A week ago, Villanova capped its amazing 2015-16 season with a trip to Washington, D.C., and a chat with the President of the United States.
A Nova legend, one of the most important men in the history of the university, wasn't on hand. Rollie Massimino, who coached Villanova in the 1980s and led the team to its landmark 1985 national championship over Georgetown, was nonetheless given a shout-out by Barack Obama.
And, turns out, Obama penned a quick letter to the 81-year-old. Jay Wright shared that letter on Monday, via his Twitter account.
President Obama's letter to Coach Mass ! Great respect for POTUS and RVM pic.twitter.com/IugcOlxEw7
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) June 6, 2016
Turns out, health issues prevented Massimino from taking the trip with Villanova to the White House. Massimino, who just completed his 10th season as coach of NAIA Keiser University, was on hand in April to watch the Wildcats win this year's title in Houston.
He's a beloved figure in Philadelphia and one of the most affable men in the history of the profession. What a great letter that must have been to receive for Massimino.