Spring Break
Philly curse extends to Drexel
Shawn Gauby
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Every sports fan in Philadelphia has heard of the Curse of Billy Penn. Allegedly, ever since his statue on top of City Hall was no longer the tallest point in the city, Philadelphia's sports teams have been doomed to never win a championship again in the major professional sports.
However, since Drexel University joined the Colonial Athletic Association as a full-fledged in 2001, little did the administration know what they were getting into.
The Dragons participated in 84 CAA athletic seasons since moving over from the America East. How many CAA Championships do you think the University has won?
Zero.
Did somebody say curse? 84 seasons is longer than all of the major curses in sports with the exception of the Curse of Billy Penn.
Since the Sixers won the 1983 NBA Championship, the city of Philadelphia has gone 0 for 96.
I believe congratulations are in order for all sports fans at Drexel. You managed to attend the most cursed school in the most cursed city in America.
It is not all bad though. Drexel has had a lot of success in athletics.
Despite being ousted in the playoffs this season, the men's lacrosse team finished the season ranked 17th in the nation.
It was the first time a Dragon squad finished a season nationally ranked. The men's and women's diving teams both have had athletes named Diver of the Year.
The wrestling team never finished worse than fourth in CAA action and they always have wrestlers compete for the CAA title in their respective weight classes.
Last season, Ryan Hluschak took eighth place in the NCAA Championship at the 157-pound class.
The women's crew varsity eight won the Lela Kerr Cup this year, which features a number of CAA teams. The men won the Bergen Cup this year, defeating Saint Joseph's, LaSalle and Temple. The CAA does not declare an official crew champion; therefore, they were excluded from the count of athletic seasons without a championship.
Finally, the men's basketball team has made four appearances in the NIT since joining the CAA. Bruiser Flint's squad has been exceptionally good in the regular season, but the team has not been able to win in Richmond at the CAA Tournament.
They finished as close as second to UNC-Wilmington in 2003.
Sports tend to bring out school spirit among the student population through victories, unifying the campus. For a school known for its apathy, some of the athletic programs have really brought the fans out of the woodwork.
Last season, the men's basketball and lacrosse teams drew record attendance numbers. Their success in recent seasons has helped spur growth in the DAC Pack.
While the professional franchises in the city will all flounder as long as William Penn is angry, Drexel Athletics is free from that weight. Even though all the varsity teams have yet to bring home a CAA Championship, Drexel fans can watch and believe their day soon will come.
However, since Drexel University joined the Colonial Athletic Association as a full-fledged in 2001, little did the administration know what they were getting into.
The Dragons participated in 84 CAA athletic seasons since moving over from the America East. How many CAA Championships do you think the University has won?
Zero.
Did somebody say curse? 84 seasons is longer than all of the major curses in sports with the exception of the Curse of Billy Penn.
Since the Sixers won the 1983 NBA Championship, the city of Philadelphia has gone 0 for 96.
I believe congratulations are in order for all sports fans at Drexel. You managed to attend the most cursed school in the most cursed city in America.
It is not all bad though. Drexel has had a lot of success in athletics.
Despite being ousted in the playoffs this season, the men's lacrosse team finished the season ranked 17th in the nation.
It was the first time a Dragon squad finished a season nationally ranked. The men's and women's diving teams both have had athletes named Diver of the Year.
The wrestling team never finished worse than fourth in CAA action and they always have wrestlers compete for the CAA title in their respective weight classes.
Last season, Ryan Hluschak took eighth place in the NCAA Championship at the 157-pound class.
The women's crew varsity eight won the Lela Kerr Cup this year, which features a number of CAA teams. The men won the Bergen Cup this year, defeating Saint Joseph's, LaSalle and Temple. The CAA does not declare an official crew champion; therefore, they were excluded from the count of athletic seasons without a championship.
Finally, the men's basketball team has made four appearances in the NIT since joining the CAA. Bruiser Flint's squad has been exceptionally good in the regular season, but the team has not been able to win in Richmond at the CAA Tournament.
They finished as close as second to UNC-Wilmington in 2003.
Sports tend to bring out school spirit among the student population through victories, unifying the campus. For a school known for its apathy, some of the athletic programs have really brought the fans out of the woodwork.
Last season, the men's basketball and lacrosse teams drew record attendance numbers. Their success in recent seasons has helped spur growth in the DAC Pack.
While the professional franchises in the city will all flounder as long as William Penn is angry, Drexel Athletics is free from that weight. Even though all the varsity teams have yet to bring home a CAA Championship, Drexel fans can watch and believe their day soon will come.
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