May 23, 2003

This week we offer a special edition of the Nova Notebook as director of media relations Mike Sheridan catches up with director of athletics Vince Nicastro and head men's basketball coach Jay Wright following one of the most extraordinary spring meetings in the history of the Big East Conference earlier this week in Ponte Vedra, Fla.

By design, the setting for the Big East's annual spring meetings outside Jacksonville, Fla., is far removed from the kind of fast paced athletic action that has defined the conference since its inception in 1979. The hard-fought battles of fall, winter, and spring are put aside in the name of both business and pleasure.

One tradition reinforces the notion of growth through bonding. At the annual dinner, officials and coaches are not seated alongside their spouses or anyone else from their respective institutions. Instead, people are spread throughout the room, allowing guests to learn more about those against whom they often compete furiously during the fall and winter.

Of course, events sometimes have a way of overwhelming the best laid plans.

Never was that more true than at Ponte Vedra in May, 2003.

"It was," notes Nicastro, "very unique."

At the root of the change in atmosphere were a series of events that could lead to significant change in eastern college athletics in general and the Big East in particular. Earlier in the month, at its spring meetings, the Atlantic Coast Conference voted to invite three members of the Big East - Boston College, Miami and Syracuse - to join the ACC. If those three elect to exit the Big East, the repercussions could be extensive and Villanova would be directly affected.

"I can certainly understand the anxiety of our alumni and fans," states Nicastro. "The Big East has been very good to Villanova and any threats to its viability are something we all take seriously."

During the meetings here - which were crowded by more than 50 media outlets that don't normally cover this event - Big East commissioner Michael Tranghese made clear his desire to retain the trio of ACC invitees. Options were discussed in meetings over the course of four days. Some of those sessions included all 14 athletics directors. Some involved only the Division I-A football membership.

For his part, Nicastro was encouraged by the give and take he heard in those conference rooms.

"I think everyone came there willing to listen to what Michael had to say," states Nicastro. "The spirit of cooperation was excellent.

"Miami and the two other schools came in with an open mind. Obviously, Miami is the linchpin in this. It seems the other two are going along essentially in order protect their football programs. Miami gathered a lot of information and will continue to do so in the weeks ahead.

"I think a lot of us in those rooms realized that the Big East is something special. And there was a sense that we want to keep it together."

Although speculation indicated there might be some sort of resolution to the issue, there were no major announcements at the conclusion of the Ponte Vedra meetings. Athletic directors returned to their respective campuses armed with information to brief their university presidents.

Naturally, there are many more questions than answers as the Memorial Day weekend approaches.

Specifically, fans from coast to coast are wondering, wither the Wildcats in the years to come?

"Right now," Nicastro states, "we are doing everything we can to support the status quo. We just ended the most successful year in our conference's history, with champions in men's and women's basketball. Our own women's team reached the Final Eight of the NCAA Tournament and we are very optimistic about the future of our men's program in the Big East with Jay Wright at the helm. So our first priority is to try to preserve what is serving us well already."

Yet Nicastro has spent much of his time in recent weeks pondering the query that vexes many Villanovans.

What if?

"I'd rather not speculate about what the specific possibilities are if this comes to pass," he says. "But I can assure everyone that Villanova is committed to placing its athletic programs at the highest and most nationally prominent level possible. That commitment flows from the highest level at Villanova to all of us here in the athletic department.

"There is uncertainty right now for all of us. But I think everyone here at Villanova understands the value of our athletic assets and we will do all we can to enhance those."

Wright also made the trek to Florida and is eager to embrace the future.

"This is an exciting time in college athletics," Wright states. "Change is a part of life. It can be frightening at times, especially when you have enjoyed the kind of great relationship Villanova has with the Big East.

"But change also represents opportunity. I think this is an opportunity for Villanova to be the best Villanova it can be. I have great confidence in (university president) Rev. (Edmund) Dobbin, as the leader of Villanova. I know we will always play at the highest level possible. Basketball is an integral part of Villanova and that's something our administration respects and appreciates."

Despite the frenzied nature surrounding the proceedings, Nicastro also left with a strong feeling that a tight bond has developed between the five institutions in the Big East that do not offer Division I-A football: Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova.

"I feel very good about the communication and cooperation among this group of schools," he states. "We got to see everyone face-to-face and discuss what our options may be if the landscape changes. These are programs steeped in tradition with much to offer and we are all committed to maintaining a national presence in athletics."

Upon their returns to the Main Line, both Nicastro and Wright have heard the many questions that are on the minds of the Villanova faithful. And though specific answers may be elusive at the moment, this much is certain: the Villanova leadership is not eyeing a retreat.

"We have a great tradition here," states Nicastro, "and we want to add to it. Hopefully, we can continue to do that in the Big East."