April 05, 2016
Matt Rourke/AP
Daniel Ochefu hoists the National Championship trophy in front of cheering Villanova fans.
Less than 24 hours after winning their first title in 31 years, the Villanova Wildcats returned to campus on Tuesday afternoon as a few thousand fans packed into their football stadium to welcome coach Jay Wright and his team home.
The crowd at Villanova Stadium waiting for the Wildcats to arrive. pic.twitter.com/omH4ABHO6S
— Matt Mullin (@matt_mullin) April 5, 2016
The scoreboard at @VillanovaU waiting for the national champs to arrive... pic.twitter.com/Jlq0lM782E
— Matt Mullin (@matt_mullin) April 5, 2016
But the homecoming party actually started when they landed at Philadelphia International Airport.
Wheels down in Philadelphia! Feels great to be home #NovaNation #NationalChamps pic.twitter.com/VwySNP7E73
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) April 5, 2016
Thank you everyone who came out to the airport to welcome us home! pic.twitter.com/BCVNQzZrLd
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) April 5, 2016
They then received a police escort down I-95 and I-476 as to not keep the fans waiting in to cold too long.
And when the team finally arrived on campus, it was bedlam.
The champs are home. pic.twitter.com/xzwwyY1gMD
— Matt Mullin (@matt_mullin) April 5, 2016
Jay Wright returns home to @VillanovaU after winning the title. (And yes, I left him hanging...) pic.twitter.com/LQXDwiNAX4
— Matt Mullin (@matt_mullin) April 5, 2016
After the big welcome, Wright took to the stage to thank NovaNation for their support all season before introducing some of the players -- including captains Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu, as well as Monday night's hero Kris Jenkins.
WATCH: 'Nova players thank the fans
All in all, it was a well-deserved celebration -- one that will continue on Friday when the Wildcats parade through Philadelphia.
NOVA NATION YOU ARE THE BEST! pic.twitter.com/S60JFnPqaY
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) April 5, 2016
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