Richmond takes to the streets to celebrate VCU victory

A victory in San Antonio set off a party in the heart of Richmond that likely won't end for some time.

As the final seconds ticked down on Virginia Commonwealth University's historic 71-61 victory over Kansas on Sunday afternoon, chants of "VCU! VCU!" filled the Siegel Center.

When the clock struck zero in Texas and the Rams sealed their first-ever trip to the Final Four, nearly 950 students poured onto Richmond's Broad Street, a sea of black and gold filling the streets in jubilant celebration.

"It amps up pride and it's something to be really proud about," said VCU junior theater major Kyle Cornell, one of the thousands of revelers who gathered on Broad Street. "This is very exciting."

The wave of bodies steadily grew as people came out of nearby apartments and dorms to join in the victory procession. Some jumped up and down on cars – a group even attempted to flip a Nissan Sentra, but cooler heads prevailed – and some climbed light poles while others stood on rooftops. Some waved pompoms or flags in the air.

One student climbed an awning at Johnson Hall and draped a gold VCU T-shirt over a statue on the side of the building.

All whooped and hollered for their team.

As the ever-growing group entered Monroe Park, chants of "We want Butler!" – VCU's opponent in Saturday's final four game in Houston – erupted from the fans.

"Virginians are celebrating (VCU's) victory all across the commonwealth," Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a statement. "VCU is a great university with a well-deserved reputation for academic and athletic excellence. ... Head coach Shaka Smart and this group of talented student-athletes are doing a tremendous job representing their school and community."

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones said in a statement, "VCU advancing to the Final Four is the stuff dreams are made of! This is a team of players who believe in each other, a coach who believes in the team, and a city that believes in dreams coming true. … VCU is putting Richmond on the map like never before and we'll see the nation at the Final Four."

Despite the chill in the air – Richmond awoke Sunday to a light dusting of snow – VCU senior statistics major K.T. Hobson celebrated shirtless at Monroe Park with his classmates.

The thrill of victory left Hobson immune to the cold air.

"VCU is going to the Final Four; that is all that matters," said Hobson.

Following police commands, the crowd cleared Broad Street after about 30 minutes and moved the celebration to Monroe Park, which police had earlier selected for such a possible post-win public whoop-up.

"On the whole, it was a very orderly crowd, enjoying the celebration," said police spokesman James Mercante.

A young woman suffered a small cut, apparently from a thrown bottle, during the victory celebration on Broad Street, he said.

"It was a very small injury, not life threatening," said Mercante. No further details were available.

Many Rams' fans see the unprecedented trip to the Final Four as validation of their inclusion in the NCAA tournament.

"It means national exposure; it means putting this school on the map ... showing that we can play with anybody," said VCU graduate student Jonathan Lucyshyn. "I love the underdog, and it means everything for this team to play through everybody critiquing us and criticizing us."

The ebb and flow of the Rams' Elite Eight game in San Antonio was felt 1,500 miles east in Richmond. A capacity crowd at Home Team Grill in the Fan soaked up the action on the numerous TVs around the restaurant, sharing high-fives as VCU stormed out to a 41-27 halftime lead.

The atmosphere was electric and highlighted the school spirit that VCU students and alumni have, said senior Kelly Belcher.

During halftime, Samantha Monds looked over the black-and-gold filled dining room.

"Seeing all this is beautiful," she said.

Andrew Bailey, who was watching the game with friends, attended James Madison University but was nearly hoarse from cheering on the Rams.

March madness even caught those not directly linked to VCU. Mary Helen Sullivan was celebrating her birthday with friends at The Jefferson Hotel on Sunday and they periodically checked the score by computer, but with about a minute to go, they joined others watching the game in the bar.

"We cheered along with everyone else," said Sullivan, a longtime Richmond resident. "Everybody has caught the bug."

jslayton@timesdispatch.com

(804) 649-6861