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VCU wins “Best Upset” ESPY

VCU might want to add a new trophy case to it’s Siegel Center renovation, because the team that captured the hearts of the nation with their magical Final 4 run has just picked up some additional hardware.

 

Shaka Smart joined his four seniors and junior Bradford Burgess in Hollywood for the 2011 ESPY awards, and will head back to RVA with this year’s “Best Upset” Award.

The Rams improbable run through March got the win over the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks home playoff shocker over defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints, Blame’s Breeders Cup victory over 19-0 Zenyatta, and Fabricio Werdum’s MMA win over 31-1 Fedor Emelianenko.

The star-studded affair is the Sports World’s version of the Oscar’s, complete with pre-show action that featured Eric Maynor sporting some Louboutin loafers that were the talk of the red carpet.

The Rams shocked the college basketball world when going from barely in First 4 team to Final 4 participant gaining celebrity status along the way.

To add salt to the wounds of Kansas fans who saw their season end at the hands of the Shaka Smart lead team, this is the second straight year the Jayhawks were on the losing end of a “Best Upset” ESPY, as their loss in the previous year’s NCAA tournament to the University of Northern Iowa saw UNI land the 2010 ESPY in the same category.

A two-time graduate of VCU (School of the Arts '07, Center for Sport Leadership '10), Mat is a co-founder of VCU Ram Nation and a longtime fan as the ...
  • NatalieCharon
  • July 14, 2011
From the CAA Nation. Go VCU, congradulations.
  • NatalieCharon
  • July 14, 2011
From the CAA Nation. Go VCU, congradulations.
  • Hockeycaptain19
  • July 14, 2011
Go RAMS!!!!
  • Jreid804
  • July 14, 2011
When I arrived at VCU in 2001 I would have never expected this program to go this far. I love it! From unknown school to Hollywood!!!
The only way that could've been better would be if they'd played Black & Gold when they went up to accept the award.
  • Patricia Green
  • July 17, 2011
I am so very proud to be a VCU alum and Richmond native.