Oct. 21, 2003
VILLANOVA, PA. - On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, Villanova University will retire the jerseys of former Wildcat greats Brian Finneran (No. 25) and John Babinecz (No. 64) during a halftime ceremony of Villanova's homecoming game with the University of Massachusetts. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
The retired jerseys will be permanently displayed on the wall of the Pavilion next to the scoreboard in the west end of Villanova Stadium in the form of football shaped plaques, bearing each recipient's name and number.
A four-year starter from 1994-97, Finneran finished his Main Line career as the most decorated wideout in school history. In 44 career games, he tallied 265 receptions for 3,872 yards and 34 touchdowns. In 1997, Finneran won the Walter Payton Award given to the top player in Division I-AA football and is still the only receiver to earn the prestigious award. Also, in 1997, he garnered both the Atlantic 10 and ECAC Offensive Player of the Year Awards. Finneran still owns 14 school records including career receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and single game receptions. Finneran began his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks in 1998 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2000 where he is currently in his second season as the team's starting wide receiver. Due to the Falcons having a bye week this Sunday, Finneran will be in attendance at Saturday's ceremony.
Babinecz was a standout linebacker at Villanova from 1969-71. A three-year starter, he was named captain of the 1971 Wildcat squad. A three-time All-East performer, Babinecz helped lead Villanova to an impressive 21-9-1 record during his Wildcat career. In June of 1972, he was named the College Athlete of the Month by Sport Magazine. Following his Villanova career, Babinecz was a 1972 second round draft choice by the Dallas Cowboys where he played from 1972-74. After his three-year stint with the Cowboys, Babinecz finished his NFL career with the Chicago Bears in 1975. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Babinecz is currently a pediatrician in the Philadelphia area.
WALL OF FAME HONOREES BY YEAR1994: Lou Ferry, Dominic Liotta, Ed Michaels, Mike Siani, John Wysocki1995: Howie Long, Jordan Olivar, John Sandusky1997: Al Atkinson, Eugene Filipski, Billy Joe1998: Paul Berardelli, Curtis Eller2000: Bryan Russo, Sam Gruneisen2001: Bob Brady, Charlie Johnson2002: John Mellus, Harry Stuhldreher
