Two of the stars of Villanova University’s Men’s Basketball National Championship Victory Parade were from Bucks County.
The cameras that broadcast the parade to TV sets and streaming devices throughout the region and world focused their lenses on Head Coach Jay Wright, a graduate of Council Rock High School North in Newtown, and his team of players, including Neshaminy High School graduate Ryan Arcidiacono of Langhorne.
Wright called Arcidiacono, a senior at the unviersity, the “heart and soul” of Villanova’s basketball team and Philadelphia basketball.
“For us to be here in Philadelphia today is incredible,” he told a crowd of thousands gathered at Dillworth Plaza. He also spoke of the fact that he and Arcidiacono were “Bucks County boys.”
At the Friday afternoon parade, numerous Neshaminy High School students and area residents were among the 60,000 people that packed Center City.
Let’s not forget Neshaminy in the house! Ryan Arch’s alma mater! pic.twitter.com/mkftoA2PFm
— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) April 8, 2016
Despite the students showing school spirit by sporting Arcidiacono, the district did not excuse absenses for high schoolers who attended the parade, Neshaminy spokesman Chris Stanley said.
Arcidiacono appeared to be having fun as he played to the crowds that cheered him on and his Villanova Wildcats during the parade.
“He’s having an amazing time, as you can see. He’s kind of hamming it up and he’s just loving every minute of it,” Joe Arcidiacono told 6abc during the parade.
Ryan Arcidiacono, who has five siblings, was a star player for Neshaminy during his time on the court. Despite being sidelined his senior year due to a back injury, he still finished his high school career as the team’s all-time leading scorer.
Wright, often cited for his sharp dress on the court, is now among the most talked about basketball coaches in the nation following Villanova’s success.
“Thank you Philadelphia and thank you Nova Nation,” Ryan Arcidiacono told the crowds Friday. “We’re going out as national champions – thank you for everything!”
