Toomey, Burr Bet on ‘March Madness’ Title
Villanova and UNC play for the trophy Monday night
Pennsylvania Sen. Patrick J. Toomey and North Carolina Sen. Richard M. Burr are betting on the final game of March Madness, the NCAA championship between the Villanova and North Carolina.
What’s at stake? The senator who loses has to wear a hat and t-shirt of the winning team and post photographs on social media.
“With Naismith National Coach of the Year Jay Wright at the helm in Philadelphia, the Villanova Wildcats have proven themselves elite all season long,” Toomey said in a press release.
“I look forward to seeing Ryan Arcidiacono continue his impressive perimeter shooting and Daniel Ochefu dominate the Tar Heels in the paint,” he added, touting some players. “I know Richard likes wearing powder blue, but I hope he’s also comfortable in navy and white. Go Nova!”
Burr countered with: “North Carolina has a rich tradition of excelling at college basketball and I’m confident that the Tar Heels will uphold that tradition tonight. Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks; North Carolina is known for basketball.”
“Since the tournament began in 1936, the state of North Carolina has sent 22 teams to the national championship and brought back 12 titles. I’m sure Villanova will put up a good fight. The sky will be Carolina blue tomorrow and Senator Toomey will be wearing a Tar Heel jersey to match,” he added.
Neither senator has degrees from the respective universities. On Saturday, Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., showed his Villanova pride . He represents Villanova in Roll Call’s March Madness bracket .
On the House side, two lawmakers are also placing a friendly wager on the game. North Carolina Rep. Renee Ellmers and Pennsylvania Rep. Ryan A. Costello have agreed that if UNC wins, Costello will wear a UNC tie and if Villanova wins, Ellmers will wear a Villanova hat.
Costello received his law degree from Villanova in 2002. Ellmers wrote in a Facebook post announcing the bet that beer is also on the line: “And since April is NC Beer Month, we’ve also wagered some craft beer from Deep River Brewing Company in Johntson County.”
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