1927 varsity letterwinners.
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Since the earliest days of Villanova athletics, the "V" has been the defining symbol of the school's commitment to athletic excellence. In the late 1860's, the baseball team was the first to represent "Villanova College" in games against outside competition, when the team played at home or away, the block "V" on the uniform distinguished it from the competition. As time went on in Villanova's rich athletic history and many other sports teams were added to the Villanova Department of Athletics--all were proud to be wearers of the "V."
In the 1920's, varsity athletes were awarded sweaters bearing the traditional block "V." Stripes on the sleeves represented each year the student competed at the varsity level. If the athlete had the additional honor of being a team captain, the stripe for that year would be gold rather than white or navy blue. In 1954, the tradition changed with the awarding of blazers rather than sweaters for the blazer provided a classier look.
Members of the 1969 men's track team.
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These blazers were navy blue with the "V" embroidered neatly on the left chest pocket. Whether on a sweater or blazer, all Villanova student-athletes who competed off-campus proudly wore their "V." Recent years have brought further change with graduating student-athletes being presented with watches at an annual banquet. These watches display a block "V" on the face and read "Villanova Varsity Athlete" to honor effort and sacrifices made by these student-athletes throughout their careers.
Today, the newly-formed Block V Club acknowledges the contributions made by Villanova student-athletes over the last 130 years. It takes an enormous commitment of time and energy to be a Villanova student-athlete, and the Block V Club exists to support that commitment through its fund-raising efforts. The Block V Club, in association with the Villanova Department of Athletics, is dedicated to continuing the University's tradition of athletic excellence in each of its 24 sports.
1935 varsity letterwinners.
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The name of the Block V Club was carefully chosen to reinforce the "V" connection which binds both past and present student-athletes and all supporters of Wildcat athletics. Just a glimpse of the "V" brings immediate recognition of Villanova University Athletics. Wildcat student-athletes compete nationwide--often internationally--with the image of the "V" displayed proudly on their uniforms, this badge links them with those alumni who donned the "V" in past glorious struggles. Although student-athletes will ultimately exhaust their varsity eligibility, the "V" will serve as an enduring symbol forever linking them to Villanova athletics.
As the beloved fight song so clearly states, "V" is for Villanova.
