a second home for Herlihy, and now, just over a month since her career came to an end, the reality of the situation has finally hit her.

“I think it’s definitely sunk in,” Herlihy said. “I definitely was in denial for a couple weeks, but I have still been practicing and working out with the team, so it’s been nice to still be able to hang out with them and see them.”

Having the opportunity to workout with the team is beneficial for Herlihy’s morale, but it will also help get her ready for her next journey as she begins to explore the option of playing overseas. The lessons that she has learned here through all of her accomplishments and obstacles will take her far in her basketball career and beyond “I’ve become more confident in myself,” Herlihy said of her time here. “And being able to use that in communicating with people and how I carry myself. When I came in here, I wasn’t good at speaking in public or doing interviews or anything, and I think throughout my time here and the people that I’ve met have given me the confidence to put myself out there a little more and use my abilities to better myself.”

Recruits Cam Whitmore and Mark Armstrong Reaffirm Commitments, Slater to Stay Colin Beazley Co-Editor-In-Chief After Villanova head coach Jay Wright’s retirement on Wednesday night, questions were asked of the 2022-2023 roster’s composition.

Villanova seniors Caleb Daniels and Brandon Slater, both expected to utilize extra years of eligibility due to COVID-19, were no longer guaranteed to return, and 2022 recruits Cam Whitmore, Mark Armstrong and Brendan Hausen faced decisions over whether to reaffirm their commitment to Villanova or look elsewhere. The three high school seniors had committed to play for Wright, but with Kyle Neptune on the sidelines instead, many expected them to reconsider.

However, many of these question marks have been answered.

On Friday, Armstrong was the first to announce he was staying, as his father told NJ Advance Media “We ain’t going nowhere.” On Saturday, Slater decided to return, telling Stadium that he would utilize his fifth year of eligibility to stay at Villanova.

Finally, on Monday, Whitmore also announced he was remaining with the ‘Cats, posting a picture of himself on Instagram with the caption, “im coolan nth changing.”

Now, only the decisions of

Cam Whitmore (above) was one of two recruits, with Mark Armstrong, to reaffirm their committments..

Courtesy of @camwhitmore/Instagram

Hausen and Daniels remain for Villanova. Daniels is expected to return, but hasn’t officially announced anything nor a timeline for a decision. The deadline for transferring with immediate eligibility elsewhere is May 1. Hausen, from Amarillo, Texas, is traveling to Villanova to “see what it’s about,” and met with Neptune and assistants on Tuesday.

The decisions of Whitmore and Armstrong may not have been a surprise, but both come as a relief.

The two attended Villanova’s 202122 end of season banquet, where

Wright announced their attendance to their crowd, saying “Welcome to the family.” In his final press conference on Friday, Wright was optimistic that all three recruits would remain committed, and in Neptune’s introduction immediately after, he was quickly asked if he’d spoken to the three.

“I’ve talked to all of them,” Neptune said. “I think we’ve had great conversations and we’ll continue to talk over the next couple of days.”

Now, two of the three have

made maintaining their commitments official.

Shortly after Whitmore’s announcement, Armstrong made his pitch to Hausen to remain committed. Armstrong quote tweeted The Villanovan’s Matthew Ryan, tweeting “Mark & Cam ; Cam & Mark — @ HausenBrendan ?” In an interview with The Villanovan, Hausen mentioned that he and Armstrong talked regularly, saying they were in communication “probably every hour or so.”

“It’s been nice to have somebody that I could potentially be playing with reaching out,” Hausen said.

Although the Wildcats lose two of their most important players next season, as graduates Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels have exhausted their eligibility, expectations are high with the return of Slater and the additions of at least Whitmore and Armstrong. Villanova is a projected top-15 team in the nation next year, even without Wright, and is one of the favorites to win the Big East.

Neptune has made it known that one of his biggest goals is continuity and maintaining the standards set by Wright, and his first test was maintaining Wright’s final recruiting class. With at least two of the three staying committed, Neptune has his first victories as Villanova’s head coach.

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18 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Angela Giampolo Uses Experience to Lead Softball

and put together a season-high eightAphrodite Dimopoulos game hitting streak. Not only was Staff Writer Giampolo in games as a freshman — she was winning them.

Angela Giampolo went to Reflecting back to her start in her first college softball game in the 2018, Giampolo credits the coaching seventh grade. She had a friend who staff for starting on the right foot. played softball for Louisville and, as “Obviously, I worked hard,” a New Jersey native, a game against Giampolpo said. “But [Coach MaVillanova was the perfect opportunity ria] allowing me to do that helped to watch her play. As they were sitting me become the player and person in the bleachers, Giampolo’s father I am today. I really give her all the leaned over and mentioned what a credit for that.” beautiful school it was and how he After a retirement-induced could see how cool it would be to coaching change, Giampolo enplay there. The two went home and tered sophomore year hungry and didn’t think about the interaction for wanting to accomplish more. And a while, or at least until Giampolo’s that she did. The second baseman sophomore year of high school. earned second team all-Big East and It was that year that the star second team all-ECAC honors after Notre Dame High School player led being one of just three players on the her team to a Mercer County title squad to start in all 53 games. Beand began getting recognized by yond playing every game at second, Division I coaches. When then-Villa- Giampolo played 52 of her 53 games nova head coach Maria DiBernardi as a leadoff batter and took on the reached out to Giampolo, she was responsibility of setting an example transported back to those bleachers, for the new players and even the new and her Villanova journey began. coaches.

Fast forward two years, and “[Batting leadoff] is just like Giampolo was officially on the Wild- setting the tone for the day ahead cat roster. Giampolo played in 51 with a good attitude, along with games her freshman year, starting 49 setting a good precedent for people of them, unheard of for a collegiate behind you,” Giampolo said. “That’s debut season. In her freshman camsomething I learned on the softball paign, Giampolo batted .315 with a field that I’m going to take way be.378 on-base percentage and a .417 yond Villanova.” slugging percentage. She ranked secIn her junior year, 2020, ond on the team with 32 runs scored Giampolo and her teammates faced

challenges no one could have predicted. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team’s season got cut in half and, just when the whole team was hitting a groove, it was stopped in its tracks and sent home. Giampolo still thinks about that year and how tough it was to face.

“We came that year guns blazing,” she said. “We were in the two top teams, and it was so disappointing to get our season cut short when we had so much potential.”

Overcoming that adversity and her teammates following suit led to a historic next season for Villanova softball. Giampolo earned second team all-Big East honors and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Big East Championship as the Wildcats won their first conference title and advanced to an NCAA regional for the first time in program history. Giampolo was one of four players on the team who started all 52 games that year, officially cementing her name on the list of Villanova softball’s best players of all-time.

“It was an incredible experience and it’s not something I, or anyone else, could have done alone,” Giampolo said. “Those last few games, we worked so hard as a team, and it’s something that we really deserved. My sophomore year, we lost in the championship game, and it was heartbreaking. Ever since then, we went into every game wanting to

win. We knew what we wanted to achieve, and we achieved it.”

This season is Giampolo’s last as a Wildcat. Adversity continued to follow her as she endured a broken wrist injury that put her on the bench for three and a half weeks. Rather than falling victim to her injury, Giampolo used this moment of weakness to fuel her just as she had in the past.

Now that she is healthy and back in her rightful spot at second base, Giampolo is ready to finish her Villanova career strong. The team is getting better each game, and its shot at another Big East title is certainly within reach. As a primary leader and a fifth year player, Giampolo recognizes that it is time for her to give back to the underclassmen.

When asked what her one piece of advice would be to an incoming player, Giampolo threw the technicalities of the sport out the window.

“I would definitely say just really enjoy every single moment and have fun,” she explained. “I feel like as student athletes in college, you put so much pressure on yourself in the classroom and on the field that you lose sight of the fun and joy that the game brought you. Your time is so limited, and it really flies by, so just loving each game, including your bad ones, your best and your worst, enjoy it.”

McKenna Keegan Completes Historic Career Catherine Browne Staff Writer Five years ago, a track star entered the Villanova arena unknowing of the bright future ahead of her. Today, McKenna Keegan reflects on her time competing as a Wildcat on the women’s track and field team for the past half decade.

Throughout her time at Villanova, Keegan has gained much recognition for her high achievements and success in multiple track events. She stated that she has “grown a lot in [her] belief in the program, [her] belief in [herself] … and [her] teammates.” As many Villanovans can probably attest, Keegan shared that “everybody says that the Villanova community is something special,” but she feels as though it is not until one is fully immersed in the culture itself that they truly understand that the community “is one of a kind.”

To Keegan, being a part of the Villanova community is not solely defined by being an athlete, but it’s the additional aspect of being an individual outside of her sport within the greater Villanova community. She expresses her gratitude towards the program as “they put me being a person, before an athlete.”

Keegan has been faced with juggling the tri-fold life of being an athlete, student and an individual outside of her academic and athletic career. From dedicating herself to practice all week and traveling every weekend to meets, to earning her Master’s degree, Keegan said that “it was definitely… a learning curve.”

But she is not going through

this alone. She has the support and influence of her teammates who keep her motivated in each aspect of her life.

Over the years, the team continues to grow to be a closeknit family. Specifically, during the 2020-21 season, the team was forced to adapt to the changes introduced by COVID-19. The team underwent weekly virtual meetings and needed to find ways to continue training among all of the uncertainty.

Keegan shared that she encouraged herself to constantly look forward and remain excited for the future. Head coach Gina Procaccio worked to keep the team inspired and motivated by introducing alumni at virtual meetings.

“It taught us to take advantage of every opportunity that we are given,” Keegan said.

Keegan seems to intertwine this motto within every aspect of her life when she decided to extend her eligibility to compete for a fifth year.

She did not allow herself to miss an opportunity that came her way. A prime example of her motivation and versatility as an athlete occurred last month at the Raleigh Relays in North Carolina, where she raced in the 1500 event for the first time in her collegiate career and her performance became the leading time in the Big East.

“I did not want to leave Villanova with any regrets,” Keegan said.

In 2021, Keegan was able to experience something every young athlete dreams of one day pursuing – she qualified and competed in the Olympic Trials. This “surreal experience” allowed Kee-

gan to race against athletes who she has looked up to throughout her running career. She smiled as she described the immense sense of pride and excitement felt as she competed alongside some of her teammates.

Along with her appearances at the Olympic Trials, Keegan has been named Mid-Atlantic Athlete of the Year three times.

She is a five-time all-America, a six-time Big East Champion, an eight-time all-Big East performer and a four-time Penn Relays champion. Although her biography lists her abundance of accolades, she remains humble in saying that she “is not the only one who has gotten to accomplish those goals, [she] has only gotten there because of the people that [she] has surrounded herself [with].”

Keegan constantly recognizes her gratitude towards her teammates and coaches as her main support system. She does not believe that she would be where she is today without the support of her team who have become her best friends.

Keegan states that Procaccio “believed in [her] before she believed in [herself].” Although Keegan is very experienced in completing races as an individual competitor, she is a team athlete.

She recognizes the large influence her Villanova relationships have left on her and aiding in her success.

Ultimately, Keegan radiates a positive and fulfilling attitude towards each opportunity she is granted with. She has utilized every possibility to become more experienced in races and encourage growth within the confines of the team through her extensive leader-

ship skills. She continues her family legacy, as multiple family members graduated from Villanova, along with her uncle, who also ran track for the Wildcats.

“I knew coming in that it would be something special, I just don’t think I realized how special my time would be here,” she said.

After Keegan’s five successful years wearing a Villanova singlet, there are only a few more meets of her career as a Wildcat.

Keegan shared that she “hopes to live up to the expectations that people have set out for [her].” She strives to pursue even larger goals and speaks for the team as they desire to win a medal in the Penn Relays this weekend and return home with the Big East Championship title in May. Personally, she strives to make it to the NCAA Final in the 800 meter event, as she continues to push herself to perform at a higher level than she did during the indoor season.

Currently, her plan is to continue her running career after she finishes her Master’s in Public Administration.

“I am trying not to put too much pressure on it,” Keegan said as she continues to train through the same open mindedness for the future.

Over the past five years, Keegan has evidently created a legacy as an athlete and student at Villanova. Her versatility and skills as an athlete and natural leadership abilities will be greatly missed within the team and greater Villanova community. As the season comes to a close, Keegan continues to carry herself with much humility and dedication to confidently complete her time as a Wildcat.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Villanovan | 19

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Trey Fourticq Completes Promising Freshman Season Noah Swan Staff Writer The Villanova men’s tennis team did not share the same level of success as its counterparts on the basketball team. The brutal schedule that took the Wildcats from the mid-Atlantic to the West Coast and back resulted in only three wins for the team on the schedule. Head coach Brad Adams intends for these grueling matches to breed competitors, and freshman Trey Fourticq is next in line.

The Los Angeles-native brings a more nuanced perspective following his first season repping the Villanova blue. For him, it is a story of balance and optimism that has maintained his mental stability throughout massive adjustments during the past nine months.

Before even beginning practice on campus, Fourticq had to deal with a cross-country move, exchanging southern California for suburban Philadelphia.

“It was definitely a big adjustment,” Fourticq said of his move. “I had never seen snowfall before coming here. I was drawn to Villanova by the prestigious business school and the athletic department.”

The freshman does not focus on the anxiety or potential isolation from the three-hour time change. He remembers the snow. Amid the stress of building a new life somewhere else, the positivity prevails.

There were on-court adjustments, too. Like many junior players,

Fourticq lacked significant doubles experience in high school. Maximizing the new Villanovan’s talents on the court would once again require a learning curve.

“I barely played any doubles in high school,” he said. “I like to stay back most of the time, so it was a lot of working on my net game and getting my volleys better. Being on the court with another player is totally different. Learning the different strategies has been fun and also challenging.”

As Fourticq notes, doubles play warps the bounds of the court while also completely altering the dynamics of play. Beyond the strategy, the mental game shifts with the addition of a teammate — chemistry and communication emerge as key variables in team play.

Adams has tinkered with the lineup throughout the season, but he landed on the partnership of sophomore Anthony Prokurat and Fourticq as his #2 team by the end of the year.

While the team did not manage to secure a wealth of positive results, the younger of the duo found the partnership fruitful.

“We had some good wins,” Fourticq notes of his relationship with Prokurat. “We had a tough battle against St. John’s the other day. We work well together. I think we complement each other’s games well. We have great communication, so it’s been fun.”

Despite the growing pains, Fourticq has still found the new dou-

bles game enjoyable. He has arrived at Villanova able to deal with the treacherous schedule while finding success in the sometimes-lopsided results. It is a mix of getting better in a largely new area of the game while not losing motivation in the face of adversity.

“It’s been a tough year,” Fourticq admitted. “We are playing tough teams. We are also dealing with a lot of injuries with the team, so we have to remember to stay positive and not lose our enthusiasm. We have to be ready, be hungry, and the schedule gives us a lot of experience to build on for next year.”

The positivity is never enough in isolation, but the talent is also undeniable. Fourticq entered the singles lineup as the youngest player, slotting into the #3 position above more

seasoned players. He played #1 in the lineup against a talented UC Irvine team, gaining experience against the highest level of competition in college tennis. The results have not necessarily been there, but they will be.

“It’s been a tough year for singles, especially playing higher in the lineup,” Fourticq said. “It’s been challenging for sure, but I feel like I’ve learned a lot. Going from each match getting better and better which will hopefully show next season.”

With a year under his belt, a steady doubles partnership and match-worn experience, Fourticq enters the offseason with lessons to build upon. It remains to capitalize on these opportunities, but if nothing has stopped him this far, Fourticq will have no choice but to persevere and likely succeed.

Trey Fourticq (left) had a promising freshman campaign.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Women’s Lacrosse Falls to Denver, 16-8 Amanda McKean Staff Writer On Saturday, April 23, the Villanova women’s lacrosse team fell to the University of Denver, 16-8, giving the Wildcats a record of 4-11 and 0-4 in the Big East.

It was senior day at Villanova Stadium, and the team honored nine of its players. The seniors celebrated were attackers Caroline Curnal and Olivia Piccirilli, midfielders Caroline Phelps, Libby McKenna and Alexa Tsahalis, defenders Sydney Frank, Elizabeth Pawlak and Hanna Driscoll and goalkeeper Alexa Moro.

All seniors started the game. In addition, the game started with freshman goalkeeper Cate Gallagher serenading her team with the national anthem.

The leading scorer for the Wildcats was Curnal as she added another hat trick to her statistics.

In addition, Piccirilli and freshman attacker Sydney Pappas each scored two goals. The final scorer for the Wildcats was sophomore midfielder Jessie Lee, who was able to play in her fourth game this year. The leading scorer for the No. 9 Pioneers was Lauren Black, who scored six goals for her team.

At the start of the first quarter, things were pretty stagnant as both teams struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.

The Pioneers had plenty of opportunities early on, yet their shots were all saved by Moro. The Wild-

cats broke the six-minute streak off of a free position shot taken by freshman attacker Sydney Pappas.

The Pioneers were not as quick to respond, as it took another four minutes for them to eventually tie the game from a goal by Black.

This did not faze the Wildcats, as 30 seconds later, Piccirilli weaved around multiple defenders and popped the ball over the goalie’s head and into the net. However, the Pioneers went into the second quarter tied after Julia Gilbert scored with 22 seconds left.

Villanova honored nine seniors on Saturday.

Courtesy of Maggie Graw/Villanovan Photography

The second quarter started similarly to the first, as it took four minutes for the Pioneers to eventually score. However, after being fouled, Pappas got a free position shot where she bounced the ball off the ground and then over the goalie’s head. The celebration did not last long for the Wildcats as Denver quickly got the ball down the field and to the back of the Wildcats’ net. This back-and-forth nature continued for the rest of the half since Villanova tied the game up again with a goal scored

by Curnal, with an assist by freshman midfielder Megan Reilly.

Minutes later, a Pioneers goal was met by an unassisted goal from Piccirilli. At the end of the half, the Pioneers went to their locker room ahead, 6-5.

Throughout the entire third quarter, it was clear that the Pioneers still had more to prove.

The Wildcats were stopped from scoring for the entire 15 minutes while the Pioneers went on to score seven goals in the frame.

The Pioneers closed out the quarter scoring four goals in the last 80 seconds of the third. After scoring at 1:11 on the clock, the Pioneers turned around and scored with 37 seconds on the clock and then nine seconds left. Their final goal was a buzzer-beater, ending the quarter with a score of 13-5 going into the fourth.

The Wildcats attempted to rally as Curnal broke the Pioneers’ scoring streak, and Villanova scored two more goals without a response from the Pioneers, but with two minutes left, the deficit was still five. The Pioneers did not let up as they scored three more goals in the final minute and a half to head home with the win.

For their last Big East game of the regular season, the Wildcats will head to Butler. Last season, the Wildcats and Bulldogs played twice, with the Wildcats winning, 20-8 and 15-10, both games taking place at Villanova Stadium. The game is scheduled for 12 p.m. and will be streamed on FloSports.