Villanova Univeristy Athletics

George Guida was an All-American sprinter at Villanova and competed in the 1948 Olympics in London. He and Wildcats teammate Browning Ross are credited with helping begin the Villanova track & field program’s “Irish Pipeline” after they became friends with Irish runner Jimmy Reardon while in Europe for the Olympics. Guida and Ross also began another incredible streak, as Villanova has been represented by at least one Olympian at every Summer Olympic Games since 1948.
 
Guida came to Villanova as a freshman in 1942 after receiving a track scholarship from Wildcats coaching legend Jumbo Elliott. Guida entered the Navy when World War II broke out and proudly served his country from November 1943 until June 1946. He later returned to his studies and his track career at Villanova, graduating as President and Valedictorian of his class in 1949.
 
While at Villanova, Guida's track & field accomplishments included setting a world record in the 500\ yards (56.9) on February 12, 1949 at the New York Athletic Club Games, known more famously today as the Millrose Games. Guida was also the first Villanova athlete to win IC4A titles, as he captured the 1947 indoor title in the 600 yards and outdoor title in the 440 yards. He earned indoor All-America honors in 1947 and also ran for the Philadelphia Athletic Club.
 
While in Europe for the 1948 Olympics, Guida and Ross befriended Irish quarter miler Jimmy Reardon. Their friendship with Reardon led Villanova track & field coach Jumbo Elliott to offer Reardon a scholarship, thus starting the Irish Pipeline of runners at Villanova which continues today. Besides competing in track & field for Villanova, Guida was also a standout flanker on the Wildcats football team. He was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1999 and is also enshrined on the track & field team's Wall of Fame in Villanova Stadium.
 
Following his graduation from Villanova, Guida moved west to San Francisco to work for Baumfolders Corporation as a Sales Representative. He made many loyal business friends and was recognized as a great salesman among his peers. Guida worked for Baumfolders until he retired in the 1990's. Throughout his life he strived to live as a Christian, forever giving of himself to others' needs rather than his own. Nicknamed "Saint George" by those who knew him, he was unselfish, modest, honest, and a true gentleman. He will forever be remembered for his caring acts of kindness and relentless generosity.