Veni, vidi, vici.
Left - statue of Julius Caesar, St. Petersburg, Russia -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdfalk/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
In Latin, that means - "
Correction: In Latin, that means - "I came. I saw. I conquered." - Thanks to frequent commenter Seamus (see comment below the post) for noting that the phrase signifies the first person singular, not plural. In light of the number of Latin courses I took, and enjoyed enormously - I can't believe that I made such an elementary error! The quote was reportedly attributed to the first Roman emperor, Julius Caesar, in 47 BC.
And it was, truly "All Hail, Szczur," on Friday night, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The football Wildcats have now won a national championship, the first one in school history. (It came 24 years, eight months, and 17 days after the basketball Wildcats so memorably captured theirs, in Lexington, Kentucky - April 1, 1985.)
Villanova receiver Matt Szczur's name is derived from the honorary title claimed by the ancient Roman emperors (and pronounced idenitcally), was the driving force behind the Wildcats' first ever conquest of the United States, I-AA / FCS Division.... In a thrilling contest, the Wildcats marched past top-seeded Montana. 23-21...
Villanova receiver Matt Szczur's name is derived from the honorary title claimed by the ancient Roman emperors (and pronounced idenitcally), was the driving force behind the Wildcats' first ever conquest of the United States, I-AA / FCS Division.... In a thrilling contest, the Wildcats marched past top-seeded Montana. 23-21...
Congrats to the 'Cats!
Go Wildcats!
2 comments:
Oh, no! You blew a wonderful analogy and clever play on words with a bad translation!
"Veni", "vidi", and "vici" are the first person past perfect tense of the Latin verbs "venire", "videre", and "vincere". They translate as "I came, I saw, I conquered," and are attributed to how Julius Caesar described his conquest of Gaul (France).
Here are my thoughts:
1. Spectacular accomplishment by a spectacular team.
2. We should all bow down to Andy Talley. Over 25 years he has built a powerhouse program and built it the right way without a hint of academic, financial, or other scandal.
3. We should also bow down in front of the Villanova defense. It shut down Montana in second half -- and restricted highest scoring team in the country, with an offensive line averaging over 300 pounds, to 21 points.
4. Let's give the offensive line its due as well. Opening huge holes, all four quarters, for our terrific backfield. Ground down the Montana defensive line.
5. What can you say about Szczur except "all hail Caesar"?
6. Whitney is a powerhouse at QB. That block he threw in second half to spring Szczur was a delight. Mentally and physically tough. He could start at fullback or linebacker.
7. Over the years you have memories of very special plays. Finneran's quick slant to pick up a Boden pass and go on for 40-yard TD against Youngstown. Westbrook running wild with a pass in the open from Gordon against JMU.
8. I have a memory that is as clear today as it was in 1964. Two-way play in those days. On a kick return with Villanova receiving the ball, Al Atkinson (wound up with ring from Super Bowl III) leveled a Boston College player who had our receiver in his sights. Just destroyed him from the blind side. Brandyn Harvey did exactly the same thing with about 13 minutes to go yesterday to spring Szczur for a big gain that set up the clinching score.
Way to go 'Cats. A great team victory. A spectacular program victory. I woke up thinking what a wonderful day it is to be a Wildcat!
Merry Christmas to all!
Seamus
Hello, Seamus-
Thanks for the comment.
"Veni, Vidi, Vici"
It's good to hear that you liked the analogy with ancient Rome - it was too good an opportunity for a pun to pass up, especially because Szczur was the star performer in the game, which brought a national championship
... Likewise, thanks for the correction on the translation. As you can see, I reworked the post, and put the correction in the top of the paragraph....
Also, I think that your substantive analysis of the game was superb...
Your praise of Andy Talley - he really is a great coach, and during his long tenure, he's been a paragon of how a college football program should work, both on and off the field.
November 7, 1964 - Boston College 8, Villanova 7
I once again salute your remarkable memory. I checked the football media guide - the game you described took place on that date, at Villanova Stadium.
In fact, the media guide lists the game as one of the largest crowds ever to witness a Villanova football contest there - a crowd of 13,500 was on hand.
Congrats to the 'Cats!
Go Wildcats!
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