Grabbing Your A10tion

Xavier Musketeers

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Founded: 1831
Enrollment: 6600
Nickname: Musketeers
Colors: Blue, Gray and White
President: Michael J. Graham, S.J.
Director of Athletics: Dawn Rogers
Joined the A-10: 1996
Driving distance from Charlotte: 504 miles
Website: www.goxavier.com
Sports in which the 49ers and Musketeers will compete: Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Cross-Country, Women’s Cross-Country, Men’s Golf, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Volleyball
Other Sports: Men’s and Women’s Swimming
Recent League Titles: Golf (2005; 2003; 2001); Men’s Basketball (2004; 2002); Women’s basketball (2001, 2000); Women’s Soccer (2000); Volleyball (2001)
Recent NCAA appearances: Golf (2005; 2004; 2003; 2001); Men’s Basketball (2004; 2003; 2002; 2001); Women’s Basketball (2003; 2001, 2000); Women’s Soccer (2000); Volleyball (2001)

1.) A History Lesson... The city of Cincinnati was founded in 1788 at the point where a Native American trading route crossed the river, and was named in honor of a group of Revolutionary War admirers of the Roman general Cincinnatus. Cincinnati quickly became an important supply point for pioneers heading west on flatboats and rafts, and its population rocketed with the establishment of a major steamboat riverport in 1811. Tens of thousands of German immigrants poured in during the 1830s. The Cincinnati metropolitan area now has a population of over 1.6 million.

2.) Skyline Chili... Referred to as “Cincinnati-style” chili, Skyline Chili is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Much different than traditional or “Texas-style” chili, Cincinnati chili’s consistency is more like a topping, which makes it ideal for pouring over spaghetti, creating a unique signature dish—the 3-Way. Add onions or red beans to make it 4-Way or add both and make it 5-Way.

3.) The Montgomery Inn Boathouse... It’s actually on the Ohio River and it has the best ribs around. Everyone recommends barbecued choice pork loin back ribs served with famous Montgomery Inn barbecue sauce. A standard order is $14.95, a full slab is $18.95. Sports fans love the sports memorabilia on the walls and the BBQ sauce even more. The Montgomery Inn has been selected as one of the best sports bars in town, so get yourself some ribs and watch your favorite team in style.

4.) NCAA Bound... Since 2000, Xavier owns the most NCAA Tournament trips of any A-10 school. Over that time frame, men’s basketball and men’s golf have made four trips, women’s basketball, three trips and women’s soccer and volleyball have both made one, giving the Musketeers 13 NCAA trips since the turn of the century.

5.) Hall of Fame Senator... Elected to the Hall of Fame by the Committee on Baseball Veterans in 1996 and a member of the Xavier class of 1953, Jim Bunning maintained dedication and consistency throughout 17 seasons, primarily with the Tigers and the Phillies. Bunning posted a career record of 224 wins and 184 losses with a 3.27 ERA. He was a right-handed sidearmer, winning 100 games, pitching a no-hitter and striking out 1,000 in both leagues. When Bunning retired in 1971 he was second all-time with 2,855 career strikeouts (behind Walter Johnson). Bunning was also a major player in the founding of the players’ union and helped establish the players’ pension plan. He is now a U.S. senator from Kentucky.

6) Mall Rats... The Kenwood Mall near campus is a very popular place for students to enjoy free time and to spend their parents money. With over 180 specialty stores there is definitely something for everyone.

7) Famous Foes... There is one game that matters most for Musketeer fans - The Crosstown Shootout against Cincinnati. The Bearcats lead the series 44-24, but Xavier has taken four of the last six. FYI, the Niners were winners in three of their last five meetings with the Bearcats.

8) Riverfest... Cincinnati’s yearly Labor Day party turns 25 this year. Event organizers promise a surprise party on the riverfront Sunday, Sept. 2. The Rozzi family will provide a fireworks display that will last at least a half hour and be second to none. Other entertainment includes live local bands, family activities and great food. For years visitors from all over the country have planned their vacations to coordinate with Riverfest. Organizers say the food and fun are great, but whatever you do... don’t miss the fireworks.

9) Best in the West... Former Xavier center David West was named National Player of the Year in 2003, setting the stage for the A-10’s back-to-back awards when Temple’s Jameer Nelson copped the honor the following season.

10) Presidents... The 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, was born in 1822 in Point Pleasant along the Ohio River. His home is a restored structure containing a kitchen with a large fireplace, a living room and the bedroom where Grant was born. Another President, William Howard Taft was born in the Cincinnati area. His home has been restored to its original appearance. Tours of both presidents’ houses are available.

11.) Nearly New Digs... The new Cintas Center, which opened its doors in August 2000, is a 300,000-square-foot monument to flexibility, an on-campus facility well-suited to a wide variety of needs for not only the Xavier community but the public near and far. The 10,250-seat arena is available for athletic events, conventions, trade shows, presentations and concerts.

12.) A-10 Tourney In Cincinnati ... For the second straight year, the 2006 Atlantic 10 Conference Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament, Mar. 8-11, will be held in Cincinnati’s US Bank Arena. George Washington is the defending tourney champion, but the Musketeers have won two of the last four titles.