Duly noted. Yet it was also about the 'Cats making a historic run in March Madness, the longest by any city team since 'Nova's ultimate shining moment that remains 1985. This time it didn't end in a championship. But the images and storylines still imparted impressions that won't ever fade.
Even in a pro town.
The players play. They're the ones who are ultimately responsible. At some point, though, it all goes back to the person in charge. So maybe it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that Wright was the choice in a vote of the Daily News sports staff and other experts.
He received four of 32 first-place nods and 91 points, to finish 15 ahead of Temple football coach Al Golden (who got five first-place votes) in balloting among the paper's sports staff and other experts.
Wright was named on 29 ballots, to Golden's 26. Nobody else made it onto more than 18.
The Phillies swept spots 3-7. In order, it was manager Manuel (five firsts, 62 points); lefthander Cliff Lee, who now is a Seattle Mariner (five, 52); first baseman Howard (three, 49); general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. (three, 41); and second baseman Utley (three, 29).
'Nova's Scottie Reynolds, who made the buzzer-beater that beat Pitt in the East Regional final, was eighth (two, 26).
In 2008, Phillies closer Brad Lidge was the inaugural honoree.
"I love going to that [Philadelphia] Sports Writers [Association] dinner," Wright said. "Because I like seeing all the Philadelphia sports people. I'm a Philly guy. The first time I'm up there on the dais, with everybody, you just feel like a part of the city's sports community. To be among all those people, I still look at myself as Jay Wright from Council Rock [High School]. I'm a fan. I go down to an Eagles game, nobody knows I'm there. I go to the Phillies all the time. I just love being a fan.
"It's very humbling, just amazing, to be included. Wow. I almost don't know what to say."
