Sharing the Stage

By Tom Gresham

A final celebration of the bracing NCAA Tournament runs of the men’s basketball teams at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond focused more on the future than on the recent, glory-marked past.

Several speakers at the city-organized event, which was held Tuesday afternoon at the James Center Plaza in Downtown Richmond, spoke of the teams’ successes as milestones that marked the beginning of bigger and better things both for the teams involved and for Richmond itself.

“You just wait until next year,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones at the conclusion of his remarks, prompting an explosion of confetti that rained upon a stage filled with the members of the VCU and UR teams.

Fans of both the Rams and the Spiders attended the celebration of “Hoopstown,” the nickname the city adopted after both Richmond and VCU reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. VCU extended the city’s tournament frenzy another week by reaching the Final Four, becoming just the third No. 11 seed to ever advance that far.

Many in the crowd sported the colors of their preferred team, but the atmosphere was one of shared pride in the accomplishments of both programs. One man wore a T-shirt that summed it up: “Two Shining Moments. Richmond, VA.  Capital of March Madness.”

Following the event, fans took advantage of their proximity to the Rams and Spiders, joining them on stage to pose for photographs and to seek autographs. Cheerleaders and mascots from both schools and the VCU pep band added to the revelry.

In addition to Jones, speakers included City Council President Kathy Graziano, VCU coach Shaka Smart, Richmond coach Chris Mooney and VCU President Michael Rao.

Jones took advantage of the occasion to present Smart and Mooney with a newly created mayoral award. “The Pride of Richmond Award” will be given to Richmond representatives who have provided contributions that have served to unify and promote the city.

Rao thanked the Richmond community for its steadfast championing of the two schools. He particularly noted the work that Venture Richmond and the fans did to help rally the city.

“The teams would not have been propelled forward if not for the support that you all provided,” Rao said.